The Mystery of Mercy Close – Marian Keyes

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 by Marci

marian keyes I employ this thing called The Shovel List.’
‘A shovel . . . ?’
‘No. A Shovel List. It’s more of a conceptual thing. It’s a list of all the people and things I hate so much that I want to hit them in the face with a shovel.’

Meet Helen – youngest of the Walsh sisters and a law unto herself. She’s easily bored, has an inability to filter her thoughts and was fired from every job she ever had before she found her true calling as a private investigator. But times are tough for PIs and Helen’s had no choice but to take on the search for AWOL boyband has-been Wayne Diffney – The Wacky One.

It’s not all bad this game of Where’s Wayne. It may have brought her charming crook of an ex Jay Parker back into her life, but it’s giving her an excuse to avoid the usual Walsh family dramas and the intense looks from her gorgeous boyfriend Artie that make her heart beat wildly with lust and panic in equal measure. But most of all it’s an excellent distraction from the huge swarm of black vultures gathering over her head. If she hides out in her target’s empty house on Mercy Close for long enough maybe they’ll go away . . .

But as Helen begins to unravel the mysteries secreted on Mercy Close she discovers a kindred spirit in a man unwilling to be found. Could someone be telling her to look a little closer to home . . . ? – Publishers Website

I’m divided on this particular book, for a few reasons. The earlier books(s) I have read by Marian have been really fun reads. This one I wasn’t so keen on. I didn’t enjoy Helen’s demeanor, it was too hyper, too much double guessing herself. In other terms too fidigety. She second guesses everything or just about everything she does as a private investigator – what she has done for years. The background on the book is well thought out, it’s just her main character or that could be the reason she is the way she is because of the plot lines in the book, but this wasn’t a great book for me. I have thought about it probably more than I needed to and waited as long as I could without giving a scathing review about something that didn’t mesh with what I remember from her other novels, I just didn’t like this one as much as the earlier books I have read by Marian.

I do have to say though, she has a rocking twitter account! I noticed that she has locked herself out more than once because of her tweeting….too much, too fast LOL

Marian’s Website – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads

Up and Down – Terry Fallis

Friday, February 1st, 2013 by Marci

Up and Down The author of the Stephen Leacock Medal-winning The Best Laid Plans brings his trademark humour and sharp storytelling to a new novel set in the high-stakes world of a global public relations agency.

On his first day at Turner King, David Stewart quickly realizes that the world of international PR (affectionately, perhaps ironically, known as “the dark side”) is a far cry from his previous job on Parliament Hill. For one, he missed the office memo on the all-black dress code; for another, there are enough acronyms and jargon to make his head spin. Before he even has time to find the washroom, David is assigned a major project: devise a campaign to revitalize North America’s interest in the space program – maybe even show NASA’s pollsters that watching a shuttle launch is more appealing than going out for lunch with friends.

The pressure is on, and before long, David finds himself suggesting the most out-of-this-world idea imaginable: a Citizen Astronaut lottery that would send one Canadian and one American to the International Space Station. Suddenly, David’s vaulted into an odyssey of his own, navigating the corporate politics of a big PR agency; wading through the murky but always hilarious waters of Canada-U.S. relations; and trying to hold on to his new job while still doing the right thing.

Equal parts clever and satirical, thoughtful and affecting, Up and Down is Terry Fallis at his best, confirming his status as a Canadian literary star. – Publishers Website

I have to say, Terry has hit his stride right out of the gate and produced his best book yet in my opinion! I had a very hard time putting this book down, and when I did my darling cat Georgie kept it company in my wake. Laugh out loud funny, entertaining, hard-hitting, and poignant all in the same swoop, not to mention some sneeky, sneeky stuff done by the US head of the advertising agency. It is my favorite of all three books Terry has produced yet. Modern Day takes on the Space Shuttle in a reality show, how can you top that ?!? Just wait, someone in Hollywood will get a hold of this and make a movie about it. Loved it ! Yes, that is a dare for all of those Hollywood Types out there !!

Terry’s Website - Facebook - Twitter

DK Canada’s Start Something NEW !! – Classic Knits – More than 100 Beautiful Projects

Friday, January 25th, 2013 by Marci

An all-in-one guide to knitting for just about anything and everything knitters want to make, Classic Knits covers equipment, techniques, stitch patterns, and includes more than twenty designs for cute things to craft and warm things to wear.

Whether it’s a new earflap hat or bright, cozy socks, Classic Knits will be the knitting “recipe book” crafters keep on their shelves for years to come. – Publishers Website

Whether you are a new to knitting person, or one that has been around a few balls of wool, you will absolutely love this book! From the more than 100 projects from something small as a pillow, or a toy for your little wee ones, this book really does have it all.

It also includes techniques for those of you that aren’t up to date on those stitches that give you those absolutely fabulous garments that you see people wearing or showcasing in their homes that you swear were designer.

Whether you like to knit your own unique clothing or home accessories, learning a new design, stitch, or upping your game to get those ooh’s and ahhh’s Classic Knitting is for you.

I know for a fact that I will probably have this book until the day I die, and then it will be handed down to my daughters. I can see the fighting now !! Have a sneak peek below.

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Right now the Start Something New Boutique is all on sale, so go and check out so many more books that will have you mastering something in no time! Just click on the image below and start dreaming !

What did YOU read Today ?!?

Monday, December 3rd, 2012 by Marci

FOR RELEASE November 15, 2012

SERENDIPITOUS READINGS SUPPORTS THE ‘WHAT DID YOU READ TODAY?’ CAMPAIGN

Serendipitious Readings urges you to join us in supporting the National Reading Campaign and its ‘What did you read today?’ campaign. Be a part of this important initiative that has the potential to affect every aspect of Canadian society!

The National Reading Campaign, an unprecedented coalition of librarians, educators, booksellers, publishers, readers and writers, is launching its campaign to bring the joy of reading to Canadians.

“What did you read today?” is a public awareness campaign created to help make reading a national priority. Over the months to come, we’ll be asking that question to Canadians in advertising, through promotions and events, and especially via a dynamic website, where readers can drop in to talk, share and build our reading society.

On Wednesday, November 14^th we’re launching “What did you read today?” with a pair of fun contests: one for the general public and one for kids. Both contests run until December 31, 2012 and are open to Canadian residents only.

Why is reading so important?
To be literate is necessary, but it is not enough. Reading is a source of pleasure at every stage of life, an imagination-building, personally fulfilling activity that enriches our lives and allows us to communicate, to understand each other, and to engage with our society. Reading is at the very heart of responsible citizenship as informed, reading helps active citizens think critically, participate actively in their communities and in their nation, and thrive throughout their lives.

Reading allows us to do better in all aspects of life: academically, professionally, and emotionally. It’s the foundation of future learning, encouraging the critical thinking skills of every individual.

However, new technologies and media choices, lifestyle changes, unprecedented competition for our leisure time and much more have changed Canadians’ reading habits, and not necessarily for the better. Most disturbing of all, less children are reporting that they enjoy reading. Curiosity, imagination, and all the other vital things that reading sparks—and our future needs—are at risk.

Reading grows Canada. But we have to grow reading.

What is the National Reading Campaign?

Since 2008, the National Reading Campaign has brought together people from every region of Canada who are concerned about Canada’s changing reading habits. We represent school and public librarians, parents, readers, educators, writers, students, book and magazine publishers, booksellers, reading promoters, and everyone involved in reading in Canada. Through summits, the development of a National Reading Plan, a public awareness campaign and many other efforts, we aim to make reading a national priority, because when Canada reads, Canada grows.

Our ultimate goal is to promote reading amongst all Canadians, reflecting the value of reading as a tool for democracy and civic engagement, as a means to equalize the playing field for all Canadians, as a way for Canadians to learn about themselves, and as a vehicle for joy. In 2012, The National Reading Campaign was incorporated as a not-for profit organization.

Visit www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca to learn more.

About the contest for the general public

To enter the contest, we’re asking Canadians to tweet what they’re reading to @readingcampaign with #whatdidyoureadtoday? for a chance to win one of ten Kobo™ eReaders pre-loaded with a selection of great eBooks!

Entrants can share a title, author or even the type of reading material that they’re reading, like a magazine or graphic novel, because all reading matters.

As an added bonus, Kobo will donate $1 to the National Reading Campaign for every contest entry tweet that we receive up to $10,000 to help grow reading in Canada.

About the contest for kids

Public libraries and schools can win $1000 in new books for their library! We’ve designed a simple “What did you read today?” contest kit that allows public librarians and teachers to create a vibrant wall or space where readers can post what they’re reading, promoting discussion about reading in its many forms.

ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION: Serendipitous Readings has been online supporting reading and all things literary since 2008. As a Canadian and a voracious reader, I have been in the reading scene even before it was hip and cool.

For more information, please contact – The National Reading Campgain – website – Twitter – with hashtag #WhatDidYouReadToday – Facebook – Pinterest

~* Contest ends on DECEMBER 31, 2012, so get your entries in !! *~

The LEGO Book – Expanded and Fully Revised – Daniel Lipkowitz

Monday, October 15th, 2012 by Marci

Reveal, explore, and celebrate the fascinating LEGO® story in The LEGO® Book. From its beginnings in a carpenter’s workshop and the development of the first plastic brick, to the group’s current position as an international brand, a timeline highlights key moments in LEGO® history.

Fascinating facts on every significant LEGO® product line, theme park, video game, artwork, competition, club, collectible and more combine with images from the LEGO Group’s photo archives-many seen here for the first time-and inspiring ideas on how to make a variety of things from just a few bricks. Packaged in a beautiful slip case with cutting-edge design, this two-volume set also features Standing Small-a 96-page book celebrating the minifigure.

I love this book! From 2 to 92 and beyond, this fully revised and updated version has to be the most complete book and the history, the themes, the sets, and how everything first began over 50 years ago!

it includes the latest toy themes with a photo tour of every moment with special features, achievements which explore every aspect of the Lego World which includes Theme Parks, Star Wars, minilands, videogames, visual arts, animations and so much more.

With imaginative play as the main focus other skills such as social, and motor skills as well as the creative aspects will have you interested from the moment you receive your first set to building everything in between with our own children and grandchildren in the years and decades to come. It has been #1 since it’s start in 1932 when the company started building wooden toys like yo-yo’s, wooden blocks and pull toys of all kinds.

Did you know:

An average of 18 bricks out of every million fails the most stringent tests
36 BILLION Lego bricks are produced each year (68,000 each minute)
6 red 8 stud bricks can be combined into 915,103,765 different ways
4200 different brick shapes
There are 80 bricks for every person in the World

So, one other thing I have to mention…When my kids were younger it always had to be the smallest of the bricks that you would find yourself stepping on thinking that you had picked them all up…Am I right, or am I right?!? My darling son has amassed a collection that is now been handed off to someone else. His imagination has even gotten him into Lego League where a team of his classmates entered a school board wide competition where they had certain themes every year they had to complete and compete against other schools in the board territory. I have to say the kids not only did wonderful with building their robots and working as a team. Quite a few of them had the zaniest costumes/teams/ideas that I have ever seen in a Saturday competition !! It just so happened, that my son’s team won the Spirit Award for the year they competed !!

DK Canada is having a photo contest, click here to see how you can win! - Check out the DK Canada Lego Boutique - Download a Lego Poster – Lego Website – Lego Education Site – Lego Club Magazine (free)

Here is an inside look at The Lego Book -

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Q and A with Author Cassie Stocks of Dance, Gladys, Dance

Friday, July 20th, 2012 by Marci

Photo Credit: Terry Gasior

I want to welcome Cassie to the blog, and hope you enjoy her answers to the questions I posed to her recently via email, I enjoyed her answers immensely!

What was it that made you want to become a writer after having so many adventures yourself?

When I was about seven, I wrote a couple of sentences on a scrap of paper about two people I was having trouble with. I folded up the piece of paper, put it in my pocket, and carried it around all day. Somehow, I knew I’d done something both powerful and comforting. As preteen I wrote poetry illustrated by feminine hygiene advertisements from Reader’s Digests (you know – women in billowy gowns walking on beaches). I wrote a gang novel on the back of my worksheets in elementary school and I kept journals for years. I wrote throughout my adventures in later life as well but it wasn’t until I settled down a little that I had both the time and the brain space to tackle a larger project.

How much of yourself or have you added parts of yourself into your book?

I think there is something of myself in all the characters in Dance, Gladys, Dance. The details in the novel are a mixture of pure fantasy and real life. I did have a deaf cat called Beethoven that walked across the piano. I didn’t ever sleep with any of my professors or instructors. Like the main character Frieda, I did have a feeling of displacement in the ‘real world’ from trying to live as and have a career as an artist. I have both painted and made papier-mache projects but I’ve never crocheted. I did travel in a bus with a bar band (for a very short while). I’ve never been a Goth or a ghost.

You are a fellow Canadian. What would be your most favorite “Canadian” thing to do?

I’m not sure, I’ve never skied, climbed a mountain, or played hockey. I was in a canoe once. I’ve drank a lot of Tim Horton’s coffee and spent my share of Canadian Tire money.

What gave you the idea for this novel?

About fifteen years ago, I saw an ad for a stereo. The ad actually said “Gladys doesn’t dance anymore, she needs the room to bake.” I clipped the ad and kept it for years. It might have been a joke, but I wondered who Gladys was and why she would ever give up dancing for baking. In the novel, I changed the stereo in the ad to a phonograph, but it ultimately led to Gladys’ story.

The stories of Frieda and the other women are a combination of my own sentiments, research I’ve done on women and creativity, composites of people I’ve met, and the results of a caffeine saturated imagination.

Besides writing, what other talents would you like to have?

I’d like to be able to do psychic grocery shopping and cleaning by telekinesis (when I’m in the middle of a project, I buy paper plates and plastic cups and cutlery. Bad for the environment, but if anyone wants to start a Save the World – Get Cassie a Cleaning Woman Fund, I’m up for it).

If you died and were able to come back as anything you wanted, what would it be and why?

If I could come back in the past, I’d come back in the roaring twenties. I want to be at a literary salon, as the woman writer wearing tweed pants, paisley silk scarves, and leather ballet slippers (no matter the weather), sitting cross-legged in an over stuffed armchair with a martini, making bitter pronouncements about poodles and the world economy.

Do you have any favorite writers? Who are they and why?

Off the top of my head, I love Kurt Vonnegut (Bluebeard), Nick Hornby (A Long Way Down), Roddy Doyle (Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha), George Orwell (Keep The Aspidistra Flying), Charles Dicken’s (Oliver Twist), Miriam Toews (A Complicated Kindness), Paul Quarrington (Whale Music), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Cannery Row), Stephen Leacock (Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town), Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe), John Irving (A Prayer for Owen Meany) and Mark Childress (Crazy in Alabama). I enjoy a good story simply told, both intelligent and accessible. I like the sense of a story being about itself, but also about something bigger, with a sense of political or social awareness.

Are you working on anything new? When can we expect it to come out?

I’m working on my second novel called The Amazing Adventures of Mattress Boy. I’m not sure when it might be out. Stay tuned.

Do you have any heroes in real life? Who are they? Why?

My English Spaniel Frieda (named after the main character in Dance, Gladys, Dance to remind myself to write every time I called the dog — sad I know). I got Frieda from the humane society. She was terrified of the world and literally crawled everywhere. With time she overcame her nervousness and decided to befriend the entire world. Two years later she jumped off a second story porch, got tangled in a wrought iron railing on the way down and had to have one of her back legs amputated. Within a week, she was up and around and still runs around now like mad and approaches the world with endless enthusiasm.

What is the one trait that you most deplore in others? Yourself?

Judging others seems to be a recreational sport for some people. I think we need to choose not to evaluate people based on their skin colour, gender, social standing, monetary worth, religious beliefs, shoe size, or whatever the heck people choose to judge others by. Compassion, not criticism should be our beginning point. I work on this myself; it’s easy to get caught up in gossip and nit-picking.

Dance, Gladys, Dance – Cassie Stocks

Thursday, July 19th, 2012 by Marci

27-year-old Frieda Zweig is at an impasse. Behind her is a string of failed relationships and half-forgotten ambitions of being a painter; in front of her lies the dreary task of finding a real job and figuring out what “normal” people do with their lives. Then, a classified ad in the local paper introduces Frieda to Gladys, an elderly woman who long ago gave up on her dreams of being a dancer.

The catch? Gladys is a ghost.

In Dance, Gladys, Dance, Cassie Stocks tells the uplifting story of a woman whose uncanny connection with a kindred spirit causes her to see her life in a new way —as anything but ordinary. – Publishers Website

I have to say, what a quirky, funny, interesting read ! Not so much classic chic-lit in any way; it is certainly a book that makes you think about the instances that Frieda encounters throughout the book. Is Frieda’s life really such a mess?!? Is she really alone and untalented as she thinks she is?!? Does Frieda believe in herself?!? Why do others think of herself much more than she does? It seems to me she is going through some sort of crisis she brings upon herself; those negative messages she starts to believe from what other people have told her.

Don’t we all at one time or another fall into that trap. Depending on whether we are having a bad day, or just feeling down upon ourselves, Frieda finally through the help of Gladys, who is a ghost who is chasing her own mistakes she has made in life, while attempting to help from beyond the grave.

We, as women, or even men for that matter need to stop the negative back talk and regrets in our own lives or in other for that matter and start to believe in ourselves. This book is laugh out funny, deeply inspirational, and with characters’ quirkiness which, will have you glued to the pages wondering what will happen next. We need to stand up for one another as the characters did midway to the end of the book for what we believe in, maybe not as drastic as some of the members did with going with all out nudity, but we can make our presence known in other ways.

As part of this blog tour, please stop by these other blogs that are participating. Although, I don’t offer book giveaways, these other blogs may be holding one if you want to try your luck and try to win a copy. If you aren’t lucky, please support the author by going to your indie bookstore or chapters/indigo/kobo and buy your copy !

Tomorrow, I have the Q and A where I had a chance to ask Cassie some questions, stay tuned !

Dance, Gladys, Dance Blog Tour

June 26th and 27th: The Indextrious Reader

July 2nd and 3rd: Lavender Lines

July 13th and 19th: Koala Bear Writer

July 16th and 17th: The Book Chic Blog

July 19th and 20th: Serendipitous Readings - HERE

August 7th and 8th: Peeking Between the Pages

Unknown date – The Book Drunkard

Cassies Blog – Goodreads – Twitter – Download an Excerpt – Listen to a Podcast

Thank You for Flying Air Zoe – Erik Atwell – REVIEW and Q & A

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012 by Marci

Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fasten Seat Belt sign has been turned on, but feel free to ignore it, because sometimes life is best lived on its dizzy edges. Your cruising altitude today will be sky-high, and you will be flying at staggering speeds as you travel alongside Zoe Tisdale, former Valley Girl and rock star turned bored butter saleswoman.

On the heels of a brush with mortality, Zoe concludes that she’s been letting time pass her by. Realizing she needs to awaken her life’s tired refrains, Zoe vows to recapture the one chapter of her life that truly mattered to her – her days as drummer for The Flip-Flops, a spirited, sassy all-girl garage band that almost hit the big time back in 1987. But reuniting the band won’t be easy. The girls who were once the whiz kid guitarist, the prom queen bass player, and the hippie lead singer grew up and became women who are now a reclusive dog trainer, a wealthy socialite, and a sociopathic environmentalist. Will Zoe bring the band back together and give The Flip-Flops a second chance at stardom? Is it possible to fully reclaim the urgent energy of youth?

As you follow this wild flight path, please know that your destination could be anywhere at all, complimentary oxygen is provided upon request, and baggage flies free. We hope you enjoy the ride, and Thank You For Flying Air Zoe. – Publishers Website

I wasn’t really into this book until I got about a third through it for some strange reason. It is one of those books where at least for me, it has to grow a bit and spread its wings before I devour it like I have been lately. The even more strange thing about it, is it’s a male, yes, a male writing a female chic lit book!

Sadly the last one that I had read, was a disaster. Didn’t like it one bit. This one is a complete 180 in comparison. Light, funny, exactly what you want in one of those type books. It was a light airy read, that I found myself chuckling to along the way albeit, a few of the classical themes. Sometimes predictable, but like I stated before, light airy, I have said a lot about that….

Don’t believe me? Pick it up for yourself and let me know how you liked it.

Below is the Q and A I recently did with Erik, I hope you enjoy the questions I posed and I really liked his answers back! Engaging and well-informed !

How much of yourself is in your novel?

You mean was I ever in an all-girl garage band?

Kidding, of course. Despite obvious gender differences, I think Zoe and I have a common core in the importance we place on maintaining a sense of youthful spirit. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late to chase after something you’ve always wanted, even if time is seemingly against such a crusade. Dream large, take chances, and never subject yourself to regret.

What is the reason behind you writing chic-lit instead of another genre?

The truth is, I didn’t actively set out to write a chick lit novel. I just wrote what I thought was a fun, heartfelt story, and the chick lit community, much to my delight, completely embraced it. As for why I wrote a novel told from a female P.O.V., that’s the real mystery. Ever since college, I’ve enjoyed the writing process more when I’m focusing on a woman’s story. Not sure why that’s been the case, but so long as it’s yielding positive feedback, I’ll probably run with it! It’s a great challenge to write outside one’s gender, one that I both relish and respect greatly.

What would be your idea of perfect happiness?

Isn’t any sort of happiness perfect in and of itself? As I see it, if I’m in the middle of a happy moment, no matter how long or short its ultimate duration, life right then and there is pure and perfect bliss.

What is the one talent(s) you would like to have besides writing?

Singing, simply because I’ve mangled one too many songs on various Karaoke stages across the country.

To be sure, I am not your next American Idol.

If you died and had the chance to come back as anything you wanted, what would it be and why?

Would it be too narcissistic of me to say that I want to come back as myself? In the past, I might have had a more creative answer, but the thing is, my wife and I welcomed our first child just about a year ago. He is a charming and curious marvel of a little man, and I absolutely don’t want to miss a single second of his growth.

So yeah, I’m coming back as myself. I wanna see what this awesome little guy becomes.

Did you or have you borrowed real life things that have happened in your own life to be able to craft the characters in this novel, or other stories?

If I borrow anything for my writing, it’s probably only places and settings. Many say that the best writing comes from experience, but sometimes I feel too close to my experiences to accurately write about them. I wouldn’t be able to bring pure objectivity to the source material. Lately, however, I’ve started toying with a project that would completely toss this notion aside. Maybe I actually can write from a place closer to the source material.

Do you have any new projects that you are doing now? If you are, when can we expect them?

My family and I have recently just completed a cross-country move, so we’re only now starting to make the leap from scattered to settled. I have two projects at the proverbial tip of my pen, but I’m not quite sure which one will get the call. There’s an Air Zoe sequel brewing, but if the sales figures aren’t quite up to justifying such a project when the time comes to write, I will possibly have to shift gears and take on the other project — a super top-secret project I’m too superstitious to discuss.

But I’m pretty sure it’ll be totally fun to write.

Do you have any favorite heroes in fiction? Who are they and why?

Wow, I’m actually surprising myself here, but I actually can’t think of a character who straightaway comes to mind. I’ve certainly been a fan of some literary greats — Mockingbird’s Scout Finch, Jimmy Rabbitte from The Commitments, and now that I’m a new Dad, Seuss’s Cat in the Hat! But these are more characters who’ve entertained me more than characters I see as heroes. I think I tend to be more in awe of the writers who created them — Harper Lee, Roddy Doyle, Dr. Seuss… I’m not sure I can be actively moved by a fictional character as much as by the author who pens their story.

Are there any qualities in other people who you most admire? If so, what are they?

I’m sure I admire far too many virtues to list them all, but one in particular that registers highly in my book — and correlates to the characters in my novel — is loyalty. I come from a town where my childhood friends are still some of my best friends, and in many ways, I believe that an individual is in part defined by the relationships they cultivate.

What phrase(s) do you most overuse?

It’s not actually a phrase, per se, but I think I actually use the word actually too often in my prose, actually.

But I’m actually working hard on that.

Thank you so much for the questions and for giving THANK YOU FOR FLYING AIR ZOE some space on your blog!

Thank you Erik for allowing me to ask you questions and allowing me to read your nice piece of writing !

Other Tour Dates and Blogs

Thursday, June 21st: Chick Lit is not Dead

Thursday, June 28th: Girls Just Reading

Monday, July 2nd: A Musing Reviews

Tuesday, July 3rd: Luxury Reading

Thursday, July 5th: Shoe-girl.com

Monday, July 9th: Chick Lit Central

Tuesday, July 10th: Seaside Book Nook

Wednesday, July 11th: Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, July 11th: Life in Review

Thursday, July 12th: A Chick Who Reads

Monday, July 16th: girlichef

Monday, July 16th: From the Heart of a Bookworm

Tuesday, July 17th: Mom in Love with Fiction

Wednesday, July 18th: Serendipitous Readings – That’s me !

Thursday, July 19th: Sara’s Organized Chaos

Friday, July 20th: The Book Chick

Monday, July 23rd: Sweet Southern Home

Tuesday, July 24th: Acting Balanced

Erik’s Twitter – Facebook – Blog/Website

Much thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours, even with her broken arm/elbow, she’s still got it and what I like in choices of books…or maybe she just guessing because of the pain meds LOL

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope – DK Publishing

Saturday, July 14th, 2012 by Marci

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock teams up with Joss Whedon and comic book legend Stan Lee to provide an insider look at the unique experience that is the San Diego Comic-Con. An annual four-day event that originally showcased comic books and science fiction, the convention has expanded over the years to include film, horror, anime, manga, animation and video games. The largest event of its kind in the world, Comic-Con is the quintessential center of pop culture today. From what Comic-Con is, what goes on, and how it became what it is today, this illustrated companion to the film offers an unprecedented look at this annual event.

Includes interviews with Frank Miller, Matt Groening,Kenneth Branagh, Ellen Page and Seth Rogan

Morgan Spurlock was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary for Super Size Me. He followed up with the well received Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden(2008), and produced three seasons of his acclaimed television series 30 Days. Spurlock also conceived, wrote, and directed The Simpsons’ 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D. His feature-length adaptation of the New York Times Bestseller Freakonomics was released in Fall 2010. He is also the author of Don’t Eat This Book!, based on his documentary Super Size Me.- Publishers Website

I have never been to one of these festivals, but by the looks of it from inside these pages, it would have to be one of those most fantastical places, albeit, for a week or two.

The fans, the costumes, the panels, and of course the sneak peeks into movies or anything else you wanted to know about is all there. It would be one of those one moments in time, where you would experience everything at once. What a whirlwind!

I really loved the enthusiasm that the fans have for their most loved comic, movies, graphic novels and so much more. What would you want to do there ? I think I would want to experience a little of everything. That is if I had time to do so! Below, check out some of the costumes, fans, celebrities, and more inside the book.

Comic-Con Site – Comic-Con Twitter – Facebook – YouTube

Comic-Con IV

May The 4th Be With You !!!

Friday, May 4th, 2012 by Marci

I know lately I have been somewhat lacking in blog postings. Especially this week is super busy for myself and my son. Tomorrow is his Confirmation, so we have been super busy gearing up for this moment – cleaning the house, buying a suit, baking, and cooking up a storm. Not to mention that he skirt I will be wearing is currently sitting on my desk here in pieces, because I haven’t had the time to sew it together.

But before I run off screaming from everything I have to do, I have an extra special post to bring you. The fabulous people at DK Canada and Indigo have partnered up to do something really spectacular!! They have the same love of reading that I do, and from May 4th, 2012 until May the 6th, 2012 every time that you go into a Chapters/Indigo/Coles Store and buy a DK Star Wars book a portion of that books proceeds DK Canada will make a donation to Indigo’s Love of Reading Foundation. Isn’t that just fabulous !!

That isn’t it either ….Several Chapters and Indigo stores across Canada will be having special May the 4^th parties this weekend sponsored by DK and featuring costumed characters from Star Wars provided by the 501^st Legion. Here’s a full list of stores ( asterix means the 501^st will be there ) So, if you are in the vicinity of any of these stores, be ready to be WOWED with the parties they have going on !

NEWFOUNDLAND – Saturday May 5^{th /}Call for details - Chapters St. John’s 70 Kenmount St A1B 1W3 –709.726.0375

NEW BRUNSWICK – Saturday May 5^th / Call for details – Chapters Halifax – Bayers Lake Power Centre, 188 Chain Lake Dr – 902.450.1023

OTTAWA* – Friday May 4^th – 12 noon – Chapters Rideau – 47 Rideau Street – 613.241.0073

OTTAWA*– Saturday May 5^th – 3.00 pm – Chapters Kanata – Kanata Centrum, 400 Earl Grey Drive Unit # 1- 613.271.7553

TORONTO* – Friday May 4^th – 12.30 pm – Indigo Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St – 416.591.3622

TORONTO – Saturday May 5^th / Call for details - Indigo Yorkdale – 3401 Dufferin St, Unit #29 – 416.781.6660

WINNIPEG*– Saturday May 5^th – 12 noon – Chapters Polo Festival, 695 Empress Street – 204.775.5999

CALGARY*– Friday May 4^th – 2.00 pm – Chapters Shawnessy – The Boulevard Shopping Centre, 16061 Macleod Trail S.E. – 403.201.5660

VANCOUVER* – Friday May 4^th – 12 noon – Chapters Robson – 788 Robson Street – 604.682.4066

So, if you do end up going to one of these events, take some pictures and post them on DK Canada’s Facebook page or on twitter using the hash tag – #DKmay4th. For every picture they receive, they will be making a donation to The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, so send in those pictures !!!!

Lastly, but certainly not least they are having a photo competition!!!

For the entire month of May we will be having a photo contest where we are inviting people to send us photos of themselves or loved ones reading DK Star Wars books. For each picture we receive, we will again make a donation to the Love of Reading Foundation. Info about the contest will be posted under “PHOTO CONTEST” at cn.dk.com/starwars.

We will pick an Office Favourite photo and that person will win a DK Star Wars library worth $200 and we will donate a complete set of DK Star Wars Readers to the library of school of their choice.

How generous is that of them to do all of this !!! So, get down to those events, snap some pictures and post them on facebook or twitter and get them to donate some serious money to The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation !!!

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#15 – This Book Made me Do It – DK Publishing

Friday, March 16th, 2012 by Marci

Brush up on your know-how by doing, making, and exploring just about everything!

Activities come in all shapes and sizes, and this book shows you an incredible variety of them, from panning for gold to doing the Moonwalk.

Ever wanted to fold origami, tie-dye a T-shirt, or slam-dunk a basketball like a pro?

Interested in creating a homemade bird feeder or a flashlight that runs on candy?

This Book Made Me Do It shows you how to do all of this and more! Perfect for budding artists, scientists, sports stars, and chefs, these step-by- step projects will provide hours of educational fun, whether you’re looking for a long-term hobby, or just a way to spend a rainy day. – Publishers Website

We received this book a few weeks ago, and ever since then myself and my son have poured through it looking at all the things that you can do. Literally everything from A to Z. That being said, Nick hasn’t been able to choose from one thing over the other, there are just so many things that he wants to do, but just couldn’t decide!

We went back and forth for the last 2 weeks, then finally last night I said to him…”c’mon just pick one thing” …

This is what he ended up doing….wait for it…

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Don’t forget to take a look through the March Break Boutique for even more ideas and to find out more about the contest DK Canada are having !

#14 – How To Cook – Delicious Dishes Perfect For Teen Cooks – DK Publishing

Friday, March 16th, 2012 by Marci

A beautifully designed and practical introduction to creative cooking!

How to Cook gives teens the know-how and confidence to cook their own meals, whether for themselves or to impress friends and family. The 100 easy-to-follow recipes offer plenty of ideas to get them started. From Ginger-chicken stir-fry to scrumptious mini cheesecakes, there’s a great balance of healthy meals and treats from different countries around the world. Fascinating information on ingredients, origins, seasonality, healthy eating, and insights into food culture are spread throughout the text—so young adults are kept informed about what they’re eating, but in a light and fun way.

With this great selection of adaptable recipes, food facts, and fail-safe techniques, How to Cook will get teens creative in the kitchen, and enthusiastic about food for life. – Publishers Website

What a great book for beginning cooks! I love the setup inside of the recipes, the graphics, and some pretty swanky recipes if I do say so myself! Gazpacho, Crepes, Samosas, Cannelloni, Puff Pastry even !! I wish I had this book when I was a teenager !! But all fun aside, this is a really great book to have your teens start out cooking and baking their way to becoming a pretty good cook by the time they are adults!

Everything is included, from Food Basics, Putting the Fun in to Food - Tricks and Tips, Baking Techniques, Herbs and Spices – including 100 recipes to get them started, with really down to earth, understandable recipes, with simple instructions on how to add, sift, chop, dice and slice your way to impress even your parents! Or even that new girl you have had a crush on forever that finally acknowledged you…hint, hint…

Now, my darling son Nick went through the book when we first received it and I thought he would want to make something hearty, since he loves anything to do with food. When he was younger, we used to bake together and pretend we were French Chefs, and have a really corny French accent as we baked. Well those days are g one for will forever be a memory that I will love and use as ammunition in the future. No, I wouldn’t do that, but It makes me smile ear to ear at those times we had together. He chose to make Ginger Cookies. You can see the results below in the pictures we took last night. So, if you are looking top get your kids even started on learning to cook for themselves, this is the book for you and your teenager to make new memories together !

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Make sure that you click on the picture below to browse other books and to enter a contest where you can win $150.00 worth of Better Living Books !! **contest ends APRIL 16th 2012**

#12 – The Look of Love – Mary Jane Clark

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 by Marci

A Piper Donovan Mystery – Book Two

Piper Donovan accepts when the owner of Elysium, an exclusive spa and plastic surgery center, offers her an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to create a dazzling and unique wedding cake. The job also gives Piper the time and distance she needs to sort out her feelings for handsome FBI agent Jack Lombardi.

The ultra-luxurious spa caters to the rich and famous in need of a little “refreshing”—a nip here, a tuck there, a little Botox, a little detox. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, Elysium seems picture-perfect: the grounds, the staff, even the guests. But no sooner does Piper arrive than a guest is brutally murdered in one of the private bungalows. Someone, it seems, wants to make sure Elysium’s beautiful director, Jillian Abernathy, never gets to walk down the aisle. Piper soon discovers that beneath the glamorous surface of this idyllic oasis lies an ugly truth—and a cold-blooded plan for murder. – Publishers Website

Mary Jane does it again! With her new series, Piper is invited to create a wedding cake for Jillian Abernathy who is just as famous as her parents in the Hollywood realm. But when someone is murdered, everyone knows they are out for Jillian, and not anyone else. But Why?!?

I really enjoyed Mary Jane’s latest novel. It was a quick, entertaining read with that pizzazz that she uses to keep you engrossed and entertained. It will appeal to those who don’t like those real gritty mystery, suspense novels. It is geared more to the younger generation of women, but male readers may enjoy, as well as the older woman who have enjoyed Mary Jane’s earlier novels. I look forward to reading more from Mary Jane in the future!

Goodreads – Book Tour – I Interview MJC – HC Interview – Mary Jane’s Website – Facebook – Piper Donovan Facebook – Read an Excerpt

The Beggar’s Opera – Peggy Blair – Q and A

Monday, February 27th, 2012 by Marci

I would like to welcome Peggy to my blog, and thank her for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to answer some questions about The Beggar’s Opera.

SR – In The Beggar’s Opera, the book is situated in Havana, Cuba. What is about Havana that mesmerized you so much to write a book based on this location?

PB - I’ve traveled to quite a few countries that were once communist dictatorships. I was an election observer during the “Orange Revolution” elections in Ukraine; I monitored elections in Kiev and also in towns very close to the Russian border. I did human rights work in Serbia with the UN Development Program, training judges and mediators in dealing with human rights violations, and I have visited the Czech Republic several times as well.

Cuba is different from anywhere I’ve ever been. It has a dictatorship with a charismatic leader who is larger than life, and the subject of over six hundred assassination attempts by the American CIA, who even poisoned his cigars. It’s a country that is desperately poor, thanks to the American trade embargo, but has one of the most educated, literate, and healthy populations in the world.

I watched the police in Havana closely when I was there – I was a criminal defense lawyer and Crown prosecutor for decades – and I wondered how on earth they could investigate crimes with such limited resources. You can’t even find pencils or batteries, and there are constant fuel and food shortages. Meanwhile, thousands of tourists wander around, completely oblivious to the harsh reality of the daily lives of most Cubans. I thought that was something worth writing about.

I also visited the Callejón de Hamel (the inspiration for my fictional Blind Alley) with a pair of hustlers, or jineteros, as they’re called, who were quite happy to rip me off. It was incredible– the centre of Havana’s Afro-Cuban community, bursting with music, art, and Santería, the religion brought by slaves from Africa. (As in the book, there really was a plastic bucket with these poor turtles trapped in it so that people could collect and drink their urine in the hope of living a long life.)

Put all of that together with gorgeous, crumbling architecture; feral dogs and cats, crazy anti-American billboards, and music everywhere, and setting a story in Havana was irresistible.

SR – On the back of the galley I received as part of the Blog Tour for your book; it states that you have been a lawyer for many years, as well as selling houses in the Ottawa area. I have noticed in the few years that many lawyers who have made the transition to writing books. What was it for you that you wanted to hang up your robes for more of a literary pursuit? What is it about selling houses that you like about it?

I was a lawyer for thirty years. For the first ten or fifteen of those, I was in criminal law, and then after winning an important case that involved a treaty rights defense, I kind of fell into the highly specialized area of Aboriginal and human rights law. ( I actually have a PhD, or LLD, as they call a doctorate in law in this area. Most of these are awarded honorarily to retired politicians at university convocations: I’m one of the twits who actually earned one.)

I ended up involved in long-term negotiations over fisheries and when we finally resolved those issues, I moved into the Indian residential school claims process. I heard claims of serious sexual and physical assault involving children as a senior adjudicator, and then as a Deputy Chief Adjudicator. I finally hit a point where I knew I had to stop – I was starting to feel the effects that they warned us about going into it.

After that, I got back into land claims business and quickly realized I could end up sitting around the same negotiating table for the next twenty years, discussing the same files with the same government negotiators, and not have anything resolved. At that point, I realized the time had come to do something else.

The Beggar’s Opera was actually written while I was working on my realtor exams.

I’ve always loved renovating houses, and I knew my background in law and negotiations would be an asset to me as a realtor. It’s one of those things that, looking back, I wish I had done ten years earlier. I love my office and my colleagues and I really like working with clients. Unlike law, or writing, which can be quite isolating, the real estate community is surprisingly supportive. I’ve enjoyed every file I’ve worked on.

SR - Do you think Cuba in the future would be better off staying as it is, or becoming a democratic community like Russia and other countries have?

I don’t think the current status quo is sustainable, frankly. I think most Cubans are willing to wait to see what happens when Fidel Castro dies. But they are a highly educated, bilingual population (English second-language training is required in the schools) watching economic development take off in South America while they struggle to get enough to eat and live in atrocious conditions.

I think they are apprehensive about what the future will look like without Castro, particularly given their proximity to the U.S., but they are ready for change. That said, there is a real fear that American money will flood into the country and turn it back into the kind of place it was under Fulgencio Batista – a sort of Las Vegas of the south — with a government even more corrupt than the current dictatorship

SR – Who is your favorite character in the book and why? Mine would have to be Ramirez – the detective who is suffering from dementia, who still believes that the truth is out there and strives to find the truth before time runs out.

PB – It’s funny how many readers have that take on Ramirez. I always think of him as balancing on the knife-edge of corruption, not quite sure which way to go. I’m glad you like him. I’m quite small and therefore I probably identify the most with Apiro, who may be short but is much larger than he appears.

SR - Can you give us a hint of what to expect in book two, or am I being a bit too anxious?

The King’s Indian is the name of the second book and it picks up the story right where The Beggar’s Opera leaves off. Inspector Ramirez goes to Canada and while he’s away, women start dying in Havana, prompting the Canadian government to consider issuing a travel advisory warning tourists against going to Cuba. Needless to say, there are ghosts. I have a big crush on Charlie Pike, a new character. He’s the Aboriginal detective who escorts Ramirez around Ottawa. (Charlie Pike appears in Book Three, Hungry Ghosts, as well.)

So thank you Peggy so much for doing this. Below, is a list of the other blogs that are on the blog tour for Peggy’s book, so make sure that you check out what they had to say, what they asked Peggy, or if she just wrote something. It is bound to be interesting regardless the topic!

Blog Tour Hosts and Dates

Feb 20 - The Novel Nation
Feb 21 - Wicked Little Pixie

Feb 23 – Bookish

Feb 24 - Thrifty Momma’s Tips

Feb 27 - Serendipitous Readings – Here Today !

Feb 28 - A Bookworm’s World

Feb 29 - Just A Lil’ Lost

March 1 - The Literary Word

March 2 - Curled Up With a Good Book and a Cup of Tea

#7 – The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories Volume 1 – HitRecord and Joesph Gordon Levitt

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 by Marci

HitRECord’s collaborative coalition of artists and writers are making history with The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1, a collection of innovative crowd-sourced creative projects that pushes the limits of originality, cooperation, imagination, and inspiration. HitRECord, a grassroots creative collective founded by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, known worldwide for his performances in (500) Days of Summer and Inception, is a forum where thousands of artists worldwide share work and contribute to their peers’ projects in writing, music, videos, illustration, and beyond. Alongside Dean Haspiel’s ACT-I-VATE, a groundbreaking comics collective, and the photographer JR’s Inside Out Project, hitRECord is a haven for budding creatives. Now, the collective has edited together its most promising stories and illustrations to serve as its face in introducing the world to a new generation of talent, in The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories.

From hitRECord, the immensely popular open collaborative production company, and its founder, Golden Globe-nominated actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, comes The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1.

The universe is not made of atoms; it’s made of tiny stories.

To create The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, known within the hitRECord community as RegularJOE—directed thousands of collaborators to tell tiny stories through words and art. With the help of the entire creative collective, Gordon-Levitt culled, edited and curated over 8,500 contributions into this finely tuned collection of original art from 67 contributors. Reminiscent of the 6-Word Memoir series, The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1 brings together art and voices from around the world to unite and tell stories that defy size. – Publishers Website

What a great little book to get your creative juices flowing so to speak. When I received this book, I opened it to the beginning like we always do when we read a book…once I got to the end however, it told me to read from back to front, which gave me a totally new story and opposite ending. How novel!

It has not only little pieces of text, prose, but also drawings that have been contributed by many people from around the world. So join the site, and add your own little pictures, feelings, music, videos, anything really and see what happens next, you could be featured in Volume Two, or Three.

hitRECord – Browse Inside – hitRECord on twitter – Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Twitter – Interactive Video/Book

#66 – Goliath – Scott Westerfeld

Friday, October 21st, 2011 by Marci

Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is as it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy. – Publishers Website

Well, this is the third and last book in the Leviathan Trilogy. As soon as the book arrived, I absolutely could not keep my hands off the book. Immediately, I tore open the envelope and sat down to start reading. I was anxious almost to the point of an anxiety attack just to find out what actually happened to Alek and Deryn. Was Deryn’s ultra super secret found out by Alek?!? Was he upset?

Did they argue, among other things that were happening on the ship that has traversed the skies all over the world? Among some very identifiable characters, you also have the talented art work from Keith Thompson that actually accentuates the book perfectly. If I didn’t love the series so much I would mount some of the artwork and hang it on my walls or at least my son’s walls. Nick, loves Deryn’s colourful way of expressing herself. He finished Leviathan back in March when he was in Kentucky at camp. So when he came home, it was “Bum Rag” this and “Barking Spiders” that.

So like I had said, I flew through the book at a breakneck pace, with the last few pages remained…Would Alek and Deryn have feelings for one another and live happily after you ask?!? Well, if I told you..then well I would have to kill you, I don’t give out those secrets, you will just have to read the fabulous ending to end all endings. Trust me, if you loved the first two books, you will love this one and literally ache for more…My reviews of Leviathan and Behemoth can be accessed by clinking the links. And so, if you have waited for all three books to be able to read them all at once get reading !

Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) does an absolutely fabulous job of the audio book, so if you are a fan of audiobooks, it doesn’t disappoint !

Fan Scott on GoodReads – Scott’s Website – Facebook – Twitter – Browse Inside

THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS !! BEWARE !!

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#62 – The Ninth Wife – Amy Stolls

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 by Marci

What sane woman would consider becoming any man’s ninth wife?

Bess Gray is a thirty-five-year-old folklorist and amateur martial artist living in Washington, DC. Just as she’s about to give up all hope of marriage, she meets Rory, a charming Irish musician, and they fall in love.

But Rory is a man with a secret, which he confesses to Bess when he asks for her hand: He’s been married eight times before.

Shocked, Bess embarks on a quest she feels she must undertake before she can give him an answer. With her bickering grandparents (married sixty-five years), her gay neighbor (himself a mystery), a shar-pei named Stella, and a mannequin named Peace, Bess sets out on a cross-country journey—unbeknownst to Rory—to seek out and question the wives who came before. What she discovers about her own past is far more than she bargained for.

The Ninth Wife is a smart, funny, eye-opening tale of love, marriage, and the power of stories to unlock the true meaning of home and family. – Publishers Website

This book interested me from just the title. As I read the back of the book to peek at what was inside, I was curious. I wasn’t disappointed. Funny, The back story of a girl who meets her prince charming, albeit it will be HIS ninth trip down the aisle, his story unfolds with what happens in each of those marriages, what he learned, as well as what he wants to avoid in the future. Now, a serious question(s) for all of you. Would you have reservations about dating someone who has had that many failed attempts at marriage? Would you run for cover, or would you listen to what they had to say, then make your decision? Would he be in your opinion too impulsive for you? I won’t ruin the ending for you, but it was a good read, filled with laughter, seriousness, love and forgiveness.

Amy’s Website - Facebook - Reading Guide

Browse Inside this book
Get this for your site

#58 – The Sisters Brothers – Patrick deWitt

Thursday, August 11th, 2011 by Marci

“A masterful, hilarious picaresque that keeps company with the best of Charles Portis and Mark Twain . . . a relentlessly absorbing feat of novelistic art.” — Wells Tower

Hermann Kermit Warm is going to die. Eli and Charlie Sisters can be counted on for that. Though Eli has never shared his brother’s penchant for whiskey and killing, he’s never known anything else. On the road to Warm’s gold-mining claim outside San Francisco — and from the back of his long-suffering one-eyed horse — Eli struggles to make sense of his life without abandoning the job he’s sworn to do.

DeWitt spins a violent, lustful, hung-over and humorous odyssey through the underworld of the 1850s frontier. Doffing his hat to the classic Western, he then transforms it into a comic tour-de-force with an unforgettable narrative voice that captures all the absurdity, melancholy, and grit of the West — and of these two brothers, bound to each other by blood and scars and love.

Film rights have been sold to actor John C. Reilly’s production company in a major deal, with Reilly to play one of the brothers. – Publishers Website

Are you up for one laugh out loud hilarious novel? If you are, this is your book. Have you seen those oldish spaghetti western movies, where they do the absolute silliest things? I started reading this skeptical at first, but as I read, well, the book got better and better to the point I was laughing out loud and shaking my head at the antics these two brothers get into. One, nearly is the angel in the posse because the other brother is the evil one, wanting to get the job done and collect his money. As the trip to assassinate someone goes on and the side trips they take, you nearly wonder as I did while reading it, would they even get to their destination to even carry it out ?

Well, I’m not going to tell you how it ends, because that would be just plain mean. So, if you’re a fan of the spaghetti westerns that sometimes still play on TV then this is the book for you.

It was recently listed for The Man Booker Prize. He is also Canadian.

Patrick’s Website – Sisters Brothers Facebook Page

Giveaways GALORE !!!

Thursday, August 11th, 2011 by Marci

Now that the new site/blog is up, here are the books for the giveaways. The rules for these are as follows:

1. No referrals from FREEBIE SITES – I’d rather you come for the other content, just not free books.

2. For these are for residents of Canada Only – One entry PERIOD per person / household. Any other duplicate entries will be disqualified

3. Please leave a comment with a VALID email address, so that I have some way of contacting you.

4. The ending for these particular giveaways is SEPT 1st, 2011

5. I’ll contact the winner via email and they will have 48 hours to reply, if they don’t, another winner will be chosen.

6. In your comment with a valid email address, tell me if YOU were stranded on a desert island, what 12 books would you bring with you?!?

Here are the prize packs, generously donated by Simon and Schuster Canada

These are the first 6 of more to come !! GOOD LUCK !!

Send it by Email, Facebook, Twitter, go for it, the more the merrier !!

May the 4th Be With You !! An Extra Special Contest !!

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 by Marci

This is an extra special day. Today marks the 35th Anniversary of Star Wars ! DK Canada (more importantly one person who works there Chris) has come up with an utterly AMAZING contest. I have to say, when I first asked him if he had some swag hanging around the office, I was totally knocked off my chair literally when he emailed me to tell me about this. I LOVE IT SO MUCH !!

Here it is !!

Starting today and running until May 31, 2011 at 6pm EST is to simply send us a photo of yourself, your friends or your family reading a Star Wars book and you could win a complete DK Star Wars library worth over $400 as well as a full set of our Star Wars DK Readers donated to a Canadian school or library of your choice!

For every photo submitted, DK Publishing will donate a “toonie” to Frontier College, Canada’s original literacy organization.

GO HERE TO ENTER

TO ENTER:
Take a photo of yourself, friends or family with a Star Wars book and send it in to us at general@tourmaline.ca (jpgs only, no larger than 5 mb). Please include the headline MAY THE 4th BE WITH YOU in your email. One lucky entrant will win a complete DK Star Wars collection and a Canadian school or library of their choice will receive a complete DK READERS Star Wars set.

Deadline for submissions is May 31st, 2011 6 EDT

This is SUCH a worthwhile cause. I am literally shocked at how many not only children but adults cannot read today. So, if you would like more information about the college and what it does, please click the link or on their logo below to learn more.

Frontier College has been a leader in providing literacy programs since 1899. Literacy is an essential skill in today’s world. At Frontier College, we believe it’s a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping Canadians to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way. For more information about Frontier College visit www.frontiercollege.ca

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, GO AND ENTER AND SHARE THE LOVE OF READING !!!

STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

#45 – Star Wars – The ULTIMATE Visual Guide Special Edition 30th Anniversary – Ryder Windham, Daniel Wallace

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 by Marci

The definitive companion to the entire Star Wars phenomenon, in a special updated edition: Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide uncovers the full story of the amazing Star Wars saga, with more than 1,000 images from the movies, cartoons, comics, and novels, along with merchandise, behind-the-scenes photography, and much more!

This Special Edition features brand-new overviews of the latest comic books, new information on merchandise, as well as a special feature on fan celebrations.

The History of the Star Wars galaxy, Key Characters, technology, droids, aliens, and locations. Behind the scenes information on the making of the movies. Collectibles and merchandise, Full colour illustrations from the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Comics, Novels, and Video Games. Publishers Website and Back of Hardcover

Seriously, who hasn’t already seen all of the movies at least once? Either you were a die-hard fan when the first one came out way back in 1976. Yes, it has been that long. But in the world of Star Wars, it is just a moment away in one of the extravagant space ships on some far, far away galaxy that we have all come to know and love.

Who was your favorite character? Luke Skywalker? Darth Vader? Yoda ? Princess Leia? Chewbacca? Obi Wan Kenobi? Well they are all here and all of the many new characters that have evolved along the years with new and exciting worlds as well.

This book was originally published in 2005, but it was again updated and republished with new content for the 30th Anniversary in 2007. Since the series came out there have been novelizations, new series, movies, readers, and comics that keep the universe alive even today.

As my son and I looked through the book, we loved the full colour illustrations and the not so new facts that we never knew about. A few years ago, we entered a contest from DK in the United States for a Star Wars contest, and he happened to win! I think the blog was asking what his favorite character was, as DK was releasing one of their now best-selling books Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary.

Another reason he was so into Star Wars, was that he was about to compete in a Lego League competition where the kids built their own robots and competed on a course doing different things with their somewhat homemade robots. When they did compete, they WON the spirit award for their participation at the event!

So, as May the 4th Be With You Day begins or ends where ever you may be in our own universe, come and take a look inside this book and the many others that DK Worldwide have published in honor of STAR WARS and May the Force Be With You !!

Above this post is an extra special post about May the 4th Be with You and what DK Canada is doing this year in honor of this humble occasion around the world, so it is so exciting that I can hardly contain myself it WILL be so fun, that is if you choose to participate!! For details go click here

Since this book was republished back in 2007 and it was the 30th anniversary, since it is 2011 that means an even more special anniversary – the 35th one !! Long live the FORCE !

Star Wars Site – DK Canada – DK USA

This is the trailer for Star Wars trailer from 1997 Special Edition ENJOY !!

#38 – Home Herbal – Cook, Brew, and Blend Your Own Herbs – DK Publishing

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 by Marci

Recommending herbs for both well-being and minor ailments, featuring an A-Z directory of 100 key herbs, and with information on how to grow, harvest, prepare, and use them, Home Herbal offers a wealth of practical advice on the medicinal, cleaning, and consumptive uses of herbs, with the emphasis on what anyone can achieve in their garden and kitchen.

Use the directory of the key medicinal herbs to discover what each herb can treat, how to harvest and grow it. How to use it to make a remedy, how to apply it – with detailed dosage advise.

Follow the step-by-step photographic demonstrations and recipes to make creams, bath soaks, face masks, soaps, and a hugs variety of homemade remedies in your own kitchen.

Eat to heal with over 70 recipes for herbal teas, tinctures, smoothies, salads, and soups. – Publishers Website and Back Cover

I looked at this for the better part of the weekend and I absolutely fell in love with the book. Nowadays, more and more people are going back in time to what they used to do in the old days – things that we take for granted today, how we get them, etc. This book changes that – by going back to what used to be, we are going back to nature – using what is natural instead of just popping a pill that the doctor gave us. As I type this, I too want to go back in time and use some of these herbs to try to see if it does really work.

I have to really point this out – PLEASE USE CAUTION !

Some of these herbs can make you quite ill, so please only see your doctor if you are already on medication, pregnant, or a qualified herbalist to make sure that you are doing it correctly. Some of these herbs can make you really ill if taken improperly.

You probably use herbs on your day-to-day life – herbal teas, shampoos, creams, etc., have started making their way back into being “fashionable” once again. But, really I think it shouldn’t have gone out of fashion. We pay for expensive items already. This is a great way of going natural and saving money.

I think that these books are also a great companion to this one – The Cook’s Herb Garden and Grow Herbs

Who is with me ?

#37 – Express Housekeeping – Anna Shepard

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 by Marci

Do you dream of being a domestic goddess but the reality is more of a domestic disaster?

Don’t Despair! Express Housekeeping shows you how to blitz your home in no time at all.

From cleaning and laundry to stain removal and de-cluttering, time-saving techniques are shown step-by-step – and in timed units.

Checklists highlight the essential jobs to do, as well as what not to do.

Shows you how to put together essentials kits for the kitchen and bathroom, for organizing, ironing, and natural cleaning. – Back Cover

I was going through this book on the weekend and the thought dawned on me, this wold be a great book for those that are moving away from home for the first time – college, or even having a new addition to your family.

It is packed with everything you need to know about all aspects of cleaning fast – even ironing! There are also tips on how to use natural ways of doing it, without harming the environment.

It does have everything and more. So, guys, if you are reading this, don’t be deterred from all of the pink on the cover, it isn’t only for the girls, it relates to guys as well ! Even with all of our busy lives, there never seems to be enough time in the day, so this book will appeal to everyone that wants or needs to gain some more time in our everyday lives.

Bookish News From Around the Globe

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 by Marci

I really have to say, what a busy day for awesome books today !

The Orange Prize has announced the shortlist of books as well as the International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Awards also listed some books for their shortlist.

Emma Donoghue (Irish) – Room; Picador; 7th Novel
Aminatta Forna (British/Sierra Leonean) – The Memory of Love; Bloomsbury; 2nd Novel
Emma Henderson (British) - Grace Williams Says it Loud; Sceptre; 1st Novel
Nicole Krauss (American) – Great House; Viking; 3rd Novel
Téa Obreht (Serbian/American) - The Tiger’s Wife; Weidenfeld & Nicolson; 1st Novel
Kathleen Winter (Canadian) – Annabel; Jonathan Cape; 1st Novel

For the Orange Prize, I couldn’t be more excited for two phenomenal Canadian Authors !! Kathleen Winter and Emma Donoghue respectively. I have to say I adored both of their books immensely, and I am torn between the two books. The only book I do not have is Grace Williams says it Loud by Emma Henderson. I guess I have a hunt ahead of me don’t I?

Galore by Michael Crummey (Canadian). Doubleday Canada
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver (American). Faber & Faber, HarperCollins, USA
The Vagrants by Yiyn Li (Chinese / American) Random House, USA
Ransom by David Malouf (Australian) Random House Australia
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann (Irish) Bloomsbury, UK, Random House, USA
Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates (American) Ecco Press, USA
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey (Australian) Allen & Unwin
Brooklyn by Colm Toibín (Irish) Viking UK, Scribner, USA
Love and Summer by William Trevor (Irish) Viking, UK
After the Fire, a Still, Small Voice by Evie Wyld (Australian) Pantheon Books, USA

I have read a few of these books as well. I have read Little Bird of Heaven, Let The Great World Spin, and The Lacuna. I have yet to read the rest of this list.

So, my heartiest congratulations to all of the Authors and their books. What more could you ask for right?

Is there a book on either list as a favorite? Are there ones that you are questioning why they have been nominated? Which ones are you going to read, if you are going to read any at all?

It is the beginning of book awards season, are you ready for so many different types of books? Have you recovered from last years season?

2011 Orange Prize Longlist has been announced !

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 by Marci

I don’t know about you, but this year, I am going to attempt to read all of the longlisted books before the winner is announced in June. Right now, I have 7 out of the 20 books that have been nominated. I have also read 2 of them, so I have 18 to go. The shortlist will be announced on April 12, 2011.

Here are the nominees! Are you looking forward to a particular book on the list? Have you already read one or many on the list and cannot wait for your favorite to be shortlisted? Let me know !

Lyrics Alley by Leila Aboulela (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) – Sudanese; 3rd Novel

Jamrach’s Menagerie by Carol Birch (Canongate) – British; 10th Novel

Room by Emma Donoghue (Picador) – Irish; 7th Novel – Read this one and LOVED IT

The Pleasure Seekers by Tishani Doshi (Bloomsbury) – Indian; 1st Novel

Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty (Faber and Faber) – British; 6th Novel

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (Corsair) – American; 4th Novel – Have this one

The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Bloomsbury) – British/Sierra Leonean; 2nd Novel

The London Train by Tessa Hadley (Jonathan Cape) – British; 4th Novel

Grace Williams Says it Loud by Emma Henderson (Sceptre) – British; 1st Novel

The Seas by Samantha Hunt (Corsair) – American; 1st Novel

The Birth of Love by Joanna Kavenna (Faber and Faber) – British; 2nd Novel

Great House by Nicole Krauss (Viking) – American; 3rd Novel – Have this one

The Road to Wanting by Wendy Law-Yone (Chatto & Windus) – American; 3rd Novel

The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) – Serbian/American; 1st Novel

The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer (Viking) – American; 1st Novel – I have this one

Repeat it Today with Tears by Anne Peile (Serpent’s Tail) – British; 1st Novel

Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (Chatto & Windus) – American; 1st Novel – Have this one

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin (Serpent’s Tail) – British/Nigerian; 1st Novel – Have this one

The Swimmer by Roma Tearne (Harper Press) – British; 4th Novel

Annabel by Kathleen Winter (Jonathan Cape) – Canadian; 1st Novel – Read this one, and LOVED IT!

Stay tuned for reviews…If you have read any of these books already, which ones did you like, which ones were ok, and which ones failed miserably in your opinion? Let me know !

For more links and information, check out the website for more details

Follow the Orange Prize on Twitter / Facebook

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