Sexy Librarians by Sublime Stitching

Sublime Stitching has this cute embroidery pattern that was mentioned in the USA Today's PopCandy blog.

I like to think this is kinda book-related. Especially with the book images.

Sometimes I get in the crafty-mood and get inspired when I come across whimisical stuff like this.

After I finish my scarf in tribute of Body Image week, I'm going to sew up a book bag with these nifty images embroidered onto it.

Any other crafters out there?

In My Mailbox - 3

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via your mailbox, library, store, etc.

You can find out more information on how to setup your own In My Mailbox here. Make sure and add yourself to The Story Siren's Mr. Linky to share the books you've recently received.

Below is a list of books I've acquired this past week. I decided to add pictures this time as they do make the books more appealing. Gotta show the book love!

Borrowed:


Scott Pilgrim: Scott Pilgrim Versus The World v.2 by Bryan Lee O'Malley

-because I got hooked after reading v.1

My book review




The Boyfriend List: (15 guys, 11 shrink appointments, 4 ceramic frogs and me, ruby oliver) by E. Lockhart

-because of the frog

My book review




My Scrumptious Scottish Dumplings: The Life of Angelica Cookson Potts by Cherry Whytock

-because of the title and Scotland is a place I've always wanted to visit

My book review



Bought:


Impossible by Nancy Werlin

-because of And Another Book Read's book review







PaperBackSwap:


Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker

-because I wanted to take a peek into the world of models and fashion

Body Image Week: Purge by Sarah Darer Littman

Purge by Sarah Darer Littman

Description from amazon.com:
Janie Ryman hates throwing up. So why does she binge eat and then stick her fingers down her throat several times a day? That’s what the doctors and psychiatrists at Golden Slopes hope to help her discover. But first Janie must survive everyday conflicts between the Barfers and the Starvers, attempts by the head psychiatrist to fish painful memories out of her emotional waters, and shifting friendships and alliances among the kids in the ward.

Read an interview with Sarah Darer Littman at MyFavoriteAuthor

Read a book review at MyFavoriteAuthor

Read my book review (link will be here). This is another book I requested my local library to acquire.

No Body Image Week challenge for this one, but I wanted to mention it because it is yet another book I'm looking forward to.

Body Image Week: Deborah Lytton Challenge

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

Book description from amazon.com:
Jane’s big sister, Lizzie, has always been the center of attention. No one ever pays attention to boring, plain Jane. But when Jane’s twelfth birthday marks the beginning of Lizzie’s final descent into a fatal eating disorder, Jane discovers that the only thing harder than living in her big sister’s shadow is living without her. In the wake of tragedy, Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom. Spare and vulnerable prose marks this beautiful debut that is at once heartbreaking and uplifting.

Read an interview with Deborah Lytton at In Bed with Books

Read a book review at MyFavoriteAuthor

Read my book review (link will be here) once I get my hands on the book. I requested my local library to get a copy so it should be soon!

Body Image Week Challenge:
Deborah Lytton, author of Jane in Bloom has put out a challenge for Body Image Week which I'm working on. You can read more about the challenge at In Bed With Books.

My results:
I decided to take up my knitting needles for the challenge and work on a new scarf for myself. It's been a year since I've knitted and have been meaning to for awhile. I had to go into our garage to look through some boxes for my needles and yarn. I haven't had chance to unpack my craft boxes since moving Summer of 2007. Here's a picture of me with a couple rows completed and the yarn I selected for the project. It will take me a couple months to complete, so I'll post a picture of the finished scarf in this post later.

I love the feel of the knitting needles and yarn again. I find it so meditative when click, click, clicking along. I'm a beginner knitter so my pattern is the basic knit stitch. I may venture into doing some purls but need to find out how to do one first.

Updated:

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti
Genre: Family
Published: 2008
Hardback: 298 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: at the library this book cover caught my eye and I wanted to try out a Caletti based on the YA book blogger love out there for Caletti

Description from the book:
Eighteen-year-old Indigo is looking forward to becoming a full-time waitress after high school graduation, but her life is turned upside down by a large check given to her by a customer who appreciates that she cares enough to scold him about smoking.

My thoughts:
In-a-couple-words: staying true
What a lovely read! What would you do if you were given $2.5 million dollars?

I enjoyed reading about Indigo's experiences before and after she is gifted an enormous sum of money. When she went on her first shopping spree, I was shouting (in my head) NO, NO, NO. Then I stopped reading to think of how I would handle the same situation and wondered what kind of transformation I would undergo. Am still thinking of it...

I liked the way Caletti handled this subject with such colorful and likable characters. A couple baddies were present but they were properly dealt with.

Best amusing pets: Chico, the bird and Freud, the cat

I'd Tell You I Love You, But then I'd have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
by Ally Carter

Genre: Espionage
Published: 2006
Paperback: 284 pages
Rating: 5

Inspiration: The 3rd book in the series, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, is going to be released in June and this looks like a fun spy series.

I started reading this along with my current read because I wanted to participate in the Gallagher Girl book discussions hosted by: Cecilia, Kate, Reyna, and Katie. Find out more info about it here.

Description from author's site:
The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?

Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: honeypotness
Such fun antics occur in this tale of girls-in-spy-training. We get to struggle with Cammie as she starts to deal with questions of loyalty and love in her world.

I'm hooked and will continue with with series!

Series:
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (release: June 9, 2009)

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updated: 6.29.09
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Body Image Challenge Week

Body Image Challenge Week

Participating Blogs:
MyFavoriteAuthor (MFA)
The Story Siren (TSS)
Presenting Lenore (PL)
In Bed With Books (IBWB)

For more info and complete schedule visit the introduction post here.

I love this latest blog post creation of loving your image/ body, loving yourself and exploring body issues with YA authors and books. I'm so looking forward to the posts and re-imaging myself view along the way. If you haven't already join in!

Body Image Challenge:

Part I: Feel Better About Yourself
For the next 7 days, we challenge you to look in the mirror every morning and find something you like about yourself. I don't care if all you can come up with is that you like your nail polish or your cute socks or your earlobes! Find something you like and can be happy about all day.

PART II: Accept That Other People Think You Are Great
Throughout each day if you ever receive a compliment about anything I want you to say "THANK YOU" and Stop. Right. There. Don't negate the compliment with "Whatever ... you're the one that's pretty" or "Thanks, but I wish my hair would have turned out better today" or "Thanks, but I'm not really very good at that".

PART III: Be A Builder
Now it's your turn to help the people around you know that you think they are beautiful and talented, too! Make a conscious effort to tell your friends and family the things you like about them, whether it's cute shoes, a listening ear, etc. You never know when it's just the thing they need to hear!

PART IV: Accept the Challenge
Add your name to the Mr. Linky widget below and comment to let us know that you have accepted the challenge. I strongly encourage you to post about accepting the challenge on your blog, Facebook, Twitter or MySpace pages. It's not a requirement of the challenge, but will definitely help you to remember and to do the challenge through the coming week.

My results:
Part 1: Feeling better about yourself by using the mirror method is a good one. I like starting out the morning on a positive note about myself. It helps get in a good frame of mind before heading out the door for a long day of work.

Part 2: Accepting compliments has not been too hard after catching myself from negating a couple times.

Part 3: Being a builder is an easy task, but hard for me because I'm not in contact with many females. It's funny because most of my female contacts are via the internet.

Part 4: I'm on the Mr. Linky list and I've posted on my blog about this theme week.

NANA v.3 by Ai Yazawa

NANA v.3 by Ai Yazawa
Genre: Romance
Published: 2006 English version
Paperback: 183 pages
Rating: 3

Inspiration: part of manga series I started last year and want to continue

Description from book:
Moving to Tokyo, Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki walk fearlessly toward their new lives. One is hoping to put her capricious love life behind her; the other wants to become a rock'n'roll star. What follows is a thundering blast of sex, music, fashion, gossip and all-night parties!

Things are slowly coming together for Nana Osaki. The guitarist and drummer from her old band have joined her in Tokyo and she's finally found a ripping new bass player to replace Ren Honjo. The Black Stones are back and they're ready to kick some ass.

Nana Komatsu, however, can't shake her old nemesis, The Demon Lord. She's stuck in a dead-end job and there's trouble brewing with her boyfriend, Shoji. He's been working late and hasn't exactly been the most attentive lover. Poor Nana. Life in Tokyo is turning out to be a total bummer.


My thoughts:
In-a-word: Changes
I liked this photo of the two Nanas on the left. Nana on the top is the rock-n-roll one and the bottom is the sweet one.

This series is my manga soap opera fix. The rock-n-roll Nana is my favorite and I'm looking forward to watching her growth into a superstar babe!

FYI: This was the last book read for my read-a-thon. Read about my progress and results here.

Read-a-Thon mini-challenge 2

Mid-Event Survey Mini-Challenge

1. What are you reading right now?
The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti

2. How many books have you read so far? 3

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Nope, nothing special was planned.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
I had to deal with phone calls. But fortunately, they were short.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
Great cheerleader support!

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
None yet. So far, I like how it is being run.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
As a Reader, I would try to avoid running any errands. I had to do a grocery run which took up precious reading time.

9. Are you getting tired yet?
Not yet.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
Keeping a glass of water or beverage nearby, standing up for a quick stretch or doing a 30 second house walkabout helps.

Check out my read-a-thon progress here.

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2008
Hardback: 111 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: Potter fan

Description from the book:
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and of course, "The Tale of the Three Brothers." But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Magical
This is a great supplement to the whole Harry Potter series. It provides some backstory into the Harry Potter's wizarding world. My favorite tale is "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" with its great twist in the end.

I love the original hand-made editions which only went to 7 lucky recipients.

Series:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry, book 1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry, book 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry, book 3)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry, book 4)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry, book 5)
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Harry, book 6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry, book 7)
Harry Potter The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Ugh moment: found a typo on page 10

Read-a-Thon mini-challenge

Love Your Local Library Mini-Challenge!!
hosted by The Curious Reader

1. What is the name of your local library? What city is it located in?
San Francisco Anza Branch Library (pictured above) is located in the outer Richmond district of San Francisco.

2. How often do you go to the library? If you're a regular, do the staff know you?
I've been going once a week in the past year. I moved into the area a year ago so still kinda new. I can't tell if the staff know me because conversations don't go beyond the checkin/ checkout transaction.

3. Do you browse while you're there or just pick up items you have placed on reserve?
If I have time, I browse. But for the most part I pickup reserved items that I had to request from other library branches in the area.

4. What is your favorite thing about your local library?
I like the fact that even if my branch doesn't have the book I'm looking for, they can get it from another branch in a timely fashion.

Check out my read-a-thon progress here.

Vampire Knight v.3 by Matsuri Hino

Vampire Knight v.3 by Matsuri Hino
Genre: Supernatural
Published: 2007 English version
Paperback: 192 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: part of manga series I started last year and want to continue

Description from the book:
Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: The Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

Kaname, the pureblood vampire, has kept to his room since learning of Yuki and Zero's forbidden act. However, the arrival of Ichijo's grandfather brings the entire Night Class together to greet one of the oldest vampires on the senate. Ichijo's grandfather says he's there merely to visit his grandson, but he's out for Kaname's blood.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Pureblood
Although, I thought the storyline was okay this time around, I like the graphics. The vampires are a lovely bunch, except when feasting. There's a love triangle (see portrait, Zero, Yuki and Kaname) in this storyline which keeps me guessing. But I'm more interested in this vampire world's lore.

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
Genre: Supernatural
Published: 1999
Hardback: 229 pages
Rating: 4
Inspiration: Page Flipper's Top Teen Book list post and Persnickety Snark's Operation Retirement Rescue

Description from book:
Thirteen-year-old Kit goes to live with his grandfather in the decaying coal mining town of Stoneygate, England, and finds both the old man and the town haunted by ghosts of the past.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Ammonite
This is a gem of a story. I like how the past and the present links with each other and how it goes as far back as cave men times. There are also friendships that form and bloom.

Dewey's Read-a-Thon - My introduction

I'm finally clocking in for the read-a-thon. The start time for my zone was 5am. I started at 6:40am reading to 9:44am. However, it wasn't solid reading. I had breakfast and had to help my husband and daughter get out the door for the Artseed Earth Day Art-a-thon. My 12 yr old daughter and a couple of her friends are hosting a fairy-making table for the day. Hubby is volunteering his time to help out, while I get to stay home and relax from a week of work.

I'm taking a reading break now to catch up on the read-a-thon posts and to post book reviews.

Now, on to the introduction questions:

Where are you reading from today?
I'm reading from San Francisco, CA. Temperatures outside will reach up to 56 degrees with some clouds which is ideal for outdoor adventures. Although I'm seeing some sun, I'm happy enough to be indoors for the day.

3 facts about me …
Love to read
Have an open mind
Can make a mean mexican mochaccino

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
4

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
Since it is my first time, I don't have any expectations. I just want to experience it bit of everything along with the reading.

FYI:
I'll be posting my progress here.

Dewey's Read-a-Thon April 2009

I decided to enter my first read-a-thon which a few other YA book bloggers have been mentioning on their blogs. After reading about Dewey's Read-a-Thon for April 18-19, 2009, I got really excited. Unlike walking or running marathons, reading is something definitely manageable. Weeks and weeks of training is not needed to meet this challenge. Definitely do-able. Also, I thought this would be a great way to catch up on some much needed YA book reading. I have a stack, but haven't organized it in any way. I think I'll wing it depending on my mood. Wonder how far I'll get.

I plan on donating some money to a literacy program but have not chosen one yet. I should have it figured out by Sunday.

So, the read-a-thon postings will start sometime after 5am Pacific time for me tomorrow. 

Happy reading everyone!

My schedule: Saturday, April 18, 2009

5am - 6:30am: Dewey's Read-a-Thon officially starts in the Pacific time zone while I'm still asleep.

6:30am - 6:40am: Wipe the sleep from my eyes, grab my latest book which I started on Friday and get comfy on the living room couch.

6:40am - 9:44am: Read - Kit's Wilderness by David Almond

9:44am - 12pm: Break - breakfast, catchup on read-a-thon blog posts, post book reviews and updates

12pm - 1:15pm: Read - Vampire Knight v.3 by Matsuri Hino

1:15pm - 2pm: Break - took a walk to the supermarket for some groceries, did a smidgen of housekeeping and made a sandwich for lunch

2pm - 3pm: Still on break - post to blog, read progress of read-a-thon participants

3pm - 3:15pm: Read - The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti (started but put on temporary hold to read something else)

3:15pm - 4pm: Read - Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

4pm - 4:15pm: Break - post to blog

4:15pm - 6:30pm: Read - The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti

6:30pm - 9:30pm: Break - this one was forced due to unexpected visitors who came for dinner

9:30pm - 10pm: Read - NANA v.3 by Ai Yazawa
Decided to switch from Indigo to a quickie manga

10pm - 5am (Sunday): Forced end - missed all the fun of the final hours due to... well let's just say I couldn't do it. I will try again next time around and make efforts to plan for it better. So back to the normal reading mode for now.

The results:

Total Number of books read: 5

Total Number of books completed: 4

Total Number of pages read: 623

Total Hours of time spent reading: 8 hours

Other participants you’ve visited:
(I would have liked to visit more, but I just did not have enough time).
A Striped Armchair
The Curious Reader
Fire in the Hole
Sweet Serenity

Mini-challenges completed:
Jessica's Love Your Local Library
Mid-Event Survey

Overall experience:
Whoa! I'm amazed that in 24 hours I only spent 8 hours of real reading time. I was definitely expecting more, but I think I've got to seriously plan better next time around. Got to minimize breaks and what is done during the breaks. I also must alert friends and family so that I can have the me-time needed. However, I am happy I got some books read in my tbr pile. Shorter books do help in giving a sense of accomplishment when all is said and done.

Being that I just found out about the read-a-thon a few days before the start and that it is my first time with read-a-thon-ing, I haven't had a chance to read past participant experiences to gear up proper. I'm looking forward to going back now reading how fellow participants fared.

Thanks to Nymeth, Hannah and Trish for hosting this fabulous event. And, thanks to the many cheerleaders and commenters on my read-a-thon posts who helped me along the way!

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updated: 5.4.09
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City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Genre: Supernatural
Published: 2007
Paperback: 485 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: release of City of Glass (book 3 of the series)

Description from book:
Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: reunion
Being the first in a series this book does a great job of drawing the reader into its world. It is filled with action, betrayal, love, good, evil, twists and turns. What I enjoyed the most from the book is the engaging dialogue sequences. By the end of the book, you'll find yourself screaming for more. On to book two...

The Mortal Instruments Series:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass

In My Mailbox - 2

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via your mailbox, library, store, etc.

You can find out more information on how to setup your own In My Mailbox here. Make sure and add yourself to The Story Siren's Mr. Linky to share the books you've recently received.

Below is a list of books I've acquired this past week. Can't wait to dip into them.

Borrowed:

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
-because of the Top Teen Books list I saw on The Page Flipper - I found that I only read 25% of the list. I want to catch up on what I've been missing.

-My book review

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
-because of the Top Teen Books list again and it looks like a good murder mystery
-My book review

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti
-because the book covers catch my eye and I wanted to try out a Caletti based on all the good stuff I've been reading about her on other YA book blogs.

-My book review

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

-because the 3rd book in the series, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, is going to be released in June and the it looks like a fun spy series. And, she has a fun website.
-My book review

Nana v.3 by Ai Yazawa
-because I got hooked on this manga series last year and want to continue. It is about two young women named Nana who move to Tokyo to start their lives. One Nana want to be a rock star and the other Nana is still finding her way.
-My book review

Vampire Knight v. 3 Matsuri Hino
-because I got hooked on this manga series also last year. It is about Cross Academy that is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. Oh yeah, Night Class happens to be full of vampires.

-My book review

PaperBackSwap:

The Diamonds by Ted Michael
-because of all the sparkly talk at The Story Siren

Speak (2004) movie

Speak (2004)
Director: Jessica Sharzer
Based on book: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Rating: 5
Tagline: The Truth Will Change Everything.

Inspiration:
After reading the amazing book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, I found out that there was a movie version of the story. Of course the fact that the lead actress in it is the latest hottie Kristen Stewart from Twilight, was enough to get my interest peaked to see this movie.

My thoughts:
Pretty good movie adaptation. It held true to the book and although a few scenes were tweaked, it still conveyed the basic message about character's experience in dealing with the aftermath of her traumatic event. Also, Kristen acted well as the Melinda character. Now, I want to go out and watch Kristen in Adventureland. The supporting cast were just as good. So, I say YES, this is definitely a watcher.

Cameo: Laurie Halse Anderson appears as the cafeteria worker spooning out mashed potatoes on the first day of school.

Fun fact from IMDB: 'Sordino' (Melinda's last name) means muted.

Read my book review.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth 

by Carrie Ryan
Genre: Post-apocalypse
Published: 2009
Hardback: 310 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: Debut Author 2009 Challenge

Description from author's site:
In Mary's world, there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

Zombification:  unknown how they came to be, but being bitten zombifies

Zombie mode:  feral

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Ocean

Overall I thought the story was just alright. Being my first zombie book, I had high expectations. However after letting the whole story sink in some and thinking about it, I agree that this is a pretty darn good book.

Growing up watching George Romero's Night of the Living Dead and subsequent zombie flicks, I could totally envision the Unconsecrated. It was sad to see how the people in the village were resigned to living the way they did in the forest.

Like a couple of the characters said in the story, it's all about Mary! The pacing of the novel is very much like the Unconsecrated beings. It slowly shuffles along forward reaching for its heart's desire. Even the love story lacks passion - maybe because their world is lacking. In the end, well I'll just say it ends well.

Read Carrie Ryan's thoughts and explanations on the book on Amazon.com.

Series:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
The Dead-Tossed Waves (release: Spring 2010)

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life v.1 by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life v.1
by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comedy, Action, Romance
Published: 2004
Paperback: 168 pages
Rating: 5

Inspiration: I heard that this graphic novel series was a hit at this year's NY Comic Con at the USA Today's PopCandy blog

Description from author's site:
WHO THE HELL IS SCOTT PILGRIM AND WHY THE HELL SHOULD I CARE?

Scott Pilgrim is a 23-year-old guy living in the big city with his gay roommate, just trying to make his way in this crazy world.

Scott Pilgrim likes the new girl in town, Ramona Flowers, but to win her heart, he has to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends. Wait, what?

Scott Pilgrim is named after a song by the late great 90's all-girl Canadian indie rock band, Plumtree.

Scott Pilgrim is a critically acclaimed, award-winning series of graphic novels by Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O'Malley. There will be six volumes in all published by Oni Press.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Rollerblades
For the first in a series it started out well for me. A fun read with dream sequences, rock-n-roll and a start of a romance. The artwork is manga style with the big eyes which make the character so cute. Unlike manga you can read it from front to back. I will definitely continue with the series.

Movie News from MTV:
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is scheduled to hit theaters in 2009 and features Michael Cera as the title character, Alison Pill in a yet-to-be-announced role (though she’s expected to play Kim Pine), Kieran Culkin as Wallace Wells, Chris Evans as Lucas Lee, Brandon Routh as Todd Ingram, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers, and a variety of other young, up-and-coming actors.

Series:
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (v.1)
Scott Pilgrim Versus The World (v.2)
Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness (v.3)
Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together (v.4)
Scott Pilgrim vs The Universe (v.5)
Scott Pilgrim v.6 (release: 2010?)

V.C. Andrews Quiz results

Here is a fun quiz created by The Chick Manifesto. I'm a Heaven heroine! Take it and see who you are.

Which V.C. Andrews Heroine are You? My Result: Heaven Casteel You're Heaven Casteel! You're a raven haired avid reader who grew up dirt poor with nothing to eat and ended up living in a mansion and falling for a handsome, brooding heir. Sure, there's the whole "you're related" thing, but it's not like you knew that getting into this! You dream of going back to your childhood home and showing them you're not the trash they thought you were. Quiz School Take this quiz & get your result

Which V.C. Andrews Heroine are You? » Make Your Own Quiz

Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews

Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews
Genre: Horror
Published: 1980
Paperback: 439 pages
Rating: 4 (2nd reading)

Inspiration: VCA Challenge

Description from publisher's site:
For Carrie, Chris and Cathy the attic was a dark horror that would not leave their minds. Of course mother had to pretend they didn't exist and grandmother was convinced they had the devil in them.

But that wasn't their fault. Was it?

Cathy knew what to do. She knew it was time to show her mother and grandmother that the pain and terror of the attic could not be forgotten...Show them. Show them -- once and for all.

My thoughts:
In-a-word: Revenge

Golly-lolly! I was tickled to see this expression used a couple times in the story. It's such an archaic one to me. So, I didn't like this reading as much as I did the first time around. I was going to say that this book was my favorite of the series, but I think I'm going to hold back and wait until I finish with the series to say which book is best.

Lots of crazy love happening. Cathy and Chris? Cathy and Paul? Cathy and Julian? Cathy and Bart? Cathy and Chris again? Cathy should be dubbed the "Black Widow" with her trail of dead husbands. So sad that she just couldn't forgive and forget her Momma's doings. However, I did like how Cathy came into her own and managed to get her revenge although bittersweet it was.

Funny incident: One day I was sitting on the grass at a park reading this book during my lunch break. Nearby was a group of people having a picnic as well. I overheard one of the gals talking about how she read Flowers in the Attic and her experience with the horror of the story. I thought it was so amusing that spotting my book sparked a V.C. Andrews conversation.

Dollanganger series:
Flowers in the Attic (movie review)
Petals on the Wind
If There Be Thorns
Seeds of Yesterday
Garden of Shadows

I was looking for a picture of Cathy behind the keyhole book cover and came across this cool collage creation by Sara.