Some New Stuff

I've been struggling to find much good to read lately (I'm down to 2 books a month rather than 2 books a week here, people!) and so I got online today to see what our trusty favorites are up to. 

Stephenie Meyer:

well if she's doing anything besides rolling around in piles of money then she's keeping it a secret.  However, she has joined with an artist to make a graphic novel of Twilight. Now, if you remember how the manga sequel of Avalon High turned out, then you will join me in not being much likely to purchase this one. But maybe you are secretly a Twihard and won't be able to resist? 

Me? I'm resisting. 

On her website, SM plugs The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which was excellent and I recommend it to everyone. 

Shannon Hale: 

Has just come out with the graphic novel (theme, anyone?) to Calamity Jane, which in my opinion was v cute and fun (but then I do love my comics..) and my son and I are both looking forward to reading Calamity Jack:

She has also posted some news on her website about upcoming projects that make me all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Remember Aurelia? So, crazily, author Anne Osterlund friended me on Goodreads and I am now reading Resenting the Hero per her recommendation which is so far pretty enjoyable. And there are like, 4 of them, which is good for my near-future reading happiness.

I look forward to hearing your latest favorites.  I will try to resist breaking my budget at the bookstore!

My Angelica

by Carol Lynch Williams

I really enjoyed this story. The point of view alternates between two best friends who are in high school and start to realize that they like each other. The characters are fun. I also enjoyed the writing more than normally.

Some Pretty Good Reads

There are a few books that I've read recently that are pretty good. My favorite thus far out of the set is The Mysterious Benedict Society.

This children's lit book is about four brilliant children who pass a series of tests to do some undercover spy work to save the world. It reminds me of Lemony Snicket's, A Series of Unfortunate Events, but not so depressing. LOVED it. There are 2 more out and I haven't read them yet but they are on hold at the library.

The next book, I liked quite a bit. Reminded me of Gail Carson Levine's works. It is called Amaranth Enchantment.

It tells of a girl called Lucinda whose parents left for a ball and never came back. She is orphaned and through a series of events, meets and dances with a prince and then tries to steal from him. It's fun.

The last one is a bit of a dark take on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. It is called A Curse Dark as Gold.

It is very losely based on the original story. There are an orphaned pair of sisters who own a mill that is cursed. The mill means everything and they are willing to sacrifice everything for it. It is more of a mystery, but has a dash of romance and magic.

Rachel Wins!

the random number generator came up with #5 - and you're it! I believe I have your current address - I'll email you to make sure. 

Sorry it took me so long to get around to this! 

k

Catching Fire

Catching Fire is out now, it is just as amazing at Collins' first book, and to celebrate this Bookclub's 100th post, we're having a giveaway!

This giveaway serves two purposes - okay really just one.  We haven't actually HAD bookclub for months now and I want to see if anyone actually reads this blog any more. 

SO. leave a comment (everyone is welcome) and next wednesday one lucky reader will get a copy of The Hunger Games AND Catching Fire!! 

that's right folks, one of each!  now we'll see if anyone comes by in the next five days...

Nurtureshock

this looks very interesting, and after reading a few reviews I am extremely curious about what the book has to say/discuss about children and parenting.  I don't think I'll ever be able to say, "Don't argue with me!" again without a twinge to my conscience.  darn. 

Aurelia

so, it was okay.  i suppose the problem was less that the book wasn't stellar (though it wasn't. readable yes, enjoyable sure, stellar no) and more that I just finished reading Fire, by Kristin Chashore.  (dh snagged me an early copy at comic con) Fire was very good. I liked it better than Graceling and am impressed with her writing style. 

I have them both if persons of the local variety need summer reading.  :)