The Roving Reader

Just saw this in a WOW post this week....that cover is amazing!  Whimsical, cute, shiny (hehe) and how can you not stop to take notice of the title...and the subtitle there too...

Small Person With Wings

(they hate to be called fairies)

by

Ellen Booraem

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

Now tell me THAT cover doesn't A) grab your attention and B) scare you just a teeny bit... O_O

Red Riding Hood

by

Sarah Blakley Cartwright

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! **

Coming to an eReader near you....Broken by Sarah Jane Bigelow

Hi there readers!

Happy Friday!

It's the end of another week and EGAD!  Can you believe January is almost done and over with?  Where is the time going?  *looks under rug*  Oh well, I suppose we'll just have to make the most of what's left of the month...and when it comes to reading, there's a lot to share.  

Today's post is all about an upcoming YA title set to release January 25th, 2011 from the folks over at Candlemark & Gleam.  Why mention all of that now you ask?  Ah, you are wise to ask my friend.  You see, this publisher is fairly new to the scene, in fact this is only their second title (pardon me, if I'm off on the count) released thus far...but if it's any sign of what's to come, you'll want to be well acquainted with them.  Shall we dive right into today's feature?  Here we go!  Today's book of choice is....

Broken

by

Sarah Jane Bigelow

It all begins with a cryptic message written by someone in the past about the future...which is Michael Forward's here and now. He has been chosen for a task far greater than a man, let alone a boy of his years, could be expected to carry out....yet he will try nonetheless (teenagers, a rather stubborn lot aren't they...hehe). His success or failure means a world of difference to the whole of mankind. Will the threads of hope so sparsely seen in his visions of the future hold together long enough for him to see his "mission" through? Or will he meet an untimely end even HIS abilities weren't able to foresee...

Set in a future version of our world that one would hope to never see and taking place for the most part in what was once New York, the real world connections are fairly strong enabling the reader to immerse themselves fully in the experience.  The year is 2106.  Many nations have fallen, aliens live among us, and Extrahumans (those with special powers) are common place...although they may not be as much a part of society as the powers that be have them thinking.  Sky Ranger is head of the Extrahuman Union and Silverwyng is his right hand girl; together they carry out missions as assigned...without a second thought as to the motive behind them.  All that changes when her powers begin to fail leading to a downward spiral in more ways than one and giving us a sort of anti-heroine in the making; an unexpected beginning that leads to an even more unexpected end.

The story is delivered in a broken format, that is it switches back and forth between what IS happening and what is being remembered or foreseen. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but once you catch on it's not as noticeable. The story line itself is grand in nature with repercussions felt no matter what choice is made (just like life), but the real magic is in the characters created. Each one has a unique personality, a voice to be heard even if they refrain from speaking often....but they also have faults (some in bigger ways than others), an aspect that many authors tend to gloss over despite the fact that it makes them even more real in the eyes of readers. Truly, it does!

I love how Michael's visions were imperfect, changing based on decisions made at any given moment; much like our own lives.  I love Broken AND Silverwyng, their stories both had tragedy and yet they come together in the end coexisting in a peaceful harmony (there's more of a "connection" between these two characters, but I'll let you discover that on your own).  The supporting cast met along the way add more spice and flavor to the mix with their strong opinions, tendency towards violence, and hidden abilities.  Even the infamous "thin man" that is feared by one and all throughout the book has a few faults that lead to his...well, unexpected situation (not gonna ruin it for you...nope).

Though there are a few stagnant parts...such as the time they take up residence for a few months with a Raton family (yeah, seemed unnecessary to some degree, although they did create a few connections that hold greater meaning later on during their stay)....overall this was an interesting read from start to finish. You never quite know where the next page turn will take you (even with Michael's glimpses into the future) making this one hard to put down, or rather close (eBook and all).  One caution to younger readers, there is colorful language at times as well as a few sensual scenes and a fair amount of drinking on the part of Broken (plus foul orders that literally permeate off the page....yeah, might not want to eat while reading those sections....). It didn't inhibit my reading of the book or enjoyment of the story, but just be aware.

Recommended for fans of the YA genre who like a good sci-fi or dystopian twist to their reads. This title is scheduled for release on 01/25/11...so mark your calendars! eBook ARC received courtesy of Kate at Candlemark & Gleam.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this up and coming publisher, be sure to visit their website or follow along on Twitter.  Also, for those aspiring authors out there seeking to get their work published, according to their site, they are currently accepting submissions (at least as of the date/time of this post)!  Find out more via the link.

Until next time...happy reading!

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided by Kevin Shortsleeve

Greetings and salutations!

How has your year in reading been so far?

Busy?  Mine too.

So many great books have already been released and so many more are just around the corner, it's a bookish smorgasbord for readers wherever you turn.  Here to add to your piles of bookish goodness yet to be devoured, ME (hehe)...with another book you should know about.  The story is fun, the rhyming in measure, but there's a reason the picture books are called picture books, and this one is a fine example of it.  Today's book of choice is....

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided

by

Kevin Shortsleeve

illustrated by

Michael Austin

Professor LeGrand is on a mission.  He seeks to make you aware of a few monsters that you may want to avoid at all costs.  How can he make these recommendations?  He hails from LeGrand University....which apparently specializes in monster diversity; in other words, he's an educated expert that seeks to share his knowledge with the world and readers just like you and me.  The real question is...are you willing to listen?

It may be just me, but Professor LeGrand reminds me A LOT of Giles from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Seriously!  In not only his demeanor (except for his hidden penchant for danger, but that's a topic for another post altogether), but his chosen line of work (education and preparation against monsters of all varieties)...and not to mention his appearance.  If you've read the book, you know what I mean as there is a great close up of him that really bares his resemblance....if you haven't, sit a little closer to the screen and take a peek at the cover.  He's just inside the doorway, behind the little critter getting pulled back into the door (O_O).  I think we all need a character like that though.  Bookish and worldly all at the same time and the Professor serves as a great guide to the world of monsters to which we are being introduced.

Learn about the Whichwayawawa's and their incesant indecisiveness (say that ten times fast).  Check out the star hopping Thumple-haired Land Ants and their tea craving.  Catch a glimpse of the Rare Re-Arranger who just might make a visit to your room and move everything from where it was to where it thinks it should be (NO!  Don't touch my books!  Back I say....back!).  As the introduction of the book warns you (nice touch by the way), these monsters are real...and any resemblance to imaginary ones is pure coincidence. 

This is one of those rare books that leaves a reader like me a bit awestruck.  How so?  Well, while the story was great (which I love), the prose imaginative and full of feeling befitting the scenes and creatures being described (great descriptions really), it was the artwork that completed the picture (no pun intended).  Truly.  Each turn of the page leads you to some new fantastical (and sometimes a wee tad scary, but in a fun way...like a roller coaster...) monster you want to keep on your "should avoid" list...with good reason.  Their portraits as so created by the illustrator are of them in the act of doing what they do best....whether that be annoy, scare, sip from a river, or steal away in the dead of night with your socks (so that's where the matching sock always goes!  It's all the work of a Three-toed Albanian Snoring Sock Bat!).  It's a wonder how he managed to get them all to hold still long enough to create the visual masterpieces residing within these pages.  Though they have one chosen hue per page, they are not lacking in detail in the least; in fact, the heavy handedness with one color invites you to investigate the picture more thoroughly then you otherwise might have.  (Hmm...perhaps at heart he's a monster hunter --as his bio in the book alludes to-- and enjoys tracking them down one by one to share with the world.)

Anyway you look at it, from start to finish or finish to start, this is one for the child in us all...and especially for those curious in nature as you KNOW how they can get themselves into trouble (~whistles~).  Special thanks to Peachtree Publishers for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  To find out more about this book and all their magical reading adventures, be sure to seek them out online in one of their many haunts.  To get you started, they're on Twitter, have a blog (they are also celebrating their one year blogoversary so be sure to stop by and share a congratulation or two), and of course, their website.

Until next time...happy reading!

OMG, IMR!: The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart

HT!

HIG?

YKW?

2moro = big day YDWTM.

Y?

TM, YGLT!

....

...

....

.....

....

Okay so if you could translate that intro above without consulting one of the many text/IM/SMS acronym sites on the web, you may need this book, or rather to try what it details for yourself, even more than you think. For those of us that needed a decoder for at least part of it (*raises hand*)...I shall translate.

...

....

....

....

Hi there!

How's it going?

You know what?

Tomorrow is a big day you don't want to miss.

Why?

Trust me...you're gonna love this!

(Translation over...proceed as usual.)

The book featured today is an usual choice for me as it's part biography (not a big surprise) and part current events (that's the kicker right there), but once I read the title, I was hooked.  Ready to "read all about it"?  Here we go.  Today's book of choice is....

The Winter of Our Disconnect:

How Three Totally Wired Teenagers (and a Mother Who Slept with Her iPhone) Pulled the Plug on Their Technology and Lived to Tell the Tale

by

Susan Maushart

Long title, interesting story.  Within these pages we go to a place no one from our day and age seeks to tread.  A place devoid of all site and sound...well, at least all sites and sounds that come from the gadgets and gizmos we've acquired.  That's right.  No more iPods.  No more eBooks.  No more netbooks, laptops, desktops or iPads.  (*tap*tap* Are you still with me?  Do I need to get the smelling salts...or perhaps your PSP to jolt you  back to life?)  The goal?  To see how "the Experiment" (as it came to be known) would impact their over all quality of life.  Would they connect more with each other as opposed to Facebook to Facebook?  Would their daily fitness routines retire to the land of once upon a time without a soundtrack to put foot to pavement by?  Would sleep become a friend as opposed to a distant relation twice removed?  We're about to find out...one...two...three...UNPLUG!

So, the question at hand...did I enjoy this book.  If put simply, "yes" but it sounds so trivial for this particular work that I (as usual) feel the need to further explain.  It was like seeing that proverbial "man in the mirror"...or in this case, "girl in the PC screen".  I admit it.  I am a habitual multi-tasker and anyone who knows me will confirm that fact without a doubt.  It's the way of the world, or at the very least my world.  In order to get everything done that needs doing AND enjoy oneself along the way, it's almost necessary to combine tasks to make things more efficient.  For example, more often than not while typing up a blog post, I'll also me listening to music, or have the TV on in the background.  When working through a report that requires absolute focus, out come the ear buds and up goes the self-imposed digital bubble. 

According to my calculations and the information in the text, I fall somewhere generation wise between the Digital Immigrants and the Digital Natives...that is to say a combination of someone who was "brought to" the world of connectivity and all its glory as well as "brought up" on it.  I remember back in the day (okay...that makes me sound oh-so-old but you may know what I mean -- or even identify with it -- in a second here)...computers were not in the classroom, especially if you went to private school.  In fact, the first year I encountered them in school would have been third grade.  Yep...nowadays kids practically leave the birth canal with a netbook in one hand and a cell phone in the other.  Speaking of cell phones...their appearance in (my) life...even later.

My family's first experience with the mobile wonders was the purchase of the good old (and still around, but more advanced) TracFone.  Their only function was that of a phone.  Really!  No texting, no pictures, no music....just a phone.  Ours was purchased for emergency use only (as in actual emergency...not I left my sweater or what's for dinner...more the I need a ride or I've lost a limb type...), when I was in sixth or seventh grade.  Owned my first cell phone when I entered the work force several odd years later....and I've never looked back.  It's hard to imagine not having it with me on any given day, just for the sheer convenience if not anything else....but there have been days when I've forgotten it at home and did just fine without it.  Surprise, surprise.

Does that mean I don't like technology?  Well, no (duh)...this is a blog for Pete's sake (who IS Pete anyway?) and the reviews don't get here by osmosis.  ^_^  In fact, I love it to a degree (and not in any creepy sense of the phrase either)...and I think a number of the degrees to which my love of it extends were discovered by this family through their self-imposed experiment too.  The enjoyment found in sitting down to a family dinner sans distractions and "you've got mail" calls.  The relaxation that comes from discovering the beauty in nature as you enjoy a cool night sitting out under the stars.  The unconditional love felt from a simple nudge or "kisses" from the family pet.  The joy of reading (okay, so most of us know this joy intimately) typed words on a page versus a screen.  The fulfillment and pride in seeing our words transcribed by our own hands...in ink....from a pen.  Grant it, there is no delete button and the ideas may not flow as freely at first, but once the electrical stopper is removed, your thoughts will spring from your mind to the pages with new life.  (Believe it or not, I actually wrote this review completely by hand first...a mini-technology cleansing activity in honor of the experiment...)

In the end, the family learned to find enjoyment in other areas of life previously written off to their respective graveyards.  Does it mean they aren't using technology to this day?  Heck no!  In fact, they were thrilled when the "ordeal" was over and celebrated with a day of pure indulgence in all they had missed....BUT....the break they took gave them a new perspective and so the reintroduction of the electronic brouhaha did not take as strong a hold of them as before.  It was nice to be able to use things when needed or desired, but it was no longer a requirement.  They had discovered life may move at the speed of light...but taking the slower route doesn't mean you won't reach the same destination; it may make all the difference though in whether or not you truly enjoy the journey.

A dash of humor, a twist of digital decay, and the right amount of reflection (and self-realization) to spice things up, this is one read for both those self proclaimed connection junkies as well as those that wouldn't know a "LOL" from a "ROTFL".  With many options to research the statistic and data strewn throughout the pages, further reading is merely a look in the "notes" section away (special thanks to the author for the copious references).  Long story short (and to keep my hand from cramping because this is probably the longest passage I've hand written in quite some time)...if you ever doubted, wondered, or even speculated the effects of the digital world on our lives, this ones for you.

ARC for review received via galley drawing from Tarcher a division of Penguin Books through the Shelf Awareness newsletter.  (THANKS!)  For more information on either the publisher or the relay-er of all things bookish news, click through the links provided and feel free to explore their sites.  In fact, the publisher has a great little Q&A with the author on their site that gives you a little more insight into just what they were thinking and what they were trying to accomplish.  Do you tweet?  Well so do they!  Check them out on Twitter to catch the latest of the late updates (publisher or bookish news or author).  This book is scheduled for release tomorrow, so keep an eye on the bookstore shelf nearest you.

COMMENT CREATOR
Haven't done one of these for a while, but I simply couldn't resist.  Riddle me this...if YOU were to "pull the plug" as in no PC, no smart phones, no iPods.... (are you still breathing?)  What would you miss the most?  What outlet would you seek for entertainment?  What skill would you cultivate and grow?  The comments are open....do tell!


Until next time...happy (unplugged) reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays (62)

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...a classic made over in shades of gray, green, and red (you'll see what I mean)...and a first taste of a YA sequel coming to a shelf near you.
Ready...set...taste!


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

The wedding took place, and no one other than Elizabeth seemed to suspect the bride's condition.  Mr. Collins appeared happier than he ever had despite the fact that Charlotte had to be reminded to use her fork several times over the course of dinner.
-- pg 110, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Uh-oh.  Sounds like someone has a condition worth watching...though I don't believe it has anything to do with preparing for the arrival of a little one.  O_O  Reading through this classic with a twist, but the jury is still out as to whether or not my final verdict will be a "yay" or "nay".  Stay tuned...

When Phoebe had arrived in Manhattan four months ago from California, she had wanted her New York to be like the one she had seen in the movies.
Now it was, in a sense.
The only problem was that it was the wrong kind of movie.
-- pg 84, The Trust (A Secret Society Novel) by Tom Dolby (ARC)

This one I'll just be cracking the spine on today, so we're both getting our first official taste right now.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so my hopes are set high for this one.  We shall see what happens, but I have a feeling it'll be GOOD.  This book is scheduled for release the first week of February.  Mark your calendars! 

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

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Open to a random page

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

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

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

 

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

 

Until next time....happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag (63)

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 take a peek inside my shopping bag this week....

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

Review

Ten Little Zombies:  A Love Story by Andy Rash

I Heart Everything Journal

(courtesy of Alyson at Chronicle Books)

How perfect is this little combo for the upcoming holiday?  Really....the book is unexpected fun and the journal, tre magnifique!  Can't wait to share my thoughts on both.... (~whispers~ and what bookish person couldn't use a nifty journal to record their observations in?)

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

Received

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Tempted by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Yay!  Both sequels to..um, well, series that are in my TBR and yes are unread at this point, but I'll get to them; you can count on it.  ^_^

Fairest of All by Serena Valentino

Aside from the potential sotry, you have to love the cover on this one.  The jacket has the evil queen, but the actual hardcover itself has the old woman image.  Cool, huh?  ^_^

All from my good friend Nayuleska of Nayu's Reading Corner.

(THANKS!)

~happy dance~

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

That's it for this week.

What did YOU get?

Do tell!

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Whoa.

Creepy cover alert!

Wait a sec...is that tentacle holding a cell phone?

O_o

Alienated

by

David O. Russell and Andrew Auseon

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

It's....it's....IT'S ALIVE!

(hehe)

Curious what exactly is in the egg, but the look on his face...priceless.

Quackenstein Hatches a Family

by

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Brian T Jones

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! **

 

Dessert: Your One Stop Fun Break Stop (16)

Hi guys!

Happy Friday.

Today's post is a quickie.

Just a little fun to get your weekend started with a smile.

For those frequent visitors of the blog, you've seen this post before with selections from my various daily calendars ranging from sarcastically funny to down right hiliarious.  This year's "daily" features all those little little fuzzies that make us go....awwww....with a little caption fun.

The first one up for a group share teaches us the importance of claiming what is ours...and defending it too!

Check it out....

LOL!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Happy reading!

^_^

The Horned Toad Prince by Jackie Mims Hopkins

Hi everyone!

How are you today?

Still cold I take it?

Well, considering there is suppose to be snow in about 48 of the 50 states here in the US of A (mine NOT included...*grr*), can't say I'm surprised.  This is probably the longest time we've had to use the heater down here, but let's just say I'm glad we have it (heat on = nice and toasty...but not too toasty...I do like my cold weather to a degree).  Anywho, you didn't come to read about the FL weather right now, you came to find out what's cooking in my little corner of the reading world!  Ready?

Time to lighten things up around here and step back into the world of Children's Books...more specifically the storybook or picture book.  The one being featured today takes a new look at an old classic adding a surprise twist that is sure to delight even the finicky readers amongst us (you know who you are...*glare*).  Readers and read-ettes, may I present, today's book of choice.....

The Horned Toad Prince

by

Jackie Mims Hopkins

illustrated by

Michael Austin

Once upon a time, there was a little girl. So sweet and gentle was she that birds would tweet their good mornings and sugar would not melt in her mouth. Once day, a new creature from the world outside greeted her with a hip, a hop...and a croak. My, what an unusual sound for a bird, the girl pondered as she caste her glance around for the source of the offending noise. She looked left. She looked right. She looked up....and finally down. There, at her feet, sat the biggest, ugliest horned toad she had ever seen. In fact....wait wait wait...back up. A "horned toad"? *checks story book* Yep, that's what it says...hmm...what say you to starting this "fairytale" off at the beginning once more, shall we? *ahem*

Once upon a time, in the land of dust and tumbleweeds (huh, well that's new), there lived a young girl (no surprise there). Her name....Reba Jo. Her claim to fame (so to speak)...guitar twanging, singing, and roping....basically she loved the "ing" out of life. One day while out riding her trusty steed, Flash, Reba Jo happened upon something irresistible to a roper at heart....a lone buzzard sitting just across the arroyos. Yes, he would be the perfect target to test her abilities on, but wait....what's an arroyo? Hmm...it seems to me this Spanish word needs translating before we wander into parts unknown partner....*looks up word*....ah ha!

Arroyo means "creek" and in this case is referring to a dry one that her Daddy warned her never to cross for fear of a flash flood. (Think The Fellowship of the Ring when Arwen calls the waters forth to stop the Nazgul from crossing...) But the temptation is too much...she simply MUST do what's in her nature to do....and ooh doggy is she in for a heap of trouble. The next few scenes pass in a blur of lost hats, horned toad assistance, and an attempt to leave unfulfilled a promise made. Silly Reba Jo....have you forgotten? Your Daddy always "a deal is a deal"...and in her neck of the woods...er, prairie...that means follow through is a must. What have you gotten yourself into? There seems to be only one way out this cattle call, but the end results may surprise you....

So....suffice it to say that this story plays off the classic The Princess and the Frog; HOWEVER, that is where the similarities end....just on the surface. If we go one step deeper, we find the story made over in location, characters, personalities (gotta love their spunkiness...all of them really), and the actual promise made. What's that? Oh, I know what you're saying...what about the kiss. Am I right? Can't say it doesn't happen (again, reflections of the original are the base story line) but the final outcome will surprise you fully in all ways. Seriously! Even after the final words have been read, there is one more picture that adds a little more Reba Jo-ness before the curtains close.

Speaking of those illustrations, how whimsical are they! Really, that's a big part of what drew me to this story in the first place. I mean, I like a good fairytale redo just as much as the next reader, but the pictures really did it for me here. They have that earthy quality in both color and texture that takes you out of suburbia and places you on the lonesome prairie with the characters. Reba Jo's expressions are priceless as are those of the horned toad both before and after the infamous event...but there was one side character in the group that had me chuckling at first glance that I had to share. He has no lines, yet influences the events greatly. It is the one, the only...buzzard! Just look at him! How can you not like/love/smile or laugh at him? Really wonderful artwork with every turn of the page....now back to that story....

Aside from the creative alternatives used in both the character and plot choices, the author added a learning experience to this charming tale. How so? With the inclusion of some basic Spanish words and phrases on every page! It blends seamlessly into the story and allows you, my amigo, the chance to expand your vocabulary in pequeno steps (that one means "small"). Even better still is something just inside the back cover. It's the grand finale, the whole enchilada, it's...a Spanish-to-English Word List summing up all the new words you've learned along the way while allowing you to revisit their meanings.

Anyway you slice it, this is one picture book that shows you the cake and let's you eat it too....or perhaps it's be more fitting to say you get to see the chili pot full to the brim AND grab yourself a big steaming bowl too. (Okay, now I have a sudden taste for chili....yum!) A great little book for readers of all ages; whether young or simply young at heart, the messages are clear (and fitting). First, be careful what you promise (VERY careful). Second, things aren't always as they seem...and often times it's the things unseen that are the most astounding.

Review copy courtesy of Peachtree Publishers. (THANKS!) For more information on their great catalog of books for all ages, visit their website, check out their blog, or follow along on Twitter (1...2...3). Curious to know more about the author or illustrator? No worries, I was too. Check their respective sites to see their current comings and goings. Last but not least...you'll want to check out the book's website. Why? Because I said so. Just kidding! Really, it has additional information about the story, the author, the illustrator (even a click by click image on how some of the pictures came to life) and loads of fun activities including printable coloring pages, dot-to-dot games, and even a few interactive online gems. Fun for all ages....at least that's what I'm going with since I had so much fun over there (hehe).

Muchas gracias for stopping by!
Until next time...adios amigos...and happy reading.

Repairing Rainbows by Lynda Fishman

Hi there, insatiable readers!

How are you this fine day?

Here...it's cold.

VERY COLD.

So cold in fact you'd think that FL was merely a state of mind as opposed to the supposed "sunshine state" but you know what...I'm not really complaining.  Why?  Because in a few weeks (at most) we'll be sweating with the best of them and these cold wintry days will be nothing but a fair sweet cold fantasy inducing memory.  So I say YAY for the cold weather!  Hey, I can always bundle up more but ya know, the who undress part on the flip side of things reaches a modesty issue at one point or another.  Anywho...

Today we are going to take a look at a book from the realm of the Memoir.  It's a touching story that is sure to have your attention captured from the opening scenes of despair straight through to an amicable "ending".  Without further adieu, may I present....today's book of choice!

Repairing Rainbows

by

Lynda Fishman

This is the story of a family torn apart by a tragedy that affected hundreds if not thousands of lives and the fallout experienced everyday as a result. This is also the story of how one young girl made a choice to do everything she could to escape the cloud of despair that followed her (at times successfully) and found true friends, true family, and herself along the way.

July 5, 1970 is a day that Lynda will never forget; they day her family went from a bustling 2 parent, 3 child household.....to a shell of its former self with two inhabitants left behind. On this day, her mother (Rita) and two sisters (Carla and Wendy) were flying from Montreal to California; the rest of the family already having made the trip on a prior flight. The plane was making a stop over in Toronto when something inconceivable happened. This would be the final flight for all 109 passengers on board as it made a crash landing just outside its destination. Who was to blame? It was never truly determined, but it certainly wasn't the passengers nor the families they left behind.

How DOES one review a memoir? It's a question that's been popping up on more than one blog that I frequent and since I can't possibly visit every blog out there (though I'd try), I'm certain others are seeing it too.  This genre tends to weigh in heavier than fiction or YA not because they lack any more merit but simply because they REALLY happened. It's someone's life story and how can you really say "oh no, this was horrid" about their life.... It is what it is....a collection of memories shared about their family, friends, and significant moments that struck them as momentous for one reason or another in the times they have seen thus far. (Hence why when I see memoirs by the likes of Justin B_____ {you can fill in the blank}, I can't help but chuckle....I mean how much could they possibly have to share other than "I came, I went to school, I got famous, yay me" at this point in their lives....but I digress.)

For me, the story was powerful not only in regards to the tragedy that occurred and those followed in the passing years like so many rain drops from the sky, but also in messages delivered. Never give up. Keep on trying. Every rainy day ends with a rainbow. If I had to pick a song to go with the message, it'd be an oldie but a goodie.....try "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick on for size. Seriously...if you haven't heard it before, take a listen. It reminds us, as does the book, that friends whether they be of blood relationship or simply bonded for life are there through the good times and the bad. They can be depended on and leaned on in times of need.....and you know why? Because we'll be there for them when they need us.

Friendship in all its forms is a two way street as is love. If all you do is receive or take, one party or the other is missing out and the feelings of security, contentment and trust will never truly form. In some cases, this is a good thing...especially when their personality is more toxic than beneficial to your life (as is the case with Sonia, her step-mother in all the darker senses of the word), but in most cases it is a loss felt by the heart (a prime example, her father who was too broken to see what he was doing to his only daughter as he pushed her further and further away).

The relationships she formed in later years with her grandparents, friends, and future husband all go to show that good things can still happen in trying times. The openness with which events are shared no matter how small is touching, almost as if we are being invited into her circle of friends. You can feel the love she had for those that touched her life in immeasurable ways as well as the contempt for those that tried to stem not only the healing process but her ability to choose what happens next. The life he built for herself with the help of loved ones is a true testament to the power we have over our lives no matter how small it may seem in our own hands.

There are only two comments...more observations if you will....that I will make about the actual story. As an outside observer, a third party witness to this tale, it is clear that ill feelings are still harbored towards Air Canada for both the incident and their handling of things afterward. I can't say that I blame her. I mean her whole life was changed because of this tragedy. Her mother and sisters were ripped away in the blink of an eye....I couldn't begin to even say I know how she feels because in truth I do not. The only thing I would say is that she has struggled so hard to let those things go that she could not change and make the choice to have a happy life...make the choice here to if not forgive, at least relinquish her hold on the torch of anger that burns so brightly in her hand. With all the progress she has made, it seems to be one of the final burdens weighing heavy on her shoulders and it's hard to see someone whose star shines so bright with their determination and heart still be held back by their own history (no matter how tragic).

Secondly, I'd like to echo a comment from her relations on "the other side"; live your life in the now. It's great that you were able to make a connection with them for all parties involved. I'm certain it acts as a comfort for everyone while answering many a question that has been haunting you and your family, but those things can not be changed. Time can not be reversed and to lose a minute of the second chance at life you were given would be the real tragedy. Always keep them in your heart and by your side, but let the here and now fill the void they're departure created. You've already seen the benefits of doing so in smaller bouts; imagine if you made the choice to do so on a broader level.

'Repairing Rainbows' isn't simply a title, it's a belief. It's that visual lesson on a stormy day that things will be bright once again, given time. In short, it's a tale of a personal tragedy that strikes to the core, but also a reminder that things can and will change if we both allow ourselves time to grieve and welcome those into our lives that will make us better for having known them. People come and people go whether of their own will or snatched away by time. It's what we do while they are here in our lives that truly counts...no matter how brief.

Recommended for anyone who has had tragedy touch their own lives as a means of sharing the experience, but also for those looking for the inspiration that comes from having found that silver lining in the dark clouds. Before I close, a few side notes you may find beneficial.  Many have expressed curiosity as to the cover of this book....it is actually a photo from one of the news clippings regarding the crash. The doll taking center stage in this heart wrenching display belonged to one of her sister's...an unfortunate visual confirmation/reminder of the tragedy that took place. Second, one of Ms. Fishman's many accomplishments to note was the creation of the Adventure Valley Day Camp which aims to provide an enjoyable experience for every camper in a safe, fun-filled environment...including those with special needs; a truly "one for all and all for one" endeavor the whole family takes part in.

Special thanks to author Lynda Fishman for the review copy. (THANKS!) For more information about both book and author, visit the books website or follow along on Twitter.


Until next time...happy reading.

Taste Testing Tuesdays (61)

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...a second helping of a book I started in earnest this weekend (will be finished tonight or tomorrow...WILL...) and a first serving from a YA eBook ARC that I'm breezing through.

Ready for a taste?

 

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When we contemplated taking the leap of faith into screen-free living, there were many things we feared.  Gaining weight.  Losing friends.  "Missing out" (in some vague disquieting way).  But our greatest fear of all was the one Bill had articulated right from the git-go:  that without media, we'd be bored.

-- pg 70, The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart (ARC)

 

So far so good as the story goes.  There is a lot of "scientific" back up to support what has been revealed so far but not so much that it induces those unwelcome moments of sleep reading.  Finishing this off tonight or tomorrow...curious to see how things turn out in the end.  This book is set to publish January 20th from Tarcher/Penguin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael walked quickly away from the Union Tower.  He dared a glance back up to the top, where he could just make out the silhouette of a man against the sky.  Sky Ranger was out looking for him.  He darted into the nearby subway station.

-- pg 18, Broken by Susan Jane Bigelow (eBook ARC)

An interesting read so far and the pages fly by.  It's a YA sci-fi/dystopian combo that leaves me wondering just what will happen next...can't wait to find out.  This book is scheduled for digital release January 25, 2011 from Candlemark & Gleam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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!