Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Thoughts on...Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Did you read the title in a singing voice? I did. I read the whole book with a song in my head, remembering clapping and singing with the kids.

I also remember Polar Bear, Polar Bear but did not know about Panda Bear and Baby Bear!

What do we love about these books? I'm sure that educators could tell you, in big words, about the rhythm of the words and the bright colors stimulating the visual and auditory centers of the developing brain. Me? I just think they're fun. That my kids loved them just makes it better for me. Actually, me liking them makes it better for them because I didn't groan when they wanted it read for the the umpteenth time.

I know Eric Carle has illustrated many books (A Very Hungry Caterpillar) but I don't remember Have You Seen My Cat and think I'll find a copy. Bill Martin Jr also wrote Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and while I know I loved the book that's all I remember of it! Well, something about a coconut tree ;-)

I would like to find out more about Eric Carle and Bill Martin Jr, I'm sure it would make for fascinating reading.




Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin Jr/Eric Carle

25th Anniversary edition
hardcover
Picture Book, ages 2-4
32 pages
source: personal library

Product Description:
With more than two million copies sold, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has opened up a world of learning to a generation of children. For this edition, created for the twenty-fifth anniversay in 1992, Bill Martin, Jr., restored his text to its original wording. And Eric Carle created all new pictures--based on the originals, but clearer, brighter, and truer to the colors they represent.


I'm guessing the publisher thinks everyone knows what the book is like. They may be right but I still needed something to tell you that wasn't someone else's review!

Each animal is asked what it sees, thus developing a rhyme, starting with the title animal. Brown bear, brown bear, What do you see? I see a red bird looking at me and on the next page is a red bird and we ask what he sees. The ending changes to people, in this edition it is a teacher and her class. The illustrations make it fun for the very young while the older ones will soon be "reading" it all on their own.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Terrific Tuesday

How to Wash a Cat and One Silent Sleepless Night. . . .

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?


I followed a trail of paw prints, clumped up litter, and splattered flecks of soap up the stairs and down the hall to my bedroom. Sticky wet spots covered the floors, the walls, a rolltop desk, a wicker laundry basket, and a half dozen scattered books. A miserable wet lump of fur huddled in the middle of my bed.

How to Wash a Cat, Prologue
Rebecca M. Hale

I like the first paragraph of chapter one better:
The quirky little flat above my Uncle Oscar's antiques shop had been subjected to over twenty years of his erratic remodeling efforts. The result was a series of irregularly shaped, mismatched rooms spliced together into a gerrymandered floor plan. To pass from the living room to the bedrooms above was like navigating a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.




Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Finally I stir. I've been gone a long time. The birds soon will be announcing the coming of morning. I'll look at my faithful watch again. it is 11:15, or can't I read time any more? But at least I had a little sleep. Sleep? Well, it was a troubled sleep. I'm not sure I entirely let go. Why will my mind not sleep? Why must it wander?
One Silent Sleepless Night
Spencer W. Kimball



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

Happy Monday

I have found a picture of my next living room.


The picture has bounced around a couple of blogs, I found it at Bryan's Book Blog. It is a concept drawing and I would love, love, love it!

I don't actually have that many books, even if it seems like it, but man, oh man! Wouldn't that be nice?




Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Mailbox Monday was started by Marcia of The Printed Page. When Marcia was ready to move on from being the weekly host, she was kind enough to set up the Mailbox Monday Blog Tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month. June's host is The Bluestocking Guide to Books (blog link, not post link).



Received for Review:


Purchased:
Calamity Jayne by Kathleen Bacus
A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
Remodeled to Death by Valerie Wolzien
Missing Marlene by Evan Marshall
The Dragon Prince by Vicki Blum
The Butter Did It by Phyllis Richman
Science of Breath by Yogi Ramacharaka
Dirty Secret by Jessie Sholl



Gift:







What are you Reading?

is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
The Man with the Golden Gun
One Silent Sleepless Night



Currently Reading:
Repairing Rainbows
Bullet Work
Night's Landing
Dirty Secret
How to Wash a Cat


Started, sort of reading:
Ancient Awakenings
Orange as Marmalade
The Search
The Crafty Killer
Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life
The Haunted eBook
Drawn to the Land
What the Cat Dragged in
The Gathering Storm


Planning to start/re-read:
something from my "need to review" list

Reviewed:
One Silent Sleepless Night


Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
P.A.C.E.
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Miracle in Sumatra
The Tallest of smalls
Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night
Second Chance
Red in the Flower Bed


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Reading Challenge - Orson Scott Card

Better late than never? This challenge actually started in 2008! The time frame is a "year to whenever" so I'm signing up now.



Cardathon Challenge
perpetual (six book minimum)
hosted by Becky of
Becky's Book Reviews
at it's own blog

Each book you read for the challenge must meet one of four requirements.
1. Written by Orson Scott Card.
2. Edited/Compiled by Orson Scott Card.
3. Introduction by Orson Scott Card.
4. Reviewed by Orson Scott Card (on his official website)

You don't need to be a fan of OSC to join the challenge, he reviews a wide range of titles on his website. Now, make a list with alternatives, post about it and link up!


I'll be reading Xenocide this year because I need an "X" title and I'm sure I'll end up reading more of the Ender series. I also have several of his books that I haven't read yet so this is a good reason to add them to this year's reading list.

Xenocide
Ender's Game
Speaker for the Dead
Children of the Mind
Ender's Shadow
Ender in Exile
Pathfinder
Invasive Procedures
Empire
Hidden Empire
Stonefather



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Thoughts on...One Silent Sleepless Night

I'm sure we've all had them. A night that doesn't end, when sleep is as elusive as fairy dust. There are two differences between my sleepless nights and the one in this book. 1: the author had the good sense to write the experience down, and 2: the author is a "name". At least to those who are members of or are knowledgeable about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

A wonderful introduction to Spencer W. Kimball. His mind wanders time as he deals with the pain following surgery, taking us on the journey with him. Just enough information for a young adult while giving an older reader a chance to whet their appetite for more. The cover graphic style is carried inside giving the book a small taste of a scrapbook only in black and white.

An enjoyable, quick read.




One Silent Sleepless Night
by Spencer W. Kimball


Bookcraft
1975
hardcover
Memoir
source: personal library


from the inside flap:
The night is long when sleep refuses to come. concern, worry, apprehension-these fill the dark hours with spectres enough. But what when, added to these, the demon Pain enters with his armory of torments?

One Silent Sleepless Night is a first-hand account of such an occasion. Here President Spencer W. Kimball tells the poignant story of a night-long experience following his 1957 throat operation. This simple yet vividly drawn account takes the reader right into that New York room. there, while Pain works his will and leaden-footed Time drags his way through the dar, concerns about the future alternate with scenes form the past--childhood in Arizona, life on the farm, the call to the apostleship, memories both sweet and sad.

To the joy of Church members the world over, the story of that night had a happy ending. Now, for the first time, they can read the story.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

A is for...You Can't Hide & Xenocide

26 letters and 52 weeks. You'll always know what letter because week 1 is letter "A" and so is week 27 :-) Find a book that you find interesting who's title starts with this week's letter. If you've reviewed it, give us a link, but it isn't necessary.

Y is for...

You Can't Hide
by Karen Rose

Grand Central Publishing
April 2006
Mass Market Paperback


From amazon.com:

Psychiatrist Tess Ciccotelli has spent her entire career trying to help people, and now, just as her patients are making headway and her practice is thriving, everything is about to come crashing down. Someone is using her patients' deepest, darkest secrets against them, pushing them to commit suicide, and framing Tess in the process.

Police detective Aidan Reagan has a long and unpleasant history with Tess. Now that they're forced to work together to uncover the mastermind's identity, they must slowly learn how to trust one another. But when the killer targets Tess, can Aidan save her in time?


This has been on my TBR shelf forever and I still don't know when I'll get to it!



and....because I missed last week.....

X is for...

Xenocide
Ender book 3
by Orson Scott Card

Tor
August 1992
Mass Market Paperback


From hatrack.com (OSC's website):
The millennia-long saga of Andrew Wiggin called Ender, called The Speaker For the Dead called The Xenocide continues ....

On the world Lusitania there are now three sapient races-the Pequeninos, who evolved there; Humans, who came to colonize; and a Hive Queen and her children brought by Ender long years ago. But on Lusitania there is also the descolada, a virus deadly to human beings which would spread like wildfire throughout the Stairways Congress should it ever escape the planet.

The Starways Congress decided that The descolada should be wiped out once and for all, and sent a fleet, armed with a planet-destroying weapon, to do it. A fourth intelligence, loyal to Ender and Lusitania caused that fleet to disappear.

On a distant world called Path live a people whose culture owes much to that of ancient China on Earth. They have evolved a caste known as the godspoken, people of superior intellectual abilities who pay a terrible price for their gifts. The godspoken of Path have given their loyalty and service to the Starways Congress. Among the god spoken is a young girl named, in The language of her people, Gloriously Bright. It is to her that the Starways Congress turn with the mystery of the disappearance of the Lusitania Fleet. There is no doubt that Gloriously Bright will discover the answer to the puzzle. The question is, what will she do with the information


This one is on my "read again list" for this year and at 608 pages, should qualify for a "chunkster" challenge ;-) This really isn't a good book to start with there's too much background you need to know to understand what's happening.
copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Reading Challenge - The Art of the Novella



The Art of the Novella Reading Challenge
August
Hosted at Melville House Publishing

This is nuts. I don't need another challenge. But, novellas are short so just maybe I'll be able to finish a couple. Melville House Publishing has a collection of 42 titles of novellas and Frances at Nonsuch Book blog will be reading, and reviewing, all of them during August. That's right, 42 titles in 31 days!

Thankfully, there is a smaller level for I do not believe I could do this.

Levels:
Curious – Read 1 novella
Fascinated — Read 3 novellas
Captivated – Read 6 novellas
Passionate — Read 9 novellas
Mesmerized – Read 15 novellas
Obsessed – Read 21 novellas
Fanatical – Read 27 novellas
Unstoppable — Read 33 novellas
Bibliomaniac — Read all 42 novellas


Because I'm trying to have a life beyond books, I'm going to choose.....
Curious
and hope it will wet my appetite for more.


Head over to Moby Lives and join us.


list of titles

I'm thinking of The Man Would Be King or The Hound of the Baskervilles. Both would be new reads {blush}


The Awakening by Kate Chopin

~Challenge Complete~
Aug 8


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Reading Challenge - Completed

Spring Reading Thing
March 20-June 20
Hosted by Katrina at callapidder days



Challenge Completed
June 20, 2011

My original post about the challenge
Quick recap:
Read as many as you want/can during the challenge

Final List:
there are 40 books on the list....see original post about the challenge



I think this is a "must do every year" challenge for me. I made a quick list of 20 and read 40 but only 2 were from the original list. Next year I'll try to do better.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Reading Challenge - Completed

Birth Year Reading Challenge
2011
hosted by J.G. at Hotchpot Cafe


Challenge Completed
June 21, 2011


My original post about the challenge
Quick recap:
Read at least one book that was published the year you were born

Final List:
The Man with the Golden Gun by Ian Fleming

There were several books published my birth year that I own, have read, or were already on my TBR list but I'd don't think I'll repeat the challenge next year. At least not officially.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Happy Monday?

Sad news.....found out that one of my very favorite authors has died. Lilian Jackson Braun died June 7, 2011, she was 97. Author of 29 books in the The Cat Who... series plus short story collections, she worked at the Detroit Free Press for 30 years. Her main character, Qwill, started the series as a journalist. It doesn't say specifically, but I'm sure she is survived by her husband, Earl Bettinger, The Husband Who.

She'll be missed.



Now, on to the good stuff!


Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Mailbox Monday was started by Marcia of The Printed Page. When Marcia was ready to move on from being the weekly host, she was kind enough to set up the Mailbox Monday Blog Tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month. June's host is The Bluestocking Guide to Books (blog link, not post link).



Received for Review:
Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson
The Survivor by Sean Slater

Purchased:

Gift:
Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber (autographed copy from the author!)






What are you Reading?

is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
The Bear Detectives
The Courage to Start
Get off the Unicorn

Currently Reading:
Repairing Rainbows
Bullet Work
The Man with the Golden Gun


Started, sort of reading:
Ancient Awakenings
Orange as Marmalade
The Search
The Crafty Killer
Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life
The Haunted eBook
Drawn to the Land
What the Cat Dragged in
The Gathering Storm


Planning to start/re-read:
something from the Spring Reading Thing Challenge list
something from my "need to review" list

Reviewed:
Red in the Flower Bed


Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
P.A.C.E.
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Miracle in Sumatra
The Tallest of smalls
Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night
Second Chance
Red in the Flower Bed WOO HOO!!!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Purr-sday & Cat Thursday


a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;)







Someone has an actual meme for "Cat Thursday" so head over to The True Book Addict and see who else is sharing.








funny pictures - Basement Cat is here to steal your soul. And your last two Tupperware lids that still actually fit.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!


so that's where they went!



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

Challenge - Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book

Idea posted in April and then forgotten. It's about time I make it official!

I knew a man who loved The Outsiders so much he always carried a copy in his back pocket. He almost went into meltdown when he lost it, a replacement wasn't acceptable, and I breathed a sigh of relief when he found it (under his car's seat).

Now, I'm not that bad with any of my books but I've been thinking....added to my finding a listing of "Modern Library's 100 Best Novels" and I thought of a challenge. ;-)



There are three parts to this challenge.

Part One: email me your top five comfort books.
Part Two: vote (after I post a list) for our very own Top 100.
Part Three: READ five from the list, other than your own.

and in case you don't want to read outside.....



Part One:

My email is ... bookdragonslair(at)gmail(dot)dom ....you'll need to put comfort books in the subject so I won't miss it (I'll set up a filter for it).

I know I could have you comment with your five but I don't want the others to influence you ;-)

I'm hoping this will be a huge list so send in your five picks by September 1 30, 2011.

Part Two:

After I make of list of all the books, I'll post "vote for your favorite" or something like that. I'm hoping this will be done in October so the challenge list can be ready for sign-ups in late November/early December.

Part Three:

We read. We'll have all of 2012 to read five from the list, other than the five we sent in. Maybe we'll have two, three or more levels.

I'm looking forward to seeing your list!





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Happy Monday

So I'm thinking about what to say and .... one of the first things is "why is it a happy Monday?" I don't have a paying job so Monday isn't my another-week-at-work day so I guess every day is a Happy day for me ;)

Most of the lettuce is still going strong. We did have to replace the cucumber plants but the new ones look good. So do the corn and squash!

I had planned on going to lunch with my Mom this last week but she had physical therapy (knee replacement) so that's been moved to this week.

M and I did go shopping....for a new refrigerator....yea, it was delivered Thursday! Silly to be so excited but it's clean and shiny and NEW. French doors on top, freezer on bottom. Very nice.

A nephew came home this week after spending two years in Russia so we drove to the airport to say welcome home! A nice crowd was there for him with ice cream after but it was already late so we didn't stay.

Exciting news on the daughter front....she's an apprentice embalmer and reached her target number (100!), now she just needs the required time (10 more months) before she is fully licensed.

Now, I have a question. I know that when you read a book of short stories, you don't count each story, just the whole binding but what if the binding has two titles that have been published separately? I'm reading The Ireta Adventure and it includes Dinosaur Planet and Dinosaur Planet Survivors. I own both titles in mmp. So, here's the question? If I only read the first of the stories, does it still count as a book?

Now, on to the good stuff!


Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Mailbox Monday was started by Marcia of The Printed Page. When Marcia was ready to move on from being the weekly host, she was kind enough to set up the Mailbox Monday Blog Tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month. June's host is The Bluestocking Guide to Books (blog link, not post link).



Received for Review:



Purchased:
3 picture books with hide and seek flaps (too short but very fun)
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
Falling Home by Karen White
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
The Grey Horse by R.A. MacAvoy
New York City Ballet Workout (book of 50 stretches/exercises anyone can do)

...and too-many-to-list ebooks for my Kindle app

Yikes! There were actually 45 ebooks, all were under $3 & most were free
From 90 Minutes in Heaven to Wild Thing; Christian fiction to Young Adult; looks like I'm going to be busy for a while!




What are you Reading?

is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
3 picture books with hide and seek flaps
Red in the Flower Bed
The Lost Shifters, books 1 - 8
The Ireta Adventure (hardcover binding of Dinosaur Planet and Dinosaur Planet Survivors)


Currently Reading:
Repairing Rainbows
Bullet Work
The Ireta Adventure (hardcover binding of Dinosaur Planet and Dinosaur Planet Survivors)
Get off the Unicorn


Started, sort of reading:
Ancient Awakenings
The Search
The Crafty Killer
Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life
The Haunted eBook
Drawn to the Land
What the Cat Dragged in
The Gathering Storm


Planning to start/re-read:
something from the Spring Reading Thing Challenge list
something from my "need to review" list

Reviewed:
Red in the Flower Bed


Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
P.A.C.E.
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Miracle in Sumatra
The Tallest of smalls
Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night
Second Chance
Red in the Flower Bed WOO HOO!!!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Reading Challenge - Toss Me a Frosty One!

As if I need another challenge to join but I better, I'm HOSTING it!


Toss Me a Frosty One!
June 21 to September 22
2011



I have no idea which books I'm going to read but I choose level....

Beginner!


1 book with a winter setting
1 book with a summer setting
1 book with a winter word in the title


Maybe next year I'll advance to intermediate.


1. Winter setting:
Secrets of a Christmas Box by Steven Hornby

2. Summer setting:
One Summer by JoAnn Ross, a Shelter Bay novel


3. Winter word:
All I Want for Christmas, anthology



~Challenge Completed~
August 12


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Challenge - Toss Me a Frosty One!

Toss Me a Frosty One!
June 21 to September 22
2011

Reading Challenges are suppose to be a challenge but with non-reading obligations we may not be able to meet the "read 12 of... " requirements. This one is a 3-3-3 challenge: read 3 books over 3 months following 3 requirements. However, you may choose a more difficult level to "challenge" yourself. :-)

There are Four Levels:
Beginner (3 books)
Intermediate (6 books)
Advanced (9 books)
Extreme (12 books)



~ Choose a level.
Beginning Level:
I. 1 book with a winter word in the title: snowflake, ice, frosty, etc...
II. 1 book with a winter setting
III. 1 book with summer setting
other levels:
I. 1+ books with a winter word in the title: snowflake, ice, frosty, etc...
II. 1+ books with a winter setting
III. only 2 books with summer setting

~ Post about the challenge on your blog.

~ Come back and link to your post. If you do not have a blog, comment on this post.

~ It is not necessary to list your books beforehand or to review them. I just want you to stretch a little while having a good time.






copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Friday, June 10, 2011

A is for...The Wolf of Tebron

26 letters and 52 weeks. You'll always know what letter because week 1 is letter "A" and so is week 27 :-) Find a book that you find interesting who's title starts with this week's letter. If you've reviewed it, give us a link, but it isn't necessary.

W is for...


The Wolf of Tebron

The Gates of Heaven
by C.S. Lakin

Youth Fantasy Fiction/Fairy Tale
Published by Living Ink Books
August 2010
Page Count: 248
ISBN-13: 978-089957-888-0


Summary:
Following in the footsteps of fantasy greats like J. K. Rowling, C. S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lakin tackles the ancient struggle of good versus evil in her multi-part “Gates of Heaven” series. The first installment, The Wolf of Tebron, follows a young blacksmith’s journey to rescue his wife who is held captive by evil forces. During his travels, Joran befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and sacrifices his life to save his human friend. An allegory of God’s unconditional love, The Wolf of Tebron features quotes from the Bible and famous thinkers such as G. K. Chesterton, and relies on biblical messages of hope, faith, and redemption to drive the stories and characters.

I haven't read this one yet. It's sitting on my To-Be-Reviewed shelf sending me guilty vibes for taking so long (it is in good company). I am looking forward to reading it, just haven't done it yet.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Thoughts on...The Misfit of Supernatural High

A high school specifically for Fairies, Shifters, Witches, Werewolves and Vampires? Bring it on!

I try to remember key points when reading a review book but I was so engrossed with this one I forgot to. High school is bad enough but Wanda doesn't feel she "matches" her family, her important parents and her beautiful sisters. She feels ugly, clumsy and an embarrassment to her parents with boarding school her only happiness. She has friends there and while she may be having trouble with Geometry she never expected school to kill her.

I love these characters. They be out of the ordinary but they go through real-life problems, boyfriends, parents, bullies, snobby classmates, favorite teachers, scary teachers, they just have an added twist of a best friend being a vampire or turning into a bear. And, of course, someone trying to kill Wanda.

While looking for info at amazon I noticed it said "Supernatural High Series". I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Sproatt.



The Misfit of Supernatural High
by Shawn C. Sproatt

March 2011
ebook
Young Adult
available for the Kindle at amazon and
the Nook at Barnes & Noble


Product Description:
15-year-old Wanda Windsor is not the most popular student at Hecate High. In fact, amongst her fellow witches, the fairies, the shifters, the vampires, and the werewolves, she's one of the least popular students. However, she never thought anyone hated her enough to try attack her. During her sophomore year someone uses mind control on other students to force them to hurt Wanda, and she manages to just barely escape each attack. Wanda isn't sure who would want to hurt her, but she's fairly certain it has to do with the introverted new student who has visions of the future.

When she isn't dodging death, Wanda spends her time trying to pass Geometry, avoiding (unsuccessfully) the subject of boys, and getting into mischief with her friends.


Thanks to LibraryThing's Member Giveaways, I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Thoughts on...Red in the Flower Bed

You've adopted a child but now they want to know why their skin doesn't match yours! This book tells the story of a flower seed on their journey to a new bed. The colorful scrapbook-type illustrations and the wonderful poetry tell the story simply for a small child's understanding while not being too simple for an older child. You may still get the "why couldn't I stay where I was" question because "it's too dry" may not cut it for the older children.

I may not have been an interracial adoptive child but I'm sure all of us need the comfort of 'this is the best place to plant you'. The author being an adoptive parent is just an added bonus.


I did post when I received this title (and others) and I received a "thank you for reviewing" comment from the person who sent me the book as well as the author. I always planned to finish it with it's own post and publishing details (cover!) I just never did. Better late than never?



Red in the Flower Bed
An Illustrated Children's Story about Interracial Adoption
by Andrea Nepa

Publisher: Tribute Books
Release Date: December 2008
format: paperback (11x8)
pages: 28
reading level: ages 4 - 8
ISBN: 978-0981461991

Source: review book

also available for the Kindle

Product Description:
The journey of adoption is beautifully depicted with the comforting imagery of a poppy flower who is welcomed into a garden family. It is a charming story of seeds being planted in the perfect place - exactly where they belong. Children and adults will enjoy this simple yet meaningful story and homespun illustrations. The book's loving approach helps children to understand adoption. Andrea Nepa has captured the essence of adoption and family, and has illustrated it beautifully with images and poetry that even a small child can comprehend and enjoy.


Thank you to Tribute Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Teaser & 1st Paragraph

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:



  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


I treasured this time alone on Margo's estate every year--at least, I had before. Maybe they were right, maybe it wasn't safe anymore.

Willing my tense, tired body to relax, and comforted slightly by the gun under my pillow, I lay awake a long time, listening, remembering...
Emeralds and Espionage
Lynn Gardner





Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?


It’s not every day a girl gets attacked by an ogre. They really aren’t as vicious and bloody-thirsty as people think. They just look grumpy all the time, because it’s part of their demeanor. I’m convinced that inside they’re really just big, smelly softies who love hugs and melt at the sight of puppies.

That’s why I was so surprised when one strangled me.

The Misfit of Supernatural High
Shawn C. Sproatt


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Monday, June 6, 2011

Happy Monday

I'm slow to respond to this and maybe it will be old news by the time you read this but I felt I need to get my two cents in.

I am LDS (Mormon).

I read romance novels.

No, I'm not traveling in a hand-basket.

Really, I can see their point. Reading can be an escape and I'm sure we've all done the "if only" once or twice but if the marriage is falling apart because of romance novels, there is more wrong then just the novels. Besides, haven't you ever read then out loud to your spouse? Try it.

Now, on to the good stuff!


Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Mailbox Monday was started by Marcia of The Printed Page. When Marcia was ready to move on from being the weekly host, she was kind enough to set up the Mailbox Monday Blog Tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month. June's host is The Bluestocking Guide to Books (blog link, not post link).



Received for Review:
Repairing Rainbows: A True Story of Family, Tragedy and Choices by Lynda Fishman


Purchased:
Steps to Courage by Sandra K. Stiles (book blogger! The Musings of a Book Addict




What are you Reading?

is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
Emeralds and Espionage
The Misfits of Supernatural High
Zane: The Wild One


Started, sort of reading:
Bullet Work
Ancient Awakenings
The Misfits of Supernatural High
The Search
The Crafty Killer
Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life
The Haunted eBook
Drawn to the Land
What the Cat Dragged in
The Gathering Storm


Planning to start/re-read:
something from the Spring Reading Thing Challenge list
something from my "need to review" list

Reviewed:
The Misfits of Supernatural High (posting Wednesday)


Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
P.A.C.E.
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Miracle in Sumatra
The Tallest of smalls
Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night
Second Chance
Red in the Flower Bed


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Reading Challenge - Two Completed!

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

Challenge Completed
June 3, 2011


My original post about the challenge
Quick recap:
Read 52 books during 2011. It breaks down to one a week but she said it didn't matter how we got there....just read 52 books!

Final List:
Jan-Mar can be found here and Apr-Jun can be found here

I really stressed about this challenge because I was going for the one a week. I thought I had failed since I missed two weeks but that isn't the case at all. She broke it down to one a week because that is a good way of looking at it. Nevermind the weird ones like me ;-)

Will I repeat the challenge next year? I don't know. I know I'll read the 52 books but don't know if I'll join the challenge officially.


~~AND~~


Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

Challenge Completed
June 1, 2011


My original post about the challenge
Quick recap:
Read 12 paranormal/fantasy romance books.


Final List:
Duck! by Kim Dare ~ shifter
All of the Voices by Bailey Bradford ~ ghosts
Twists and Turns by Stevie Woods ~ magic
Black Swan by Willa Okati ~ shifter
Wait Until Dawn by Bailey Bradford ~ ghosts
The Shifter and the Dreamer by Chrissy Smith ~ shifter
Being a Green Mother by Piers Anthony ~ Mother Nature as a person
Duty of a Beta by Kim Dare ~ shifter
Luke's Surprise by Lavinia Lewis ~ shifter
A Modern Witch by Debora Geary ~ magic
Christmas Magic by Kallysten ~ magic
Primal Passions by Stephani Hecht ~ shifter


I'll always read paranormal/fantasy but if I cut back on the total number of challenges joined, this will be one cut. Sorry. That being said, I just have to remember the plan come the end of the year ;-)

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Saturday Snapshot & Quote

Saturday Snapshot
hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme, post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.


We've now been in this house for 19 Memorial Days. I know this because we moved in in the middle of May and then said "hey, we have a pool, let's have a party" and the family all came over and had a party in our new pool. With packing boxes everywhere!

Soon it was "My children don't ask if we're going to your house anymore, they ask what time". Then it became "one year you're going to decide not to do it and we're going to show up anyways".

One of the best things is jumping off the patio roof into the pool (it's ten feet at the deep end) and why yes, it does look a long way down.....

but it's still fun!




Duly Quoted
Hosted at Today's Adventure






copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Friday, June 3, 2011

A is for...The Viscount Who Loved Me

26 letters and 52 weeks. You'll always know what letter because week 1 is letter "A" and so is week 27 :-) Find a book that you find interesting who's title starts with this week's letter. If you've reviewed it, give us a link, but it isn't necessary.

V is for...


The Viscount Who Loved Me

The Bridgerton series, book 2
by Julia Quinn

Avon
June 2006
Mass Market Paperback


From the author's website:
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elsuive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.

And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry—he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fars her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...


Granted I only posted this book because it was a V but I know I enjoyed it enough to read the rest of the series. I've even purchased spin-off books! After reading some of the reviews on amazon and checking out the author's website, I plan on re-reading the whole series again soon. Ms. Quinn has given us a sneak peek at chapter one, here


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

52-52-52: 1st six weeks

52 weeks. 52 books. 52 pounds.
First Six Weeks


Week 1: 6-1/6-7
book - Emeralds and Espionage
pounds - 221 to start

Week 2: 6-8/6-14
book - The Ireta Adventure
pounds - 220

Week 3: 6-15/6-21
book - The Courage to Start
pounds - 219.5

Week 4: 6-22/6-28
book - One Silent Sleepless Night
pounds - 219

Week 5: 6-29/7-5
book - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
pounds -

Week 6: 7-6/7-12
book - Shooting Star, and Aftermath
pounds -

as you can see, I'm not doing a good job of this. Sure the books are getting read and I'm mostly eating better but I'm not exercising, going to Weight Watchers, logging in to SparkPeople or even weighing myself at home!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Reading Challenge - Completed!

Anne McCaffrey Reading Challenge
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

Challenge Completed
May 30, 2011


My original post about the challenge
Quick recap:
Books written by/with Anne McCaffrey.

Final List:
1. Dragonsong
2. Dragonsinger
3. Dragondrums

I love Anne McCaffrey but hadn't planned on reading any of her books this year. I have too many review books and challenges. Thanks to Caroline I had the perfect excuse - a challenge!

Will I join again next year? I don't know but I'm leaning more towards yes than no :-) Besides, now that I've started in on Pern, I may keep reading the series...18 to go?


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.