Happy Book Birthday to...MATCHED by Ally Condie

Hi there, readers!

You are in for a special treat today...trust me...for today is a BOOK BIRTHDAY celebration of grand proportions.  What's that?  You didn't get an invite?  Pfft!  Don't be silly...I've got one for you right here.



That's right!

Today is the release of this highly sought title, this talk of the town, this wonderful addition to the world of YA literature that's received so much buzz months and months before it ever hit shelves...and with good reason.  Let's get on with the party!  Today's book of choice (if not obvious by now) is...

Matched

by

Ally Condie

Cassia, Xander and Ky.  All teens of a certain age, ready to make that leap into the great unknown...or are they.  You see, in their world, unlike yours, The Society makes all their choices for them.  From school to career, clothing to food, life and love...all their needs are taken care of, so what more could they want?  A choice but due to their acceptance of everyday life being as it is, this does not occur to them...at least until now.  There comes a time in each young persons life where they decide whether or not to stay as a 'single' or be 'matched'.  That's right.  Matched.

Matching is done through a process like everything else; in this world, they look at everyone from a genetic standpoint almost like a blueprint and find the best combinations amongst the selections available.  Normal procedure...they attend a matching ceremony, their match is displayed on the giant screen for all to see, and they live happily ever after.  For Cassia, the circumstances are different as her match is local...an unusual occurrence to say the least...so the getting to know you phase is a fair bit less extraordinary; in fact, there's not even really a need for her to explore the get to know your match information given to each participant, but out of curiosity she does...and gets a lot more than she bargained for.  The disc containing Xander's profile...pictures, stats, and more...ALSO contained a brief glimpse of another young man.  One that is an exception to the rules and one that will play a big part in events yet to unfold.  Oh Cassia...whatever will you do?  Be ruled as you are by The Society and the way of life that you know or take a chance on the unknown to discover a future you could scarcely dream of?  The stakes are high, the ending unclear, but the journey to get there....memorable beyond compare.

I was so sad to see this one come to an end! I'd been savoring this one for about a month or two and can honestly say it was a GREAT read. The way it is written allowed me to pick up the book, read a chapter, and then come back to it another day, week, etc, and still be drawn right back into the story...no questions asked...sounds simple, but that's quite a feat in my book.  The characters and their relationships with each other are memorable and heartbreaking all at the same time. Cassia is such a smart girl; accepting what she is told but learning to question things along the way.  Xander...her steadfast, strong, reliable best friend and match, or so The Society tells her so.  Then there is Ky.  He is the exception to the rule and was never supposed to be in the pool of those to be matched...or was he?  After all, The Society controls all they see, who's to say what really happened?  (Okay, sorry that's all the mysterious alluding I will do.)

Funny this is, it's really not hard to see a glimmer of reality in the world the author has created in this novel....a sad and scary truth to be sure. I mean imagine not having to make a decision about anything since they are already made for you.  Sounds ideal in some cases, no more bad dates or trying to decide what's for dinner (really, I can't be the only one that this particular question creates a rousing round of "I don't know, what do you want"'s)...but it also takes away that freedom and adventure that comes with making the choice ourselves.  If we choose wrong, it's a learning experience, but if you we choose correctly, the rewards are that much sweeter.  It just goes to show us that perfect is not always what it appears to be....sometimes we need the messiness of life to help us remember.

Recommended reading for one and all....if it's not in your hands or on your reading list, you don't know what you're missing.  ARC received courtesy of Dutton Children's Books / Penguin USA.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title and their full catalog, visit their website or follow along on Twitter.  One quick final note....there is a special website to give that interactive touch to this book (very appropriate considering all the technology in the story) where you can watch the trailer, read or listen to an excerpt, check out other reviews of the book, and get matched yourself (pretty cool if you ask me)! 

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Other Goose by J.otto Seibold + Giveaway!

Hi there!

Welcome back to a new week and a new post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Two holidays down and two still to go as we race the clock towards a new year.  Wow...can it really be almost 2011?  *check calendar*  Yep, sure is.  Where DID the time go?  Anywho....

Speaking of the holidays....there are loads of fun posts and contests just on the horizon; in fact, two are running right now!  The first...a massive contest thrown by the good folks over at Chronicle Books with their HAUL-iday Giveaway (a chance for me AND you to win a $500 Wish List of bookish goodness); the second, a classic tale revisited as we explore what's somewhere over the rainbow through the eyes none other than Toto in Toto's Tale.  For your chance at one or both of these contests, just check out the links in the right hand side bar.  Now on with the show!

Today I am happy to play host to, well what do you know....a blog tour from none other than Chronicle Books!  (Gotta love their great range of titles...)  It's a bit of childhood revisited with a twist, a turn, and a few shakes to reinvent the wheel, but in the best way possible.  Ready to uncover just what in the world I am speaking of?  (hehe)  Here we go.  Today's book of choice is....

Other Goose

by

J.otto Seibold

Attention readers!  This is not your typical collection of nursery rhymes....no sir.  THIS is Mother Goose turned on it's head and given a jolt for after all Mother Goose really wasn't a goose now was she...  Other Goose though IS in fact a goose and with her guiding wings the sometimes stagnant nursery rhymes of old get a makeover (and a half) for the 21st century.  Think you know Jack B. Nimble....doubtful.  The cat and the fiddle were not quite as merry as we would have formally believed and the nerve of the spoon running off with the plate!  Get ready to laugh, get ready to smile...Other Goose is in the house and ready to take the land of nursery rhymes as her own.

To put it in so many words, this was a fun and unexpected twist on traditional nursery rhymes of old.  Baa Baa Black Sheep becomes the Blah Blah Black Sheep and adopts a frankness definitely unexpected.  It's Raining, It's Boring! again rhymes with attitude as it gives reality a run for its money by stating the obvious while still posing a viable solution.  One of my favorites was Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away, an ode to the value of a rainy day (great for Mother Nature, and a nice night's sleep....*YAWN*) and while the verse is short, the illustrations take it to antoher level.

This is one of those picture books that can not be counted merely by the sum of it's written content because though short and sweet it is the pictures that also breathe new life into these rewritten treasures.  The technique used to create the unique illustrations throughout the book is described in a brief paragraph as you first begin.  In short, the final results were achieved through a combination of computer graphics AND....spray painted backgrounds.  Who'd have thought?!  Definitely explains the original appearance of the artwork and if I may be so bold works quite well with the original rhyming pieces within the pages.  It is safe to say that a fair bit of imagination went into this book and I believe it is also easy to surmise that imaginations of all ages can run wild with the wacky fun that lies withing. 

In summary, a fun book for all ages.  Whether you are introducing rhymes to a young reader for the first time or revisiting them on your own, there is something to be uncovered by everyone that simply takes the time to revel in the joys of childhood classics....even when they've been tweaked.  Special thanks to Chronicle Books for allowing me to be a host along this great book tour as well as for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their full catalog, feel free to visit them online, check out their Facebook page, or follow along on Twitter.  Don't forget to check out the book website for wallpapers, avatars, activity sheets and more!

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

Now, you've had a sampling of my experience with this title....what say you to having a chance to win one all your own?  Thanks to the great folks over at Chronicle Books, I am pleased to announce that YOU...yes you...have a chance to win a copy of this magically delicious re-nurseried and re-rhymed book all your own!  Exciting, isn't it?  Here's the de-le-o....

The prize...

(1) copy of Other Goose by J.otto Seibold

AND

(1) Other Goose poster

How to enter...

Just fill out THIS FORM...that's the only requirement.
HOWEVER....

...would you like a few bonus points?

Riddle me this....what is your favorite nursery rhyme new or old...and why?

Share your top pick in the comments and earn TWO bonus points.

The rules...

*Open to US/Canada mailing addresses only!  No P. O. Boxes please.

* Entries will be accepted from Monday, November 29th, 2010 through Monday, December 13th, 2010 at midnight CST.  The entries will be tallied and entered into the random.org randomizer, after which a random number will be picked by their number generator.  (This way all the entries are mixed up nicely.)

* All entries must be submitted using the form accessible through this post.  You MUST include your email address in order to be counted as well as contacted should you be chosen as the winner!

*The winner will be announced and contacted via email by Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  Should they fail to respond in the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  If you choose to include your full name and mailing address in your contest entry, no worries....the time frame issue is erased.

*Winners name and address will be forward to Chronicle Books for prize send out only and then discarded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next stop on the tour, tomorrow at Media Macaroni, so be sure to stop by and check out an excerpt from this fun book.

Good luck to everyone!

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Ooohh....looks like SOMEONE has some less than jolly thoughts in mind....and yet possibly a great set of non-traditional holiday stories!

Murder for Christmas

Check it out!

** The Roving Reader is a MEME type feature created by yours truly to share those book covers spotted when out and about that catch your eye for one reason or another. Want to get in on the fun? You're welcome to use the MEME, just give a little credit love. Simply snap a picture of your recent find and post away! Happy reading! **

 

 

The Roving Reader

Uh oh.  Looks like someone found my Christmas List from once upon a time....you know, the one I wrote down everything I loved out of the Sears Christmas catalog?  Hehe...yeah, it was LONG!

The Longest Christmas List Ever

by

Gregg & Evan Spiridellis

Check it out!

** The Roving Reader is a MEME type feature created by yours truly to share those book covers spotted when out and about that catch your eye for one reason or another. Want to get in on the fun? You're welcome to use the MEME, just give a little credit love. Simply snap a picture of your recent find and post away! Happy reading! **

Fantasy Takes Flight: Pegasus by Robin McKinley

Happy Saturday, readers!

So, how was YOUR Black Friday?

Get anything good?

Hopefully you managed to snag a few of the great deals going round, if not...there's bound to be more in the coming days so try not to fret.  Anywho...

Today's post is featuring a title released earlier this month from a well recognized name in the literary world...or so I'm told.  To be honest, I had seen this author's name a time or two when perusing the bookstore but alas, knew nothing further of her work.  Let's just say that the status of "unknown" in my mind associated with them has been changed to "known" along with a spot on my bookish radar for a future title to be released in this series.  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is....

Pegasus

by

Robin McKinley

The pegasi and humans are bound together by more than time and tradition...it's an official treaty signed many generations ago. The treaty was made to ensure the safety of the pegasi and as well as create an alliance between the two groups...but just how balanced can this agreement be when the communication between them depends on their magicians alone? Is that not putting a large amount of power in the hands of those that already possess some on their own? What's to say that the balance in the agreement was kept for both sides when only one party truly understands what's transpiring...

Oh my...this was a wonderful story, but the ending...such a cliffhanger! Much like young Sylvi, I had a hard time wrapping my mouth let alone my mind around the pegasi language.  Their names, their words...just hover in the clouds much like themselves.  That's not saying anything against the author in the least...just perhaps my love of fantastical stories without some of the high fantasy aspects.  Books like this always bring to mind the LOTR trilogy.  High fantasy story with all the essential elements yet with an underlying story that can be appreciated by one and all...so long as you stay the course.  Despite the inability to make sense of everything on the surface, the connections will be made and the story that filters through is well worth any effort put forth.  Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why movies based on this type of book normally do quite well....filling in the word/language gaps with images....something to ponder.  Moving on...

When the many layers of honor, responsibility, and tradition spoken of in this tale are pulled back, it reveals at its heart the bonds of friendship that can be formed despite opposing forces and just how far a little time and understanding can take you. The beauty and majesty used to describe the pegasi enable to reader to create an image that jumps right off the page.  You can see their magnificent forms.  Trace the silhouette of their wings as they block out the sun.  Marvel at the delicate nature of their feather hands and their general demeanor.  Imagine what it would be like to be in the presence of such a being....young Sylvi, fourth born to the king, doesn't have to nor does she have the same pitfalls that many of those bound to a pegasus encounter....that of communication. 

Sylvi's always been a small child, striving hard to prove herself regardless of need or requirement, but in this instance, things come easy.  She discovers her uncanny ability to communicate clearly with her Excellent Friend (Ebon, her pegasus) without the need of a Speaker (translator) during the official binding ceremony when they he accidentally silent-speaks (speaks to her mind) his name to her.  Their friendship blossoms from there in both acts of tradition and rebellion as the normal laws of the Alliance don't seem to fit very well with them.  That's not to say that either doesn't respect what it all stands for, it's just they are so a part of each other....it's hard to break away (nor do they want to).  Their connection is heart warming and magical...the later half being still somewhat of a mystery, but it is undeniably there and one that you can't help wish to experience for yourself...though the connection they share will be tested in this book, and one can only imagine even more so in the next.  Just how is a surprise as beguiling to Sylvi as it will be to you, but one that promises great (though not necessarily good) things to come.

Many high fantasy aspects but a glorious story underneath it all....this is one I'd recommend for fans of the story type both young and young at heart. The characters from the great kings to the messengers all play their parts in the events that unfold and they all leave their mark on it as well.  From the great booming Fthoom who wishes nothing but to put an end to this "unnatural" connection (yeah...there's more there that he's trying to accomplish, of that I'm sure) to each and every pegasus that is encountered (Ebon of course, but also Hirishy, Sylvi's mother's pegasus...Lrrianay, the king of the pegasi and Ebon's father...and little Niahi, Ebon's spritely sister), each one creates a memory before book's end.  Everything that happens no matter how mundane it seems is adding up to a big splash of an ending...and boy what an ending it is!  *shakes head* I'll certainly be watching for the next installment with eager eyes and my heart in my hand.

ARC for review received courtesy of Sara at G.P. Putnam's Sons a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.  (THANKS!)  To find out more about this title and their full catalog, visit their website or follow along on Twitter.  For more information on the author's previous and current works, be sure to check out her web page.

Until next time....happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Toto's Tale by K.D. Hays & Meg Weidman + Giveaway!

Happy Friday everyone!

Or perhaps it is more accurate to say Happy Black Friday...

Today is the day after Thanksgiving and though our bellies are full of turkey (and/or other yummy goodies) most are still a force to be reckoned with when encountered on the sale floor as they make that crazy early morning mad dash for all the best deals.  If you are participating in this crazy fun like me (yep, I'll be out there in the wee hours of the morning too...partially for the sales and also for the tradition of it all), enjoy...and be careful!  If not, enjoy the peaceful calm...just don't be jealous of the deals we got that you missed...hehe.  Anywho...

Today I am lucky enough to be playing host to a fabulous book tour making its way through the blogosphere right now courtesy of Pump Up Your Book Promotions.  It features a reader friendly title, a classic in its own right.  It takes place "somewhere over the rainbow" and features a little girl with braided hair and a penchant for gingham.  There's lions and tigers and bears...oh my...oh and how could be forget a little dog by the name of....well you know.  In fact, he's the star of the book featured today.  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is....

Toto's Tale

by

K.D. Hays and Meg Weidman

Most have heard of THE WIZARD OF OZ; its classic story in both book and movie formats is internationally known. But..what if we only know one side of the story? What if the events described didn't quite play out the way we've been told? Quite a conundrum.  Time to get the story from another key character that was there through it all. Someone as close to the original storyteller as they could be. A constant companion and friend that say the best of their time in Oz and the worst.  Who, you ask? Why TOTO of course and he's ready to tell all....

This was a great retelling of the story we've grown to love as seen through the eyes of Dorothy's trusted fuzzy friend. Toto is one of those literary characters that is easily recognized and yet his role in the main events was minimal...or so we've been told. The authors of this creative tale give a voice to this much loved character providing, smiles, laughs, and quite the obsession with pork chops. Just try not to smile as you make your way through this adventure...betcha can't.

Toto is a helpful dog, a faithful friend, and apparently had a much bigger hand, or um paw, in things than we may have realized.  Despite his short stature it doesn't keep him from standing tall and protecting his pet girl Dorothy.  That's right, she's HIS pet....which seriously makes me wonder if my own dogs are thinking the same thing (actually they probably are...they do train us you know).  Their journey to the land of Oz was quite enough adventure for him but to land in a strange place on top of a Something with "people-who-can't-quite-reach-things", a lampshade lady, and...oh my, it does make the head spin.  It's amazing the things both lost and gained in translation.  The communication efforts he puts forth for his pet Dorothy to understand him are mighty, but fall short of her human comprehension (again, now pondering if I REALLY know what my dogs are thinking sometimes).  Lucky for her, he never gives up...nor do the host of other familiar faces from Oz.  The Strawman, the Metal Man, and the Big Cat along with Auntem and Unclehenry all make their timely appearances but it is Toto that steals the spotlight and helps us to understand all that really went on.

All in all, I can honestly say that I really loved this book.  It's fun, it's whimsical, it's familiar in all the right ways while still creating something new.  Fans of the original will delight in this creative turn of events, as will dog lovers simply looking for an adorable and funny tale.  Recommended reading for all ages. The whimsical story telling and adorable illustrations come together to create a book you won't want to miss. Happy reading indeed for readers on either side of the rainbow....

Review copy received courtesy of Pump Up Your Book Promotions.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their past, present, and future tours, visit them online or follow along on Twitter.  For more information on the publisher that helped bring this book to readers, visit Zumaya Thresholds online.  Curious about the authors?  Got ya covered; this mother daughter dynamic duo has a site all ready for your perusal so be sure to stop by.  Last but not least, this is a blog tour and so there are other stops to check out along the way.  Next stop is at A Moment with Mystee and Eccentric Eclectic Woman on Monday, so mark your calendars!

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

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for....the giveaway!  That's right!  I am thrilled to be able to offer you, my readers, a chance to win a copy of this amazing little book all your own...thanks to the folks at Pump Up Your Book Promotions.  Here's the scoop!

The prize...

(1) copy of Toto's Tale by K.D. Hays and Meg Weidman

How to enter...

Just fill out THIS FORM and you're all set.

Simple, huh?

The rules...

*Open to US/Canada mailing addresses only!  No P. O. Boxes please.

* Entries will be accepted from Friday, November 26th, 2010 through Sunday, December 12th, 2010 at midnight CST.  The entries will be tallied and entered into the random.org randomizer, after which a random number will be picked by their number generator.

* All entries must be submitted using the form accessible through this post.  You MUST include your email address in order to be counted as well as contacted should you be chosen as the winner!

*The winner will be announced and contacted via email by Monday, December 13th, 2010 and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  Should they fail to respond in the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  If you choose to include your address in your entry, no worries...the time frame issue is removed.

*Winners name and address will be forwarded to Pump Up Your Book Promotions for prize send out only and then discarded.

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

 

Good luck to everyone!

Until next time...happy reading!





A Message of Thanks...

It's here, it's here!

Everybody shout and cheer!

That wonderful day of giving and sharing is finally upon us.

So from me to you, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

May your gatherings be merry and time pass you slowly as you celebrate this special time of year.  It is often a custom to count ones blessings on this thank filled day...among them I would list my family, my friends (yep, that includes YOU out there), and life in general.  It may not be perfect, but it's mine and so I'm thankful to have the chance to live it the best way I know how.

As for a book choice for today, I received a little something in the mail last week that was a perfect fit...in my mind at least.  It was received as a thank you from a publisher for a review or two I did on their titles a few months ago; rather unexpected, and quite a nice gesture.  Today's featured title is...

Giving Thanks:

A Native American Good Morning Message

by

Chief Jake Swamp

illustrated by

Erwin Printup, Jr.

This short but well intentioned book is based on actual messages of thanks used by the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois).  Combined with simple yet beautiful artwork to stir the soul and open the mind, the messages of gratitude for the sun, the earth, the wind, the rain and everything in between pour forth on an endless stream of poetry.  No matter your beliefs, the sentiments portrayed here can be appreciated.  Interesting point...there is a Mohawk version of the story at book's end, literally in their native tongue, adding to the educational and historical value of the book. 

A great way to remember a few of the basic things we have to be thankful for today and every day, this title couldn't have arrived at a better time.  On a sad note, the man behind the book, author Chief Jake Swamp, passed away last month...but his memory will live on in the words he imparted to readers young and old in this thanks filled tale as well as with the work of the Tree of Peace Society of which he was the founder.  Recommended reading more so for the little ones just getting their minds around the ideas associated to the holiday but would certainly work as an extension of anyone's thanks giving celebrations.

Special thanks to LEE and Low Books for the gift copy...it is much appreciated.  For more information on this title and a glimpse at their full catalog, check out their website or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time...have a Happy Thanksgiving...and happy reading!

Love at First Read: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

It's almost Thanksgiving, are you ready?

If that stressed you out too badly, pretend I didn't ask.  I know in our house the final preparations are being made today so it can be kind of crazy hectic so those that thrive on that are in their element...those that don't are seeking an escape.  How about a bookish escape?  (Oh as if you haven't already thought of it...please.)  The pick for today definitely goes down as one of my favorites.  Curious what it is?  Wonder no more.  Today's book of choice is....

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

by

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily...two unlikely friends at face value, let alone anything more, but most people aren't always what they present just on the surface.  These two...definitely more there and they just might come together over a red Moleskine notebook with a handful of dares and some memories to share. Sound like the start to a great new title? It is!

A newer release to the YA scene, this is one dare that I'd happily accept all over again...and no, I wasn't dared to read it.  In fact, I discovered this title in one of my weekly emails amongst several of the newest releases a few weeks back.  I wasn't planning on buying any books that particular weekend though since I've been suffering from a case of my-funds-are-low (perhaps you've heard of it?)...but low and behold one nice discount coupon later and a stop at a bookstore that happened to be where I was out and about that day, and the book was mine...and so the adventure began....

The title intrigued me, the cover beckoned me, and the story welcomes all those that claim the term "bookish" as a description of themselves. Honestly, I'm not certain there are words powerful enough to describe it. It's not often that I am rendered speechless...as you well know if you've been around the blog any length of time; in fact, more often than not I tend to share my thoughts at length.  This book however leaves me spouting effigies of love like a complete and total FANGIRL.

It's not earth shattering in the sense that it's unbelievable or going to change the world...very rarely is there a book of that caliber...but it is earth shaking enough to read it once, read it twice, and shout to the world (or whisper to your friends...which is just how I managed to get at least a few more people interested in it) that this is one of those books that should not be missed. 

Maybe it's the writing and how you fall so easily into each situation presented whether everyday ordinary or on the edge of uncomfortable (like this one scene where Dash has to retrieve the next note/dare from a Santa Claus...let's just say it fits this description well).  Maybe it's the characters as I think most girls can find themselves in some aspect of Lily and let's face it...if Dash were real, I'd totally want to know him (read into that what you like).  Maybe...just maybe...it's the combination of elements in the storyline...the twists and turns along the way, the quirky romance that may or may not be and the characters (complete with their close and not so close friends and family) that make this adventure completely enjoyable.  Anyway you slice it....its grade A in my book.

So get ready to fall in love with Dash and/or Lily...you won't be the first nor will you be the last but you will quite possibly find a new book to put on your favorite list and a new affection for red Moleskine notebooks...just sayin'.  Recommended for teen readers and beyond as there are a few instances of foul language and close encounters of the shared kind but it's nothing to shocking. This book was purchased by moi for moi and shall remain with moi (hehe).  For more information on the book, authors, or publisher (Knopf Books for Young Readers), feel free to click the links scattered throughout this post. 

COMMENT CREATOR

Riddle me this....since it is the season of giving and sharing, what's one of your more recent favorite reads and why?  I'm certainly curious to know and I'm sure that your fellow readers are as well.

Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays (54)

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

On the menu this week ... two new titles that I've only just begun, but hey...so far, so good and both are SO CUTE!  Care for a taste?  Wish granted!

 

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

 

 

 

 

When the sun ducked behind a cloud though, I could see that under all the makeup she was wearing her face was wrinkled like a prune. 

She was old, but she walked with pride, like she was important and she knew it and she knew that everyone else knew it too.

-- pg 13, Toto's Tale by K.D. Hays & Meg Weidman

This is such a cute book!  Think The Wizard of Oz but from Toto's viewpoint.  Creative and fun so far....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After our morning's lessons we sometimes get to do something fun instead of Ted going to work right away at his desk.  One day we put in a new dog door since Merle's door was so old and the flap was torn from having been used so much.  That Merle, now there was a dog who liked to go in and out.

-- pg 94, Pukka:  The Pup After Merle by Ted Kerasote

 

You may or may not recognize the author, but this is the same gentleman that wrote the touching story Merle's Door.  Pukka is the puppy that came into his life after Merle's time...sounds like a touching and potentially smile filled book indeed if I do say so myself and there are SO MANY adorable pictures in it too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR.* 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Until next time....happy reading!

 

 

 

In My Shopping Bag (55)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag".  (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Let's see what's inside this week...

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review

 

Euphemania:  Our Love Affair with Euphemisms by Ralph Keyes

(courtesy of Little Brown and Company / Hachette Book Group)

You may have noticed that every now and then a nerdy wordy book appears in my "now reading" pile...what can I say, I've always loved learning something new even when it's about something we take for granted.  This book is scheduled for release December 14th, 2010...and look for your chance to win a copy coming soon!

Horns by Joe Hill

(courtesy of HarperCollins)

Perhaps not the most seasonal of reads however it's upcoming paperback release on March 8th, 2011 does warrant a heralding of sorts (though probably not of the angel variety from the title there)....plus that cover....CREEPY!  Can't wait.  Watch for a giveaway with this title coming your way soon...

 

Blood, Bones, and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

(ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group)

This was an unexpected arrival as I hadn't requested it, but I have seen mention of it online several times over recently so I am curious to see what it holds.  My ARC cover (as shown above) is certainly different than the actual cover, but I think I prefer the quotes to the chicken head. O_O  This little foodie beauty is scheduled for release March 1st, 2011.

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

Received

Giving Thanks:  A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp

(from Hannah at LEE and Low Books)

This was a wonderful little surprise to find in my mailbox along with the accompanying letter of thanks.  Can anyone see a future post for this title fitting perfectly into the holiday season we are currently in?  I can.   ^_^

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's all for this week!

What did YOU get?

Do tell!

Until next time....happy reading!