READ ALL ABOUT IT: Creative Spirit by Scott Nicholson

Hi there readers!

Guess who?

It’s ME!

The ‘Insatiable Reader’…back with another post for your viewing delight.  Today seems to be the day that is all about books, and yet not my own reviews of them…strange but true.  Still…they are all bookishly delicious and worthy of your attention, so I can’t say I feel anything but “good” about shining the spotlight on them for a bit.  Hopefully you are enjoying them as much as I am… (…you are, right?  *bites nails*)  Anywho…on to another tasty tidbit of the day with another READ ALL ABOUT IT!

In the past few weeks, author Scott Nicholson has done it again…re-released one of his works for your reading pleasure! Seeing as how he is an advocate of books AND book bloggers round the world, when he sought to extend the news of this release to readers everywhere, I jumped at the chance to assist.  It’s an ebook (I know, I know…not my first choice, but sometimes we make exceptions) that, well maybe it’s the time of year, but the ghostly storyline had me remembering strains of one of my favorite holiday classics, “A Christmas Carol”…but I digress.  Here’s a bit about the new title to tease your bookish hearts straight from the author himself….

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CREATIVE SPIRIT

A paranormal thriller by Scott Nicholson

After parapsychologist Anna Galloway is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she has a recurring dream in which she sees her own ghost at Korban Manor. She’s compelled to visit the historic estate to face her destiny and the fate of her soul.

Sculptor Mason Jackson has come to the manor to make a final, all-or-nothing attempt at success before giving up his dreams. When he becomes obsessed with carving Ephram Korban's form out of wood, he is swept into a destructive frenzy that even Anna can’t pull him from.

The manor itself has secrets, with fires that blaze constantly in the hearths, portraits of Korban in every room, and deceptive mirrors on the walls. With an October blue moon looming, both the living and the dead learn the true power of their dreams.

"Scott Nicholson explores the dark legends of the southern end of the Appalachian mountain chain, a nightmare country that ends in Stephen King's yard."-- Sharyn McCrumb, author of The Ballad novels

View or sample Creative Spirit at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Kobo, Smashwords, BN.com, or Goodreads. Look for Liquid Fear and Chronic Fear from Amazon’s Thomas & Mercer imprint.

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CREATIVE SPIRIT is Scott Nicholson’s revised edition of the 2004 U.S. paperback THE MANOR. Scott is Kindle bestselling author of 12 novels, including THE RED CHURCH, DISINTEGRATION, LIQUID FEAR, and SPEED DATING WITH THE DEAD. Connect with Scott on Facebook, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Twitter, blogspot, website or Amazon page

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Sound good?

Then get thee over to your website of choice to order a copy, post haste!  After all, one doesn’t want to wake up like Scrooge lamenting the possibility of missing the BIG day and all…*checks calendar*…as it is, there’s only 7 days left.  Maybe it could help you check another gift off your giving list?

Until next time….which will probably be tomorrow since I’ve inundated you today….happy reading!

                            

READ ALL ABOUT IT: The Twelve Days of Christmas hosted by There's A Book

Hi there everyone!

With the end of the year fast approaching, it's crunch time...meaning that you may be in for an extra special treat of extra posts now and again on the site.  That shouldn't be too bad, now should it?  ^_^

Today, you've already sampled my shopping bag from this past week...now it's time to READ ALL ABOUT IT!  What you may ask?  Why the....

...12 Days of Christmas event hosted by none other than "the1stdaughter" aka Danielle of There's A Book!  Danielle is one of my best-est blogging buddies and friends despite the miles between us (yep, never even met in person...gotta love the internet for the ease of connections though!) and she is hosting a fabulous series of posts featuring a few of her favorite bloggers talking up their favorite holiday reads.  How sweet!  Guess who happens to be featured today?  Yep, me!  *blush*  I was very honored when asked to participate and may have gotten a little wordy with my post but hey, that's just how I roll...LOL.  ^_^

So, if you would please...once you're done scoping out all there is to see here at my site, pop on over to There's A Book and pay a visit to Danielle.  Trust me, you won't be sorry. 

Until next time...happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag

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

 

The Thorn and the Blossom:  A Two-Sided Love Story by Theodora Goss

(review copy courtesy of Quirk Books)

This little lovely is a "coming soon" title from the folks over at Quirk Books and suffice it to say that I am most curious to read more about it for not only does the story sound interesting (love-ish type story presented from both sides of the "affair") but the presentation is intriguing.  It's a book with no binding per se, allowing the reader to explore the tale from whichever point of view they should choose the first time around and then the tale restarts again from the other.

Curious?  Check out more right here...

 

 

 

 

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That's all for this week!

How about you....what did YOU get?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

 

Until next time....happy reading!

A Grandmother for Christmas by Chantal Dezainde

Hi there readers!
Welcome back for the weekend edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers ...where though one might be out and about, there's no reason not to post all about it. Just take today's post, typed on the fly via smartphone (so please, pardon any auto-correct wording/spelling errors....computers can only do so much) and yet filled with holiday reading to spare.

Today's title came to my attention when I was contacted by the lovely folks at OwlKids. (Http://www.owlkids.com) It's a publishing company located in our neighbors to the North (Canada) that specializes in bringing quality titles to children round the world; from my perusal of their catalog, it certainly shows. They've everything from stories and picture books to educational titles sure to expand the knowledge of any reader.  If you haven't checked them out, I highly recommend a visit to their site post haste.  Speaking of their titles, let's take a look at one now shall we? Today's book of choice is....

A GRANDMOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS
by
Chantal Dezainde
Illustrated by
Fil et Julie
Translated by
Sarah Cummings

If you can't tell from the cover, this is a touching story.  Take one littlle boy and his wish for a Grandmother, add in softly drawn yet expressive illustrations and you've got yourself a Christmas "miracle". All his friends are preoccupied with the arrival of their grandmothers from distant places, so our little star deduces that a well written letter to the big man in red might just net him that most wondrous of gifts, extended family.

Does Santa grant his wish? Sort of. You see by books end he is frolicking with a little gray haired lady of the grandma variety but it's never really clear if it's his own grandmother, a kindly old lady who happened upon his letter, or the spirit of the season simply working in the mysterious ways that it does. Could be something lost in translation or maybe it's simply left unanswered to give readers another reason to believe. Something to think about...

I for one enjoyed this adorable little tale and would recommend it wholeheartedly to families big and small. Whether your gathering includes one or one hundred, remember to take the time to enjoy the simple things this holiday season like friends and family. They are the ones that truly help to make this time of year a season to remember.

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Hi there!
Welcome back to the site that aims to tempt your bookish soul...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Quick reminder about the contest ending tonight....6 copies of THE VIOLET JEWEL: RAVEN by Nuayma Jeggels! Just check the right hand sidebar for more details.

Today, I'm letting our friendly roving reader take the reins to bring you a nifty title you may have missed....

TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE
by
Jessica Day George

A quick read of the book jacket and we see why our bookish friend enjoys Tuesday's so much ....the castle adds something new to itself and what it will be is anyone's guess. Add a mystery and a kingdom in peril and you've got a promising story in my book. How about yours?

Until next time...happy reading!

Dashing through the snow, it's...Jingle Bells by John Harris

Why hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place to get your holiday read ON!  ^_^

How are you today?

Hopefully the week has been treating you well and look…the weekend is just over that ridge!  Do you see it?  It’s coming…swifter than a flock of seagulls and we’re not talking about the 80’s music group (if you don’t know who that is, don’t ask…it won’t interfere with your enjoyment of this post…^_^).  Seriously, is it just me or has this year FLOWN by?  Let’s not even get into the fact that we only have 10 days til Christmas Day and I’m still trying to get my shopping done.  *-*  Ah yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed.  Anywho…

Yesterday, we took a look at the true spirit of the season with author Steve Light’s latest work, The Christmas Giant.  If you missed the post, feel free to check it out after you finish this one.  In keeping with the ho-ho-ho season, today we are going to take a look at another aspect of the festivities…the Christmas Carol, or more precisely, one song in particular.  Ready for the bookish holiday feast?  Here it comes.  Today’s book of choice is…

Jingle Bells:

How the Holiday Classic Came to Be

By

John Harris

Illustrated by

Adam Gustavson

Sounds all technical and perhaps snooze inducing, right?  Thank goodness we don’t judge a book by its title…alone.  The cover helped to draw my curiosity as did the publisher of the work (*cough*…Peachtree Publishers…*cough*) since my experience with their previous releases has always been enjoyable.  So, feeling moved to seek out more holiday spirit, I took the plunge on this one and was rewarded with a story more worthy of Christmas cookies than of fruitcake (< -- meaning I liked it since cookies ROCK…just in case I confused you there).

A story of fiction filled with facts about one of our favorite carols of old, James Lord Pierpont’s holiday creation would go on to live in infamy and be sung by so many artists I doubt you could ever hear them all.  Though some creative licensing was taken, which was bound to happen since we can’t actually go back in time to see the events ourselves (unless you have a time machine to loan us…do you?  *blink blink*), you can really imagine the events unfolding as presented given the time (it was the 1850’s) and place (Savannah, GA).  Though short in length, the story explores a variety of emotions and issues you may not have expected, from the assault on the church (the “brick-through-the-window” classic) to concerns about integration, the desire to harbor a welcoming atmosphere to simply the want to provide an enjoyable holiday concert experience.  It all boils down to the creation of a timeless classic.  Speaking of boiling….

I can totally relate to the oppressive heat mentioned at the books beginning as James Lord Pierpont was dreaming of a white Christmas while baking in the Georgia sun.  When Mom and I moved down to Florida from good old PA, we left 5 inches of snow behind…and traded it for 100 degrees plus humidity from you-know-where.  It may sound appealing to those of you snowbound at the moment, but trust me, heaven like all things is in the eye of the beholder, or person stuck sweating to death in the tropical sun.  It’s a wonder that Mr. Pierpont was able to focus on any snowy daydream long enough to string a few words together, let alone write a song….but are we ever so glad that he did. 

In short, you learn something new everyday, and this one I count amongst my holiday best.  If you’re looking for a great holiday read to add to your family friendly list, I highly recommend this little gem.  Its fun, it’s informative, it’s a journey into the past layered with enough fiction to keep it interesting…even for the youngest amongst you.  I’ll bet you find yourself singing along as the lyrics are revealed…and why not?  Tis the season.  Oh, one more thing, watch for the visual aid Mr. Pierpont employs at the end of the children’s song.  It was a brilliant way to bring a white Christmas down South. 

Review copy courtesy of Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, visit them online, follow their blog, ‘like’ them on Facebook, or of course…follow them on Twitter (1 or 2). 

Until next time….happy reading!

Tis the season for...The Christmas Giant by Steve Light

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you feel the need for speed...I mean, to read.  (^_^)  Yesterday, we unleashed our wild sides with the first book in a new YA series you don't want to miss....good stuff, I assure you.  Today, we get back to the spirit of the season, story wise that is, with a frost-ily delicious book for readers of all ages.  So come one, come all!  Grab your hot chocolates (with mini-marshmallows), unfold the blanket and get ready for a holiday story full of heart.  Today's book of choice is....

The Christmas Giant

by

Steve Light

From the publisher...

Humphrey is a giant, and Leetree, his best friend, is an elf. Together they love making wrapping paper for all of Santa’s presents. But this year Santa has asked them to grow a Christmas tree, and the pair couldn’t be more excited! They take great care with their project, planting and watering, snipping and pruning. Finally, the tree is wrapped and ready, and Humphrey and Leetree set off to deliver it. But when disaster strikes, the giant and the elf must come up with a way to make things right. From a small idea comes a big plan--and a surprise no one in Christmastown will soon forget!

A simple story with a wonderful message, this book makes its mark on the holiday reading scene with lights all aglow....but let's not forget about the remarkable artwork.  You can really see the talent of this illustrator with each turn of the page.  His chosen medium, pen/ink drawings...not the easiest of choices especially if one tends to make errors from time to time (*raises hand*).  From those humble beginnings, he is able to create a winter wonderland visually worth escaping to and bring to life two characters with such attention to detail (the boughs on the trees, the curls of his beard, the prints of the wrapping paper they were making...all there in their inky glory), you won't soon forget them.  Why?  I'll tell you why. 

Humphrey and Leetree work so well together not simply in choosing tasks to aid the other based on their heights but in helping to illustrate the true spirit of the season.  Their tale is a gentle reminder to take things back to what truly matters.  The happiness of the season shouldn't be measured by how much we get or everything turning out perfect and going according to plan (though those things are nice); it's in making the most of every moment, no matter how big or small it may be and creating a holiday that is purely yours filled with memories to last a lifetime.  So go ahead, make your lists and check them twice...just remember sometimes those that may seem naughty are just in need of a little "nice".

I was lucky enough to win an autographed copy of the book along with an original drawing of Humphrey and Leetree (that shall be cherished with my holiday decorations year after year) from the author by entering through the BookBuzz feature in my daily Shelf-Awareness newsletter.  (THANKS guys!)  If you haven't signed up for their daily email of bookish goodness yet, feel free to take a moment and do so through the sign up option in my left hand sidebar...just over there <<--.  This book was published by Candlewick Press, for more information on it as well as their full catalog, feel free to visit them online.  To see more of Mr. Light's wonderful artwork and learn about his other published works, check out his official website...pretty nifty animation if I do say so myself.

Until next time...happy reading!

A BLOG TOUR to Howl About: Welcome Back to WOLF SPRINGS...

Why hello there readers!

Welcome back to another day another post here at the place to satisfy your bookish desires….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today we have part two of the tour to howl about featuring that Young Adult literature writing author duo, Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie! They know their stuff and if you don’t believe me, you can check out their guest post seen here last week that explains how that capture that YA magic we know and love. Speaking of which, today’s post is my review of their latest release and trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss it. Without further adieu, today’s book of choice and blog tour guest is….

Wolf Springs Chronicles, Book 1:

Unleashed

By

Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

From the author's site....

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.



Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

There’s something that I noticed whilst reading this one and I think I knew it for quite a while, but it just came to the forefront of my mind this time around. One of the things unique about their writing is how the story is carried. The majority of it is held firmly aloft by the actual dialogue in the story. Now that may not seem like a truly surprising feat, but really….think about it. In today’s Young Adult genre, things generally go one of two ways; either the author creates a world so fantastical it’s hard to believe, or they step into a future version of our own world with realistic enhancements. These authors stay firmly planted in the present and let the story build out of the characters alone….with much success. After all, there’s no need for extensive world building when you have all you need right here and let’s not forget that it makes it all the more real when you can identify with what the characters are seeing, going through, or where they’re at. Anywho, I believe I made my point…moving on….

Characters! Oh those crazy beautiful character…no really! Most are pretty faces, but there’s a lot more there too. Let’s see, hottie number 1: Trick; the Romanian-esque speaking, cowboy boot wearing, smoking in a oh-my-let-me-just-gaze-at-you-a-minute-longer sorta way. He’s definitely hiding something which is a no-no if you’re going to get anywhere with the girl of interest, but despite the reputation he has, acts the gentleman…for the most part (hey, even Prince Charming was a jerk sometimes I’m sure). Hottie number 2: Justin; the equally sculpted, relative of her newbie best friend Cordelia, with eyes that could penetrate your soul, and enough magnetism to draw the Earth’s core. He’s got that bad boy thing going for him and is hiding something just as much as the other “man” in question….but with heat like that, he’s hard to resist despite any wrong doings. Ah yes, so many guys…so big a decision to make….which leads me to our main character, Katelyn.

Katelyn has been through heck and high water with losing her Dad a while back and now, the death of her Mom. Now, let’s say we ship her off to Arkansas away from everything else she knew and loved to live with a Grandfather she’s barely ever seen and expect her to be peachy-keen. Umm, yeah….not so much. She DOES her best considering the circumstances…..she even comes to like her knew home to a certain degree, if only she could stop being attacked by woodland creatures, and gain a little freedom because really does she need to be home before dark EVERY night? Let’s just say that her Grandfather has good reasons for what he asks (though I’m curious if he will ever verbatim say why)…reasons she finds out in good time on her own and through means she’ll possibly live to forget (not possibly forget….possibly live as in may not…you’ll have to read it to find out). Thankfully she has her new bestie Cordelia to help her out, right? Not exactly. It seems she’s hiding things too and they aren’t exactly what you might think either.

Now as mentioned with the two hotties previously, there is obviously a romance angle to the story. The best way I can describe it without giving too much away is this….it totally fit the song “Love Me, Love Me” by Big Time Rush (whose recent CD happens to be in my car…I totally blame my coworker for introducing me to it). There’s energy, indecision, desire and passion all palpable straight off the page…and yet still demure enough to be a teen friendly read, albeit mid to older teens and beyond. *le sigh*

In short, there are many hidden truths to uncover in the small town of Wolf Springs. Some you may anticipate, some you may guess….others will take you by surprise as they turn up the heat but rest assured, this series is getting off on the right foot and I for one CAN’T WAIT to see what happens next. So much to learn still and so many decisions to be made.

Special thanks to Lauren at Random House Children’s Books for the review copy and the chance to participate in this tour. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, feel free to visit them online, or follow along on Twitter. For more information on the blog tour, be sure to check out the author’s sites (1 and 2) and of course, follow them on Twitter (1 and 2). They truly rock and are so considerate of their readers, you won’t be sorry.

Until next time…happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Scholastic's "One Million Bookprints for One Million Books"

Hi there readers!

So...I was all prepared to bring you reviews a plenty today, especially with the blog silence this weekend (sorry about that...work got WAY busier than expected and WHEW, incorrent blogger = not such good reading material), but just as I was typing up the post...something happened.  I got an email!

Okay, so THAT'S not news, but what was IN the email IS....and it's something YOU NEED TO TAKE NOTE OF.  Bloggers, readers, lovers of the written work in print or electronic form....lend me your eyes for just a moment as I share with you the information I just received about a FANTASTIC endeavor to bring books into the lives of children across the country.

Straight from the "press release"....get ready to READ ALL ABOUT IT....

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Scholastic Launches “One Million Bookprints for One Million Books” Campaign to Donate New Books to Children in Need

 For Every Person who Creates a “Bookprint” at the Online Community, youarewhatyouread.com, a New Children’s Book will be Donated to Reach Out and Read

New York – December 12, 2011 – A new campaign, ONE MILLION BOOKPRINTS FOR ONE MILLION BOOKS, kicks off today, inviting readers of all ages to create a “Bookprint” at the online community, youarewhatyouread.com.  For every Bookprint created, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a new book to a child in need (up to one million books).  Books will be distributed through the national school readiness initiative Reach Out and Read. 

What’s a “Bookprint”?  The five books that most impact someone’s life comprise their Bookprint.  They can be children’s or adult books and Bookprints can change over time.  On the “You Are What You Read” website, more than 200 “Names You Know” from entertainers to authors to journalists and even two U.S. presidents have shared their Bookprints.  The donation launches with 20,000 books – one book for each of the 20,000 Bookprints created by users already on youarewhatyouread.com.

The One Million Bookprints for One Million Books campaign is part of Scholastic Book Clubs annual ClassroomsCare program which helps teachers engage their students around the importance of reading and giving.  

“Creating a Bookprint is a great way for adults and children to talk about the importance of books in our lives and how books introduce us to heroes and role models or take us on exciting journeys to new places,” said Judy Newman, President, Scholastic Book Clubs, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company.  “Through Scholastic Book Clubs ClassroomsCare initiative, students and teachers can also participate in the Bookprints for Books campaign and help put books into the hands of the children who may otherwise not have the opportunity to own their own books and experience the profound impact books can have on someone’s life.”

The One Million Bookprints for One Million Books Campaign comes at a critical time for children’s literacy organizations such as Reach Out and Read and Reading Is Fundamental.  Recent government funding cuts are straining these organizations that provide books to the neediest children and critical advice to parents on how to develop their children’s early literacy skills at home.  “It is crucial for reading to begin at a young age and for all children to have books in their home,” says Earl Martin Phalen, CEO of Reach Out and Rea

d. “The recent loss of government funding has impacted the ability of literacy organizations to continue to get books into the hands of children in need, so we thank everyone who creates a Bookprint in support of this campaign.”

In addition to making a donation of a book to a child, by creating a Bookprint at http://www.youarewhatyouread.com/, participants will:

·        Join 205+ famous reading role models, including: Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Gates, Paulo Coelho, Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson, Suzanne Collins, Tony Hawk, Taylor Swift, Daniel Radcliffe, President William Jefferson Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, and many others

·        Connect with book lovers, similar readers from 140 countries and discover new reads based on books in other Bookprints

·        Enter a safe social network all about books with two separate communities – one for adults, the other for children under 13 years old

 ·        Find a book at a local library 

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.

Reach Out and Read builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. The more than 3.9 million children served annually by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and they enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed, with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and a six-month developmental edge over their peers.

Reach Out and Read doctors and nurses distribute more than 6.4 million books to children at 4,779 pediatric practices, hospitals, clinics, and health centers in all 50 states, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities.

For more information on the Read Every Day campaign, visit http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday.

For more information about Scholastic, visit our Media Room at http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/youarewhatyouread.

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So...what are you waiting for?

Not me I hope.

I've already created my bookprint....now it's YOUR TURN.

Help spread the joys of the written word with the next generation....

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

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Hi there everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you want to indulge in a little holiday reading fun…or any reading fun for that matter. ^_^ Quick reminder, there is a contest or two currently running on the site for a few bookish treats….be sure to check the right hand sidebar under CURRENT CONTESTS for more details! Now, back to today’s post….

As you may have heard, this past Friday was ‘Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day’….hopefully you celebrated with your little ones or at least the child in you. I, on the other hand, was in charge of the festivities for our local store. Yep, that’s me. The one woman show of show for getting children (of all ages) interested in reading. So, I did what any avid reader (with no shame) would do…I decked myself out in holiday garb and plotted for a day filled with bookish holiday cheer. Oh and when we’re talking about “decked out”, we’re talking all out. Snowflake shirt, khaki capris, colorful snowflake socks (knee-hi ones no less), snowflake head (that doubled as a crown), red fluffy scarf and red shoes. Don’t judge me…I had a blast. ^_^ Anywho…back to the fun planned….



Random pic, not actual clothes



A bookmark creation station where readers could color one of several pre-printed bookmarks that said things like READ and BOOKWORM, two story times with holly jolly choices, holiday trivia (easy stuff) with prizes….even cookies and punch! It was gonna jingle bell ROCK! Unfortunately….we didn’t have quite the turn out I had hoped (blame it on the lack of advertisement and being located next to a toy store). *sigh* No worries though….it just made it that much cozier when story time rolled around for I had a captive (albeit small) audience. So…wanna know what book I chose? Here goes. The book of choice was then and for today is….

The Polar Express

By

Chris Van Allsburg

Believe it or not, this was the FIRST time I’ve actually read this story. Yup. I mean, I’ve seen the movie like many before me and listened to the soundtrack on repeat like FEW before me (LOVE that soundtrack!), but I’ve never actually had the chance to indulge in the written version…until now. That’s the beauty of handling story time, it’s totally your show. ^_^

Read aloud by yours truly with inflection, voice changes for the various characters, and sound effects (I wore a jingle bell bracelet….helped with the bells on the reindeer….), it went over rather well. Imagine my surprise though when I discovered a few differences between the print and visual versions! O-O Okay, so I really wasn’t THAT surprised, I mean it happens ALL the time, but lets discuss them anyway, okay? First off, there’s really only one main character…not three. You remember the little “lead”-er girl and the little lonely boy? They’re there visually to some degree, but nothing to make them standout. Second, the “spirit” aboard the train as well as many of the adventures has between misunderstandings and explorations, NEVER happen. Even the big present chase when they finally reach the North Pole never comes to fruitation. Shock, awe, and all that jazz.

What DOES remain though is what really matters. It’s the true feeling of magic, the spirit of the season if you will. It’s woven around the words, interlaced within each carefully crafted image. It fills you with childlike wonder from head to toe much like that hot chocolate from the dining car would warm you…..and now I’ve given myself a craving for a cup of that hot-hot-we-got-it hot chocolate.

Recommended read for all ages…there’s no child or adult alike out there that can’t find something wonderful about this tale. A great addition to your holiday reading, if I do say so myself. So whilst I go and grab a cup of warm chocolate-ly delicious-ness, I’ll bid you adieu.

Have a great weekend everyone….and happy reading!

　

Taste Testing Tuesdays...on a Thursday!

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. 

 

Normally seen on a Tuesday, hence the title, we're doing things a little different seeing as how I had a blog tour guest in attendance that but didn't want you to miss your weekly dose of bookish goodness.

 

On the menu this week...two fiction books both from the realm of fantasy though one has a paranormal edge while the other explores the work of imagination.  Ready...set...here it comes!

 

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Friends will talk for hours about the most mundane things and find joy in it.  Friends can also speak eloquently with just a few words at the roughest of times.  But true friendships are forged in the silences.  It's when you find the person that you can be with and never say a word for a very long time and still know what each other is thinking, that you have found a true friend.

-- pg 57, Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox, book 1:  It is Said... by Edward Medina

Lovely passage, isn't it? This ebook is chock full of delicious goodness like this and SO much imagination!  I can't begin to delve into it right now without almost doing a full-fledged review and I'm not quite ready for that yet (still more to read), but I'll definitely get back to you on it.  ^_^

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She sat, blinking for a moment, scanning the trees for his shape.  The drumming began to pick up, and her heart thumped faster.  Every horror movie she'd seen started like this.  She'd get killed by an ax-wielding wolfman executive, and Trick would come back and find her body right before he was chopped down, too.

-- pg 74, Wolf Springs Chronicles, book 1:  Unleashed by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

 

When I first read the passage above, I actually flagged it for this teaser post.  It made me laugh even though you were seriously worried about Katelyn (the main character) at the time.  Gotta say it, these ladies sure know how to write a great piece of YA fiction!  Thoroughly enjoying the story so far.  For more on their writing techniques, check out yesterday's guest post...and stay tuned for the blog tour to swing by next week when I'll be posting my review!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

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...

...oh and no, you haven't lost an entire week....I'm just getting to where I can post this and going with the premise of better late than never.  ^_^

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For Review

 

Dead and Not So Buried by James L. Conway

(Review copy courtesy of Jennifer at Over the River Publications)

Doesn't look like my typical read, right?  Well hang on a second.  The author is a Hollywood writer with credits for Smallville, Supernatural, Psych, Charmed and many others, so we know the storyline should be good.  The book takes place in Hollywood and features a gumshoe-type lead that doesn't sound like he'll take no for an answer.  The cover...caught my eye.  For these reasons and more, I agreed to a review....watch for it early 2012. This book is scheduled for release February 15th, 2012 from Camel Press.

mental_floss:  The Book: The Greatest Lists in the History of Listory

(Review copy courtesy of Mary at HarperCollins Publishers)

Well if the title wasn't enough to make you smile, guaranteed some of the lists within will.  Can't wait to delve into this one....in fact it's coming up for review rather quickly so stay tuned!  In the mean time,

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This next assortment came from one source alone and so, it gets a mini-spotlight in lieu of repeating the same information over, and over, and over, and well, you get the picture.  I'm please to say that this merry mix of titles came for review courtesy of Kendal at Owlkids Books.  They are a publisher from Toronto, Canada that works primarily in bringing reading magic to those ages 3-13....but we all know that's merely a starting range because books are one of those things we can really never outgrow.  Here are the titles I'll be diving into....

Max Finder Mystery, Collected Casebook, Vol. 1 by O'Donnell and Michael Cho

Sir Seth Thistlethwaite and the Soothwayer's Shoes, Book 1 by Richard Thake

The first, a detective series and the second, a fantasy adventure with a FUNtastic title.

Animal Tales, Favourite Stories from Chirp Magazine

Who DOESN'T like animal stories...especially cute ones like these have the potential to be.

Annie Bizzanni by France Halle, Fil et Julie

I don't know about you, but even if I hadn't read what this book was about, that adorably cute little girl would have made me pick it up.  Just look at that hair!  ^_^ 

A Grandmother for Christmas by Chantal Dezzainde, Fil et Julie

Now if this one didn't already look sweet as it is, it certainly works perfectly for this time of year.  I'll definitely me going through this one VERY soon.  I have a feeling it might be more emotional than first presumed though...*tissues at the ready, just in case*

The Pirate and the Penguin by Patricia Storms

I'm in love with the cover.  It's just so much fun!  Look at the little pirate with his skull adorned whatamacallit...and the penguin in a sweater? Ha!  Even the raised eyebrows on the penguin add another whimsical twist.  Can't wait....

My Think-A-Ma-Jink by Dave Whamond

Easy peasy explanation on this curious title, it's all about imagination.  Good thing I LOVE using that particular muscle.  ^_^

My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales illustrated by Berengere Delaporte

Now see here's another chance to use my imagination and have an excuse to color, draw, cut and paste without shame.  Hehe....not that I wouldn't do that anyway.  ^_^  Seriously, this is one I've seen in our local store and thought...how much FUN would THAT be?!  It's storybook-ish and creative all wrapped into one.  Getting my colored pencils, glue, glitter and such ready....

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Picked Up

Now remember, this is the cateogory where an ARC arrived in store and I either got first dibs or I rescued it to give it a good home.  In either case, here's a few upcoming titles you may want to know....

Ditched, A Love Story by Robin Mellom

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

This time around it was two ARCs both from Hyperion Press and both scheduled for release January 2012.  One looks fun and the other, curious.  We shall see.....

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Won

The Christmas Giant by Steve Light

(won via Shelf-Awareness)

I was pretty excited about winning this one too!  It's a perfect addition for the season, plus not only is the book signed but you see that little picture in the upper right of the photo?  It's an original signed print from the author/illustrator himself!  Too cool in my book, too cool.  I've already explored this book cover to cover and am ready to share it with you so stay tuned, this one is forthcoming!

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Received

From my good blogger pal and friend Nayuleska...

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The first I've been curious about since I originally saw the cover...the second I've been enchanted by since seeing the film.

Sweep, Vol. 1:  Book of Shadows, The Coven, Blood Witch by Cate Tiernan

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The first I've had on my wish list for a while now....the second, while many of you are HUGE fans of the series and chomping at the bit to see the film, me...I've never really had an interest.  *dodges all objects thrown with ninja fast skills*  But seeing as how the hype is STILL not dying down, I figured what the hey, if I get a copy, I'm one step closer to maybe reading it one day to see just what the interest is.  I'm not making any promises being the reading rebel that I am, but I will approach it with an open mind.

 

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That's all for this week!

Anything catch your eye?

How about you....what did YOU get?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

 

Until next time....happy reading!