The Roving Reader

Did someone say 'turkey'?  Oops...sadly no, must have turkey on the brain since it's almost Thanksgiving.  This one sure looks like it could come in handy though...and bookish subject too!

Turkish Delight & Treasure Hunts

Delightful Treats and Games from Classic Children's Books

by

Jane Brocket

Now tell me THAT won't be on a few bookish parents wish lists?

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

Oh now if this isn't a wonderful title with several of our childhood literary friends....how can you pass this one by without looking!  (I couldn't...obviously....)

Boy and Girls of Bookland

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! **

 

 

HP and Me

Hi there, insatiable readers!

Long time no see.

Okay, so long time so previously scheduled post for you to read.

Today was to feature a book I read recently that I completely adored.

Seeing as I didn't get in this morning until 3 AM though....yeah, the brain wasn't so forthcoming with the ability to type up that said review.  No worries...it will appear next week...but you must be curious what had me out oh so late..err, early...today, right?

Why it was none other than "the boy who lived" and his merry band of mates.  Okay, so that sounds more Robin Hood-ish than HP but you know what I mean.  Yes, my friends I had the pleasure of attending a HP marathon over the past two days...all leading up to the midnight release for the long awaited beginning of the end.  Did I have fun?  Yes....despite the fact that the marathon had little to no attendance (I totally blame the lack of advertising and confusion on the price/times) which lead to almost a private showing for the two days. Was the midnight release worth it?  YES....to me and many other fans across the country.  Even our little theater was packed full of HP fans.  There were some in costume complete with robes, some with sorting hats, some merely claiming their house colors and others still who came just as they were.  The movie itself was grand.  The acting was good, the action heart pounding, the tragedies heart aching and so much more.  The worrisome question of just where they were going to cut the book/film in two was answered perfectly and occurs just as Voldemorte...oh, um...yeah...you'll have to see, but rest assured it's a good stopping point.

If you have seen it already, I'd love to know what you thought!

If you haven't and are planning too....have fun!

In either case, have a great weekend everyone...and as always, happy reading!

The Roving Reader....HP Edition!

It's here!  It's here!

Happy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) RELEASE DAY everyone!

What?

It certainly warrants a bit of fanfare, after all...there's only one more left!

*glances at book series....contemplates a re-read soon*

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While in the bookstore the other day, I happened to be perusing the Entertainment section and stopped dead in my tracks.  OMG!  When I saw this in the store I KNEW it would be PERFECT for today....

Harry Potter Film Wizardry

from

the creative team behind the celebrated movie series

Seriously...this book has nifty facts, loads of great pictures, and pull outs including your very own Marauder's Map!

Check it out!

MISCHIEF MANAGED

-disappears-

** 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! **

Factual Fiction: Annexed by Sharon Dogar

Greetings and salutations!

Today marks the final countdown to the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 release and for those of you attending the midnight release parties across the states, you'll be in good company...as will I.  Yep...my HP T-shirt is all picked out with accessories and jacket (um, yeah...will be all HP too, but tasteful, not tacky...*ahem*)...just can't wait for it all to begin.

Alas, wait I must, for a few more hours anyway...in the mean time, how about a review?  I'll be toting along a copy of my current read (which one remains to be determined) though it's doubtful how much time I'll have with it, but today as every day I'd like to share with you my thoughts on a book I finished not so long ago.  This particular book was mentioned for the most part in passing on many a blog but not so much for its literary merit or lack there of, but for the subject upon which this fictional story is based; warranted concerns or not, will be left for you to determine.  You may wonder why in fact I chose this book instead of a more magically appropriate one in light of the HP celebration (and if you didn't wonder, just pretend...I won't know either way); that's simple.  Life is not always magical and if you remember back to Harry's pre-wizard days....the Dursley's were none too kind to him, in fact his life was fairly harsh...as is the existence eeked out in this story.  Today's book of choice is....

Annexed

by

Sharon Dogar

It's July 1942.  The world as many know it is coming to an end.  The rise of Hitler and the vileness of their supposed order is spreading like a plague forcing those that would be free to fight, flee....or hide.  Peter van Pels is one boy that wishes for freedom but alas can not escape the hand he has been dealt and so enters the Annex for what will become the best of the final years of his life.  With his last breaths, he endeavors to share their story as the memories come back to greet him like long forgotten friends.  Will you listen?  Will you take his words to heart?

If you can't tell from my description above, I feel a bit strong about oppressing others for such insidious reasons, though it's been done throughout history for one "reason" or another always leading to a battle with bloodshed on both sides.  Such carelessness for the lives we are given...truly makes me ill.  Why can't we all just get along....really, overused phrase, but a simple truth in the question.  Anywho, let me get back on track here...

One part of the book brought up in conversation prior to my read was the idea that perhaps a book like this was taking advantage of the infamous story of hardship and horror so many are familiar with thanks to the words recorded in one young girls diary.  My first thought....how so?  Perhaps taking liberties with the story line, changing personalities of those in the Annex, or simply riding on the coat tails of the unintentionally but undeniable fame of the original recounting.  The author, in my opinion, puts this idea to rest in the preface right from the start.  It is here she explains that as much as the events are known historically, she aimed to be true...however in areas related to personal  encounters, liberties weren't taken exactly, merely imagination used as any author need do in their work; envisioning herself as a third party within the tiny living space. 

Think back to your own diary or journal; were you always (or others for that matter) the same on paper as you were in person?  Doubtful.  Barriers are removed as well as prying eyes and judgment within the pages of our own thoughts.  There's no need to worry about what someone else is thinking...it's all about us, ourselves.  If we wish to play the hero or heroine, so be it.  If we'd rather paint a picture blue instead of yellow, we do it.  The same can be said about the people portrayed.  It's our interpretation and as much as we want to believe all the little details at face value, there's no true way to know precisely whether or not all the character flaws or enhancements were real or imagined....it's all a matter of perception.  This gray area is where novels like this take flight. 

The big events are there, but the story on a personal level is viewed through another's eyes and since there is no journal authored by this particular person...imagination is all that is left.  So what am I saying here after my lengthy ramble?  I'm merely suggesting that you allow yourself the opportunity to step inside Anne's world once again and embrace the chance to wonder and suppose what that hidden world was like from another players perspective...that of Peter van Pels.

As could be expected given Peter's age and the circumstances, many of his thoughts stray to love or rather a girl and whether or not his chance to be with one has passed once and for all, yet as these instances are many...his story holds much more.  Life and death are faced on a daily basis for although they are in hiding, each and every one of them knows how precarious their situation is.  If one person makes the wrong move, too loud of a noise, or goodness forbid someone imparts the information from their inner circle, all would be lost.  Does it happen?  Yes...and that's not spoiling the story for anyone if you have a notion of what happened historically.  Despite their being found, the many years they spent in the Annex were not all for naught.  They had their own version of growing up take place both outwardly and inwardly, all the time not truly having a moment to themselves to process it all.  (Can you imagine?)

Peter van Pels, while robust in some ways like his father, is rather hard on himself and the way he is perceived by others.  He doesn't quite give himself enough credit where credit is due, even in the smallest and most touching things.  For example, when he makes his family a menorah by hand carved from scraps of wood...then personalizes each candle holder with a small symbol to represent each member of their "family".  The work is in a field he would have enjoyed given the chance in the outside world, but it took much thought and care to include the others in the holiday memory.  Alas, some of this self-doubt may have resulted from Anne's presence, since according to him she was always playing a role and self-assured enough for the lot of them (it was the writer in her, I'm sure of it). 

Peter and Anne's blossoming romance is sweet and somewhat unexpected (despite the tight quarters) due to their personalities, and the way they simply enjoy each other's company, a connection with another living breathing soul is touching as is the way the moments are described.  In the end, Anne's strong will and passion writing out shine any desires she may hold for a future for young Peter, a sad choice but one necessary for them both to be truly happy.  The way Peter questions things that are going on in the Annex and the world around him bothers Anne's sensibilities, and although they are somewhat controversial...how many teens (heck, adults even) haven't wondered similar things?  Why DOES one need to label others as a Jew or a Christian...why can't they JUST BE?  It's not that the person is not proud of who they are, but it is not all they are...is it?  Something to think about....

The story of these years gone by speak to us from the pages of history as a reminder of the cruelty of man but also of the power of hope and the human spirit; for though their enemies were many, there were those that came to their aid and eventually managed to crush the power that was holding them captive.  Unfortunately, it was not in time to save all of these poor souls, but as Anne wished her words do remain; a champion win on her part even with her not being present to witness it...and so their lives and stories live on. 

In summary, a book steeped in our own history told from the last whispers of a fictional vantage point that tries to answer the question of what that world was like for the others hidden away within the Annex walls; a terrible trying time indeed but one that must be heard lest we repeat the failures of our past.  One final note...there is an epilogue containing what actually happened to each person during their final days as well as a listing of books for further reading on this subject should you desire to read more about these times on a fictional or non-fiction level.

Recommended reading for mid-teens to adults.  Review copy received courtesy of Anna Suknov at FSB Associates.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their current promotions, visit them online or follow along on Twitter (many options here....1...2...3).  The book publisher is listed as Houghton Mifflin and more information on their extensive catalog can be found at their website and, you guessed it, their Twitter feed. 

Until next time....happy reading!

More Fact Than Fiction...Honest!: Bookstore Lore by Bookstore Lore

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!



So, news...news...let's have some news.

Receiving top billing in this category would be the Chronicle Books Haul-idays Celebration, but in lieu of inundating you with details on the AWESOME-ness that this event is, I'll link to my post instead.  Second...I will not be online much for the remainder of the week.

Now, now...no need for hysterics!

I will be checking in from time to time and posts will continue as usual so there will be plenty of communication and bookish suggestions.  Does this change in online availability mean I'm bowing out?  Nope...it is rather a temporary situation.  Does it mean I don't luv ya anymore?  No, silly readers.  Let's just blame it all on "the boy who lived".

Tis the beginning of the end and though the contradiction within that phrase irks me a bit, there is no better way to greet this moment....except with pre-sale tickets (which I have...hehe) for what promises to be a wickedly fun marathon event.  So please...pardon the unusual quiet breaks over the next few days.  That being said, let's get this party started!

Today's post is featuring a rather unusual little book; something you might not expect to find, read, enjoy and repeat adding your own thoughts along the way.  It's a book from bookish people for bookish people and will certainly have you rethinking that question roaming around your mind the next time you walk into a bookstore.  The book of choice for today is...

Bookstore Lore:

The Stupidest Questions Ever Asked in a Bookstore

by

Bookstore Lore

Have you ever had a question pop into your mind that you simply had to find the answer to?  Good!  That means you're curious.  Researching that question to find the answer is the usual sequence of events but wait, this question didn't occur to you when you were at home near a computer to search until your little hearts content.  This moment of question-type inspiration occured in a store and not just any store but a bookstore.  Seems ideal right?  I mean, you are surrounded by shelves and shelves of information, it should be easy peasy to find what you need especially when a make a visit to the information desk.  Umm, yea...depends on what it is you are asking for....and believe me some of the ones included in this book are a doozy.  You see, this is a collection of questions (as the title implies) that fall outside the range of "I simply need assistance" and very close to the land of "what's a book" as taken from stress release journals from those on the front lines...the bookstore employee.  Are they funny?  Most are.  Are they true?  According to the description of the book...yes.  Am I kidding you?  Not in the least....

Let me just say that I am of two minds about this title.  First, I don't tend to believe that there are truly stupid questions for the most part...unless you don't actually ask them and sit pondering and pondering and pondering until the cows come home or the store is about to close, but then it's not so much the intelligence of the question as the person deciding whether or not ask it that I'd question.  Second, of the examples included...I've heard worse.  *pause for moment of shock and awe to be absorbed*

Really!  Anyone that's worked in retail at any point in their careers can tell you a story or two (or three or four or a gazillion).  The subject of said stories can range from the ludicrous to the laugh inducing to the "you-did-not-just-say-that" and everything in between.  This book is perfect for those of us in the bookish community because not only do we get to see what those ever helpful (for the most part) store employees get the chance to answer (and try not to chuckle at) but we get a chance to run our own thought provoking questions through the mill and see if they would still come out as valid on the other side.  Do you really need to ask what movies are playing at the local theater?  Probably...but not of the bookstore folks, since that is more Fandango's territory.  How about the infamous "I saw this book last week in the store and I liked it...can you help me find it"...which I admit seems perfectly harmless on the surface until you discover that not only do they not know what the title, author, genre of the book was, they don't remember what it was about or what it looked like.  (Yeah...good luck with that one.)

This book is not meant to scare readers away from asking questions for fear of ending up in a notebook somewhere....but rather to share a laugh with their fellow man (*ahem* and women) and perhaps shed a little light on why the frustration factor sometimes exists in the bookish world.  I mean really...if you were asked for the umpteenth time "Where are your Non-Fiction books?" by someone of the presumed age to know that they are everywhere but Fiction...you might get a tad snippy too.  That's not to say it's excusable by any means, but still...it's harder to be mad when you're sharing a laugh.

COMMENT CREATOR

Quid pro quo....what is the "stupidest" question that you've ever heard in a bookstore or, if you're brave enough to share, what question have you yourself asked in this category?  Do tell!  (Hey, I've worn the hat from time to time too...)

This book was downloaded for free from the Barnes & Noble eBook library...and I believe it is still there now should you choose to indulge your curiosity.  Just follow the link.  The ratings aren't very high but you know if you go into it knowing what to expect (or having shared an experience of two), I think it's a great little break in the day. 

Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays (53)

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 ...

It was the day after she'd seen Lucretia getting the better of a man half bigger than she was that she took a long, thoughtful look at Glarfin, and said, trying not to sound accusing, "You stand like a soldier."
"I was a soldier, lady," said Glarfin.
-- pg 118, Pegasus by Robin McKinley (ARC)

My immersion in this one fluctuates since it can be heavy on the fantasy world side of things at times, but right now...totally into it.  Sylvi and Ebon shouldn't be able to...but it sounds like her father can....oh, to have more reading time!

EASY AS PIE
Making a pie is not easy and this expression must apply to the eating of it.  It originates in the nineteenth-century, when sweet pie was a common dish and the word "pie" was associated with simple pleasures.
-- pg 61, Spilling the Beans on the Cat's Pajamas by Judy Parkinson

This is definitely a fun and funny little book capturing the meaning behind most of the phrases we use everyday.  Some of the meanings are obvious, but others...wow, certainly unexpected.

  

  

 

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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!

CSN Stores: Bookish Delights and More!

Hi guys!

With the holidays fast approaching, the number one thing on almost everyone's mind (besides what book to read next because I know if you're like me, it's ALWAYS rattling around in there amongst the chaos) is what on earth to get "so-and-so" for the holidays.  Johnny wants a hot new toy, Suzie wants her first pair of boots, and Uncle Frank just wants a suitcase that doesn't pop open every time he comes for a visit...in short, the wish lists are varied meaning more than likely you are going to have to shop at several vendors just to cover the basics.  Sounds daunting, right?  Well put that old Ebenezer face away, after all....we are in the "digital age" are we not?

Many of you may have seen around the blogosphere a great little (well, not so little) company called CSN Stores.  With more than 200 stores in their online collection, they specialize in carrying a HUGE array of items which allows you to check off your holiday shopping list in no time flat.

Johnny's toys?  Got 'em.

Suzie's boots?  Check!

Uncle Frank's suitcase solver?  You got it.

Bookcase for yours truly... (hehe)

Suffice it to say that they have quite the selection, in fact a much wider range of items than I even imagined and thanks to Sean with their promotion team, I will be reviewing an item from one of their online stores in the coming weeks.  How does this fall into bookish news and posts?  No worries....it will.  ^_^

Stay tuned....

....and until next time, happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag (54)

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...

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Review

Cake Boss:  Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia by Buddy Valastro

(courtesy of Caitlin at Free Press / Simon & Schuster)

What can I say?  The moment I saw this one, it spoke right to my Italian heritage.  I mean, you've got a combination history of the bakery, sweets to satisfy your sugar craving, and a look into the la cucina of one loud, boisterous Italian family (hmm, some of this may be a bit familiar...).  Look for the review this December as well as your chance to win a copy...in the mean time, be sure to check out the main site to enter for a chance to see Buddy while he's out on tour!

The Emerald Atlas (Books of Beginning) by John Stephens

(ARC courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers / Random House)

Already read the first chapter when it arrived and I must say....I think this one is going to be rather good!  Scheduled release date for this title is April 5th, 2011.

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

Received

Okay so perhaps "received" is not the right word....more like arrived, sort of.  This was all that remained of a lovely letter and packet of bookmarks (for future giveaways) from the folks over at TLT Publishing.  *SIGH*  Thanks for trying guys....unfortunately the goat at my local USPS office was extremely hungry and bookmarks were his craving of choice.  *grr*

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That's all for this week!

What did YOU get?

Do tell!

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

The use of bright primary colors combined with the oh-so-long-you-can't-quite-stop-reading-it title....both eye catchers on this one for me...

Alvin Ho:

Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-Made Catastrophes

by

Lenore Look

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

Love the way the cover art plays tricks on the eyes.  First glance...didn't see the swans, just a design!  Second glance...swans!  The combination with the font choice gives it a creepy sorts edge too in my opinion....

Three Black Swans

 by

Caroline B. Cooney

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! **

 

 

Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books!

Happy Friday fellow readers!

It's time to say goodbye to another week and start putting into action your long awaited weekend plans...hopefully you've something good to look forward too (if not, this post will DEFINITELY help in that area...keep reading...).

As I was returning from a dentist appointment yesterday (just the routine teeth cleaning that we all LOVE so much...right?), I was listening to the radio.  Now that's a rather common occurrence as I generally have some form of music on while in the car and could probably me caught singing along to it was well at any given time, but hey, it's my car, I'll sing (off or on key) if I want to.  *ahem*  Anywho...I was going through my preset stations trying to find something of interest when I stumbled across something unusual, strange, mind boggling, and.....EARLY.  The discovery?  One of our local stations has apparently changed over to their annual non-stop, 24 hour, 7 days a week schedule of....CHRISTMAS MUSIC. 

Yep...you read that correctly.

Christmas.

As alarming as this might seem since it's not even Thanksgiving yet, if you really think about it...it's not all that far away.  The official countdown begins earlier and earlier each year and while I'm all for celebrating each holiday as it comes, you can't help getting into the spirit of the season once November hits so I say...BRING IT ON!  I'm ready and (fairly) willing to deck the halls, trim a tree (okay maybe not that quite yet, but in about two weeks, I'm all over that), and make a list to share and check twice.

No, I'm not Santa Claus and yes, he's usually the one making the list (and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naug...oh, sorry...), but today I get to make one and you're going to want to pay close attention to what's on there.  Why?  Well for the bookish suggestions of course, after all one person's interest can spark your own imagination...oh, and did I mention there's a chance to win involved?

Yes indeed!

Thanks to the great folks over at Chronicle Books, you have a unique opportunity to win your very own bookish haul.  You see, book bloggers (in this case, moi) have been given the opportunity to create a post highlighting the event (as in the one you're reading) as well as their wish list of Chronicle titles valued at a whopping $500 (I'll give you a moment to close any dropped jaws...no worries, I had the same reaction.), all for a chance to win that same said list.  (SQUEEEEE!)

As if that news could possibly get any better (trust me, it can and is about to), for those that either do not have a blog or the chance to make a post, you still have a chance to win!  The main event website will have a listing of all the blogs participating...your job?  Visit the sites, check out the post, the wish list, and leave a comment.  If the blog you entered on happens to be chosen as the winner, YOU win a set of the books on the wish list too!  Would you like to see what's on MY WISH LIST?  I thought you might.

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My Chronicle Books Haul-iday Wish List

- Large Ruled Moleskine Red Notebook  ($17.95)

Let's blame this on my need for note paper...and a certain YA book I read recently.

- Books Are My Bag Tote Bag  ($1.99)

Really...what reader wouldn't want this?

- Dracula's Heir: An Interactive Mystery Quirk Books By Sam Stall  ($24.95)

Call me crazy but I still love the interactive nature of books like this!  It's a dose of childhood mixed with a continuation of a classic work...sounds good.

- The Crimes of Dr. Watson:  An Interactive Sherlock Holmes Mystery Quirk Books By John H. Watson, M.D., Edited and with an Introduction by Duane Swiercyznski  ($24.95)

Once again, it's interactive and with Sherlock Holmes, how can you go wrong!

- The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis  ($17.95)

Book one in what sounds like a fun (and spooky) children's series...

- Olive, the Other Reindeer (Deluxe Edition) By J.otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh  ($19.99)

Had to choose at least one Christmas time title...and this one looks oh so cute.

- Emily The Strange  ($12.95)

I bought a tote bag a while back with this quirky character...definitely need to check out the book.

- So Cute You Could Die! puppies, kitties, bunnies galore! Quirk Books By Jennie Summers  ($9.95)

Well if the name didn't say it all, the priceless pup picture on the front sure did.  All together now....awwwww!

- Never Bite When a Growl Will Do by Michael Nastasi  ($14.95)

Cute pups and fun quotes...yep, sounds like fun!

- Michael Chiarello's Bottega by Michael Chiarello  ($40.00)

This one has "gift" written all over it for a certain person I know...which shall remain nameless right now, just in case I happen to win a copy (shhhh...it's a secret)...

- Tote Bag 2010  ($2.99)

Okay, can you really ever have too many bookish bags?  I think not.  ^_^

- Cath Kidston Recipe Organizer by Cath Kidston  ($19.95)

Hmm...this one would pair rather nicely with that aforementioned cookbook... *devises wrapping options*

- Ticket Stub Diary By Eric Epstein  ($14.95)

I didn't even know they made these!  Perfect for my packrat-ish ways with keeping tickets from events I've been to...

- Olive, the Other Reindeer doll  ($7.95)

This would be a perfect match with the book listed earlier...and he's so cute!

- Extreme Encounters How It Feels to Be Drowned in Quicksand, Shredded by Piranhas, Swept Up in a Tornado, and Dozens of Other Unpleasant Experiences--Quirk Books By Greg Emmanuel  ($15.95)

An odd choice you say?  Maybe...but I know a few that would find this one rather interesting...

- Disney 2012 Daily Calendar: A Year of Animation  ($14.99)

Beauty, fun, AND function combined...plus I totally need one for my desk!

- The Small Object Sticky Notes By Sarah Neuburger  ($9.95)

Speaking of fun and function...these have to be some of the most fun sticky notes I've seen!  Perfect for jotting down notes while reading....

- How to Survive a Horror Movie All the Skills to Dodge the Kills Quirk Books By Seth Grahame-Smith  ($14.95)

Perhaps the wrong season is invoked with this one, but come on...it sounds like fun, right? 

- The Ivy and Bean Secret Treasure Box: Includes Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, and a Cool Secret Surprise! By Annie Barrows, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall  ($19.95)

Now this nifty little set has books 1 - 3 of the popular series...sounds like a great gift plus a way to check out what all the buzz is about!

- Ivy and Bean Boxed Set 2 Books 4, 5, and 6 Boxed set By Annie Barrows, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall  ($19.99)

Ooh, look!  The story continues....

- Stereobook: Dinosaurs By Dennis Schatz  ($24.99)

What can I say?  I'm a kid at heart and when I was younger, I had a thing for dinosaurs after going to the Museum of Natural History.  Still have the dino tote bag we bought too... hehe....

- Holiday Collection  ($37.99)

Containing such whimsical titles as The Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas, A Nutty Nutcracker, and Christmas with Rita and Whatsit how can I resist!

- Sleeping Beauty Illustrated by K.Y. Craft  ($15.99)

The classic story with beautiful artistic renderings...right up my alley.

- Thirteen O'Clock by James Stimson  ($15.95)

The cover alone intrigues....

- Broadway Barks (Blue Apple Books) By Bernadette Peters, Illustrated by Liz Murphy  ($17.95)

Oh, this looks like a great little story...and I love the dog pictured on the cover...so cute.

- Paul Frank Sticky Notes By Paul Frank Industries  ($9.95)

Paul Frank AND sticky notes...nuff said.

- Speak Italian The Fine Art of the Gesture By Bruno Munari  ($14.95)

With my family's Italian background, this should prove to be quite funny.

- Lincoln in 3-D Amazing and Rare Stereoscopic Photographs of His Life and Times By Bob Zeller and John J. Richter, Prologue by Harold Holzer  ($35.00)

This was one historical figure that I did a MASSIVE report on when I was in school (seriously, the teacher even took it home over the summer to re-read it...and yes, it was that long too) so naturally, this had to make the list.

 

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So...in a nutshell...

• Read this post, review my wish list, and leave a comment to enter
• Visit the main site to check out all the other fabulous blogs participating and repeat the step above

It's easy.

It's fun.

It's Chronicle Books Haul-idays celebration and it's in full swing!

Winners will be announced on December 13th according to the official rules so what are you waiting for?  Ho HO ho!  I mean...GO go Go!

Until next time....happy reading!