1/31/09

Book #22 The White House Mess

The White House Mess by Christopher Buckley

Blurb from Book:
With a dotty, pajama-clad President Reagan refusing to leave the White House on his successor's Inauguration Day, Buckley has given this farce of Oval Office politics a nearly perfect beginning. Unfortunately, he uses his best shot first and the rest of the book rarely equals the wit that energizes the hilarious opening. Parodying the familiar form of the White House memoir, Buckley (author of Steaming in Bamboola, son of William F. Buckley) recounts the turbulent years of the Democratic Tucker administration, as told by loyalist Herbert Wadlough. Through this former accountant's eyes, we see the infighting that plagues the White House, the President's faltering marriage to a former starlet, and his ongoing crises, including restoration of ties with Castro andin one of the novel's smarter sectionsa Marxist coup in Bermuda. Buckley, a onetime speechwriter for George Bush, obviously knows Washington's foibles and follies, but the zest of the book's early promise is smothered by an otherwise bland performance.

normally love any book written by Christopher Buckley, but this one just didn't do it for me. This one fell flat for some reason. There are sparks of satire, but I think this one was too time-specific.

1/30/09

Let's help this baby....

Samuel Yourdon was born March 13, 2008. He was born with Agilles syndrome and it means that little Samuel needs a liver transplant as well as a heart bi-pass. The surgery will take place at Columbian Presbyterian Hospital in New York City which is over 250 miles from where he lives with his parents.

Please help us with this fundraiser to help his family with the expenses that will be incurred in connection with this surgery. Money raised will be used for out of pocket expenses for the family for travel, hotels, food, and anything else needed by them during these two surgeries for Samuel.

Good News: 62.5% of the retail sales of candles sold will be given to Samuel’s family. There is no profit taken by the Home Interiors Consultant that organized this worthy cause fundraiser. Your purchase or donation is appreciated.

Donations are being accepted as well for those who would like to make a donation instead of purchasing candles. Paypal donations can be sent to: cbcovell27@verizon.net with “Samuel” in the notes.

Please make any checks for donations payable to: Brian A Yourdon Jr. with “Samuel” on the notation.
Checks should be turned in with the orders and sent Beverly Covell by February 15th.
Beverly Covell 32 Old Boorne Dr Apt L1 Clinton NY 13323
Any questions please feel free to call: 315-853-4932 or email: cbcovell27@verizon.net

Book #21 Bitten to Death

Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks, Book 4) by Jennifer Rardin

5 out of 5

Blurb From Book: Jaz Parks here. My latest mission has taken me to the ancient Greek city of Patras; but instead of soaking up its splendor, I'm here to infiltrate a Vampere Trust. Only two vamps have ever escaped the tightly bound communities and lived to tell the tale: Edward "The Raptor"Samos, the most reviled criminal mastermind in recent memory, and Vayl, the CIA's number one assassin who also happens to be my boss. The Raptor is trying to take over Vayl's former Trust. Unfortunately the Trust's new leader has her own plans. This job is going to be the death of me.

I just love this series. Jaz is strong and independent with a smart mouth. It is truly the snarky comments that keep me in love with the character. Just when things seem to be bad, they get worse and Jaz, barely keeping it together this time, manages to get the bad guys in the end.

1/29/09

Book #20 Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand

Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn

4 out of 5

Blurb from book:
Already the alpha pair of Denver's werewolf pack, Kitty and Ben now plan to tie the knot human-style by eloping to Vegas. Kitty is looking forward to sipping fru-fru drinks by the pool and doing her popular radio show on live TV, but her hotel is stocked with werewolf-hating bounty hunters. Elsewhere on the Strip an old-school magician might be wielding the real thing; the vampire community is harboring a dark secret; and the irresistible star of a suspicious animal act is determined to seduce Kitty. Sin City has never been so wild, and this werewolf has never had to fight harder to save not only her wedding, but her very life.

I just love this series. Kitty is a little less serious in this one, but it still has enough drama to keep you turning the pages.

1/28/09

Book #19 Witch Fire

Witch Fire by Anya Bast

4 out of 5

Blurb from Book: After a chaotic marriage and a rough divorce, all Mira Hoskins wants is stability and normality. But when sexy Jack McAllister enters her life, she discovers that what you want isn't always what you need. Jack is a powerful witch with the ability to command fire and is anything but normal. As the head of a security detail for The Coven, a national organization that governs national witches, Jack has been assigned to watch over Mira. She is a natural born witch with the ability to call the air. And although she is unaware of her talent, a group of renegade witches has discovered her existence and are determined to steal her power--and her life.

This is a very fast paced story with lots of sex. The dialogue is witty and the characters have some depth. I really enjoyed it and look forward to another in this series.

1/26/09

Book #18 Speed Demon

Speed Demon by Erin Lynn

4 out 5

Blurb from book...Guys can be annoying, but the demonic kind are the worst…
That is how Kenzie Sutcliffe felt about Levi. He shot out of Kenzie’s shower, a.k.a. the demon hole, not too long ago. It was hard for Kenzie to close the portal—it involved her driving the family’s minivan into the kitchen. And what thanks does she get for that? She’s grounded, not allowed to drive, and getting chauffeured around by a demon whose driver’s license is dubious at best. Plus, the demon tells her, when one portal closes—another one opens…
Even though Levi can be a pain, Kenzie just can’t let the other demons drag him back to hell. Guess that means it’s up to her to save the day…again!

Another adorable mini chick lit paranormal read from Erin McCarthy. Kenzie pulls off another save in the second book in the Demon series. I like the characters and witty dialogue. It is amazing how the author can develop the story in such a small space.

1/25/09

Book #17 High Tea

High Tea by Sandra Harper

3.5 out of 5

Blurb from Book
Magpie's Tearoom is a cozy haven in bustling L.A. -- a place for luncheons, baby showers, or simply hanging out. Its owner, British expat Margaret Moore, relishes tradition...but between a frustrated chef preoccupied with her neglectful producer girlfriend and the tearoom's waitstaff -- a talented but desperate TV star who hasn't acted since Detective Buck Love went off the air, and a twenty-something ingénue who'll do anything to get the part -- her grandmother's scones begin to feel irrelevant.
When the critic from Tea Talk announces she is crossing the pond to visit, Margaret attempts to marshal her staff. But, being of the thespian variety, they all want to be doing something else. Yet despite the high personal drama at hand, the customers still demand their perfectly steeped tea and cucumber sandwiches....
As Margaret battles pilot season and produce-coordinator malfunctions, she begins to lose her will to live...in L.A.
But can her L.A. neighborhood do without her tearoom?In this delightful debut novel with delicious recipes thrown in, Sandra Harper creates a hilarious world where Earl Grey and watercress make a meal, buttering the scones may get you scolded, and nobody does eggs anymore.

This is a very charming read about three women who all find their way in life. I really thought it was cute and quick.

1/24/09

Book #16 Succubus Blues

Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

5 out of 5

Blurb from the book....
Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.
When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?
But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.
But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...


This is the first in a series and I really love the author's writing style. There is a lot of wit and the plot is fast paced while developing characters. I can't wait for the next one!

1/23/09

Book #15 Swish

Swish: My Quest to Become the Gayest Person Ever by Joel Derfner

3 stars


This is a very well written memoir and I found myself laughing out loud while at time being very saddened by his story of growing up. I really enjoyed his essay about camp (Camp Camp ?!? for gay kids) and the story about becoming a cheerleading was equally funny. Unfortunately, by the end of the book, the tales became somewhat redundant.

1/22/09

Book #14 Don't Mind Me

Don't Mind Me by by Esther Cohen

This is an adorable little book that would make a perfect gift to Jewish mothers. It has some humorous quotes that really ring true and are quite funny. It is really just a bunch of comics strung together by phrases.

Book #13 Fifteen Minutes of Shame

Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily

Synopsis
A real-life dating columnist and book author (Stop Getting Dumped!), Daily puts her debut novel's heroine into her professional shoes. Darby Vaughn, 31, is enjoying her success as the nation's most popular romance expert: she's got bestselling books, TV appearances and even her own perfume. But her empire threatens to topple when her cheating husband, aka her publicist, humiliates her and leaves her vulnerable to giant aftershocks in the press. After a few days of intense girlfriend therapy, Darby emerges from the haze of margaritas and sappy movies to rebuild her life starting with spin dating—i.e., dating for publicity. Besides being photographed canoodling with a basketball star and a young model, Darby hires the best divorce lawyer in town, who also just happens to be the hottest. Daily keeps things moving along quickly, and though her style is not exactly seasoned, she delivers some surprising depth and a heroine with heart to root for.

My Rating: 4 stars
I just love Chick Lit and with that said, this is a great Chick Lit read. This is not going to win any Pulitzer Prize but it is a nice diversion for a stormy afternoon. This is one of those books that has just enough elements where is could possibly be true, but not quite.

1/21/09

Happy Tag























I've been tagged by Reading Mama

So here are the rules:Link to the person who has tagged you.Write down six things that make you happy.Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it.Then tell the person when your entry is complete.
Six Things That Make Me Happy:

1. My dogs.

2. My Garden.

3. Books!

4. Music.

5. My husband and Son.

6. Long walks on the beach..

These are not in any particular order.

I have tagged the following blogs to play along...

Andi and her blog Radiant Light

Julie and her blog Pieces of Me

Monica and her blog Reading with Monie

Jeb and his blog Jeb's Blog

Sarai and her blog Sarai's Reading What?

Sally and her blog Books And Musings From Downunder

1/20/09

Book #12 Knit Two

My laptop died this morning, but a wonderful guy at Sony fixed it and it is as good as new...I will get my review of Knit Two posted tomorrow.

Knit Two by Kate Jacobs

synopsis:
The sequel to the number-one New York Times bestseller The Friday Night Knitting Club, KNIT TWO returns to Walker and Daughter, the Manhattan knitting store founded by Georgia Walker and her young daughter, Dakota. Dakota is now an eighteen-year-old freshman at NYU, running the little yarn shop part-time with help from the members of the Friday Night Knitting Club. Drawn together by the sense of family the club has created, the knitters rely on one another as they struggle with new challenges: for Catherine, finding love after divorce; for Darwin, the hope for a family; for Lucie, being both a single mom and a caregiver for her elderly mother; and for seventysomething Anita, a proposal of marriage from her sweetheart, Marty, that provokes the objections of her grown children. As the club’s projects—an afghan, baby booties, a wedding coat—are pieced together, so is their understanding of the patterns underlying the stresses and joys of being mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Because it isn’t the difficulty of the garment that makes you a great knitter: it’s the care and attention you bring to the craft—as well as how you adapt to surprises.

This book picks right up where the Friday Night Knitting Club left off. I just wish I had read these books closer together, instead I ended up peaking at the synopsis on Amazon to bring me back up to speed with the story. Female bonding is the main theme here and Jacobs (gosh, it is weird to type that) does it with skill and sweetness. There is just enough mystery to keep me turing the pages. I highly recommend this to all.

1/18/09

Book #11 The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Synopsis
Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t.

This is probably going to be one of those books that everyone must read for the historical content and the attitudes that occurred in the South during the early civil rights movement. It was very emotional and the descriptions are so believable that you feel you are almost there as "help" and what these women endured.

1/17/09

Book #10 This Land Is Their Land

This Land Is Their Land: Reports from a Divided Nationby Barbara Ehrenreich


This book of essays is so wonderfully written. Ehrenreich points out the truth about the government, social issues and life in general. Some of the essays about being poor in American are dead-on.

1/16/09

That was fast!

Beat the Reaper Movie

I was just looking around to find out more about the author Josh Bazell and found this article from Variety...

Ok, so now you have to read the book to find out if Leonardo could be a hitman/doctor.

Book #9 Beat the Reaper

Beat the Reaper: A Novelby Josh Bazell

Synopsis:
Dr. Peter Brown is an intern at Manhattan's worst hospital, with a talent for medicine, a shift from hell, and a past he'd prefer to keep hidden. Whether it's a blocked circumflex artery or a plan to land a massive malpractice suit, he knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men.Pietro "Bearclaw" Brnwna is a hitman for the mob, with a genius for violence, a well-earned fear of sharks, and an overly close relationship with the Federal Witness Relocation Program. More likely to leave a trail of dead gangsters than a molecule of evidence, he's the last person you want to see in your hospital room.Nicholas LoBrutto, aka Eddy Squillante, is Dr. Brown's new patient, with three months to live and a very strange idea: that Peter Brown and Pietro Brnwa might-just might-be the same person ...Now, with the mob, the government, and death itself descending on the hospital, Peter has to buy time and do whatever it takes to keep his patients, himself, and his last shot at redemption alive.


I loved this book!
If you tried to explain the plot of this book to anyone sane, they would probably just stare at you, looking dumbfounded. This is probably what would happen if Dexter and Stephanie Plum had a literary child. This is a quick paced mystery and I can only hope for a second one.

My Wish List - Updated 5.5.14

TITLE AUTHOR
Americana Ray Davies
Amplified Tara Kelly
Anything to Have You Paige Harbison
The Arrivals Melissa Marr
Beautiful You Chuck Palahniuk
Brave New Love
The Bridge from Me to You Lisa Schroeder
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Helen Fielding
Buzz Kill Beth Fantaskey
Chose the Wrong Guy Gave Him the Wrong Finger Beth Harbison
Cocoon Band 01 Gennifer Albin
Commando: Johnny Ramone
Curtsies & Conspiracies  Gail Carriger
Dead River Cyn Balog
Death and the Girl Next Door  Darynda Jones
Demonosity Amanda Ashby
Elegy (Watersong) Amanda Hocking
Empower (Embrace) Jessica Shirvington
Equal of the Sun: A Novel Anita Amirrezvani
Eternal: Zachary's Story (Tantalize) Cynthia Leitich Smith
Evertrue: An Everneath Novel Brodi Ashton
Fools' Gold Philippa Gregory
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet Darynda Jones
Frankenweenie: A Novel
Gasp (Visions) Lisa McMann
Get Even Gretchen McNeil
Girl Out Loud Emily Gale
Guitar Notes Mary Amato
Hollow City (Miss Peregrine Bk 2) Ransom Riggs
Horizon Alyson Noël
How Evan Broke His Head And Other Secrets Garth Stein
Ignite Me (Shatter Me Bk 3) Tahereh Mafi
Illusions of Fate Kiersten White
The Indigo Spell: A Bloodlines Novel Richelle Mead
The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines Bk 3) Richelle Mead
Infernal Devices Cassandra Clare
Infinite Jodi Meadows
Into the Still Blue Veronica Rossi
The Inventor's Secret Andrea Cremer
Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood Abby McDonald
Just One Day Gayle Forman
Just One Year Gayle Forman
Killer Instinct Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Love Goes to Buildings on Fire Will Hermes
Love Lucy April Lindner
Loving on Borrowed Time Olivia Cunning
Mick Ronson: Weird - Gilly
Mind Over Magic Sarah Beth Durst
Monument 14: Savage Drift Emmy Laybourne
Much Ado About Magic  Shanna Swendson
Never Say Never Kailin Gow
Oath Bound Rachel Vincent
Of Neptune Anna Banks
The One Kiera Cass
The Originals Cat Patrick
Panic Lauren Oliver
Perfect Lies Kiersten White
Playing Dirty Jennifer Echols
Precinct 13 (Precinct 13 Bk 1) Tate Hallaway
Pretenders Lisi Harrison
The Queen is Dead  Kate Locke
Raising Demons Rachel Hawkins
The Raven Cycle: Book 3 Maggie Stiefvater
Rebel Belle Rachel Hawkins
The Redemption of Callie & Kayden Jessica Sorensen
Rise (Nightshade Prequel Bk 2) Andrea Cremer
Ruin and Rising Leigh Bardugo
The Rules Stacey Kade
School Spirits Rachel Hawkins
The Selection Stories Kiera Cass
Shards and Ashes Melissa Marr
The She-Hulk Diaries Marta Acosta
Shutdown (Glitch Bk 3) Heather Anastasiu
Snakeroot: A Nightshade Novel Andrea Cremer
The Sound and the Furry  Spencer Quinn
Speed of Light Amber Kizer
Strange Fates Marlene Perez
Surrender Elana Johnson
Take Me On Katie McGarry
Talking Heads' Fear of Music (33 1/3) Jonathan Lethem
Teardrop (Teardrop Trilogy) Lauren Kate
This Shattered World Amie Kaufman - Meagan Spooner
This Side of Salvation Jeri Smith-Ready
This Song Will Save Your Life Leila Sales
Throne of Glass #3 Sarah J. Maas
Thunderstruck:  Shannon Delany
Ticker Lisa Mantchev
Tidal Amanda Hocking
The Treatment Suzanne Young - Suzanne Young
Try Me Tempt Me Take Me  Olivia Cunning
Twisted Sisters Jen Lancaster
Unbreakable (The Legion) Kami Garcia
Undead and Unsure MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and Unwary  MaryJanice Davidson
Unite Me:  Tahereh Mafi
Unraveled Gennifer Albin
The Visible Man Chuck Klosterman
Winter (The Lunar Chronicles) Marissa Meyer
The Young Elites Marie Lu

1/14/09


Monica gifted me with the Lemonade Award for being sassy... A big thank you! And be sure to check out Reading with Monie she has fantastic taste in books!

Book #8 Everybody Hurts

Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo CultureAuthors: Trevor Kelley Leslie Simon
01/14/20097:28 AM
This is one of the better written books of this genre. It had some hilarious insight to the emo world. Emo is short for emotional, which came out of the punk music scene. You know, those kids you see at the mall always looking like they are gonna cry? The ones in the Cure T-shirt. Everybody Hurts is a great field guide for spotting these kids. I did learn a lot about this type of lifestyle, but it frightened me that I knew a little too much about the culture.

1/13/09

Book #7 Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home (Broken Heart, Oklahoma, Book 4)Authors: Michele Bardsley
01/13/20092:47 PM
I love this series and the fact that it takes on a new character in each book. The basic feel of each book is related, but the story is always from a new viewpoint. This one takes on Libby Monroe who is a paranromal researcher and has her life turned around by dropping into Broken Heart and sticks around for good.

Dogtourage

1/12/09

Book #6 Trophies by Heather Davis

This was such a fun read, but could have used a little editing to make the plot tighter. It reminded me a lot of Dominick Dunne with the back-stabbing socialites from LA. I could just imagine reading about these women in People magazine.

1/11/09

BOOK GIVEAWAY Defending Angels

The book for this week is:

Defending Angels by Mary Stanton.

One of the dogs will pick a winner on 1/16/09. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you.

1/10/09

Book #5 Dead Is The New Black by Marlene Perez

Very cute YA paranormal. If you enjoyed the Salem Witch series by Kelly McClymer, you will love this one. Just replace witch with undead, like in vampire and you have a fun story about Daisy a "norm" living in a family of psychics. Of course she ends up on the cheerleading squad and discovers her hidden talent while finding the vampire that is causing havoc in the town of Nightshade. This one is very appropriate for younger girls not quite ready for Twilight.

1/9/09

Winner for today's book give away!



Schatze picked (ate) Tammy's name as the winner of Still of the Night!

Book #4 Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich

4 stars
Another fun book from Evanovich!


This one had me laughing from the first page. The between the numbers books usually have some magical element to them and Diesel is back in Stephanie's life with some paranormal mischief in the form of a vampire(?). Bob the dog doesn't really make an appearance here, but you do get Carl the Monkey. Idon't think you will be dissapointed in this one.

1/8/09

My first Award from Kristi


Thanks Kristi
Please follow Kristi on her blog at http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/
I get to pass The Butterfly Award on now to some wonderful blogs. The rules are quite simple:
Put the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded you.
Award up to ten other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on yours.
Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs.

1/7/09

This takes you to YouTube

The Not So Silent Majority


'Obama Rock' video celebrates a new president's arrival

Ringo H. W. Chiu
"It is a celebration and expression of joy," said Debbie Allen of the music video she directed for Barack Obama.

Debbie Allen directs a video for the song by the Not So Silent Majority collective.
By TINA DAUNT January 7, 2009
Barack Obama may have put the spring back in America's step, but Debbie Allen has found a way to give it rhythm.The Emmy-, Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning choreographer directed the music video -- which made its debut Tuesday on MySpace -- for newly released pop track "Obama Rock." (The video can be seen at www.thenotsosilentmajority.com/privatelisten/obamarockvid.html.)The song was created by musical collective the Not So Silent Majority, which includes musical heavyweights Danielle Brisebois (writer-producer of Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" and "Pocketful of Sunshine"), Grammy winner Gregg Alexander (writer of Santana's "Game of Love" and New Radicals frontman), Paul McCartney's guitarist Rusty Anderson and Rick Nowels (writer of Dido's "White Flag").
Allen selected 12 children attending her Culver City dance academy on scholarships to participate in the video, which she choreographed."It is a celebration and expression of joy," said Allen in an interview this week. "We are celebrating America."Originally, the catchy tune -- done "poppy" style with a strong dance rhythm -- was set to be released as a protest song. But, frankly, the song was too upbeat. (And Obama won the election.)As a result the song collaborators termed it a "celebratory anthem."The creators are hoping it will be selected as the "official inaugural song" by Obama's people. (No Senate confirmation required.)Allen, meanwhile, wants to take her young dancers back to Washington to perform for the president himself.She said, "Everyone has been walking around like they're on top of the world."And dancing there too.Hip-hop's hurrahRussell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network said Tuesday that they would host a hip-hop inaugural gala in Washington on Jan. 19.Simmons said the event would be "an upscale party" to welcome the new president. (So you'd better dress up if you want to get in the door.) Also expected to attend are T.I., LL Cool J and Young Jeezy, who helped get out the youth vote during the election.Heineken and MySpace are sponsoring.Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis by going to www.hiphopinaugural.org or www.hsan.org.Black tie is recommended. It also helps if you can dance.

1/6/09

I'm not sure if this is scary or not.

A Rare Peek At Homeland Security Files

It does explain why I was always picked for secondary screenings at airports when I traveled to Spain right before 9/11...

Book #3 The Shiksa Syndrome

The Shiksa Syndrome: A NovelAuthors: Laurie Graff

Overall this is a light and quick read which I really enjoyed. Aimee pretends to be a Shiksa (non-Jewish) to get the Jewish man of her dreams and when she finds it is harder to keep up the lie, she becomes honest with herself. By not pretending, she finds the love she was looking for was right there all along.

1/5/09




This is Bob. He normally sits in the entry way, but he gets moved so the Christmas tree can go there. I normally decorate him for each holiday...I just took off his Santa hat. I have a little Valentine head band he will wear next.

Review: Love Junkie by Rachel Resnick

This is a very bittersweet memoir of a woman with a very sad upbringing. Her mother kills herself at 14 and the father get custody but doesn't want her so he farms her out to foster families that he pays. Of course she goes looking for love in all the wrong places and substitutes sex for love. It is amazing how she can remain somewhat positive through out her life. Overall a good read,

1/4/09

Giveaways!

You can find all of my giveaways on the top right side bar.  

Most of the giveaways are limited to the USA  except where noted.  

Some states do not allow these type of giveaways. 
 It is your responsibility to know the laws in your state.  

I use Rafflecopter to power my giveaways.


Please note:
You must be over 13 years old to enter  the giveaways.. some adult books are limited to 18, per publisher request.

I do my best to insure that you receive your prize but sometimes this is out of my control.  

If you do not receive the prize within a reasonable time period (THREE weeks), you must notify me by email immediately.  I may not be able to do anything if it is a longer time period than this.
I will notify you by email when I submit your information to the publisher.
If I mail the book, I ALWAYS use delivery confirmation* and safe packaging.
I am not responsible if the book is not received or damaged in the mail.
I am not responsible if the publisher or publicist refuses to honor the prize.  
I may be forced to substitute the prize.  I will try to give you your choice of genre.  






1/2/09

New Giveaway for 1/9/08

Leave me a comment for a chance to win:

Still of the Night by Cynthia Danielewski

Finished my first book!

I haven't had time to post a review yet, but I finished Robin McKinley's Sunshine.

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Sunshine is a post apocalyptic vampire tale told with much detail. I fell in love with the writer's style and humor. I plowed right through this for the first 200 pages and then it became repetitive. If there had been a few edits, the whole story would have been perfect for me. The main character, Sunshine, has a great voice and I would probably enjoy a sequel to this.

1/1/09

About Me!

I love to read and collect books.  My favorite things right now are Chick Lit, Memoirs, Paranormal and Young Adult, but I am pretty much open to trying anything.
 
I am married with a son who just graduated from USC.  My dachshund is pretty much my world though. UPDATE:  My husband is now working with my son!  My son started there first though.....

My other love is gardening and the yard is getting back into shape!  Trying to have and English Cottage garden in the desert just didn't work, so I am slowly replacing a lot of it with more Mediterranean types that fit into the style.

You can contact me at bookhounds@live.com

BOOK GIVEAWAY

I have an ARC of
Lost Youth by Robert Scott

Just leave me a comment with a way to contact you for an address.

Winner will be drawn on Friday at noon Pacific time....

2009 Book Challenge -- COMPLETED!

Title Author Stars


January

1 Sunshine Robin McKinley 4

2 Love Junkie Rachel Resnick 4

3 The Shiksa Syndrome Laurie Graff 4

4 Plum Spooky Janet Evanovich 4

5 Dead is the New Black Marlene Perez 4

6 Trophies Heather Thomas 4

7 Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home Michelle Bardsley 4

8 Everybody Hurts Leslie Simon 3

9 Beat the Reaper Josh Bazell 5

10 This Land is Their Land Barbara Ehrenreich 4

11 The Help Katherine Sockett 5

12 Knit Two Kate Jacobs 4

13 Fifteen Minutes of Shame Lisa Daily 4

14 Don't Mind Me Esther Cohen 3

15 Swish Joel Derfner 3

16 Succubus Blues Richelle Mead 5

17 High Tea Sandra Harper 3

18 Speed Demon Erin Lynn 4

19 Witch Fire Anya Bast 4

20 Kitty & the Dead Man's Hand Carrie Vaughn 4

21 Bitten to Death Jennifer Rardin 5

22 The White House Mess Christopher Buckley 3

Feburary

23 The Demon King and I Candace Havens 4

24 Choke Chuck Pahalniuk 4

25 Fish Out of Water MaryJanice Davidson 4

26 Far From You Lisa Schroeder 5

27 Witch Blood Anya Bast 4

28 Casting Spells Barbara Bretton 4

29 Weddings From Hell Shayne, et al 4

30 Urban Animals Mireille Silcoff 4

31 The Love of Her Life Harriet Evans 4

32 Eyeliner of the Gods Katie Maxwell 4

33 I'm With Stupid Elaine Szewczyk 4

34 Fool Christopher Moore 3

35 The Urban Hermit Sam MacDonald 4

36 Dog On It Spencer Quinn 6

37 Witch Heart Anya Bast 4

38 A La Carte Hillary Carlip 4

March

39 Fade Lisa McMann 5

40 The Wishing Year Noelle Oxenhandler 3

41 Witch High Denise Little 4

42 Not Quite What I Was Planning Larry Smith 4

43 A History of the Golden Bear Robert Carvounas 3

44 The Smart One Ellen Meister 4

45 Dogtown Bob Summerville 5

46 Handle With Care Jodi Picoult 5

47 Wicked Game Jeri Smith Ready 4

48 Good Man Hunting Lisa Landolt 4

49 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet Jamie Ford 5

50 Kin (The Good Neighbors) Holly Black 4

51 Fragile Eternity Melissa Marr 4

52 Orange County Gustavo Arellano 4

53 The Late Lamented Molly Marx Sally Koslow 5

54 The Darwin Awards IV Wendy Norcutt 4

55 Succubus on Top Richelle Mead 4

56 Curse of the Spellmans Lisa Lutz 4

57 Succubus Dreams Richelle Mead 4

April

58 Revenge of The Spellmans Lisa Lutz 5

59 Babylon's Ark Lawrence Anthony 3

60 Fifty is not a Four Letter Word Linda Kelsey 4

61 Red-Headed Stepchild Jaye Wells 5

62 Early Spring Amy Seidel 4

63 Strange Nervous Laughter Bridget McNulty 4

64 Hex Appeal Linda Wisdom 4

65 Why We Suck Denis Leary 3

66 The Sky Isn't Visible From Here Felicia Sullivan 4

67 Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler Wade Rouse 4

68 The Sweet By and By Todd Johnson 5

69 Jailbait Zombie Mario Acevedo 5

70 Undone Rachel Caine 4

71 Pretty in Plaid Jen Lancaster 5

72 How to Eat Like a Hot Chick Jodi Lipper 4

73 The Liberation Diet Kevin Brown 4

74 His Other Lover Lucy Dawson 4

May

75 The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky 4

76 Red Jordan Summers 4

77 The Ex Mrs Hedgefund Jill Kargman 4

78 Swoon Nina Malkin 5

79 You're the One That I Haunt Terri Garey 4

80 One More Bite Jennifer Rardin 4

81 Undress Me In the Temple of Heaven Susan Gilman 4

82 I'm Sorry You Feel That Way Diana Joseph 4

83 How to Ditch Your Fairy Justine Larbalestier 4

84 Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, Book 1) Larissa Ione   4

85 Everyone Is Beautiful: A Novel Katherine Center   4

86 You Are So Undead to Me Stacey Jay   4

87 Physick Book of Deliverance Dane Katherine Howe   5

88 Happens Every Day Isabel Gillies   4

89 In The Kitchen Monica Ali 3

90 Need Carrie Jones 4

91 High Voltage Tattoo Kat Von D 4

92 Eyes Like Stars Lisa Mantchev 5

JUNE

93 Death's Daughter Anmber Benson 4

94 How Shall I Tell the Dog Miles Kington 4

95 A Date You Can't Refuse Harley Jane Kozak 4

96 Jet Set Karasyov & Kargman 4

97 The Girls From Ames Jeffrey Zaslow 4

98 Confessions of a Beauty Addict Nadine Haobsh 3.5

99 Succubus Heat Richelle Mead 4

100 Shanghai Girls Lisa See 5

101 I'm Down Mishna Wolff 4

102 Stormy Weather Geri Buckley 4

103 And Then Everything Unraveled Jennifer Sturman 4

104 Being Nikki Meg Cabot 4

105 Hechinger's Guide to Ethnic Sterotypes Hechinger 3

106 Wicked By Any Other Name Linda Wisdom 4

107 Godmother Carolyn Turgeon 5

108 Year of the Cock Alan Wieder 4

109 The Loved Dog Tamar Geller 4

110 City of Bones Cassandra Clare 5

111 Prom Dates From Hell Rosemary Clement-Moore 3

112 Not Quite What I Was Planning Expanded Larry Smith 4

113 Finger Lickin Fifteen Janet Evanovich 4

114 Pygmy Chuck Pahalniuk 3

115 City of Ashes Cassandra Clare 5

116 Pleasure Unchained Larissa Ione   4

JULY

117 The Summoning Kelley Armstrong 3.5

118 Thereby Hangs a Tail Spencer Quinn 5

119 Passion Unleashed Larissa Ione   4

120 The Awakening Kelley Armstrong 5

121 Sucker for Love Kimberly Raye 4

122 Undead and Unwelcome MaryJanice Davidson 4

123 Nose Down Eyes Up Merrill Markoe 5

124 Other People's Husbands Judy Astley 3

125 Hope in a Jar Beth Harbison 5

126 The Crowning Glory of Calla Lilly Ponder Rebecca Wells 4

127 Season of the Witch Natasha Mostert 5

128 Sugar Time Jane Adams 5

129 DarkWood ME Breen 4

130 Best Friends Forever Jennifer Weiner 5

131 Six Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak Larry Smith 5

132 Shire Hell Rachel Johnson 3

133 Queen Takes King Gigi Lavigne Grazier 4

134 Twenties Girl Sophie Kinsella 4

135 Dogfessions Nikki Moustaki 5

136 Last Vampire Standing Nancy Haddock 4

137 The Girl She Used to Be David Cristofano 4

AUGUST TOTAL READ: 17

138 A Mermaid's Kiss Joey Hill 3

139 Secondhand Spirits Juliet Blackwell 4

140 Beverly Hills Adjacent Steinhauer Hendra 3

141 City of Glass Cassandra Clare 4

142 Losing Mum & Pup Christopher Buckley 4

143 Dead is a State of Mind Marlene Perez 4

144 LA Candy Lauren Conrad 3.5

145 The Best of Times Penny Vincenzi 5

146 The Pretend Wife Bridget Asher 4

147 Dead is so Last Year Marlene Perez 4

148 My Soul To Take Rachel Vincent 5

149 Prospect Park West Amy Sohn 5

150 The Demon's Lexicon Sarah Rees Brennan 4

151 Graceling Kristin Cashore 3.5

152 Fire Kristin Cashore 4

153 Hell Week Rosemary Clement-Moore 4

154 Unexpected Development Marlene Perez 4

SEPTEMBER TOTAL READ: 22

155 The White Queen Philippa Gregory 4.5

156 A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve 4.5

157 Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger 4.5

158 It's Not That I'm Bitter Gina Barecca 3.5

159 Would Be Witch Kimberly Frost 3

160 Demon Can't Help It Kathy Love 3

161 Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants Marogt Berwin 4

162 Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher 4

163 Dexter By Design Jeff Lindsay 4.5

164 Thorn Queen Richelle Mead 4.5

165 Thirsty MT Anderson 3

166 I Can't Keep My Own Secrets Larry Smith 5

167 The Lost Symbol Dan Brown 4.5

168 Ghost Huntress #1 Marley Gibson 4

169 Mercury in Retrograde Paula Froelich 4

170 Hedge Fund Wives Tatiana Boncompagni 4

171 The Forest of Hands And Teeth Carrie Ryan 3.5

172 Hot Dogs Nicholas Noyes 4

173 The Wednesday Sisters Meg Waite Clayton 4.5

174 Stakes & Stillettos Michelle Rowen 4.5

175 Zombie Queen of Newbury High Amanda Ashby 4

176 Tall, Dark & Fangsome Michelle Rowen 5

OCTOBER TOTAL READ: 19

177 One Day David Nicholls 3.5

178 Give Up The Ghost Megan Crewe 4

179 This Is Where I Leave You Jonathan Tropper 4.5

180 Hush Hush Becca Fitzpatrick 5

181 Parites and Potions Sarah Mlynowski 4

182 Barely Bewitched Kimberly Frost 3.5

183 Juliet Naked Nick Hornby 3.5

184 The Tales of Beedle the Bard JK Rowling 4

185 Half Broke Horses Jeannette Wall 5

186 Seraph of Sorrow MaryJanice Davidson 4.5

187 Retail Hell Freeman Hall 4

188 Possession Devyn Quinn 4.5

189 Strange Things Happen Stewart Copeland 4

190 Kith Holly Black 4

191 Ravenous Sharon Ashwood 4

192 Alice I have Been Melanie Benjamin 5

193 The Silent Gift Michael Landon Jr 3.5

194 The Wyrm King Holly Black 3.5

195 Beastly Alex Flinn 4.5

NOVEMBER TOTAL READ: 19

196 Dying Bites DD Barant 4

197 Ash Malinda Lo 3.5

198 The Truth About Melody Browne Lisa Jewell 4

199 One Nation Under Dog Michael Shaffer 3

200 Defenders of the Scroll Shiraz 3.5

201 The Rising Sea Orrin Pilkey 3

202 You Better Not Cry Augusten Burroughs 4

203 The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins 4.5

204 Soulless Gail Carriger 3.5

205 The Secret of Joy Melissa Senate 4

206 Hot for the Holidays Lora Leigh 3

207 Catching Fire Suzanne Collins 5

208 Knit The Season Kate Jacobs 4

209 Wicked Lovely Desert Tales #1 Melissa Marr 4

210 Over My Dead Body Michelle Bardsley 3.5

211 Unmasked (Michael Jackson) Ian Halperin 3

212 The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns Elizabeth Leiknes 4.5

213 Ghost Huntress #2 Marley Gibson 4

214 High On Arrival Mackenzie Phillips 3

DECEMBER Total Read: 9

215 Fallen Lauren Kate 5

216 The Christmas Cookie Club Anne Pearlman 3.5

217 How to Be Famous Heidi Montag/Spencer Pratt 2

218 I Drink For A Reason David Cross 4

219 Hollywood Barks! Segura, et al 5

220 Nanny Returns McLaughlin & Kraus 4

221 Secret Society Tom Dolby 3.5

222 Doxie Moxie Melissa Sovey 5

223 I Don’t Care About Your Band Julie Klausner 4