tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70335736897856470762024-03-13T05:39:09.246-07:00She ReadsMandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-61934639327082398622011-07-24T19:49:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:49:38.935-07:00TestingTrying to add a photo to see what Google + is up to...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EhbipB7bBE/TizZvILFB3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/wv67y1rzYVM/s1600/2010%252BFantasy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EhbipB7bBE/TizZvILFB3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/wv67y1rzYVM/s1600/2010%252BFantasy.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-41653581523285337692011-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:002011-07-24T10:46:30.563-07:00Something Odd ...Uh-oh! There appears to be some sort of picture issue happening on the blog. I can only think that it has something to do with my having to get a new computer. I still have all the book cover photos n such....but well......will have to fight this later when my husband (who knows more about computers than me) is awake and can help me.<br />
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Is anyone still reading my blog?Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-60439219142167461162011-06-20T11:48:00.000-07:002011-06-20T11:48:21.511-07:00Summer Reading : Vampire EditionSummer is a great time to induldge in a bit of brain candy. Easy reading that leaves you warm and fuzzy. For me this is vampire stories. Odd I know, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. This summer I've been leaning more towards shorter faster reads....not large weighty novels that vampire books can sometimes tend to be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDPB90P6WUA/Tf-RmlRAwwI/AAAAAAAAAr4/RDWvMa-12Qo/s1600/deadreckoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDPB90P6WUA/Tf-RmlRAwwI/AAAAAAAAAr4/RDWvMa-12Qo/s200/deadreckoning.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Title: Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse Series)<br />
Author: Charlaine Harris<br />
Genre: Paranormal, Romance<br />
Source: public library<br />
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Of course I had to read this! Sookie and her crazy paranormal world are my current go to brain candy. I won't spend a lot of time on this, but I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. See, there has been a lot of talk that this will be the last True Blood novel. Honestly, I'm fine with authors moving on. They can't be expected to write in the same universe forever....it has to get boring! But I've read lots of reviews and spoken with people who bagged on this novel because of the way it ended. I won't discuss it in detail....no spoilers...but I liked how it ended. Ms. Harris wrapped up the series very intelligently. All of their current problems are concluded and all that is left is for them to make a decision. See, this time it's really up to the characters. If they make the right choices.....if Ms. Harris is appropriately inspired....they can come back together and move forward into another book. However, if the characters are content to let their lives settle where they are....then an ending is appropriate. I like this. No loose ends. No what-ifs. Perfect!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4GlFoT8-1s/Tf-Tv4VTAuI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wEPcG9v7N3Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4GlFoT8-1s/Tf-Tv4VTAuI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wEPcG9v7N3Q/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>Title: Vampires: The Recently Undead<br />
Authors included: Kelley Armstrong, Holly Black, Rachel Caine, Charles De Lint, Charlaine Harris, Tanya Huff, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Nancy Kipatrick, J.A. Konrath, Tanith Lee, Kim Newman, Susan Sizemore, Michael Marshall Smith, Jeanne C. Stein, Carrie Vaughn, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro......and many more.<br />
Genre: fantasy, anthology, short stories, paranormal<br />
Source: Public Library<br />
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This is a fantastic anthology! Honestly. I enjoy anthologies in general....they allow me to taste test different authors without having to commit to a full novel. But, I will admit that the stories contained in anthologies are often hit or miss. There is no tell how many will be to your liking. This anthology worked for me. Not only is it chalk full of authors who I already enjoy....they are offering up new stories (most not set in their most famous worlds) to give the reader a glimpse into something new. As a bit of summary, most of the short stories in this collection have something to do with the age of the vampires....their longevity.....how they acclimate themselves into different eras, etc. My favorite happens to be one that contains a tale about Doc Holiday. That was a part of history that I had never connected to vampires. It was fun! Nearly every tale offered something new and interesting, however, there were a few that just didn't work for me....but who knows....maybe they are your flavor?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCbpvfGDPzo/Tf-Vz4SAYrI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Y0Fz7PmEqCU/s1600/4stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCbpvfGDPzo/Tf-Vz4SAYrI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Y0Fz7PmEqCU/s1600/4stars.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-90824186090809284562011-04-23T10:39:00.000-07:002011-04-23T10:39:51.289-07:00Bumped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnktSM1HdBA/TbMGuGxdDTI/AAAAAAAAArg/Xy3uDjcfVng/s1600/images-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnktSM1HdBA/TbMGuGxdDTI/AAAAAAAAArg/Xy3uDjcfVng/s1600/images-6.jpg" /></a></div>Title: Bumped<br />
Author: <a href="http://www.meganmccafferty.com/news/">Megan McCafferty</a><br />
Genre: YA, Dystopia<br />
Source: <a href="http://netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a>, e-book<br />
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Bumped is the story of a world riddled with a devastating disease. Reproduction stops at age 18. Due to this disease, early teen pregnancy is not only trending it's a way of life...<br />
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This is definitely a YA novel. It's fast and easy to read. Unfortunately, I don't think that the YA format does justice to the satire the author was so obviously going for. Too many times events are glossed over to really make an impact. For example, one of the main characters finally sees and begins to understand some of the physical problems that can occur with teen pregnancies. She seems to be on the verge of changing her entire philosophy on life.......but is then distracted by her sister's drama to never mention the dangers again.<br />
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There are some interesting character arcs, but they too seem to happen to quickly. The conservative Christian character is shown that she can still be with God but doesn't have to go blindly. But then she makes a snap decision to go back. What? A girl who starts off all for the "bumping" process comes to terms with her own secret belief that she doesn't want to be part of the system. She's the knowledge and the ability to continue her growth in this new direction, but is then distracted by teen hormones and an out-of-date condom. (Which, btw, should totally not work and she'll still get pregnant......which might be a spoiler for future books.)<br />
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I can see where the satire is and what it is trying to show. However, I don't think this was the most effective way to tell this story. I wasn't rooting for any of the characters. The twists and surprises were telegraphed to the point of being so blatantly obvious I was hoping that the author would have chosen another direction.<br />
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On a side note, coming from the fact I work with girls who already think that it is cool to get pregnant in groups.....I really hope they don't read this novel. I feel this is definitely for adults who can think for themselves and see the satire for what it is. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj3mTkSJptk/TbMLDdiwG0I/AAAAAAAAArk/VWYHtZDqZbg/s1600/2stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj3mTkSJptk/TbMLDdiwG0I/AAAAAAAAArk/VWYHtZDqZbg/s1600/2stars.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-61005168252491566682011-04-17T12:17:00.000-07:002011-04-17T12:17:35.464-07:00What does saying good bye mean?Well, sadly, in the case of Borders.....it means that we are down several brick and mortar book stores. Happily, for me, the closing of Borders has also meant several great book purchases for me.<br />
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These are making my book shelves very happy right now. Have you picked up anything good lately?Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-4318029429309234542011-03-20T14:12:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:12:56.586-07:00Boneshaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T29VYOtjc_g/TYZoKttNdZI/AAAAAAAAAqw/uY4Cn_nYerw/s1600/boneshaker_cover_front1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T29VYOtjc_g/TYZoKttNdZI/AAAAAAAAAqw/uY4Cn_nYerw/s320/boneshaker_cover_front1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/boneshaker">Boneshaker</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.cheriepriest.com/">Cherie Priest</a><br />
Genre: Steampunk, alternative history<br />
Source: Own, it was a birthday present<br />
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If this is what can be expected of steampunk novels....I'm in love! I positively devoured this novel. I've blogged about my issues with reading historical fiction before, luckily for me this novel, and from what I know steampunk in general, doesn't rely on history being mostly accurate or well-known. Imagination leads!<br />
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Set in Seattle during the American revolutionary war, Boneshaker is the story about ingenuity and family. Toss in a biological disaster, some zombies, an airship or two, and an underground resistance to make an enjoyable, complex, and enthralling world.<br />
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I'm so excited about this novel I've already bought its follow-up,<a href="http://us.macmillan.com/dreadnought"> Dreadnought</a> and am eagerly awaiting Ms. Priest's appearance at the <a href="http://phoenixcomicon.com/guests/category/authors">Phoenix Comicon</a> in a few months. <br />
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</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-14327572623703947972011-02-21T16:52:00.001-07:002011-02-26T08:20:28.728-07:00Vampyre Kisses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBeBD541ARo/TWL0G_oaXDI/AAAAAAAAAqo/bhCSY8rTry4/s1600/38220_445484478827_784658827_5872511_5002791_n-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBeBD541ARo/TWL0G_oaXDI/AAAAAAAAAqo/bhCSY8rTry4/s1600/38220_445484478827_784658827_5872511_5002791_n-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://www.vampyrekisses.com/?page_id=59">Vampyre Kisses</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.vampyrekisses.com/">Elizabeth J. Kolodziej</a><br />
Genre: Paranormal, romance<br />
Source: A free copy of the e-book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.<br />
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Werewolves and vampires have settled into a comfortable, long standing, loathing of each other. Witches, while real, are no longer living. Right? This is the general basis of the novel, Vampyre Kisses. There is quite a bit of intrigue and action, but it's very light on the romance....but that's not really a problem. Ms. Kolodziej tells an interesting tale.<br />
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<u><b>What I like:</b></u><br />
1. Oran. He's the pet / magical flying beast. He's a tinier than tiny kitten with wings. He's awesome! I want one.<br />
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2. There is just the right mix of tensions between the werewolf beau and the vampire suitor.<br />
While the romance plays a very minimal part in the story, the character development of the main characters is crucial. These two boys need to know how to play well together, but it just wouldn't be the same without some of that delicious rivalry.<br />
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1. The mythology is distracting. There is Christianity, there is paganism, there is Wiccanism, there is Hinduism, and even the Greek and Roman pantheons pop up...yet it's all jumbled and mixed up. More than half of the characters are named after well-known "people" with equally well-known mythos. But that's not what we are given. We are given confusion.<s> For example: Within this novel Vampires are a descendant of Cain. Okay, not an issue...this isn't a first. But....only it's not Cain...it's Kane and while the author makes it very clear she is talking about Cain from the Christian Bible...his name is spelled incorrectly and the reason for his downfall is completely incorrect.</s>** This is a peeve of mine. I don't mind authors taking an existing mythos and shaping it or changing little bits to make it their own....this story, however, is just chock full of mixed up, mashed up, myths and legends.<br />
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2. There are silly grammar and content errors throughout the book. I have a reasonable tolerance for mistakes of this kind. No one is perfect. Maybe the author intended that word/sentence/phrase to be read differently than I did? However, I was caught stumbling over things like "I'd had had..." repeatedly though out the book. (BTW, I'd is equal to I had...so that makes three hads in a row) There were also some minor content things such as, blood coming from scars. Scars are a healing process. Blood comes from newly opened wounds. It's alright to use that word. Even if a scar is cut open, the blood is still coming from the wounded scar...it's a wound.<br />
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<u><b>Overall</b></u>: I like the story. It was a fast and enjoyable read, but I was so distracted by the mythology mash-ups and the mistakes that I can't say it is a great read. I do, however, thank Ms. Kolodziej, for allowing me to read her novel.<br />
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** Since posting this review, I have had a conversation with the author. She was very gracious but wanted to point out that my example was incorrect. She hadn't intended for Kane to be the biblical Cain. This makes a bit of the story more easy to understand. I must have been reading that bit into the text. <br />
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However, I do still feel that the mythologies are confusing, and inconsistent within themselves. Maybe by the next installment things will be cleared up.**Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-40250147089315063662011-02-05T14:10:00.000-07:002011-02-05T14:10:11.197-07:00The Iron Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TU24av7wW3I/AAAAAAAAAqc/OCQpq7av5bA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TU24av7wW3I/AAAAAAAAAqc/OCQpq7av5bA/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://www.juliekagawa.com/">The Iron Queen</a><br />
Author: Julie Kagawa<br />
Genre: YA, fantasy<br />
Source: <a href="http://netgalley.com/">Netgalley.com</a><br />
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There is not much more I can say beyond, I adore these novels! Ms. Kagawa has created a world that combines classic, well-known fairies with new and wonderful ones. In the center of it all is a girl. A human girl who is neither a loner, an outcast, nor a doormat. Megan Chase is smart, strong, caring, and determined to take care of those she loves...human and fey.<br />
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Her romance with the Winter Prince, Ash is taken to a heartwarming...and heartbreaking new level.<br />
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She rebuilds her relationship with Puck.<br />
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And on a personal note, IronHorse is quickly becoming my favorite character.<br />
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</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-60900146868378777472011-01-12T17:57:00.000-07:002011-01-12T17:57:08.405-07:00Challenge Wrap-upAs you can see from my side bar, I didn't finish a single reading challenge I took on. I did a lot of reading this past year. GoodReads is showing me at 60+ books. Which is actually kind of amazing as I was mostly reading at night for short spans of time, before bed. However, I didn't actually get in any books that would fit into the challenge categories. Sad.<br />
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Technically, I could fudge it and say I completed the fantasy category as many of the books I read are by definition fantasy, but I think it would be a stretch. Just because it has fairies doesn't automatically make it fantasy. So I'm saying no to that one.<br />
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Plans for the future? I am not going to take on any new challenges this year. I will be keeping my Gilmore Girls and TBR buttons up. They will mostly be a reminder to me as I plan on reading novels from my own book shelves. My husband and I collect books. Our bedroom is lined with shelves over flowing with books. We have decided that we need to start weeding through these books and then pass them on. Which means reading them first. So we are challenging each other to read off our shelves. Which is convienent as many of the books on my TBR and the Gilmore Girls list are already on my shelves. Yay!Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-43438343836718192482010-12-28T07:00:00.000-07:002010-12-26T15:31:25.712-07:00Wildthorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRfAIaRGktI/AAAAAAAAAqM/czD8Wmz26Ko/s1600/images-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRfAIaRGktI/AAAAAAAAAqM/czD8Wmz26Ko/s1600/images-3.jpg" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://www.janeeagland.com/books/wildthorn/">Wildthorn</a><br />
Author: Jane Eagland<br />
Genre: YA, Historical<br />
Source: E-book from <a href="http://netgalley.com/">Netgalley.com</a><br />
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This book took me completely by surprise. I had requested it without knowing much about it. I loved the corset on the cover and that imagery combined with my penchant for only hearing about paranormal novels lately, helped me to convince myself that this was a steampunk novel of some sort. I was very wrong! In reality, this is a novel about blossoming sexuality and self awareness. This is a story about a girl living in a time when being individual meant you would likely be convicted as insane. This is a story about a family who just doesn't function. While the material is much more serious than paranormals, it was a good read. I was engrossed in the story the entire way!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRfBxd-_KrI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SBh-NUSpVtA/s1600/4stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRfBxd-_KrI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SBh-NUSpVtA/s1600/4stars.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-64578059279417328082010-12-26T14:53:00.001-07:002010-12-26T14:56:00.309-07:00Christmas Gifts<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope your holiday was joyous and filled with all the tasty treats and heartfelt gifts you could ever want. Did Santa get you what you asked for? My stocking was filled with presents for my husband and I to share...mostly video games and movies. This is good! But there was one present that was just for me....from my <a href="http://holidayswap.wordpress.com/">Book Blogger Holiday Swap</a> friend, Sam from <a href="http://www.parenthetical.net/">Parenthetical.net</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe2E-7jlEI/AAAAAAAAAp8/DAkJ9gTW5rg/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe2E-7jlEI/AAAAAAAAAp8/DAkJ9gTW5rg/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Samantha sent me a package packed with all this fun stuff. There was a card with a cute lil robot envelope, three book plates, a place holder, some chocolate, and a pretty wrapped present (it's hard to see in this picture, but under all the other goodies is the wrapped package).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe2tF6LTiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/V85ApCXg_lQ/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe2tF6LTiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/V85ApCXg_lQ/s320/IMG_0020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's an up close of the chocolate that she sent me. Her note said that this was made just down the street from her home, which just makes it better in my book. I love locally made things - even if they aren't my local. :) Plus, chocolate!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe3JoQlWvI/AAAAAAAAAqE/erP43yxFMjc/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe3JoQlWvI/AAAAAAAAAqE/erP43yxFMjc/s320/IMG_0019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">This is the card. The robot from the envelope was also on the card. So cute! This is quite possibly my favorite card this year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe3gt7bGNI/AAAAAAAAAqI/gh9uQ-sHcQU/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TRe3gt7bGNI/AAAAAAAAAqI/gh9uQ-sHcQU/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The present itself contained these two novels. <a href="http://www.blackholly.com/goodneighbors.html">The Good Neighbors</a> is a hard back graphic novel. I'm interested to get into it. I've read other books by Holly Black and have enjoyed them. Then there is <a href="http://www.patrickness.com/books.html">The Knife of Never Letting Go</a>. This book comes with a personal recommendation from Sam, which just makes this novel all the more interesting. These books jumped to the top of my to-be-read pile. I'm so excited about receiving them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Samantha, thank you for wonderful presents! </span></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-8398168229741677802010-12-12T18:18:00.001-07:002010-12-12T18:19:21.947-07:00Is it December already?Oh hi! Bet you thought I had completely forgotten about you. I didn't. I promise. I've been thinking about you quite a lot, but the world has just been too busy for me to find time to blog. But I have been reading and a whole boat load of other things I want to share with you.<br />
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First, I posted about this during November, but I have an update. I attempted NaNoWriMo for a second time this year. It was quite scary as I didn't have any real ideas until the weekend before....and even those were just pictures on a poster board. But, it seems that the collage worked.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TQVyg7j-z_I/AAAAAAAAApw/MRIH61rTmXs/s1600/nano_10_winner_120x90-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TQVyg7j-z_I/AAAAAAAAApw/MRIH61rTmXs/s200/nano_10_winner_120x90-1.png" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I'm still not actually finished. I hit the 50,000 required words, but I"m not at the end of my story. My plan is to pick it back up during Christmas break....see if I can finish it. </div><br />
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Oh! Also, I want to mention the book blogger holiday swap...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://holidayswap.wordpress.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TQVzOPoDXOI/AAAAAAAAAp0/LkoTDMFYmE0/s1600/bbhs_teaser_small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've already mailed out my gift.....I hope the receiver enjoys it! And I received my package...It's sitting under the tree, tempting me with it's colorful paper and cards. I really want to give into temptation and open it, but I'm going to be good and restrain myself...Christmas isn't that far away! I'll share pictures with you when I've opened it.<br />
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And then reviews.....I have a pile of them to get through, an ebook, a YA novel or two, and a few romances...some are from November...some from Dec. It will be busy on this here blog. :)<br />
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How's December looking for you?Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-39620267875760921212010-11-23T17:49:00.000-07:002010-11-23T17:49:55.147-07:00No Posts in NovemberI'm not dead. I swear. I'm participating in NaNoWriMo. Every extra moment I have is spent busily trying to get to my 50,000 word goal. I have been reading as well. Surprisingly, I've managed to get through three books, even with the writing. There will be posts / reviews when the month is over.<br />
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How about you? What have you been busy with?Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-70713219829123800022010-10-31T18:41:00.001-07:002010-10-31T18:42:04.909-07:00Ink Exchange -Quick 'n Dirty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4Yl3Zo7XI/AAAAAAAAApo/FXZLO4v2oSU/s1600/Ink-Exchange-melissa-marr-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4Yl3Zo7XI/AAAAAAAAApo/FXZLO4v2oSU/s320/Ink-Exchange-melissa-marr-.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://www.melissa-marr.com/_ink_exchange/ink_exchange.html">Ink Exchange</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.melissa-marr.com/index.html">Melissa Marr</a><br />
Genre: YA, fantasy<br />
Source: Public Library<br />
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I am here to admit I made a mistake. I read this series out of order. In fact, I had absolutely no idea that Ink Exchange was part of the Wicked Lovely series. I made assumptions based on title similarities and not much else. I'm a dork.<br />
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That being said, upon reading this novel so many things now make sense. When I read and reviewed <a href="http://mandyfish-reads.blogspot.com/2010/10/fragile-eternity.html">Fragile Eternity</a>, I enjoyed it, it does stand on its own.....but there were still several things that didn't fit quite right. This novel fixed those. New characters are introduced, old friends are given the chance to shine, and step A actually does lead to step B. Wee! Don't you just love it when things make sense?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4aOPDhKhI/AAAAAAAAAps/ssRbDGBBr_o/s1600/4stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4aOPDhKhI/AAAAAAAAAps/ssRbDGBBr_o/s1600/4stars.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-30484690023541924912010-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:28:31.381-07:00Naked Heat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4WaH7BZqI/AAAAAAAAApg/5DdRgUKGxcw/s1600/nakedheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4WaH7BZqI/AAAAAAAAApg/5DdRgUKGxcw/s1600/nakedheat.jpg" /></a></div>Title: Naked Heat<br />
Author: Richard Castle<br />
Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery<br />
Source: Public Library<br />
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This is the second real world published novel by Richard Castle. If you're a fan of the show, you should have no reason to not enjoy these novels. Each is almost exactly like reading an episode of Castle, the tv show. The almost is changed up with just a couple minor changes....the characters have different names, and the romance is much more heated. What's not to enjoy? Plus, there is always the added bonus of knowing you're reading a fictional novel written by a fictional character.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4Xrnm1ZbI/AAAAAAAAApk/-n33YtIk2tg/s1600/3stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TM4Xrnm1ZbI/AAAAAAAAApk/-n33YtIk2tg/s1600/3stars.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-50030052066403509792010-10-18T13:01:00.000-07:002010-10-18T13:01:00.488-07:00Devil Bones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLtWVDzj0cI/AAAAAAAAApY/hKReAGyfgrU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLtWVDzj0cI/AAAAAAAAApY/hKReAGyfgrU/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://kathyreichs.com/devil-bones/">Devil Bones</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://kathyreichs.com/about-kathy/">Kathy Reichs</a><br />
Genre: mystery<br />
Source: public library<br />
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Bones! Have you seen the show? I love it. There is just something that works about the combination of characters, forensic science, and cop show / mystery. Knowing this, I'm not sure what took me so long to try out the books......I'm glad I finally did though.<br />
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This novel finds Brennen working hard to solve a mystery that involves a literal witch hunt and the possibility of human sacrifices.<br />
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The things I find most interesting about this novel are the little differences from the show. Don't get me wrong; I expected there to be differences. These just appeared in ways I wasn't expecting. The characters and personalities that make the show click, for me, aren't available per se. See, all of these characters are parts of Dr. Brennen's own personality. It took a bit of adjustment....especially the bits were Brennen isn't the socially awkward geek that I love. All the rest is there though. The crime, the forensics, the gory science details (which btw, require you to be very science savvy), the strange quirks....all there. Awesomeness!<br />
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Overall: No, they aren't the same as the series, but very close. Yes, if you like the science in the show, these will be great for you. Yes, you can read them out of order - this is her most recent novel, but my first novel. Yes, I'll definitely be reading more.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLtbLdDdUDI/AAAAAAAAApc/IJ5dJ7fs5EI/s1600/5stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLtbLdDdUDI/AAAAAAAAApc/IJ5dJ7fs5EI/s1600/5stars.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-61810742764333200562010-10-17T08:23:00.001-07:002010-10-17T08:23:00.518-07:00Flight of the Night Hawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnvUVKGSzI/AAAAAAAAApQ/nlJgh1gRVSQ/s1600/442-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnvUVKGSzI/AAAAAAAAApQ/nlJgh1gRVSQ/s320/442-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Author: <a href="http://www.crydee.com/raymond-feist/biography">Raymond E. Feist</a><br />
Title: <a href="http://www.crydee.com/raymond-feist/book-synopsis/flight-of-the-nighthawks">Flight of the Night Hawks ~ Book 1 of the Darkwar Saga</a><br />
Genre: Fantasy<br />
Source: public library<br />
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Don't you just love going into a book store or library and finding out a favorite author has new books out that you've never heard of? It's like Christmas. This is how I discovered the newest series within a series by Mr. Feist. Apparently, the universe was hiding these from me and the library felt it was time to let me know they existed.<br />
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I love the worlds that Feist has created. They fit together so neatly and form several little series within the main series. It's always interesting to see where each new mini-series will take the overarching storyline.<br />
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What I liked:<br />
1. While this series is taking place several years after most of the other stories, there are still familiar characters. This is one of the perks of having non-aging characters I suppose. The main ones can continue on and we can get the children / grand-children of other beloved characters to fill in the gaps.<br />
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2. The familiar characters above never feel hokey or out-dated. Sometimes characters just get old. Luckily, these characters seem to know their place in time and within the stories.<br />
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3. The action is still there. While not a constant thrill ride, there are several small things that occur and a few big things that set everyone on edge. Definitely a fun read!<br />
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What I didn't like:<br />
1. Apparently, I'm something like four years behind on reading novels I really enjoy. Feist's novels were some of the first fantasy novels I read and enjoyed. It's weird to me to not know there were new books.<br />
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Overall: I'm glad I finally made it into the loop and was able to read this book. For fantasy readers, especially ones who enjoy series, this is definitely a book for you. It is written to stand alone, but it will make much more sense if you read the rest of the sagas first.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnz0IOZHEI/AAAAAAAAApU/-nNKsHPSnIM/s1600/5stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnz0IOZHEI/AAAAAAAAApU/-nNKsHPSnIM/s1600/5stars.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-27646006327545192762010-10-16T11:22:00.000-07:002010-10-16T11:22:01.140-07:00Fragile Eternity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnoGneo5iI/AAAAAAAAApI/oFG_AYg-FjM/s1600/n290766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnoGneo5iI/AAAAAAAAApI/oFG_AYg-FjM/s320/n290766.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Title: <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Fragile-Eternity-Melissa-Marr/?isbn=9780061214714">Fragile Eternity </a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.melissa-marr.com/_fragile_eternity/fragile_eternity.html">Melissa Marr</a><br />
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy<br />
Source: public library<br />
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This review is a long time coming. I read this book over a month ago. I can't even explain why I've been sitting on it and not actually blogging it. Maybe I'm crazy......or more likely busy, tired, and somewhat lazy when it comes to my free time, lately.<br />
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For some reason I didn't know that this was book three. When the cover said sequel, I thought they meant literal this-is-the-next-book sequel. I apparently didn't do enough pre-research and just assumed that this was book three and the other books were a separate series. They do have different types of names and covers. It doesn't really matter though. In this case assuming worked out well. I enjoyed the book and was only the tiniest bit of lost at the beginning.<br />
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What I liked:<br />
1. While this is actually book three, I had no problem following the story line. All the characters I enjoyed getting to know in <a href="http://mandyfish-reads.blogspot.com/2010/08/these-are-fairies-of-old-tales.html">Wicked Lovely</a> were still central to the plot.<br />
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2. I'm surprised to find out that this is book three as the plot hasn't moved forward much. I'd expect to be onto a whole different set of problems, issues, scenarios....but realistically the main difference is the addition of a couple new characters.<br />
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3. I still love the way the faerie realm is portrayed within these novels. There is all the drama and hierarchy associated with Fae courts, but mixed in is the dramatics of being a human teenager.<br />
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What I didn't like:<br />
1. Not knowing that the book I read wasn't actually the next one. Some of this is my fault, but some lays on the publisher / cover artist. Please find a new word. Sequel means next in my mind. Could you at least number the books?<br />
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2. There were characters introduced within this story who were very hard to get to know. Upon reflection I'm sure this is due to my reading the novels out of order. However, it was very off-putting while reading.<br />
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Overall: Fragile Eternity, while it may sound like the name of the newest designer perfume, is actually more enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend skipping book two, but seeing as I have, it's not the end of the world if you do. If you've read Wicked Lovely, I would definitely recommend enjoying the rest of the series too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnsCCq8H7I/AAAAAAAAApM/oo9bXJuSX28/s1600/3stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLnsCCq8H7I/AAAAAAAAApM/oo9bXJuSX28/s1600/3stars.png" /></a></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-91271809491896087182010-10-10T01:04:00.000-07:002010-10-10T01:04:32.533-07:00Read-a-thon ending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLFx1rCeEVI/AAAAAAAAApE/KpVMaObAo6g/s1600/read-a-thon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLFx1rCeEVI/AAAAAAAAApE/KpVMaObAo6g/s1600/read-a-thon.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is it for me folks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really wanted to make it to the 24 hour mark. I'm close. We are in hour 20....so only four hours to go. Unfortunately, I just can't keep my eyes open any long. I was nodding off while reading.....I'm having trouble spelling everything correctly. I'm calling it a day....mid-book.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'm currently 36 pages into Naked Heat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Total time spent reading: 14.5 hours</span></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Total books read: 3 and a lil bit</span></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Total pages read: 742</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm proclaiming this a satisfactory participation day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good luck to those of you who can make it to the end!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-28305368426685882972010-10-10T00:10:00.000-07:002010-10-10T00:10:39.447-07:00Read-a-thon update...still going<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLFluycCB8I/AAAAAAAAApA/S5F4CHuAIVs/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLFluycCB8I/AAAAAAAAApA/S5F4CHuAIVs/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" /></a></div>Book 3 finished! This one was a surprise read. My husband, an author, finished a new novel yesterday. He printed it out for me to read/proofread today. I don't know how much proofing I did, but I definitely read.<br />
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Title: Untrue Tales book 4 (ARC)<br />
Author: Teel McClanahan III<br />
Pages: 146<br />
Total pages read so far: 705 !<br />
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OMG!!! I can't believe I'm still at this. Part of me wants to go to sleep now....but part of me wants to see this thing out. I. can. do. it. I. can. do. it. We. can.do. it. We. can. do. it.Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-9845950572369870032010-10-09T21:06:00.000-07:002010-10-09T21:06:21.709-07:00Read-a-thon update, again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLE5kIEJcGI/AAAAAAAAAo8/4aMzd61i1fI/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLE5kIEJcGI/AAAAAAAAAo8/4aMzd61i1fI/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" /></a></div>The read-a-thon is in hour 16 and I'm done with book #2!!!!<br />
Title: Devil Bones<br />
Author: Kathy Reichs<br />
Page count: 304 <br />
Total pages read today: 559<br />
Blogs visited: 3 (<a href="http://www.fizzythoughts.com/">Fizzy Thoughts</a>, <a href="http://multigenrefan.com/">Multigenre Fan</a>, <a href="http://www.misswisabus.com/2010/10/09/deweys-read-a-thon-back-in-the-day-childrens-book-mini-challenge/">Miss Wisabus</a>)Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-22440541868126618602010-10-09T16:44:00.001-07:002010-10-09T20:56:27.165-07:00Mid Read-a-thon challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLD8YvSOzMI/AAAAAAAAAo4/oB8h7n7rUcA/s1600/read-a-thon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLD8YvSOzMI/AAAAAAAAAo4/oB8h7n7rUcA/s1600/read-a-thon.png" /></a></div>Can you believe it is hour 12 already? I don't feel like I've been reading for half the day....but then.....distractions of my own making. Oh well!<br />
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<div><b>Mid-Event Survey:</b></div><div>1. What are you reading right now? <span style="color: #38761d;">Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>2. How many books have you read so far? <span style="color: #38761d;">This is my second book, but I chose to start with a big one.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? <span style="color: #38761d;">The new Richard Castle book. Yes, I read fiction by fictional characters.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? <span style="color: #38761d;">A few, but mostly just okaying it with my hubby.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?<span style="color: #38761d;"> I've created a couple interruptions of my own. They were mostly accidental....such as needing to go shopping for clothes that fit me, today, because of a one-day sale. I'm trying to space the distractions out to mid-book and between books. </span></div><div><br />
</div><div>6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? <span style="color: #38761d;">How much support from non-reading bloggers there is. It's awesome!</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? <span style="color: #38761d;">I think it's great and working fine this way.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? <span style="color: #38761d;">I'm going to do it again.....hopefully, next time without the self-made distractions.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>9. Are you getting tired yet? <span style="color: #38761d;">Not tired, but relaxed enough I could take a nap...that's what my weekends are usually for, so I'm having to fight that urge. </span></div><div><br />
</div><div>10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? <span style="color: #38761d;">Ummmm...lemme get back to you on this one.</span></div>Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-32912213323676022042010-10-09T14:50:00.000-07:002010-10-09T14:50:40.005-07:00Read-a-thon update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLDix2Fuf1I/AAAAAAAAAo0/zzFbmSiEav4/s1600/read-a-thon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLDix2Fuf1I/AAAAAAAAAo0/zzFbmSiEav4/s200/read-a-thon.png" width="200" /></a></div>I'm back from distraction #2. I'll be starting a new book here in a few seconds and wanted to let you know about it.<br />
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Title: Devil Bones<br />
Author: Kathy Reichs<br />
Pages 304 + (There is a Q&A in the back of the book, but I think I'll skip that for today).<br />
Progress so far: Haven't even read word one.<br />
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Happy Read-a-Thon!Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-84899346290189979022010-10-09T13:33:00.000-07:002010-10-09T13:33:01.891-07:00Read-a-thon update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLDQqJ7O6qI/AAAAAAAAAow/x9WaJPB4CKM/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLDQqJ7O6qI/AAAAAAAAAow/x9WaJPB4CKM/s320/readathon3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Book one down!<br />
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Flight of the Night Hawks by Raymond E Feist<br />
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Total pages read today: 255!<br />
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Also, I feel bad. I want to visit other blogs, encourage the other participants, but I'm finding enough distractions on my own. Eeep!Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033573689785647076.post-9387648121652435772010-10-09T07:02:00.000-07:002010-10-09T07:02:19.374-07:00Hour 2 challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLBzW3PIRII/AAAAAAAAAos/r7mvlyLPsfE/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uAoxtlaV0mk/TLBzW3PIRII/AAAAAAAAAos/r7mvlyLPsfE/s1600/readathon3_lg.jpg" /></a></div> The hour two mini-challenge is hosted by <a href="http://www.misswisabus.com/2010/10/09/deweys-read-a-thon-back-in-the-day-childrens-book-mini-challenge/">Miss Wisabus</a>. I love this challenge! She wants to know about my childhood book favorites....that I can do!<br />
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1. I am still deeply in love with the Bugg Books by Steven Crosgrove. He's the author that did the Leo the Lop books. Wonderful! I have such fond memories of the Buggs and their world......even though only a few people believe they existed. My own mother doesn't even remember me having them. I found a few recently, but my funding was to low to start my collection. If you see them anywhere, think of me!<br />
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2. The Babysitters Club. I had all of them. ALL OF THEM. I think I may have even been a member of their book club. Sadly, sometime around high school, I needed the drawer/shelf space and I was forced into giving the books away. Now that they are coming back out, I'm interested in seeing them.<br />
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3. When I got older, the novel Christie went with me everywhere....for a while. I can't say what it is, but there is just something about Mountain life that interests me. I still have a fascination with blue-grass music, which I give this book inspiration for.<br />
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4. I still read YA novels all the time.....just visit about half of my blog posts. They are fun and cover interesting topics. Lately, I've also been using my YA reading habits to stock my "lending" shelf in my classroom. It's awesome!Mandyfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12758792191021561729noreply@blogger.com3