The game is afoot....Can You Survive?

Great Scott!
The game is afoot. Are you ready?

Hi there readers!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....and happy New Year's Eve to you! Here's hoping your night is filled with fun, laughs, and good times....and that 2012 holds nothing but the best for you.

Now just because we are ushering out the current year doesn't mean the reading fun ends. ..if anything it kicks into overdrive. Yup, that's right. 2011 might be ready to leave us behind (and believe me, I'm glad to see it go), but reading wise, I'm not quite ready to let it go. While I can't finish out all the books nor reviews in a day, I can check another off the list with today's post. Ready to read all about it?  Today's book of choice is....

CAN YOU SURVIVE?
SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE'S ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
Adapted by
Ryan Jacobson and Deb Mercier

By Jove, it's bloody hard to not slip into the language and accent we associate with this infamous ficticional detective when reading anything remotely associated to him.  Never was there another "man of reason" purely the creation of one man's mind that has stayed with us generation after generation with such magnitude. In his more recent reincarnations, we've found his days as a young lad being explored more and more in an effort to bring his mysteries to the younger audience. This book however remains true to the originals in both time and age but introduces them to the audience in a new way....the choose-your-own-path book.

That's right. You get to play detective as you follow (or not follow) the clues laid before you in an effort to determine the who, what, when, where, why and how of each potential case.  There's even an oddball one inserted as a potential trap by his adversary Dr Moriarty. Can you determine which is which? You best hope so or you might find yourself in more than a pickle...as I may have once or twice ~whistles~…hey, that's the fun of these stories, right?  Never knowing which road is absolutely the right choice but giving it a go anyway and seeing just where you end up....that's what choose-your-own-path books are all about.

I've read one in this series previously (Jack London's CALL OF THE WILD....the review for which can be seen by searching my site) and found the interpretation carried off rather well. So how did the man of pipe and violin fair against the mighty pen? Just as good if I do say so myself....and I do.  It gives you a taste of Holmes' world without the full entrée thereby allowing readers of all ages the chance to explore this timeless classic, see how it stacks up to their expectations and explore further with a read of the actual novel once this adventure is complete. 
In my mind, anything that helps captivate the imagination of other readers or nonreaders, is a welcome addition to the bookish scene. This book would serve younger readers wonders as it breaks the ice between the classics and today's youth...but even my adult eyes were entertained and reminded of the magic that a few strokes of the pen can make. This author duo did a splendid job of sampling the originals while creating something unique enough to stand out from the crowd. Highly recommended to MG readers through adults for an adventure of mammoth proportions in the heart of jolly old England.  Be sure to bring your thinking cap....you're gonna need it.

Signed copy for review courtesy of author Ryan Jacobson. (THANKS!) For more information about either author and their complete body of works, feel free to visit them online at http://ryanjacobsononline.com and http://www.debmercier.com
This book is available now on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next year....hehe....happiest of new year wishes....and happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Whoa...now there's an unexpected cover; creepy...and the back cover sounds like it delivers!

Deadtimes Stories: Grave Secrets
By
Annette and Gina Cascone

Until next time....happy reading!

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to read all about it, whether it be the newest release out there…or one that came and went but should still deserves its day in the sun.

Today’s featured title falls into that second category as it’s a book I read earlier this year that I just never quite got around to reviewing (my bad).  Why?  I’m a slacker by nature and just didn’t feel like doing it….*-*….JUST KIDDING!  No, really…it was one of those reads that you weren’t quite sure what to say about it and while you mulled it all over, you kept reading…one thing lead to another and POOF, it’s a few months down the line.  (That does happen to you too, right?  I’m not alone here?)  Time to put my memory to the test and perhaps add another title to your wish list for today’s book of choice is…

Wildefire

By

Karsten Knight

From the publisher…

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Okay so…think think think.  What was it about this one that CAUSED me to THINK THINK THINK…to be honest (as if I’d give you anything less), I think it was the unexpected twist that occurred in the book.  Everything starts out all creepy and magical.  Powers discovered, connections to the past made, even a believable history to seduce the most hardened of readers (DEFINITE kudos to the author on all counts mentioned)…but then things took a turn for the…odd.  Seriously, the appearance of these beings, or creatures for lack of a better word (and specific avoidance of what they really are so as not to ruin the story), totally threw me for a loop; to my mind, they just didn’t make sense.  They weren’t human, they weren’t animal, they weren’t mineral…exactly; I just couldn’t wrap my mind around the enigma they presented…and yet, they were still sinister somehow.  That last saving grace is how they didn’t manage to completely obliterate the story or ruin my experience with it.  They became a bump albeit a rather large one since months later it still perplexes me in a little-brother-pulling-your-hair sorta way, but a bump nonetheless.  Anywho, back to the rest of the story…

Ashline is a piece of work (though her sister Eve totally gives her a run for her money) but in a good way.  She’s had a rough time thanks to events in her past (not purely her fault…), but she’s making the most of the new start at Blackwood Academy…at least until a secret heritage catches up with her and things begin to turn from normal to abbey in the blink of an eye.  Yep…otherwise, she’s doing fine (and that last word also describes her park ranger love interest… ^_^).  Her new friends aren’t exactly around thanks to a bond cherished since childhood but rather from the combined destinies they share making their interactions something they need to grow into. 

It’s the age old battle between right and wrong, good and those that would do harm…with a teen god twist.  Think Percy Jackson (though I haven’t read the series…*ducks flying objects*) but with multiple ethnic backgrounds and rather than sons/daughters of the gods, reincarnation.  It’s an interesting storyline and it certainly keeps you attached to the page as you wait to see just who will survive their next encounter.  Oh, wait…didn’t I tell you?  Yeah…it seems that there are those (as usual) that know about their continual return to this plain and they aim to stop the cycle once and for all.  Needless to say, it adds to the action sequences quite a bit…as do the flashbacks that Ashline has of her barely remembered childhood; considering what she sees though, it may not be such a bad thing that it’s hard to recollect (lab rat anyone?). 

As you reach the climatic finale, yet another handful of mysteries is revealed…one regarding another child (another sister?) that is connected to both Ashline and Eve for better or worse (and seeing what they can do, it’s probably worse…)….needless to say, the search for them is sure to be a focal point in the sequel.  Another is about a character in the story that, well…let me put it this way; when all is revealed, you won’t believe your eyes (literally caused me to gasp).  Lastly, we deal with the group of opposing gods/goddesses that Eve’s been hanging with; they seem to think this reincarnation thing is for the birds and want to live out their immortal lives in the here and now.  Wise choice…or fools errand?  It remains to be seen but there are two things I know.  First, book 2 will be on my radar because the mix of cultures and beliefs in this book gives it enough spice to stand out from the crowd.  Second, there’s a battle on the horizon with some remarkable players….this should be a showdown to remember.



Author Karsten Knight



Recommended for teen readers and above; there’s nothing too graphic nor swear worthy and the romance fans the flames in lieu of igniting the sheets…but younger kiddos may not be so keen on the powers (and their use when in trouble) this group is endowed with.  P.S.  Be sure to take note of the culture mix in the book…provides for some great extended reading.  This book is available now on a bookstore shelf near you…and from what I see on the website, it looks like book 2 may be schedule for August 2012, “Embers and Echoes”.  (Woo-hoo!)

ARC for review courtesy of Lucille at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog of bookish wonders, feel free to check out their website, ‘like’ them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To find out more about the author’s current goings on, be sure to stop by his blog, site, Facebook page, or Twitter.

Until next time….happy reading.

This ain't a fairytale...or is it?: White Knight by Raiza Denise

Hello…testing…1, 2…test, test….is this thing on?

*feedback sound*

Hmm, kind of quiet out there but on or not….I’m on so let’s get this show on the road.  It’s time for another day another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to get a potential addition to your wish list any day of the week.

Today’s featured title I finished a few weeks back…yep, playing catch up here, but I also needed time to digest it.  Why?  Well, it wasn’t heart burn inducing as I didn’t actually “eat” the book (…silly readers…) but it did have moments that both shined like a shooting star…and fell like one too.  Allow me to explain (as if you thought I would do otherwise) as we jump into today’s book of choice….

White Knight

By

Raiza Denise

From the author….

Abigail Richards has loved her next-door-neighbor, Nicholas Adams, since she was six years old. But Nick seems perfectly content with his role as her best friend. After what feels like an eternity of waiting on the sidelines for Abby, Nick finally confesses that he’s head-over-heels for her. Their heart-stopping romance lasts five blissful months until a terrible car accident rips everything apart. Can their teenaged love survive the heartbreak of loss and separation?

Sounds good?  It should because in fact it was…despite reservations you may have about its origins.  What reservations?  Ah, that’s right…I’ve yet to tell you.  Silly me!  This author was inspired to write this particular story by a song (just as I borrowed a line from another song by the same artisit for the post title)…’You Belong with Me’ by Taylor Swift.  Yep.  I’ll give you a moment to close your mouth because I’m sure it’s hanging open in either shock, awe, or morbid curiosity.  *whistles while waiting*  All good?  Let’s continue.

I like many of you was a bit skeptical upon hearing the book’s origins…I mean, yes, many of her songs are mini-movie worthy (music video at least) and the particular album this song came from does tell a story of love lost and gained, but to write an actual book about it?  I definitely had a raised eyebrow or two at that point.  Thank goodness I don’t run from the raised eyebrow response because it was in fact a GOOD READ. 

The story is sweeping in that teenage love sorta way, the narrative while overindulgent a time or two works well enough to keep things moving along but the surprise about halfway through this 527 pager (yep, it’s a big one) was completely unexpected…and worked well to inject new life into the story.  You see, the first half of the book is all about the discovery of their feelings and making the most of the summer before college….the second half, we jump TEN YEARS into the future to see what’s become of them.  Confused?  Don’t worry…I was too for a moment. 

The important thing here is to keep in mind the opening sequence (with the accident mentioned in the tease from the author).  That is the real splitting point for the two halves of this well rounded whole.  It may not seem to connect at first but as the peaces start falling into place, trust me…it will.  Your feelings towards one character or another will change a few dozen times as reasons for actions or lack thereof are finally explained, all leading up to a dramatic ending that…well, I won’t spoil it for you but it is certainly worth sticking around for.  ^_^  In short, I really enjoyed it and found myself lost in the pages many a time wishing for just a few more minutes, a few more seconds to read further into Abby’s and Nick’s story.

Now…here’s where we get down to the part I had to “digest”.

Self published books are a creation all their own.  How so?  Well, the story can be fantastic, that hidden gem waiting to be discovered by “Mr. Big Time Publisher”…hence why I consider all titles that come my way regardless of who’s pushing it…BUT and there is a “but”, they can also be lacking in a few areas as well.  Case in point, the title of this book works well, but the cover art….could be improved.  Small cosmetic issue, I know, but it can catch a reader’s attention or turn it off completely regardless of how much we try NOT to judge a book by its cover.  Second point and much bigger issue for me, the editing process…  *deep breath*

Okay, blame it on the fact that my 7^th grade English teacher was previously a college professor who retired and was talked back into joining the world of education, but grammar, sentence structure, proper word usage…they are all important factors in any written work.  Now, I’m not perfect (believe you me) and I certainly make errors in my own writing (and cringe and delete and re post as often as I find them to avoid that little tick of irritation it causes me….thank you Mrs. D.) but with a full length novel….you HAVE to be EXTRA careful.  Do you know how many times I’m reading a book (non-ARCs mind you) and discover a word or lack thereof misspelled or misplaced?  More often than I’d care to admit and usually the few that slip through the editing cracks are so far between they slide off my reading mind like water off a duck’s back…usually they don’t even elicit a mention in my posts; this one, I have to.

While the story ROCKED, there is a significant amount of editing to be done.  It’s not really a case of misspelled words or improper usage (KUDOS to the author for avoiding those common errors!), but it is a saddled by an issue with incomplete thoughts…or rather re-thought thoughts?  The sentence or paragraph will start out fine and then when you’ve almost reached the end…BAM you’re thrown a curve.  From the way these instances read, it’s like the author had a clear vision of where they were taking the story, thought better of it, and re-worded the ending to suit their needs.  Unfortunately, it makes for the occasional reread now and again to get things back in order but other than interrupting the reading flow, it doesn’t draw away from the overall enough to block your enjoyed.  *whew…all done*

In summary, a GREAT story filled with all the wonder, hope, and emotions a Young Adult book promises with an unexpected twist to bring non-teen readers into the intended audience as well.  If you’re looking to capture that feeling of discovering your first love and whirlwind of emotions that follow, this books for you.  If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of what happily ever after might (or might not…again, not spoiling the ending!) look like, this books for you.  If you’re simply looking for a story that shares  both the ideals of young love with the reality that is life and a fair amount of both romantic intent and angst…this book is definitely for you.  Certainly a title that will rate higher with female readers, but hey….everyone needs a “white knight” at some time in their lives, even if that time isn’t right now.



Author Raiza Denise



Special thanks to author Raiza Denise for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  To discover more about this talented author, be sure to visit her official website or follow along on Twitter.  FYI, there is a preview of the book on the site to help you get an even closer view of the work should you be on the fence about whether or not to add it to your wish list….just click the links embedded in the post.

Until next time…happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

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...my trip to Europe has been extended due to the holidays, so you get another tasty treat from this delectable read.  Ready?  Here goes...

 

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

 

 

"Most jokes are tests," he shot back. Then he grinned. "But only a coward would use that as an excuse in this case. And I'm not a coward, Gwen." He met her gaze and held it. "I meant what I said to you."
--pg 125, A Summer in Europe by Marilyn Brant (ARC)

I'll let you draw your own conclusions from that quote but I will say this....oh Emerson, you're such a tease! (...and perfect fodder for today's teaser post....) I don't know about you, but my work day is oh-so-busy...however I see a glimmer of 1 hour coming up on the horizon that I shall be spending with both Emerson and Thoreau (not the writers but Gwen's...travel companions...). Can't wait to see just what this little travel adventure has in store! For more information, check out the author's website! Now please excuse...parting is such sweet sorrow....but tis time for a bit of reading.

*closes door...opens book* 
 

The Puppy That Came for Christmas by Megan Rix

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to not-so-gracefully get back into the swing of things after the holiday rush.  Here's hoping your holiday was merry and bright. As for me, I'm having a drastically hard time stepping back into things. Had to work today and it was oh-so-busy it could make your head twirl. A nice slow but steady day would have been refreshing but what can you do but take it in stride. *shakes head* Anywho...

Today's title I was going to feature before the holiday's arrival but had second thoughts (not to mention time constraints) when I realized how.perfect it would be just after the magical day. Why? You'll see.  Today's book of choice is..

THE PUPPY THAT CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
by
Megan Rix

What starts as a heartfelt desire to share their lives with a family turns into a furry affair that would benefit not only themselves but others in need.  Megan and Ian were two that wished to be more but fate doesn't always take into account what we want when it weaves its tapestry and as their hopes of adding a little one to their home dwindled with time, so did their aspirations. However, all of that changed one sunny day on the opposite side of the world when a puppy named Goro opened their eyes to a new take on extended family.

Yes, my friends it was the small act of renting a puppy for an afternoon stroll in a foreign country that introduced them to the love a fur baby can really give...and receive. As many of you know, I'm a pet parent myself and my fuzzy wuzzies make an appearance here every so often so I totally get what they were feeling. The love they give freely is amazing and can turn the darkest of days right side up again.  This couple wasn't sure if a full fledged commitment was really in the cards from them so they decided to get their feet wet my assisting in the training of a future helper dog. Enter the little ball of yellow fur we shall call Emma.

Emma showed them the ins and outs of puppy parenting as well as the exceptional results that can be achieved when training isn't so much a job but a heart felt team effort. She was a gorgeous golden retriever that grew into so much more in such a short amount of time that when the inevitable day of graduation came... no one was truly prepared.

No worries my friends, all things end well for both parties but it was their first experience with the necessary "good bye" that eventually follows in these types of programs.  As much as they weren't certain they were ready for the big plunge initially, eventually they came to see they weren't ready to bid their charges farewell time and time again. It's a big undergoing not only financially to train and grow these fine four legged helpers but there is a toll on the heart that is very hard to justify. Hats off to all those able to perform this routine over and over because without people like you, we'd have a severe shortage of these furry life ablers. 

The journey of life is always unexpected no matter how much planning is put into every step and the Rix's allow us to peer into their own adventure with eyes wide open. From their struggles with fertility to considerations of adoption to their eventual acceptance and embracement of the hand life has dealt them...it's emotional and truthful but well worth the tissues that may be needed.

Recommended reading for teen through adult readers. It's a wonderful story for the holidays or any day and will certainly give you a new perspective on life as you know it.  Review copy courtesy of Milena at Penguin Group USA. (Thanks!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, feel free to visit them online (http://us.penguingroup.com). This book is available now on a bookstore shelf near you so you know if you just happy to be looking for a furry tale of surprising warmth or need a good pick for someone going through the same troubles....this just might be the book for you.

Until next time...happy reading!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Twas the Night Before Christmas....Almost...

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to a late night edition of the site that aims to fill your Christmas stocking with reading joy….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. So, it’s almost Christmas Eve. Have you finished all your shopping and wrapping? Got the holiday food all ready to go? Yeah…if you do, raspberries to you. =0P Just kidding! But seriously, I’m happy for you. Me? Not so much. Been oh-so-busy with work that I haven’t had the time to finish out everything yet and seeing as how I work tomorrow morning (Christmas Eve no less…) looks like I’ll be finishing up tomorrow afternoon/evening. *le sigh* Not ideal, but better than NOT finishing, ya know? Anywho…

Tonight’s review is a quickie…in more ways than one! It’s a title that I try to read every year in one format or another and without even thinking about it what with all the other reading I have going on, I accomplished it yet again. TOO COOL! ^_^ So, what title is that? Why only the epitome of all holiday picks….today’s book of choice is….

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By

Charles Dickens

Okay….so that’s NOT the actual cover over there. Sorry but try as I might, I couldn’t seem to find the match up for the one I read online and as I read it in preparation for story time at our store, I don’t have it in my actual home library, so we’re going off the actual experience right now as opposed to tempting you to purchase a particular copy. ^_^

So…the experience. It was much better than I expected. I wasn’t certain how much could be captured of the original story what with this particular edition being so very short and written in verse. Yep, that’s right. Think “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and add a touch of Dickens and TADA…you have your book. Anywho….the illustrations weren’t fantastical but they were present and for younger readers it would certainly supply the necessary visuals to get them involved in the story, one of the many reasons I was looking at it for the group event. As we all know, the classic tale does have a bit of a dark side with the possible death of Tiny Tim and Scrooge’s own impending doom, and though they aren’t entirely absent from the book….they handle it in stride with enough tact that even the wee little ones ears should be a fine audience.

In short (as promised), a surprisingly good read but then again…it IS Dickens after all. Though I don’t have the specifics on me about this particular edition (Sorry!), I can’t help but recommend the story itself to you in whatever format you may encounter it. It’s a classic that never grows old and with each new edition I add to me “read” collection, I find something else in the story to ponder or embrace. It’s stood the test of time with good reason and truly is a great reminder of what Christmas REALLY means.

So, be sure to share the love and joy of the season with those you hold dear…and those you simply meet in passing; there can never really be too much good cheer, after all. I’m off to start checking my list off once at least….

Until next time…happy holidays…and happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Whew!
Hiya readers!
Bit pressed for time today so a review will have to wait, but in the mean time...check out what I discovered when roving the aisles....

VOID by Rhiannon Lassiter

Intriguing cover, no?

Until next time....happy reading!

Lists You'll Want to Check Twice: Mental_Floss: The Book

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place where yours truly laughs in the face of sleepiness to bring you bookish goodness every day of the week, or almost every day.  ^_^

Yes my friends….sleep is allusion sometimes around these parts what with the world the way it is today, life in general and of course all the books you just want to read READ rEaD ReAd.  Sleep is a luxury and I laugh in the face of it…Ha ha HA!  *yawn*  Okay, so it catches up to me every now and again but you know how it goes, I’m sure.  Anywho, enough of my ramblings about pillows and things, it’s time to get bookish.

Today we are traveling the intellectual reading rainbow but in a totally neato-mosquito sorta way.  What’s that?  Are you SCOFFING at me?  O-O  No one dares scoff at THE Insatiable Reader!?!  Just kidding!  Scoff if you want to…but still read the post because although you will learn A LOT from this particular selection, it’s so much fun it’ll feel like a walk in the park.  Put your fuzzy, light-up, bedazzled thinking caps on…today’s book of choice is….

mental_floss:  The Book

…Only the Greatest Lists in the History of Listory

Edited by

Ethan Trex, Will Pearson, and Mangesh Hattikudur

Let me break it down for you.  In it’s most basic form, this book is fact, not fiction…but it deals with a myriad of subjects both intellectually stimulating and funny bone jostling (pop culture, gotta love it) that you’ll be hooked, lined, and sinker-ed whether you read it cover to cover or in wee little bites like a too rich cheesecake (yes, I was hungry when I wrote this).  That’s right my friends; a book of lists with room to spare for both laughter and learning….quite the combo, right?

In keeping with the spirit of the book, may I present my first of two lists…this one’s entitled…

COOL THINGS I LEARNED BY READING THIS BOOK OF AWESOMENESS

(…in no particular order…)

• Humpty Dumpty MAY have sat on a wall…but the rhyme of old never said he was an egg…or a “he” for that matter. 

• The solution to an “ice cream headache”….don’t let it touch the roof of your mouth…or eat it when it’s cold outside.  (Seems they occur from the blood vessels dilating to…well, you’ll see….)

• Alton Brown (you know, the foodie guy) was the director of photography for R.E.M.’s 1987 video for “The One I Love”.  Rock on Mr. Brown!

• There are many odd ways to die and rest assured if it happens to you, you’ll end up on a list.  Death by toothpick anyone?  How about being smothered with adoration?

• Rudolph was not the forerunner for being the red nosed reindeer.  Originally, it was Rollo or Reginald.  Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it…

• The average person would make $600 a day from a penny for their thoughts.  *blink blink*  _watches mailbox for check with lotsa zeros_

• Remember ‘Eureka’s Castle’?  So does R.L. Stine…he was a co creator and head writer for the show!

• Harper Lee worked as a reservation clerk for 8 years…not surprising since most authors had another job other than writing back in the day.  What IS surprising however is that one year for Christmas, she was given a year off from that place of business to do whatever she wished…the results?  That was the year she penned the infamous ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’…talk about time off well spent!

That my friend is just the tip, the very pinnacle, of the proverbial iceberg we are looking at here.  The editors did a GREAT job in finding and consolidating the information presented.  From the varied in length lists to the tidbits of factoids that run across the bottom of each and every page, you’ll find out about everything from whose mouth is cleaner, yours or your dogs (both are equally “dirty” in their own right) to what the Monopoly guy’s REAL name is (not telling…you’ll have to read it!) and everything in between.  In short….

1. …a great book for fun time readers as well as the most studious amongst you.
2. …a great gift for the holiday season to educate AND entertain.
3. …you’ll learn something new, guaranteed…and you’ll have a great time doing it.
4. …you will find yourself spouting out random fun facts JUST to impress your friends after absorbing this wealth of information.  (Trust me, been there…done that.)
5. I enjoyed this book and think you will too….in case there was any doubt.  ^_^
6. I am one SMOOT tall.  Just sayin.  ^_^  Bonus points for knowing what that means or reading the book to find out.

Review copy courtesy of Mary at HarperCollins Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, feel free to check them out online.  For more mental_floss fun, be sure to check out their official website, ‘like’ them on Facebook (and take their nifty quiz!), or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time…happy reading!

The Pirate and the Penguin by Patricia Storms

Why hello there!

Having a bookishly good day so far?

Fantastic!  Glad to hear it.  Hope it continues and then some!

Why all the well wishes?  Simple!  This is Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place to let your bookish self run free and simply be…YOU.  Speaking of you….today’s featured title plays rather nicely with that theme of “you”-ness and stars a unique cast of characters you’ll simply be bowled over by.  Don’t believe me?  Time for me to prove you wrong…all in good fun of course.  ^_^  Today’s book of choice is….

The Pirate and the Penguin

By

Patricia Storms

Penguin is TIRED of the boring old (and cold!) South Pole; so much so he spends his time not frolicking with his fellow penguins and penguin-ettes, but…knitting.  The result is his adorable (and warm!) green sweater and his wardrobe staple throughout the book.  He longs for adventure and warm sunny days somewhere far, far away from his ice crusted home, but the how and where were all up in the air.  Meanwhile, somewhere across the stormy seas…

Pirate is an itchy twitchy little fella (funny using that term for a pirate but it fits no less) who has more adventures than he can stomach, after all he IS a pirate even if he’s not of the “Black Beard” variety.  His high-jinks are legendary as are the itch fits and sweaty bouts he suffers from…a vacation to a more relaxing state of mind (or location)  would be grand but the ability to do so eludes him, after all he has a pirate ship and crew to maintain!  Wouldn’t it be marvelous if these two could meet?  Oh wait…*looks through spyglass* …it looks like fate is adjusting its course and turning due North for a family friendly adventure these two (and YOU) won’t soon forget…

As it is a storybook in length and plotline, I’ll spare you the details because otherwise there’s no surprise and we all LOVE surprises now don’t we?  Suffice it to say that a little “freaky Friday” action occurs and it just might be what the doctor ordered for this odd (yet adorable) little pair.  I have to say it, I love Penguin and his outgoing personality amongst all the “suits” in his home (get it?  Suits?  Penguins?  *hehe*)….by the same token, I love Pirate for being the quirky little guy he is and despite his differences from his companions, still trying to grin and “arrr” it.  The underlying message….being true to oneself is the best (perhaps the only?) way to be truly happy and find your version of peace in this world….a reminder that most of us could use from time to time. 

Now, a step back to the whimsical….let’s talk art work because really, as much story as this one has…it’s still about the illustrations.  From just inside the front cover to just inside the back (and of course the actually cover and back of the book), we are treated to the fun (and funny) filled illustrations of Ms. Storms.  We see what Penguin really thinks of the South Pole with a map listing “Yawny Yogaland” and “Chilly Cove”, whilst on the Pirate side of things we see places like “Sticky Sweaty Island” and “Drives-Me-Coconuts Island”….but the fun doesn’t stop there.  Once inside, we are greeted with a pleasing palette of colors adding to the peace or vibrancy (depending on what’s called for) of any given scene, truly working in harmony with the story.

In summary, whether seeking calm and comforting waters or a pirate’s life for thee, readers young and old will delight in this charming tale of what it really takes to show this world what for….the real you.  Don’t be afraid to let your true self shine through for it is in those most revealing moments that we are at our finest.

Review copy courtesy of Kendal at Owl Kids.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this title as well as their entire catalog, feel free to visit them online or follow along on Twitter.  To find out what the author/illustrator is up to now, check out her official website.  This book is on sale now and should be available through your favorite bookseller should the desire to read it seize you and never let go much like Jack and Rose on the Titanic…without the epic sadness, of course. 

Until next time….happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

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 books from different genres but with oh-so-much-goodness inside.  Ready for a taste?  Here goes...

 

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"Let me get that," he said, and I turned my back to him.  He pulled up the zipper, stopping short to kiss the back of my neck before zipping it all the way up.  :You know what?: he murmured in my ear, "I wanted to do that on the day of your first swim lesson...you look so cute standing there, all shy."

-- pg 55, Marina's Tales, Book 2:  The Moon and the Tide by Derrolyn Anderson (ebook)

 

Book 2 in this series and it's like a breath of fresh air...or rather salty ocean air.  We meet up with the characters a mere week after book 1 leaving you with the story ahead in lieu of trying to figure out all that transpired in our absence.  As you can see from the dialogue above, things are still going along swimmingly (pun intended) for Marina and Ethan, but I have my suspicions that things are about to take a turn for the dramatic here in a sec.  We shall see.  Until my read is complete, feel free to seek out my review of book 1 right here on the site or check out the author's official website for more information on this great YA series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was like Gwen had walked onto the set of 'The Bold and the Beautiful: Italian-Style'.  And, try as she might, it didn't look as though she'd get out of watching an extended episode, live and in person.  She hoped she could keep a nice, safe distance from the cast -- and that no one would try to drag her into playing a role, too.

-- pg 70, A Summer in Europe by Marilyn Brant (ARC)

 

I know I've asked this before, but have you ever found bits of yourself in the characters you read?  Okay, so that's a silly question for most of you but seriously, this one started out like a dash of cold water to the face...in a GOOD way.  A connection to the characters isn't necessarily essential for a great reading adventure, but it goes a long way in making it more enjoyable.  Can't wait to see what Aunt Bea's friends from the S&M Club (< - - it doesn't stand for what you think, trust me!) have in store for our leading lady Gwen.  This book is on a store shelf near you just waiting for your arrival, don't leave it lonely for the holidays.  For more information whilst I finish my read, feel free to check out the author's official website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.* 

 

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Until next time....happy reading!