It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct 24, 2011)

What are you reading on Mondays is hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey - You can hook up with the Mr. Linky there with your own post - but be sure and let me know what you are reading too!  I have some new giveaways going on, so be sure to check the right sidebar!

Currently Reading:
The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas - such a good book!  Should be done before dinner!

The Kingdom of Childhood  by Rebecca Coleman


Next Up:
Skeleton Letters by Laura Childs
Ghost Files by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson

Audio Book:
A Discovery of Witches: A Novel  by Deborah Harkness

E-Book:
Disrupted Lives by Brenda Youngerman

Next e-books up:
If I Tell by Janet Gurtler
An Accidental Mother  by Katherine Anne Kindred
Ladies and Gentlemen. . . the Redeemers by Michael Scott Miller

Bathroom Book:
Good Graces  by Lesley Kagen


Reviewed Since Last Post:
Knit with Love by Lisa Bogart
A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron

Waiting for Reviews:
 The Place of Belonging by Jayne Pearson Faulkner
The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder
The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman
Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Airmail by Naomi Bulger
Pie Town by Lynne Hinton
Chasing the Red Car by Ellen Ruderman
Whistling In the Dark  by Lesley Kegan
Darkness, My Old Friend: A Novel by Lisa Unger
Atonement by Ian McEwan
How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?: Reclaim Your Health with Humor, Creativity, and Grit by Carla Ulbrich

E-books waiting for review:
Sudden Moves by Kelli Sue Landon
This World We Live In (The Last Survivors, Book 3) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Children's Books waiting for review:
Pearl's Wisdom by Auntie LuLu
Bug Meets His Friend (Bug's Adventure Series) by K.M. Groshek
Multiply on the Fly by Suzanne Slade
Ten for Me by Barbara Mariconda
Animalogy by Marianne Berkes
Prairie Storms by Darcy Pattison

READY - SET - READ!

Cloudburst by V.C. Andrews (Giveaway!)

Cloudburst

by V.C. Andrews

Second in an all-new series! (But can be read as a stand alone)

Cloudburst, from the creator of Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews^®

Fate swept Sasha Porter into the lap of luxury, and into a torrent of bitter lies and shocking betrayals—all revealed in the riveting new novel CLOUDBURST (Pocket Star Books; October 25, 2011; $7.99) from bestselling author V.C. Andrews^®.

Since being taken in by wealthy Mrs. Jordan March and living in her exquisite home like a daughter, Sasha Porter’s traumatic past—destitute on the streets, and the shattering accident that killed her mother—seems like a fading nightmare. Beautiful and sophisticated, as bold and daring as her “sister,” Kiera March, Sasha still keeps her mother’s wise words close to her heart: never fully trust anyone. Inside her privileged new world, it’s advice that will prove more precious than gold.

Against the wishes of Jordan’s husband, Donald, Sasha attracts the attention of Ryder Garfield, a shy, handsome athlete, and maneuvers her way into his heart. But Ryder’s hidden torment soon explodes in a horrific tragedy that pulls Sasha into a flood of guilt and despair. And when someone she thought she could trust targets her vulnerability, Sasha recalls her mother’s warnings—and a violent storm of dark deceptions and shocking family secrets is unleashed. Will she sink or swim?

I have one copy of Cloudburst to giveaway courtesy of Pocket Books!  Giveaway is open to US/Canada and will end on Nov 7, 2011 at midnight CST.  Following is appreciated, but not required.

A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron (Book Review w/bonus giveaway!)

Title: A Dog's Way Home
Author: Bobbie Pyron
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books


About the Book: One late fall afternoon, a tragic highway accident leaves eleven-year-old Abby and her beloved Shetland sheepdog, Tam, stranded at opposite ends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Though each is determined to be reunited with the other, the days separating them turn to weeks, then months, and dangers and changes fill up Abby's and Tam's lives. Will they ever find their way back home to one another?


Classic in its themes and contemporary in its telling, Bobbie Pyron's A Dog's Way Home is the unforgettable tale of the many miles, months, and mountains that separate two loyal friends—but that can't possibly keep them apart.

My thoughts:  This was a very quick middle-grade level read.  If you like animal stories - especially dogs - then this will be one that you want to add to your shelf.  The author tells the story from two perspectives - that of Tam, the sheltie in the story, and Abby - the little girl who owns Tam.  

After a car accident leaves Tam lost and alone in the Smoky Mountains, he spends months trying to get back to Abby.  After awhile he is more wild than dog, but something in him keeps pulling him home.  Abby's family, meanwhile, has moved to Nashville as her dad has gotten a recording contract.  Abby doesn't want to leave the home that she is sure that Tam is trying to get back to, but doesn't have a choice.  She has dreams about Tam and what he is going through, and her friends are convinced that she has inherited "the sight" from her grandmother. 

I found myself cheering for Tam to keep going in this book.  When something would happen to him, I would keep my fingers crossed that he would be able to pull himself through. 

I remember some of my teachers in elementary school reading to us after lunch - do they still do that?  I think this would be a good choice for a book like that.  If you have a child in your life that likes dog/animal stories - definitely introduce her to this book. 

~I received a complimentary copy of this book from Teddy at Premier Virtual Author Book Tours and the author, Bobbie Pyron.~

A Dog's Way Home

Publisher/Publication Date: Katherine Tegen Books, Feb 2011

ISBN: 978-0061986741

Ages 9-12

I have one copy of The Ring, by Bobbie Pyron for giveaway -

Plagued by slipping grades and a budding criminal record, at 15, Mardie's heading down a path of self-destruction she can't seem to avoid. Unlike her perfect older brother Michael, who does everything right according to their father, Mardie can't measure up. But when she discovers a girls' boxing club at the gym, Mardie's drawn in by the fighters' fearlessness and strength. Having already lost her parents' trust, and shunned by her boyfriend and friends, the ring is the only place left where no one judges Mardie. Angry and hurt, Mardie can't wait to start throwing punches. But Kitty, her wise and patient trainer, a former boxer who's coached her share of troubled girls, shows Mardie that boxing isn't just about fighting--it's also about strategy and mental discipline--the things that make a fighter into a winner. Mardie begins to apply the lessons she's learned in the ring to her own battles, especially at home, where she finds she's not the only one struggling for acceptance. As she trains for her upcoming championship bouts, Mardie hopes to make her parents proud. Filled with exciting sports action, The Ring is the inspiring story of a girl learning to believe in herself.

Readathon Wrap Up

So, even though this is like the 4th or 5th time I have done this readathon, my husband comes in at lunch today and says - don't you need to go read?  If I would have been thinking clearly, I would have said Yep and disappeared for the rest of the afternoon!  But I told the truth and let him know it was only a 24 hour readathon. 

So now for the wrap up

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?  This would have been hour 18 - the one where I gave up and went to bed!

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?  No - I wouldn't attempt anything too meaty that takes too much concentration!

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? You guys did a great job this year!  

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?  I liked the meme's where you just had the Mr. Linky.  I had done some of the challenges, and then when I went back to read other comments, couldn't find the one that I thought I had left for the challenge (Of course, this could be operator error. . .)

5. How many books did you read?  I only read 1 1/2 - which was good with my eye!

6. What were the names of the books you read? A Dog's Way Home and most of The Comforts of Home.  It's funny because A Dog's Way Home was set in Harmony Gap, North Carolina and The Comforts of Home is in Harmony, Texas.

7. Which book did you enjoy most?  The Comforts of Home

8. Which did you enjoy least?  Well, that would leave the other one, A Dog's Way Home, which was very good as well!

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?  No advice, I think they do a great job!

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?  I will definitely participate.  I would like to take a role next time, as either a cheerleader or a challenge meme host maybe.

Readathon Over and Out - Hour 18

Since coming back from The Night of the Living Dead (which was a lot of fun to go see on the big screen!)  I have barely been able to read 40 pages.  My eyes are so heavy and my right eye is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dry that it actually hurts to close it.  I think I have abused it enough for today.  I am going to bed and will do a recap in the morning!  Night all!

Hour 11 Book Trailer Challenge

Well this will be my last post for awhile as we are going to see Night of the Living Dead!  So I thought I would post a creepy book trailer of a book that I just recently discovered and want to read!




Keep reading and I will check in when we get back!

Book Sentence Challenge and Readathon Update

The Book Sentence Challenge is the one I have the most fun with during every readathon.  I have composed 6 sentences using book titles - see all my pics below.  Sorry if some of the pictures aren't very clear - I could only find the camera where I could not control the flash!

Minding Ben Until Tuesday The Soldier's Wife Left Neglected The Christmas Shoppe.



All I Want Is You, Pale Demon, Dead By Midnight



Very Bad Men Across the Universe, Kick The Queen of Last Hopes

The Year We Left Home, Three Warm Bodies Going Cowboy Crazy Dare To Take Charge

When the Brook Dries Up Push The Ring Across Many Mountains

The Upright Piano Player Born Under a Lucky Moon Never Knowing the Final Note

Which one is your favorite?


Update - Have only read about 100 pages in to my next book.  I discovered that my facebook page for Books and Needlepoint hadn't updated since September, so I got engrossed trying to figure out why!  I am hoping that I got it fixed. 

Hour 6 update and Mini Challenge

Well, I finished A Dog's Way Home - cute middle-grade book about a lost dog.  Made me cry - a little.  But I told my daughter it was just my dry eye watering - lol.  Started The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas.  

Foods so far - Donut w/sprinkles, snack bag of pretzels, 1/2 peanut butter and green olive sandwich (don't knock it til you try it!) and some Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips that just came in the mail from Frito Lay!  (Thanks Frito Lay!)   I have also drank 2 cups of coffee and a mountain dew.  That might explain the jittery fingers!

I think I have done every mini challenge so far - yay!   So here is the next one -

What are the Top 5 books that I am looking forward to reading in the next few months -

So - in no particular order - Here are 5 books off my TBR list that I would like to get to sooner rather than later!

Happy reading!

Mini Challenge - Book Puzzle

For this challenge, I had to create a Book Puzzle. Essentially, this is a series of pictures, graphics, or photos that you put together that will describe a book title.

Can you guess it?

I will let you know the correct answer later today!  

Character Photo Mini Challenge

The challenge  is to take a photo of something that represents a character in one of the books you are reading for the readathon.

I have two books on my list today - Ghost Trackers and Ghost Files - so I snapped this picture of a ghost that my son made at a party last night!

Readathon Morning Hours and Introduction Meme

Good morning readers!  Just checking in.  Got a little bit of a late start.  Stayed up later with my daughter last night as she thought she might be having contractions!   But, it was false labor so I am here reading with you all today! 

I am going to try to finish up A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron first.  I am about half way through it and it is an easy read (bigger print) book so should be okay on my eyes!

Introduction Meme
1)Where are you reading from today?
 North of Chicago near the Wisconsin border.

2)Three random facts about me…
I am going to be a grandma anyday now.
I am a library aide at my son's elementary school.
I keep chocolate hidden in the house for emergencies!

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
I have a stockpile of 18 books so that I can always have something that interests me!  Here is my list.

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
I have no goals - just to read as much as I can.  I am going to try to keep track better of how much I read though.

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
This is not my first time, and everytime I want I see something that I want to do better - but most of all - just relax and enjoy yourself!.

Knit with Love by Lisa Bogart (Book Review)

Title: Knit with Love: Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart

Author: Lisa Bogart Publisher: Revell
About the book:  The rhythm of knitting brings peace and joy to life.  Knitters love to share stories, skills and even their stashes of elegant yarn.  And they love finding new outlets for their talents.

Knitting can't feed the hungry, fight crime, or stop global warming, but a hand-knit sweater warms a cold child.  A cozy scar eases a homeless night.  A tiny hat comforts a new baby's head.  A lovely prayer shawl wraps a worried patient in peace.

Through inspiring stories and gentle encouragement, Knit with Love, reveals the many ways you can, with your own two hands, bring joy and comfort to those around you.

My thoughts:  This was a nice easy read for me this week.  It is filled with stories of how others use their knitting to bring themselves peace, or try to add a little peace to the world around them.  It is also great for inspiration and encouragement.

Of course, I also found it frustrating this week, as I just purchased some yarn to make blocks with my soon-to-be granddaughter's name on them (project picked out by my daughter) and then have to limit things I do with my eyes!  I am definitely not one of those knitters who don't have to look at their work.  I wanted to make her a blanket, but she is already getting one from MY mom, so she wanted me to do something different.  She set off for Hobby Lobby tonight and I told her to look for some more yarn for a blanket anyway.  So as you can see, this book is urging me to knit! 

Really though, what I think I liked best about it were all the stories, both big and small, in which people used their knitting to reach out to others.  It gave me tons of ideas for places to look where I might be able to help out, even in a little way. And the ton of websites that are listed is wonderful!  I think I especially like the woman who said to take a little time to think about the end recipient.  Don't send crazy hats to people in a war zone where they might become targets - or teddy bears to children in Africa, but maybe a different kind of animal toy.  And the idea of praying for the recipient as you stitch it is pretty neat too.

If you know a knitter, or are a knitter, I think you would enjoy taking a look at this book.  If you are a wannabe knitter, this just might be the thing to push you over the ledge!   Take a chance!

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

~I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my review.~

Knit with Love: Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart
Publisher/Publication Date: Revell, Oct 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1970-8
171 pages

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon!

I almost missed it!  Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon starts tomorrow  morning at 7AM CST and I almost missed it!(If you don't know what it is - go here to find out.)  I am going to read as much as I can, but with my dry eye I may find myself limited.  I will be reading more physical books than ebooks as my eye tends to dry more with the ebooks.  (This is from the Bell's Palsy that I developed earlier this week.)  I will be taking a break tomorrow night to go see a showing of the original Night of the Living Dead in a theater with my DH.

Possible books that I will be reading:

Or if I want to try reading on my Kindle or Nook, these are some of my choices:

We will just have to see how my eye holds out - but I am going to try to write up one review tonight and get to bed.  Night all!

Winners!

I have a couple of winners to announce! 

Dawn M is the winner of My Life Undecided! - Congrats Dawn!

misskallie2000 is the winner of Love at Absolute Zero!  - Congrats misskallie!


Both winners have been notified by email!

Stay tuned for more giveaways!

It's Not Monday - But I'm Gonna Tell You What I'm Reading Anyway! (Oct 18, 2011)

Well, a trip to my doctor, who then sent me to the ER kept me from doing my post yesterday!  Spent a day in the ER, waiting for an MRI, because she was afraid that I had a stroke.  Last week, after my weekend of the 2 day headache,  I started having an eye twitch in one eye, and then my second eye started feeling like I had something in it. All week long when I ate, it also felt like I had burnt my whole mouth, or that there was some kind of film in my mouth. So Saturday I called and made an appt for yesterday.  Sunday morning when I woke up, the whole left side of my face was numb.  It felt as if I had gone to the dentist and was filled with novacaine.  It wasn't until I went to the doc, that she pointed out that I had lost some facial muscle on my right side (so, I really didn't have anything in that eye - it just wasn't shutting all the way so was drying out.)  Off to the ER. 

Five hours, one blood draw, one I.V. and one MRI later - turns out I didn't have a stroke, I just had an atypical presentation of Bell's Palsy.  Now that I have had a couple of doses of drugs, the numbness has gone down immensely on my left, but my right eye is still painfully dry.  I have to wear an eye patch at night so I won't scratch it and have eye drops to use during the day. If you don't know what Bell's Palsy is, it is just a virus that you can get after you have had been sick with an infection.  It clears up, but can take anywhere from days to months with no way to predict.  So, I can live with that!  So let's get reading!

What are you reading on Mondays is hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey - You can hook up with the Mr. Linky there with your own post - but be sure and let me know what you are reading too!

Currently Reading:
Knit with Love: Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart by Lisa Bogart 
The Kingdom of Childhood  by Rebecca Coleman
Love At Absolute Zero  by Christopher Meeks

Next Up:
The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas
A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron

Audio Book:
A Discovery of Witches: A Novel  by Deborah Harkness

E-Book:
Disrupted Lives by Brenda Youngerman

Next e-books up:
If I Tell by Janet Gurtler
An Accidental Mother  by Katherine Anne Kindred

Bathroom Book:
Good Graces  by Lesley Kagen


Reviewed Since Last Post:
Ding Dong the Diva's Dead by Cat Melodia
Love at Absolute Zero by Christopher Meeks
The "What's For Dinner?" Solution by Kathi Lipp



Waiting for Reviews:
 The Place of Belonging by Jayne Pearson Faulkner
The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder
The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman
Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Airmail by Naomi Bulger
Pie Town by Lynne Hinton
Chasing the Red Car by Ellen Ruderman
Whistling In the Dark  by Lesley Kegan
Darkness, My Old Friend: A Novel by Lisa Unger
Atonement by Ian McEwan
How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?: Reclaim Your Health with Humor, Creativity, and Grit by Carla Ulbrich

E-books waiting for review:
Sudden Moves by Kelli Sue Landon
This World We Live In (The Last Survivors, Book 3) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Children's Books waiting for review:
Pearl's Wisdom by Auntie LuLu
Bug Meets His Friend (Bug's Adventure Series) by K.M. Groshek
Multiply on the Fly by Suzanne Slade
Ten for Me by Barbara Mariconda
Animalogy by Marianne Berkes
Prairie Storms by Darcy Pattison

READY - SET - READ!