Santa's Eleven Months Off by Mike Reiss

Happy day after Christmas fellow readers!

Hope that Santa Claus brought you everything on your list and if not...give the old guy a break, he means well....plus there's always next year.  With the main holiday hub-bub done and over with, it's time to take down the tree, the lights, the decorations of all shapes and sizes and...gear up for New Year's.  Oye vay.  Yes, there's always something on the horizon, but wait a second.  We have all these things to take care of but what about jolly old Saint Nick?  What does he do after the cookies are eaten, the deliveries are made and the reindeer and elves are all snug in their beds?  Surely he doesn't just wait around for 364 days to pass until his next "work day", does he?  Ha ha HA!  Think again!

Today's book of choice is....

Santa's Eleven Months Off

by

Mike Reiss

illustrated by

Michael G. Montgomery

Santa Claus is a busy guy indeed; 

He prepares the whole month long to make deliveries Christmas Eve.

December is taken by work it's no lie,

So just what's in store January through November for the big guy?

Weight loss plans and sunny days,

New clothes, trimmed beards, and time to laze.

Shopping trips and impromptu singing,

A sumo match he's a small chance of winning.

Reindeer games and secret ops

Surfing, swimming, the fun never stops.

September comes, it's time for school,

For you, for me, and Santa...he's no fool.

November brings his busy time nearer,

As the holiday season's glow comes through clearer.

So the next time you think the big guy has it made,

Perhaps you should consider how fast time does fade.

For although he gets some major time off,

The work he does in one night is nothing at which to scoff.

If you have reached this part of my review, I promise...no more rhyming, or attempting to rhyme.  This is a great picture book for children of all ages.  Anyone that has ever had the passing thought of just what Kris Kringle does after the holiday season is over is in for a surprise with every turn of the page.  See him in January conquering a few resolutions that many of us make every year.  Meet him in March as he makes a shopping trip incognito...well, sort of.  Check him out in August as the sun shines high in the sky over shimmering waters and sandy beaches.  What?  You didn't think Santa went to the beach?  Well, he may not be the next surfing star in training, but he does love some time in the sun. 

It's an creative look at what goes on those other months of the year with fantastic visuals to stimulate the imagination in any reader...not to mention a great reminder of how much work really goes into his one BIG night.  (Whew!)  Review copy courtesy of Erin at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title and their full catalog of wonder, be sure to visit them online, check out their blog, or follow along on Twitter (1 or 2).  

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading!

Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop

Merry Christmas!

I hope that Santa Claus brought you everything your hearts desired and if you aren't celebrating this particular holiday that your day was merry and bright nonetheless.

Today's introduction will be kept short as I'm certain you want to get back to the festivities of the day, but I couldn't think of a better time to introduce the title that I am about to...after all it takes place at Christmas in a bookshop and what book lover can resist THAT?  Today's book of choice is....

Christmas at The Mysterious Bookshop

edited by

Otto Penzler

Aside from the gorgeous cover art and the attention grabbing title that speaks to any book lover's heart (really, isn't it marvelous?), this is a holiday collection of mysteries centered in and around The Mysterious Bookshop and more often than not, starring, in some fashion, the owner, Mr. Otto Penzler. You learn a bit about the shop (yes, it IS in fact a real bookstore) and the owner in each story, though you are cautioned that these "truths" are really fictitious in nature (hmm...I wonder...). The authors featured within this collection range from the famous to the infamous, so whether you are a mystery reader or not, you are bound to recognize at least a few right off the bat.  A truly fun bit of information about this collection though is how they came together for they were not simply written for this book's publication, but rather in response to a yearly request for the past 17 odd years from Mr. Penzler himself and released in singular fashion to his beloved customers; sort of like an extra Christmas present for them.  Now the world can share in the murderously fun merry stories even if we can't grace the store's doorway with our shadow (which would be very cool to do, but alas the distance for this reader is great).


On the story side of things, they remained a bit hit and miss for me, but that can be the case with any selection of books or writers; some just aren't your cup of tea. I think where it failed to hit its mark at times is that the tales were started and over with in the blink of an eye to keep with the "short story" format, however a few of the them needed more time to come into their own. Mysteries are the classic who-dun-its of the literary world and can be an acquired taste. Without the time needed to sort ones thoughts on the events transpiring, the narrator quickly leaves the reader behind while continuing to spin his/her own tale. 

That being said though, there were a few that stood out from the rest in one way or another.  An unexpected delight was found in I Saw Mommy Killing Santa Claus by Ed McBain.  You can probably tell from the title what the story is essentially about but it's not as morbid as you might think in fact they make a real case for the REAL Santa.  The 74th Tale by Jonathan Santlofer is a modern day flashback to those tales of curiously dark tales from none other than Edgar Allan Poe...certainly shiver inducing.  Then we have The Long Winter's Nap by Rupert Holmes, one tale in particular that I really loved the details incorporated; it made the story that much more vivid.  Last but not least (unless you'd rather me go on all day...hehe), we have My Object All Sublime by Anne Perry.  The gentleman in the starring role has a bit of a nefarious plan up his sleeve but the way he describes the bookish gift he intends to give...well, why don't you just read it yourself....

"I want a book he will treasure, for itself, not just what's written in it.  Something he can hold, touch, turn the pages and think of its history.  I want it to have meaning.  It must be a mark of my feelings for him, my respect, my regard." -- pg 120

~tear~ ...couldn't have said it any better if I tried.  A true book lover through and through....even if he has somewhat darker intentions moving forward in the story. 

In short, as with most anthologies or collections, there are those that I favored and those that I could have left behind. Do I regret the read? Certainly not especially with the select handful of gems I uncovered...but it is one to approach with the understanding that it's okay if you don't love each and every one. It makes the ones you do like that much more special.

Recommended read for older teens through adult readers looking for a non-traditional book to add to their holiday reading lists.  You'll laugh, you'll tear, you'll gasp as the plot is revealed down to the bare bones and if you are lucky enough to have figured out who was behind it all along the way, perhaps you'll even cheer. 

Review copy received courtesy of Jennifer at Over the River Public Relations.  (THANKS!)  For more information on them, feel free to visit their website.  The book was published by Vanguard Press and released in October of this year, so should it make your after Christmas wish list, check out your favorite retail outline...it should be ready and waiting.

Until next time....happy holidays....and happy reading!

My wish for you...

May your days be filled to the brim with love and good cheer.

May the feelings of love and happiness shared stay with you throughout the coming year.

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!

The Night Before Christmas in Africa by Jesse, Hannah, and Carroll Foster

Hi guys!

Welcome back for post three of the day here on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and a very iba nokisimusi omule!  What's that?  Oh, you don't speak any of the many African dialects, huh?  No worries!  I simply wished a "happy Christmas to you".  I bet you're wondering why on earth I'm speaking in foreign tongues now, am I right?  Ah young grasshopper, all will be revealed in time...in fact within the next few paragraphs to be precise.

You see, I received a great little title in the mail yesterday that simply begged to be read and shared with all of you in a most expeditious fashion.  Why?  My my my, aren't we full of questions today!  No really, it's the story within the book that fit the day to a "t" so I thought...why not?  One short read later and the review was just asking to be typed, hence what you are reading now.  Today's second book of choice is....

The Night Before Christmas in Africa

by

Jesse, Hannah, and Carroll Foster

illustrated by

Jean Christodoulou

Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even a mouse...

Infamous lines from a classic holiday tale heard the world over, but what of the night before Christmas in other countries and cultures?  I mean even if they do not celebrate the holiday in the same fashion as you or I, it still arrives to open arms much like Christmas in Who-ville.  The how and the why are undetermined but the when is always the same.  In this charming rendition, "Santa's" arrival though welcomed was not the most pertinent thing on this young family's mind.  They are in the midst of a dry season and while still preparing for the holidays, their greatest desire is not for presents under a tree but merely for life sustaining rain.  Can the holiday visitor with his kudu drawn cart deliver such an unfathomable Christmas wish?  Lalani kahle (sleep well) my dears, all will be seen by mornings light...

The surprising blend of cultures within the book is a welcome sight to this reader; after all, Christmas is a season shared by many and cherished in some way by all.  Whether your holiday traditions call for Santa Claus and elves, nativity scenes and guiding stars, or the lighting of candles on different nights, there is some aspect to the spirit of the season embodied by Father Christmas that is shared universally.  The lifting of worries and ending of tears.  The giving of love with an open heart to those in need.  The feelings of hope that spread through the crowd from a strangers glancing smile.  It's the time of year people come together and put their differences aside even just for a moment to share in the glad tidings....wouldn't it really be wonderful if that could happen every day of the year.

Following much the same formatting and rhyme as the original tale, this story is quite the charmer, but it is the illustrations that really bring things together.  The rich earthy tones and wide brush strokes commonly seen in native African artwork really bring the story to life and let you see things through another cultures eyes.  It truly is a work of art all around and one that I'm glad to have had the chance to experience first hand.  You might even learn a thing or two along the way considering the handful of African words and sayings strewn throughout the book...and who couldn't benefit from another way to wish your fellow man a happy Christmas day?

Review copy won via Twitter contest from Caitlin at Pelican Publishing Company.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, visit them online or follow along on Twitter. 

Until next time....happy holiday....and happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Now tell me that this book wasn't found in the "nick" of time?

The perfect last minute addition to your Christmas Eve festivities as you get ready for the big guy's arrival!

Cookies for Santa

by

Benjamin Darling

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! **

 

Santa's Last Present by Marie-Aude Murail and Elvire Murail

Why hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers on this happy Christmas Eve.

What's that?  You celebrate another holiday?  No worries!  Wishes for a happy day to one and all no matter what your holiday celebration may be....although today's first post does require a little belief in the big man in red, so before you proceed I must ask you....do YOU believe?

Today's first book of choice is....

Santa's Last Present

by

Marie-Aude Murail and Elvire Murail
illustrated by
Ruentin Blake

The stockings are hanging by the chimney with care.  The tree is decorated oh so beautifully with lights and bows.  The fruitcake is being....avoided.  Well what do you know...it's Christmas time!  One more thing to do before the season gets too far along and that's write that all important letter to Santa Claus; I mean he's magical but even he needs time to prepare, right?  Julian isn't so sure. 

You see Julian has reached that special age when the wide eyed wonder of innocence is replaced by skepticism.  Too many questions without answers; impossible feats accomplished with no proof as to how they were done.  In short... ~whispers~ he doesn't really think there is a Santa Claus any more but is willing to pretend that he does in order to get the big present he has requested.  Christmas morning comes and what a surprise, he gets what he asked for...okay no surprise to him as he also told his parents what he wanted, but hang on a minute.  There's another package under the tree and this one everyone is surprised to see.  Just who left this extra gift is as much a mystery as why it is what it is, making Julian second guess his new found belief or rather lack of belief, but this present will lead to many a revelation as well as one final gift from the man in red....

Let me say this first...this is not your typical Christmas story in any respect.  True, it questions the existence of the big SC and true, it centers on the holiday season with all the presents presents presents, HOWEVER where this one steps away from the pack is the tone in which it is all approached.  You can actually feel how Julian is letting the spirit of the season slip through his fingers as he lets go of the magical and holds on to those ideas and beliefs that he can see before his very eyes.  It's sad really.  The wonder and awe is part of what makes the holiday season so special.  We all get the chance to be a kid again and simply...believe. 

Once I caught wind of the ill feelings Julian was emitting, I wasn't quite sure where the tale was going to take things, but followed along nonetheless.  To my surprise, his doubt is turned upside down with that unexpected gift and with it he finds a part of that childlike wonder he had been so ready to say goodbye to.  By books end, his heart is ready to believe as he pins all his hopes on keeping that one stray toy that found its way to him one Christmas night ago.  No worries...Santa knows who's been naughty or nice, but he also knows who needs a dose Christmas magic the most.

Recommended reading for children of all ages...and adults too.  The younger set will enjoy following Julian along through the illustrations that adorn each page, wondering at the presents he receives and dreaming up wish lists of their own.  Those around Julian's age and also filled with that unexpected doubt will benefit from the reinforcement of the magic of the season, discovering the value of the simple things.  Adult readers...well honestly I'd say the opportunity to contemplate this one.  It's a short and simple story but one that really makes you think, I know I certainly did.

Review copy courtesy of Erin at Peachtree Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their current catalog, visit them online, take a look at their blog, or follow along on Twitter (1 or 2).   

Stay tuned for even more fun today as we count down the hours til Christmas Day with a book review or two to make the season that much brighter.

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading!



Where Teddy Bears Come From by Mark Burgess, Review + Contest!

Hi guys!

Happy day before the day before Christmas!

By now, I'd hope all of your shopping is done and the gifts are merely waiting beneath the tree for that bright and early wake up call Christmas morning.  What's that?  Is MY shopping done?  Oh sure, sure...but I can't say the wrapping is all tied up as of yet.  Will be tackling that later today for certain....promise!  Anywho...*deploys attention diverting ninja techniques*...let's get to all the bookish fun, shall we?

You may have noticed the right hand side bar has been alight with activity this month (and if you haven't pretend for my sake and consider yourself informed), what with all the contests going on.  There are still TWO contests currently open giving you a chance to win some great books and prize packs to add to your collection...and by this posts end, I'll be adding one more to that list.  Don't miss your chance at these great titles...be sure to enter today...just after this post. ^_^

Today we focus on a bit of reading fun perfect for readers of all ages that asks a very important question...something that we may have thought of in passing as a child but never quite got the answer to.  Without further pausing to ponder, today's book of choice is....

Where Teddy Bears Come From

by

Mark Burgess

illustrated by

Russell Ayto

Once upon a time, there was a little gray wolf.  He was not extraordinaire in size, shape or color, but there is something he possessed that stood out from the rest...he had a wealth of determination.  You see, this particular little wolf was trying to fall asleep one night to no avail.  He tossed.  He turned.  He came to the conclusion that what he needed to get the job done was....a teddy bear.  But just how to acquire one of these fuzzy little guys?  I mean really....just Where do Teddy Bears Come From...

An adorable story from start to finish.  Whomever discounts picture books and story books to children only, is sadly missing out on a world of fun and imagination.  What child has not had a doll or teddy bear at some point in their lives?  Do you remember yours?  A favorite perhaps?  I do...though one can hardly say there was a favorite amongst them.  Each stuffed little friend had their own name and personality, and several of them were in fact teddy bears.  They're cute.  They're cuddly.  They keep us company in the dark of night and help ease our minds away from the shadows that creep in.  Their very presence aids us to fall into a peaceful slumber, something the little wolf in this story certainly needs.  His journey takes him far and near but in the end, his answer is revealed in a most unexpected (yet season appropriate) way....

One look at the cover, one read of the title and it is perfectly clear, readers of all ages are in for a treat.  The drawings are whimsical; the surprises hidden within the backgrounds offering a smile of delight when found.  The characters are both new and familiar all at once.  Seriously!  Look out for the three not-so-little pigs and a few others that present the little wolf with a case of mistaken identity.  You'll see how others find their happy place when it's time for bed and in the end see just where many of our fuzzy friends come from...and no, it's not the floor display at the mall either.

In short, a magical little book about honesty, truth, and how a good deed can lead to happy returns.  What begins with a simple question, ends with a simple truth.  So what's on your list this holiday season?  A computer?  A new bike?  I don't know about you but I'm leaning towards the simpler things in life and the addition of a new fuzzy friend to the stuffed with fluff family sounds awfully good about now.  Now let's see, where DID I put that letter to you know who.... *searches round*

Review copy courtesy of Erin at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their entire exciting line up, visit their website, have a look at their blog, or follow along on Twitter (1 or 2)!  There's always something new going on with this group and today is not any different.  How so?  Thanks to their generosity, I have the privilege of offering YOU a chance to win a copy of this imaginative little book all your own!  Ready for the details?  Here we go!

The prize...

(1) copy of Where Teddy Bears Come From by Mark Burgess

How to enter....

Fill out this FORM.

*BONUS ENTRY*

(You'll have a few options on the form but to get you started...)

I'm curious to know YOUR answer to the very question this book poses....

Where do YOU think teddy bears come from?

Leave your answer in the comments for one extra entry...but remember you MUST fill out the form as well in order for it to count.

The rules...

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

* Entries will be accepted from Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 through Thursday, December 30th, 2010 at midnight CST.  The entries will be tallied and entered into the random.org randomizer, after which a random number will be picked by their number generator.  (This way all the entries are mixed up nicely.)

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

*The winner will be announced and contacted via email by Monday, January 3rd, 2011 and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  Should they fail to respond in the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  If you choose to include your full name and mailing address in your contest entry, no worries....the time frame issue is erased.

*Winner's name and address will be used by me for prize send out only and then discarded.

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

Let the contest BEGIN!

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading..

BLOG TOUR: Red In the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa

Welcome everyone!

It's another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers which means it's time to spotlight another great bookish find.  Today we play host to a blog tour courtesy of Nicole at Tribute Books that spotlights a topic that we don't necessarily hear about every day but it impacts the lives of many round the world.  In a word....ADOPTION. 

Perhaps you know someone that has been adopted or were adopted yourself, the revelation of this news to you may have been hard to understand at first and yet with time you hopefully came to terms with what it truly means.  You were loved so much not only by ONE parent or set of parents that made the hard choice of setting you on a path for a better life, but by TWO.  You were/are special and are part of a family by more than blood but by CHOICE.  Today's blog tour guest and book of choice is...

Red in the Flower Bed

An Illustrated Children's Story About Interracial Adoption

by

Andrea Nepa

This is the story of one seeds journey from creation to life and the time it took to find a place to call home. The flower imagery used is beautiful, poetic and rather easy to relate to making this not only a great story to share but a great tool to help explain adoption to inquiring young minds. The child is the seed, the garden flowers the adopting family. While separate they are equally beautiful, but together...they create a masterpiece in color, contrast, and love.

I love how the illustrations mimic an arts and crafts project, or even a scrapbook. Seriously...they have the visible texture of construction paper and fabric, gauze and ribbon, all placed with care to make an image pertinent to that particular point in the story. It may even spark the imagination of those that read the story to create a memory book of their own.

I'm actually rather surprised I haven't seen more books like these. I mean honestly, adoption can be a hard subject to broach and though I'm not speaking from personal experience (unless you count my furry kids), it is there for all to see on TV, in movies, and bookish renditions available to the public. Now I know what you're thinking...those aren't real. Well, whether real as in actual life or real as in acting they still portray the truth in some form and if it's that hard in the land of make believe to come to terms with this sort revelation, can you imagine having the news simply sprung on you as a child of any age? As with anything, the reaction you see all depends on the person or persons involved, but with a good support system in place, it can only help to cushion any impact felt. The gentle nature of this shared tale could certainly serve as one of those cushions of support while working as a means of introducing the concept of adoption in a most positive and loving light.

All in all, a wonderful book for readers young and young at heart with a message of love and acceptance, family and hope. Whether adoption is something that has impacted you personally or is merely a curiosity, this story is certainly one I'd consider sharing with those near to my heart.  Want to find out more?  To view an excerpt from the book, simply click here.  Book trailers more your speed?  Check out the video below.

This book is currently available through the Tribute Books website.  More information on this title as well as their full catalog can be found online via the same site, as well as their Facebook page, or Twitter feed.   A brief look at the author of this touching story....

Andrea Nepa Bio:

Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: "For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places." In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

You can also find the author online via the book's official website, or her Facebook page.  Special thanks to Nicole at Tribute Books for both the review copy and chance to host this tour.  (THANKS!)  Be sure to check out their site for more great bookish finds for all ages and interests.

One final note, there is a holiday special airing tonight in most US cities on CBS called A Home for the Holidays.  It's a holiday celebration featuring some of the biggest and brightest stars in the world today that benefits the Dave Thomas Foundation....an organization that helps children in foster care find forever homes.  Check your local TV listings to find out what time it's airing in your community and take another look at this festive time of year through the eyes of some very special children.

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading.

WINNER: The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover

Hello again, everyone!

Guess what today is?

No no no...not just Tuesday.  No...it's not just a day to announce a winner, although that is the business I'll get to in just a second.  It's the first official day of winter!  Cool huh?  (Get it?  "Cool"?  ^_^)  Here's hoping that your day is crisp, cool if not cold, merry, and bright.  With the official onset of winter type weather, I thought, why not announce the winner of a new wintry tale today?  Perfect time, if I do say so myself...and I do....so here we go!  The newest winner here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers is....

 

#17 - Kathy P

 

*and the crowd erupts with enthusiastic cheers*

Congratulations!  You've won a copy of The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover!

 

Since the winner opted to include their mailing information, there won't be a need for me to vaguely promise to draw another name if I don't get a response from anyone....it's a done deal.  Special thanks to Pump Up Your Book and Random House Publishers for the opportunity to host not only the book tour but this giveaway for you, my readers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on either of these fine companies, feel free to visit their websites or follow along on Twitter! 

 

Didn't win?  Not to worry!  Take a chance on the TWO other contests currently running....but ya know, you can't win if you don't enter.
Until next time....happy holidays...and happy reading!

Spilling the Beans on the Cat's Pajamas by Judy Parkinson

Hi there, insatiable readers!

How are YOU today?

Hopefully all your holiday arrangements are in order and you are just sitting back, enjoying the season....unlike me who is still bustling about trying to get lose ends tied up.  That's part of the fun of the season though, right? 

Anywho...today's post is a break from the stories and escapes of the fictional world (which of course I adore) but loads of nerdishly fun all the same (which I also enjoy to break things up a bit).  It's a book for the curious at heart and all of those who can't simply help but wonder at even the smallest curiosities.  So, um...are you curious?  (hehe)  No need to keep you in suspense any longer.  Today's book of choice is....

Spilling the Beans on the Cat's Pajamas

by

Judy Parkinson

A nifty little book chock full of those phrases that you hear everyday and yet still don't quite know the full meaning behind them.  Have you ever had that happen?  You hear a phrase over and over, you may even perhaps use it yourself and yet you only sort of know what it means.  Yep, been there, done that....thankfully usually I was right, but this collection of wordish pearl goodness can help solve quite a few of those mind boggling little devils.  Let's look a prime example, shall we?

The book title itself is made up of two rather popular expressions...but do you really know what they mean or where they came from?  According to the text....

Spilling the beans (or rather "spill" the beans) means "to let on"...and is thought to perhaps have been derived from the ancient Greek practice of voting where black and white beans were used to show for whom or what you were voting in favor of. (pg 143-144)

The cat's pajamas first came into use in the 1920's (explaining the reason why it may be more familiar to YA readers right now with this era being rather popular at the moment) and is said to describe something of supreme quality or highest caliber.  (pg 41-42)

So basically the book's title in in explanation would be "to let on" about some high caliber information....and however fitting that might be, the expressions say it much more eloquently, don't you think?  Though there are so many I could highlight from this book, there is one more that I will lend you a new insight into....what the Dickens.  You've more than likely heard it exclaimed in surprise or even said it yourself (*raises hand*), but guess what?  It's origins have nothing to do with the infamous author of the same name!  That's right...it's actually a bit more devious than that, back to the 16th century or so as a reference for the Devil... O_O ... who'd have thought?

Easily used as a reference book should you have an encounter with an unknown phrase, yet also perfect for random fact lovers the world over.  The meaning behind some of these commonly used expressions is certainly obscure but where they originated from is all the more curious....

Review copy received courtesy of Julie at FSB Associates.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their current projects, visit them online or follow along on Twitter (multiple options here...1...2...3...4).  So you've been 'saved by the bell' 'at the eleventh hour' but just so you don't end up as 'mad as a hatter' over my over 'no holds barred' use of phrases, might I suggest this unique little book for a phrase slinging friend in your life, or perhaps....even YOU. 

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays (58)

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...one mystery that has story lines crossing left and right...plus a book I'm just about to start that tells the true story of one young man in need of a helping hand and the unusual place they came from.  Ready for a taste?

 

 

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

 

 

 

Nettie peered out from behind the window blind, waiting for nightfall.  Eddie hadn't returned since she'd spotted him, but she knew that was because he knew she'd seen him and was waiting elsewhere.  He was down there, she had no doubt of that, so even when she went out under cover of dark she must be careful. 

--pg 78, City in Shadow, A Hidden Manhattan Mystery by Evan Marshall

 

It was a bit slow going at first, but since then we've picked up quite a bit of steam.  Keeping the storylines straight in my mind though is the most challenging part since they all intertwine in one way or another.  Curious to see how it all turns out...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He rolled his eyes, letting me know I was nuts, but when the occupational therapist came in, I asker her if she'd ever heard of such a thing.

"Trained monkeys?  Not that I know of," she said.

-- pg 66, Kasey to the Rescue by Ellen Rogers (ARC)

 

This book actually hit shelves last month, but it just surfaced in my TBR pile.  I must say, I've read books about dogs (many), cats (some), but never a monkey...sounds interesting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

In My Shopping Bag (59)

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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For Review

Death Cloud:  Sherlock Holmes, The Legend Begins by Andrew Lane

(courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children's Publishing Group)

Scheduled to be released February of 2011 this is the first book in a new series starring Sherlock Holmes...as a teenager!  Very curious to see the author's take on this infamous character's start.  Check out the links above for more teaser type information!

 

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Won

The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern

(via contest in Shelf Awareness newsletter from HarperCollins)

So my picture doesn't give do the cover true justice (darn camera) but it's this really magical shade of pinkish purple that just begs to be picked up.  Slated for a February 2011 release, I am very interested in seeing this new offering from the author of P.S. I Love You....can't wait. 

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That's all for this week!

What did YOU get?

Do tell!

Until next time....happy reading!