The Tale of Despereaux

Last time I took my kids to the movies, I saw a trailer for a new family movie coming out, The Tale of Despereaux.   The trailer said it was based on the book.  It looked so cute, I bought the book the next time I was at Barnes & Noble.  It turns out this book, written by Kate Dicamillo, is a John Newberry Medal winner which is given for “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”

Well, needing a change, I sat down with this book last week.  I was not disappointed.  I thought it was a beautiful story of love, courage, and good vs. evil.  This book is the story of a very tiny mouse named Despereaux who is not like any other mouse.  He falls in love with a princess and must brave the dark and rats to save his love. 

This book touches on many themes with which children struggle.  Being different from everyone else is a central theme, one Despereaux deals with admirably.  Being little and scared, but still persevering is also touched on in this story.  I think this book can help children with these struggles while it entertains them.

The chapters are short and include some pencil illustrations of the story.  Since I had seen the trailer, it was hard  to appreciate the drawings as much because I was picturing the movie in my head.  Nevertheless, the drawings were sweet. 

Some descriptions were a little vivid and may scare younger children.  Since the writing was good, I could picture some of these scary scenes.  Otherwise, the book is told by a narrator speaking directly to the reader, offering explanations of “flashbacks” during the story.  I think this was an effective manner in which to introduce young readers to this concept.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think it would be good for older elementary kids (as well as adult book lovers).  I may try to read some of it to my kindergartner and see if she gets hooked.

Last Chance for Giveaway

Okay, everyone, it’s your last chance.  My first giveaway for Joshua Henkin’s critically acclaimed Matrimony ends on Monday.  I’ll pick the winner of the personalized, signed copy of the book on Wednesday, October 1 (the day I met my husband 14 years ago!)  So, go here and enter!

Sword of Darkness – the other one

I reviewed  Knight of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor a few days ago.  It wasn’t the best book ever.  But, believe it or not, I went on to read the other book in the series, Sword of Darkness. (well, since I had it already). 

First of all, I read the books in the wrong order.  I should of read Sword before Knight as it was the first one in the series.  Second of all, it was a much better book.  It was written better, the story was better, and it was easier to follow. 

Now, saying that, I wouldn’t say it was a good book.  Yet, I kept on keeping on.  I’m not even sure why.  At least in this book, I sort of cared about the characters a ltitle more.  Although, like I said for the last book, the author was not that successful going back and forth through time very well.  I never believed we weren’t supposed to be in the 21st century in America. 

Oh well, it passed the time during a time I’m having trouble picking up something to read.  Nothing is too appealing to me lately.  So, I guess I turned to something “trashy.”  What do you turn to when you’re in a funk?

It’s Not Just the Week for TV Awards

Anna over at Diary of an Eccentric has betstowed upon me the “I Love Your Blog” Award.  It feels good that people out there are reading and enjoying my (sometimes) silly thoughts on the books I read.  Especially, when the people are such good bloggers themselves.

Now, that I’ve received the award, I get a chance to recognize some of my favorites.  Here are the rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

1.  Stephanie at Stephanie’s Written Word 

2.  Julie P. at Booking Mama

3.  Lisamm at Books on the Brain

4. Heather at Book Addiction

5. Katherine at A Girl Walks Into A Bookstore

6.  Fuzzycricket

7. Iliana at Bookgirl’s Nightstand

Of course, Anna’s blog, who gave me the award, is one of my favorite haunts, too.  But, since she alread received the award, I thought I’d spread the love.

My bloglines are full of some great blogs I’ve met recently through BBAW and I’m sure I’ll a few new favorites soon!

Odds & Ends

Well, we’re ending a great week of appreciation brought to us by My Friend Amy.  It was fun getting to know so many new bloggers and participating in some good contests.  Thanks so much for a fun week!

On another note, I wrote a post a little while ago about The Ruins by Scott Smith.  Well, I buckled and watched the movie.  While I would recommend the book, I would NOT, NOT, NOT recommend the movie.  It was terrible!  I was a little surprised since Scott Smith wrote the screen play for the movie.  Even the author of the book couldn’t stay true to it.  He changed whole character’s personalities and not for the better.  The movie had none of the psychological conflict that the book had.  And, they didn’t do too well making the scary part scary.  But, they did succeed on a pure gore factor.  The movie was a big disappointment.

On a lighter note, I recently read the book Other People’s Love Letters.  It’s a collection of love letters submitted by people of all ages.  While I thought this was a good idea and was looking forward to reading some of the notes, I was a little disappointed.  A good portion of the notes were break-up letters or bitter responses to a break-up.  I didn’t find too many romantic ones.  The best one was from a little boy to a little girl.  Very cute!  One good thing I enjoyed was at the end of the book.  The editor provided a brief story of some of the letter’s relationships and their current status.  That was kind of fun to read. 

On a final note, I want to remind people about my first giveaway of Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony.  Go here and enter to win a personalized, signed copy of this interesting book (which I reviewed here).

Raunchy Fantasy Tale — Another of Mom’s Recommendations

I’m starting to wonder about my mom.  She seems like a very conservative woman who just turned 60.  But, she has recommended another book, Knight of Darknessby Kinley MacGregor, that, again, has some pretty sexy parts, and some dirty language (something of which my mom does not usually approve).  I remember her searching her bookshelves to give me this one along with its follow-up, Sword of Darkness.

This book is about the son of Lancelot (from the Round Table), but it’s a whole different look at that story.  Anyway, he is Merlin’s assain in a “war” against evil.  But, he considers himself evil.  Anyway, in an attempt to lure him to the “dark side,” the bad guys, which include is mother, try to manipulate him using a human woman.  Well, as you can guess, a romance results, to the main character’s dismay.  Typical love story there. 

When I started this book, I almost put it down.  I couldn’t believe my mom liked it so much.  Even beyond the raunchiness and language, it just didn’t make sense.  I was confused a great deal until about half way through the book when the author finally decides to explain.  But, the travel between time and dimensions was not easy to follow.  I don’t think the author did a good job describing that.  I also wasn’t sure at what period of time the story was actually taking place in.  It seemed like the distant past, but there was definitely modern slang and references throughout.  I think that had something to do with some of the characters traveling between time periods.

Anyway, the story did get a little better and it didn’t take long to finish this one.  Would I recommend it?  No.  Will I read the next book in the series?  Probably.  Does that make sense? Again, NO.

BBAW — All About Blogging

I think BBAW has been going great.  I’ve found some really great blogs and I’ve also noticed some increased traffic right here.  Hurray for My Friend Amy!!

Anyway, today’s task is to write about blogging.  Here, I don’t have much to say.  I’m very good at the reading part.  I spend lots of time reading, often to the detriment of my house (and dare I say, sometimes kids?)  I do okay with the reviews part.  I think I’ve definitely improved since I started in April, much to do with reading others great reviews out there.  As for the blogging aspect, not so good….

Amy has asked us to answer two questions about blogging.  I’ll do my best:

What is one thing you wish you knew about blogging when you started or what advice would you give a newbie blogger? 

What I wish I knew and still wish I knew was how to add things to my blog.  I guess I would say blog design.  I got the basics.  I can write a review and post it.  I can even add links!  But, beyond that, I’m pretty hopeless.  I try to use the “help,” but I just don’t seem to get it.  My friend Stephanie, over at Stephanie’s Written Word, has helped me with some stuff, but I wish I could do more. 

As for advice, I’m not sure.  I could use some myself.  But, I would say that a good way to get “out there” and “meet” other bloggers is to participate in challenges or weekly activities.  Of course, I am only participating in one, so far, but I’m a slow joiner. 

What is your best blogging tip?

Hmmm…my best blogging tip.  Don’t focus too much on how many comments you get.  I’ve found that people are reading, but not always commenting!

Well, it’s sad, but true, that’s all I’ve got.  I can’t wait to read other posts on this subject.  Hopefully, I’ll get some good tips!

A Sexy Romance

I just finished The Perfect Lover by Stephanie Laurens.  The title of this book is PERFECT.  This book is basically about lovers, loving each other, a lot.  Technically, this book is a historical fiction romance about a young man from a good family who thinks it’s time to find a wife.  There’s a young woman from an equally good family who wants a husband.  Of course, these two know each other and don’t get along, yet…. 

Nothing too creative in the storyline here.  Typical romance stuff.  There was the addition of the historical piece, which was adequately done.  But, basically, I felt like this was a sex book.  I can’t tell you how many “love scenes” there were in this book.  I kept thinking the author can’t write another one and still make it fresh, can she?  Yes she can.  I wrote a post a while back about boudoir books.  I’d add this one to that list.

As I read this book, I became a little embarrassed that my mother gave it to me with a high recommendation.  She actually wrote in the front cover to return it to her when I finished it (usually she tells me to pass the books on to someone else or bookmooch them).  Is mom going to read this one again??  Something a daughter doesn’t want to think about.

Apparently, this #10 in a series of books called the Cynster novels.  You don’t have to have read 1-9 to get this book.  I’m am a little embarrassed that I may search out some of of these Cynster novels (I just may not tell you that I read them).

BBAW — Blogs We Love

For the first “task,” My Friend Amy wants us to write about our favorite blogs that maybe didn’t get mentioned during the voting process.  While I follow several blogs, as we all do, three book blogs that I really enjoy are:

1.  Book Addiction – I really enjoy the breadth of the books reviewed by Heather on her blog.  And, she’s always honest.  She reads a lot of books in the “psychology” realm which I find interesting myself as a school psychologist.  She gives me some good ideas of books to consider when working with kids.

2.  Bookgirl’s Nightstand — I think a lot of us enjoy this one.  On top of all her great book reviews (she always seems to be reading more than one book at a time!), I love to follow her work on her journals.  They are beautiful.

3.  A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore – There’s a variety of books at this book blog, too.  I like her star system and her reviews are just the right length!

One of my other favorite blogs is Fuzzy Cricket.  This blog does review books (and we seem to have some similar tastes), but it also catalogs her life with her family.  She really inspires me as a mom!

BBAW Starts Today

Today is the big day!  The day all of us bloggers have been waiting for!  My Friend Amy starts the Book Blogger Appreciation Week today!!

Based on all the emails I’ve been receiving, Amy has been hard at work to make this week a super-success.  I was in awe when I checked out her blog yesterday and saw all the awards and the contests.  It’s a book-lover’s paradise.  Just check out this list:

Daily Raffles:
Monday–Books and Chocolate sponsored by My Friend Amy and Hey Lady! Whatcha’ Readin?
Tuesday–Books and Going Green sponsored by My Friend Amy
Wednesday–Books and Coffee sponsored by My Friend Amy
Thursday–Books and Charity sponsored by My Friend Amy and Fashionista Piranha
Friday–Books and Movies sponsored by My Friend Amy

Win a Book Club Girl Hostess Survival Kit!
Do you find it’s your turn to host book club and not only do you not know what to serve but you don’t know what books to offer up for the next month’s selection?! Let Book Club Girl come to your rescue with the Book Club Girl Hostess Survival Kit.

One lucky winner of the kit will receive:

* A basket of cheese, crackers, cookies and wine for up to 12 people
* 5 great book group books to vote on for your group’s next pick. And Book Club Girl will then donate 12 copies whichever book is chosen for your entire group to read.
* 12 Book Club Girl mousepads to give out as party favors that night
* 12 Book Club Girl bookmarks to mark everyone’s favorite passages
* 12 Book Club Girl coasters to protect your coffee table from all those wine glasses!

TWO SORMAG Goody Bags containing books and more!

A Special Pamper Me Basket from Cafe of Dreams!
From Avon Foot Works
~ Inflatable watermelon shaped foot tub
~ 3.4 FL oz Watermelon Cooling Foot Lotion
~ 3.4 FL oz Watermelon Exfoliating Foot Scrub
~ 12 count Watermelon Effervescent Foot Tablets
~ An ARC of So Long At The Fair by Christina Schwarz
~ A variety of Hot Chocolate and Tea mixes

A pre-made blog template from SNSDesign!

A Subscription to Poetry Magazine from Savvy Verse and Wit!

BOOKS
Mistress of the Revolution by Catherine Delors
The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen
The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax
John’s Quest by Cecelia Dowdy
Confessions of a Contractor by Richard Murphy
Acedia & Me by Kathleen Norris
The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer
Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley
A Tale Out of Luck by Willie Nelson with Mike Blakely
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson
An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik
Gunmetal Black by Daniel Serrano
Isolation by Travis Thrasher
The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
Every Freaking! Day With Rachell Ray by Elizabeth Hilts
Dewey by Vicki Myron
The Shiniest Jewel by Marian Henley
Keep the Faith by Faith Evans
The Book of Calamities by Peter Trachtenberg
A is for Atticus by Lorilee Craker
After the Fire by Robin Gaby Fisher
Mike’s Election Guide by Michael Moore
War as They Knew It by Michael Rosenberg
Fixing Hell By Col. (ret.) Larry C. James
Wild Boy: My Life with Duran Duran by Andy Taylor
The Last Under-Cover: The True Story of an FBI Agent’s Dangerous Dance with Evil By Bob Hamer
Border Lass by Amanda Scott
Insatiable Desire by Rita Heron
Hungry for More by Diana Holquist
Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee
Trespassers Will Be Baptized by Elizabeth Emerson Hancock
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Trish Ryan
Never Surrender by General Jerry Boykin
Dream in Color by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, Congresswoman Loretta Sánchez
Beyond Belief by Josh Hamilton
Cobain Unseen by Charles R. Cross
Doing Business in 21st Century India by Gunjan Bagla
Branding Only Works on Cattle by Jonathan Salem Baskin
Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady, Orrin Woodward
How to Hear from God by Joyce Meyer
Knowing Right from Wrong by Thomas D. Williams
Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life by Caroline Pigozzi
Pure by Rebecca St. James
He Loves Me! by Wayne Jacobson
So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore by Wayne Jacobson and Dave Coleman
Move On, Move Up by Paula White
The Rosary by Gary Jansen
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Right Livelihoods by Rick Moody
by George by Wesley Stace
The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold
Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
Hollywood Crows by Joseph Wambaugh
Dead Boys by Richard Lange
The Gifted Gabaldon Sisters by Lorraine Lopez
Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn
Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky
With Endless Sight by Allison Pittman
Harlequin Titles: To Be Announced

I’m looking forward to this week of fun and giveaways!  Thanks, Amy!