A COMPLETELY Disappointing Read...only not

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be when you've an opening in your day and filling it with a not so good read sounds like a plan.  You're probably not wondering why I seem to be so positive in this post.  I mean I am completely pushing rainbows and summer days your way with each word I type...right?  Trust me, it's all in good fun and the spirit of the book we're looking at today.

Today's selection is a storybook from the great folks over at Peachtree Publishers (~Hi, Emily! ~) that helps show readers the difference between right and wrong, left and right, make believe and reality....all with a fun twist.  Strap for a bumpy ride (no really because most of the review will be written in easily discerned opposites to avoid a particular critter from appearing ...), today's book of choice is...

THE OPPOSITE
by
Tom MacRae
Illustrated by
Elena Odriozola

Ever have one of those days where everything just feels...off?  You're determined to have a great morning, but your alarm clock never goes off.  You make it to work or school only to find you left your presentation papers at home.  You head home and take the first right instead of the second.  I can see you don't know where I'm coming from so I will continue....

Basically the opposite happens...but have you ever seen an Opposite? Nate hasn't and it's a pretty picture indeed.  Every bump in his usually non-smooth day is not because of an Opposite. There is NO force working against him, just waiting to make a mess of his schoolwork.  There is NO invisible hand waiting to spill his breakfast, nor is there anything making him want to stay in bed.  Nope...things are quiet and peaceful for Nate.  No cares in the world has he; no lesson to pass on about the best way to tangle with an Opposite either because as we said....there is no Opposite standing just behind your left shoulder. 

____________________

Okay, that was actually much harder than it looks!  To summarize in actual accurate verbiage, Nate's adventure is quirky, curious and creative leading readers into a topsy turvey world of opposites and fun.  You'll gasp at the mischief the Opposite creates. You'll smile as Nate ponders how to set things right....and laugh as the Opposite is finally outwitted!  A pure romp through an imagination turned wild...and a story that will have you puzzling your puzzled expression long after the final page, in a purely good way of course!  Add to this mix the illustrations and you've got a great read for the whole family.

Review copy courtesy of Emily at Peachtree Publishers. (THANKS!) For more information on this curiously fun title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site (http://www.peachtree-online.com), check out their blog, or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/PeachtreePub).

Until next time...unhappy, I mean HAPPY READING!

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Hi there readers!
Long time no post.  Okay so it was really just the weekend but whew! It sure does feel like longer than that.  Anywho, today's post coming at you via smartphone app so pardon the formatting. Just couldn't bear to leave you one more day without something fresh, something new...something to add to your wish lists if you haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet.  Ready?  Here we go.

This review has been a long time coming and for that I apologize. Why? Oh for many reasons and I shall list them quickly.  First to the publisher who was kind enough to send the non solicited ARC...this is one group that never fails to send something epically interesting my way, sending me on adventure after adventure...this book being one of them.  To the author, for not having the chance to share my thoughts on their wonderful story when it first released....a folly I intend to correct now.  Lastly but perhaps most importantly,to you...my readers; I've withheld a book from you that should have been on your wish lists long ago...for shame.  Forgive me? {insert puppy dog face} I sure hope so...but if not, I've a good feeling you will shortly because I'm about to blow the lid off this somewhat hidden gem.  Ready for the big reveal? Here goes.  Today's book of choice is...

Kat, Incorrigible
by
Stephanie Burgis

Olivia Amberson, a lady with much talent and grace, passed away many years ago leaving behind a husband, a son, three lovely daughters ...and a legacy yet to be fully uncovered.  But as most secrets go....you can't ever keep them fully quiet for long.  As the girls were growing into self sufficient young ladies, the secret continued to bubble just below the surface waiting for just the right moment to present itself...which comes in the form of Elissa's impending wedding to Sir Neville.  An older and odious choice for this proper lady, the match is set to secure the families finances (expunging the debt racked up by their dear brother) and continue the care of their family...supposedly.  Yeah, let's just say that the girls aren't the only ones in this story with a secret.  All will be well though if Kat, the youngest of the girls, has anything to say about it....and believe me she WILL have her say.  With a little luck, a pinch of magic, and a large amount of wits....it just might...it maybe could...okay.  There's a slim chance things could turn out for the better...and a slim chance is sometimes all that fate needs.

Enough with the rambling, let me break this one down for you.  Kat (Katherine Ann Stephenson) is as incorrigible as the title implies.  Her relationship with her sisters is at best loving, at worst explosive but more often than not hilarious...in a good way. It's great to see siblings who aren't out to get each other for a change...at least not intentionally.   Elissa the eldest, acts as a mother figure of sorts to her fellow sisters and is about to take one for the team as any good "mother" would. The middle sister, Angeline, creates some antics of her own trying to solve their problems but comes to realize eventually that family and truth are what matters most....truth in word and in love. (That'll explain itself in the book...)  In short, the sisters are a handful and the addition of a magical heritage does not go far in dampering their precociousness....much of which adds fuel to the already brightly burning fire of a story.

The plot itself may seem somewhat familiar with stories of old (young girl forces to marry for money and society in lieu of love) but trust me when I say that the fun is in the details and the way this story twists itself about, one can't help but be entertained. The author has a way of leading you directly to the next point of interest so you can easily glimpse the connections being created but stops just short of literally spelling it out.  She allows you to finish connecting the dots so you stay right on track and never lose pace.  All in all, a great read for all ages.  I'd love to see what would happen should the author choose to continue the story....after all there are so many more adventures to have, I'm sure this group of lively characters could enthrall us once again with their life and times....not t mention if you know who gets out of you know where... (oh wait...you don't know...well, consider another mystery to be solved upon reading)

ARC for review courtesy of Lucielle at Simon and Schuster.  (Thanks! )  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, visit them online at HTTP://kids.simonandschuster.com or follow along on Twitter! This book was released earlier this year so be on the lookout for it on a store shelf near you.

Until next time....happy reading!

Elliot and the Pixie Plot by Jennifer Nielsen

Hi there readers!

As promised, a new review for a title you don't want to miss...at least in MY opinion, but I think you'll agree.  It comes to us from the Children's Fiction genre with a fantastical adventure just waiting to be read.  Ready for the big reveal?  Get your wish list ready because here it comes.  Today's book of choice is....

Elliot and the Pixie Plot
(Book 2 of the Goblin Wars)
by
Jennifer Nielsen
illustrated by Gideon Kendall

Have I mentioned how much I seriously love this growing series?  If I haven't, permit me a moment to gush.  Book 1 was fabulous, a reading gem to enjoy in beauty and form (okay so it was Underworld beauty which isn't exactly beauty queen but you get the picture...and to get a clearer picture, search out my review right here on the site), and a wonderful addition to the children's literature arena.  With its creative storyline, wonderful narrative style (complete with banter between them and you, the reader) and illustrations to add just enough of a visual, the overall picture was one to behold.

When I heard book 2 was coming out, I pounced...well, not literally, but as soon as I saw it arrive in store, I had to read it.  What I expected was an enjoyable jaunt with Elliot and friends in somewhat the same tone as the first time around;  what I got was a vibrant story with a magical adventure just bursting at the seams with creativity.  Yes my friends....it was as good as gold or even better.

This time around Elliot Penster, real world boy and yet king of the Brownies in the Underworld (how that happened is explained in book 1...which may also be available as a free download still on Amazon...), has many problems on his hands.  From the mundane (like avoiding Tubs, the sorta former bully) to the migraine inducing (like avoiding his science partner Cami whom one would rather not be seen with), the real world is hard enough...let alone the life of a king.  But a king he is and so he inherits the problems of his people and right now that problem is Grissel. 

Grissel is the Goblin king currently imprisoned in the brownie jail...who will do anything to get out.  ANYTHING.  Like what you ask?  Oh I don't know....how about having the fairies abduct your friends, the pixies abduct another close acquaintance, and then both of them make an unreasonable request in order for them to be returned unharmed.  Yeah, he's desperate alright...but you would be too if you were fed chocolate cake all day with nothing the drink (well, you would be after a while at least).  The release of this creature sounds easy, but in fact the last time he was out, many Brownies went from friendly little Underworldlings to appetizers, entrees, and desserts. 

Suffice it to say, his chances of getting out by word of the king are slight...but it IS the Underworld and there are OTHER ways of getting him to agree.  Can we say Kovol?  (Who's that?  Oye..you NEED to read book 1!)  Yeah, a demon that's feared across the land...and Elliot's being sent to do what to him? ~rereads plot~ Oh boy. O_O. Guess it's a good thing he's asleep... ~gulp~

As the book warns you from the beginning, the middle and the end, prepare yourself to face your fears and if you're lucky, you just might avoid an extended stay at St. Phobics Hospital for Really Scared Children.  (Yeah, I ended up cancelling my stay...so they TOTALLY have rooms available...)  Don't get me wrong, it's state of the art, but I think I'll stick with the 3 hour tour....the 3 hour tour (sorry, couldn't resist). 

Recommended reading for older children (8ish and up) through adults.  It's a wonderful tale of adventure and magical creatures (and banter...I love the banter with the narrator), you won't soon forget.  This book celebrated its bookish birthday last week, so be on the lookout for it on a store shelf near you.  To find out more about the author, check out her website or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/nielsenwriter)...I know I do.  To discover more about the publisher, check out the Sourcebooks Jabberwocky site (http://www.jabberwockykids.com).

Until next time....happy reading!

Red, Green, and Justifiable Eatings

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to another day and another review here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Last night was a reading success story as I finished a fun title that I've been working on in dribs and drabs....alas, it's not the feature of today's review as I need to gather my thoughts about it first, but I've got a great one for you nonetheless.  It's an unexpected little read that I stumbled upon while breezing through the NetGalley site (www.netgalley.com) and well, once I read the title....I couldn't pass it up.  Ready for the big reveal?  Here we go.  Today's featured title is....

Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!
by
Trisha Speed Shaskan

For instant access to the cover, take a quick second to scroll to the bottom of this post...since I typed and published it via Blogger app on my phone, I don't get the benefit of choosing its placement.  Anywho, back to the review.

Now this is a side of Little Red (and her Grandmother) that you've never seen before....though you may have wondered about it at some time.  Taking its cue (in my opinion since it reminded me of it so much) from 'The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!' by Jon Scieszka.....wait wait wait.  Hold the phone.  You do know about that classic with a twist children's storybook...right?  It's the one by the Wolf himself that brings a whole new light to the events we had only previously seen through 3 little piggy sets of eyes...and as we all know, there are two sides to every story and boy oh boy can they differ.  Now back to THIS story....

We have another wolf penning his tale in an effort to shed a light of truth on the events Miss Red and gang exposed the first time around.  This time, the wolf is painted as the victim of circumstance and the ladies Hood...well, as narcissistic, mono-tone wearing gals who need to SERIOUSLY step AWAY from the mirror.  In other words, what happened next was justified and the wolf was merely in the wrong place at the right time.

Hmm,  I wonder...but then again if they really were that superficial what with that gorgeous red cape and all, how long would it take one of us to huff and puff and blow some sense into them?  Okay, so now I'm mixing fairy tales ala 'Hookwinked' (which by the way was a surprisingly good movie....if you haven't seen it or its sequel, definitely recommend checking them out), but you get my point.

To summarize, a cautionary title of being self-absorbed and traveling alone in the woods with baked goods that's good for the whole family.  The humor may hit home with older readers more, but the story itself along with the gorgeous illustrations (really, they're pretty brilliant) will capture the attention of one and all.  Take a chance and see the classic story through new eyes....and see just whose side you believe.

Ebook read via Aldibo app on my smartphone thanks to NetGalley.  (Thanks!)  To check out this title as well as their full catalog, visit them online at www.netgalley.com or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NetGalley).  This title was released from Capstone and is out there and ready for your reading pleasure.

Until next time....happy reading!

Bake Sales and Blackmail

Hi there readers!

As promised, I'm back with another post to hopefully brighten your reading day and quite possibly add to you wish list.  It's a book with an off kilter title and a story that while some may view as a bit out there....I personally found the possibilty of it all too real, but in a "OMG-that-could-totally-happen" sorta way.  Now it's not for the kiddos as it has a few blushworthy scenes but trust me...it's good.  Ready to find out what's behind that blog post title?  Here we go!  Today's book of choice is....

Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom
by
Elsie Love

Elaine Elizabeth Jackerson, aka Lanie from here on out, is doing what a lot of parents will be doing in a few weeks...getting her kids out the door to the first day of school.  Her surly daughter Lexie is like most teens, ready to be on her own and couldn't care less about what dear old Mom says.  Her son affectionately known as Poodle still loves her attention but wants his space as well prompting him to have her delay her arrival to the first day of school parent PTA meeting until he clears the area.  Such is the life of a Mom. 

To tell you the truth though, Lanie doesn't really want to go either.  She's really only going to get her husband off her back because lately her ambition and go-get-em have been below par....okay, sub zero.  She just hasn't been herself and while she's sought solace in her nightly liquid escapes, her home life has been taking a hit (or two or three) that she never anticipated.  Perhaps the company of her fellow Glen Ellyn mom's was just what the doctor ordered...then again, I don't think the doctor that ordered that ran with this crowd. 

There's more than meets the eye when it comes to this particular PTA group...and I'm not talking about their incredible bake sale skills either.  They're one unstoppable bunch in more ways than one, which our friend Lanie is about to discover one heavy breathing phone call later.  Like I said...this is not your ordinary PTA, this is the PTA Mafia and they're about to make Lanie an offer she can't refuse.

Alright, so here we have a title that at first glance makes me think...okay, this could be interesting...but the story was more than that, it was fun and exciting too.  The probability of it all actually occurring, slim to none....or is it?  I mean didn't you ever wonder how your school PTA was able to consistantly pull off event after flawless event without ever having a curl out of place?  Oh admit it....you have and that's okay!  It's all a part of the fun in this adventure.  Now, continuing with the story...

It's more than just bake sales and meetings.  There's a story of family and values, love both lost and gained, lust (of a particular Hawaiian hottie you won't mind dreaming of) and passion for both people and creativity. Lanie is dealing with life as it comes at her.  She accepts those things that have happened due to her own negligence and takes action to stop those things that are not....eventually.  Admittedly there is a learning curve but hey, life doesn't come with an instruction manual (at least mine didn't...if yours did, please share!).  I loved her characters growth by stories end even more so than the makeover because it was more permanent, a change on the inside for the better.  Now since we're talking characters....

There is a full cast of characters that are memorable for one reason or another and while I could list them all, I shan't.  Allow me to point out a few a the "top dogs" though...starting with Suni Calverson.  A force to be reckoned with with or without the deadly duo of Yvette and Babette by her side, one nod from Suni and well, let's just say the forecast for your day is no longer matching her name.  Then we have the duo listed there and while they're names may rhyme, that's about as cutesy as they get.  On a suni-er note (pun intended), we have Benjamin Oliana...Lanie's suppose to be fling whose heartthrob status is noticeable even in black and white font...but whose motives are somewhat harder to discern.  *le sigh* I suppose no one can be perfect.  Suffice it to say, there's a large cast but not so large as to get lost in the shuffle.

All in all, a well written story with changes in direction that  you won't always see coming and will definitely leave a smile on your face....for one reason or another.  Take a chance with Lanie as she embarks on a forced mission of self discovery only to uncover to powerful woman that was there the whole time.  Recommended read for adult readers as it deals with a few blushworthy scenes and topics...nothing x-rated but still, adult intended. 

Ebook for review courtesy of author Elsie Love.  (Thanks!)  For more information on the author as well as her full body of work, feel free to visit her website for all the delightful details.

Until next time....happy reading!