Retro Friday Review: Earthseed by Pamela Sargent

Retro Friday is a meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."

Earthseed by Pamela Sargent
Publisher: Tor Teen (and various others)
Publication date: 1983
Pages: 288
Source: Review copy provided by publicist
For: Review
Series: Seed Trilogy, Book 1

Zoheret was born and raised by Ship, the sentient space craft that is flying the human race to a new home.  She has known no other life.  But when Ship must prepare them for life on their new planet, things do not go as planned.  Will they be able to survive living with each other, even before they've gotten to their new home?

Things I Liked:
This felt like a pretty unique and interesting story.  I was really intrigued when I first read what it was about - a sentient ship planting humankind on foreign planets.  It had even more going on than I first expected.  I loved the thought-provoking situations and that there weren't ever any easy answers to the dilemmas the people face.  There were so many unexpected twists and turns the story took that I honestly had no idea where the characters would end up.  It had a depth that was belied by the new cover (which, I think, is quite unfortunate).  An interesting, complicated story that will have you thinking about it long after you leave behind Ship.

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters.  I felt like I never could quite figure out Zoheret - she seemed to be like no one I know.  Whenever I'd think she would respond in a certain way, she would do something completely unexpected.  I guess I just never cared very much about her or the other people on Ship.  They were not well characterized and there were too many of them to keep track of.  I thought Ship was most interesting, though I didn't get much of a sense of it either.  Definitely more of a plot-based, idea-heavy book than a character-driven book.  I also was a little put off by some of the dialog between the teens.  Maybe it was designed that way, since they grew up isolated and without outside contact, but it was really awkward at times.  Still, it kept me interested enough to see where the story would go.

Read-alikes:
Across the Universe series by Beth Revis
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
a very few

mrg-factor: XX
not so much in descriptions, but teen sex was very casually presented

v-factor: ->->
some brutality and fighting, not generally graphic

Overall rating: *** 

Have you picked up this classic sci-fi?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

For more audiobook celebrating, check out Jen @ Devourer of Books' Audiobook Week celebration

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication date: May 2012
Length: 9 hrs 5 min
Source: Won audio from Small Review and Walden Pond Press
For: Fun

Everyone knows the fairy tale stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel.  But what about Prince Charming?  The untold and definitely inaccurate stories of the so-called charming princes is finally about to be revealed - Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, and Prince Duncan will get their share of the spotlight.  Whether they want it or not.

Things I Liked:
This was a delightfully fun romp into the world of princes charming and how wrong all the fairy tale stories got it.  I loved every minute of it, from Prince Frederic's obsession with Sir Bertram the Dainty to Gustav's desire to rush blade-first at anything that moves.  The personalities of the princes kept me laughing and smiling through the whole thing.  And don't think princesses get the short end of the stick, either.  Cinderella certainly holds her own throughout, though I thought Briar Rose was an especially nice touch.  Definitely a fun fractured fairy tale for any true fans of a good retelling.  I like how it didn't stray into the trap of making everything end neatly like a fairy tale.  It was still pretty messy.  Bronson Pinchot, the narrator for the audio, was fantastic, doing every voice differently and with amazing characterization.  I laughed out loud a number of times on my commute, and that is saying something.  He did a superb job of bringing the princes, the witch, the troll, and more to life.  I think it more than made up for not getting to see the awesome illustrations.

Things I Didn't Like:
Honestly, I kinda of wish there was more.  When I got to the end, I was hoping for more adventures with the League of Princes and felt disappointed that it ended.  That's about it, though.

Read-alikes:
A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
I think maybe one or two mild cuss words

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
most of the fighting is pretty lightly handled

Overall rating: *****

What's your favorite fractured fairy tale?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

July Dune Read-Along

Remember way back when I mentioned doing a Dune Read-Along?  Yeah, I didn't forget.  I think I've worked out the details enough to get this party rolling for July.  Here's what I have so far, utilizing the fabulous structure and questions from Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings' July 2011 read-along.

Since the book is split into three sections, we will read one section per week in July (starting the second week, for my own convenience sake - I'm on vacation that first week :).  Then at the end of that week, we'll each post answers to some or all of the questions or any other discussion thoughts we might have about it.  Anyone who's read Dune in the past is more than welcome to post answers to the questions or join in the discussions. 

July 8-14: Book 1, discussion questions posted on July 14th
July 15-21: Book 2, discussion questions posted on July 21st
July 22-28: Book 3, discussion questions posted on July 28th

If you are interested, leave a comment and maybe post about your intentions on your blog, spread the word, whatever you feel like, and prepare to start the read-along!  Thanks for your participation.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

My Year in Audiobooks

I'm a bit late to joining in Jen @ Devourer of Books' Audiobook Week celebration, but since I've started to really adore audiobooks, I didn't want to miss out.  I'm jumping back to yesterday's topic, which is to talk about my year in audiobooks.  I think audiobooks have become a very important part of my reading since I started commuting for 40-45 minutes (one way) to my job.  I've started to ensure that I have another audio lined up as soon as I finish one!  I simply can't bear the commute without it - they keep me sane (when they're good) and distract me at least (when they aren't).  So, here's my year:

I've listened to 17 audiobooks since January (which is a HUGE increase).  And 29 audiobooks since last June.

In case you haven't been reading my blog recently, my hands-down, all-time favorite audiobook series is Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer, narrated by the amazing Katherine Kellgren.  I honestly can't imagine reading these books in print, because Katherine IS Jacky for me. 

That's not to say I haven't truly enjoyed other audios either.  The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy was just side-splittingly hilarious.  A funny story in print becomes ten times more so with the awesome voices and characterization that Bronson Pinchot uses for everyone, especially the princes.  Watch for my review tomorrow or Thursday.

I also really loved The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud, narrated by Simon Jones.  I was already a huge fan of the Bartimeaus books, but having Barty's humor spoken in just the right sarcastic tone was perfection.  Highly recommended for those needing a good laugh.

Obviously, I'm a big fan of humorous audiobooks.  I think part of this is that I am very affected by audio and visual stories - even more so than when I read them.  So, if something is very sad or emotional, I tend to get that way.  I mostly use audiobooks to distract me from the heinous commute, so I tend to love the humorous ones with the narrators that use many, varied, awesome voices.  I will also choose audiobooks to help me catch up on a series (ie reread it) before the next book comes out, as with the Inheritance cycle (though, I've yet to read that last book still).

What kind of audiobooks do you prefer - and why do you listen to them?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Heirs of Prophecy by Michael A. Rothman

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Heirs of Prophecy by Michael A. Rothman
Publisher: M&S Publishing
Publication date: April 2012
Pages: 370
Source: Review copy provided by author
For: Review/Tour
Series: Prophecies series, Book 1

When the Rivertons take a surprise vacation to Arizona, they little expected to end up in a strange new world called Trimoria.  A place where Ryan and Aaron discover they have magical powers - powers that will make them a target for the evil wizard Azazel.  Will they be able to defeat the evil powers that seek to destroy Trimoria before they themselves are destroyed?

Things I Liked:
The book has an interesting plot - the family that accidentally ends up in a strange world, complete with magic powers.  I love the device of following strange paths to new worlds, like the Chronicles of Narnia or Beyonders, and this is along those same lines.  The fantasy world is complex and interesting, if not unique, and has plenty of cool creatures and odd characters - and, of course, an evil wizard.  I was especially fascinated at the inclusion of Ryan and Aaron's parents in the adventure - it seems there are very rarely good, present parents in fantasy stories, but they are here in this one and quite good.  Definitely a unique trait in MG fantasy books. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, I was put off a few times with the writing.  Sometimes the way things are described just seemed awkward.  And I had a hard time imagining the family wouldn't even think about getting home, instead they settled completely into their new life in a strange place.  It just didn't seem realistic at all and left me feeling like the first part of the book, about their life before, was not important.  It's not as compelling or interesting as many fantasy books (especially the read-alikes), but it will still be fun for those who love a good adventure story - and especially fans of blacksmithing (there's a LOT of time spent describing the making of swords, etc.).

Read-alikes:
Beyonders by Brandon Mull
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a few instances of fighting, not descriptive

Overall rating: ***

For more stops on the tour, check out the TLC Tour schedule.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

I Made It...

...through my first ALA conference!  And I had a blast.  I came, I met people (bloggers, authors, librarians, generally cool people), I browsed the (at times intense) exhibit hall and I survived.  I think there's a t-shirt slogan in the making there. :) Anyway, I will have to blog about the fun and post some pictures soon, but I'm still trying to get my blogging feet under me again after this difficult month.  I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who has made kind comments on my blog and on twitter - I truly appreciate your support, thoughts, and prayers.  I might even manage to get a Listless Monday post up today...

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 7

I'm still trying to get back into blogging, but it's hard.  Bear with me as I try to get back into the swing of things.  And thank you again to everyone for your kind comments regarding the death of my nephew.  Know they are very much appreciated.

Two of these are audiobooks, which makes me happy because June is audiobook month and there are a number of celebrations going on (check those out at ReadingTeen and Devourer of Books).  Yeah for hands-free, commute-saving books! :)


Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber by L.A. Meyer
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Publication date: 2005 (HC)
Length: 14 hrs, 43 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun (and to make my commute bearable)
Series: Bloody Jack, Book 3

Jacky is back with more adventures and finally back at sea.  As she leaves the girls' school in Boston to find her way back to Jaimy, she little expects to find things just as messy in England as they were in America.  When things don't go according to plan, she ends up back in the navy's service and in danger once again.  Will she ever get out of trouble or will she have to fight for her life again?

My thoughts:
Ah, Jacky.  You never change.  Except when you do.  I love this series and this book just fed that love.  Jacky kind of comes into her own a bit in this one and truly has chances to shine.  I love how confidently she acts, yet how vulnerable she feels.  Despite defying convention, she does want to fit somewhere in the world.  And I do just love (sometimes) how she can't make herself behave, even when her head is telling her what she's doing isn't smart.  The adventures are fun, if slightly unbelievable, and Jacky always inspires laughter with her antics and trouble-making skills.  Highly enjoyable, particularly in audiobook form, as I've recommended before.  I don't recommend listening to or reading them all at once, because I got a bit burned out on Jacky adventures.  The adventures all start to be the same and they also are getting progressively more bawdy and full of cussing.  It's not exactly a younger teen series, but will be fun for fans of historical fiction that makes you laugh, along the lines of Karen Cushman.  And I would be remiss without mentioning Katherine Kellgren, who seriously makes these audiobooks so much fun to listen to - voice inflections and accents and singing?  She does it all and does it well.   
 -------------------------------------------------------


The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Publisher: Full Cast Audio
Publication date: 2003 (HC)
Length: 10 hrs, 7 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Book Group
Series: Books of Bayern, Book 1

When Crown Princess Anidori is sent to a distant kingdom to marry an unknown prince, she is surprised, sad, and more than a little lost.  But when her lady in waiting does the unthinkable on their long journey, Ani is left wondering just who she is and if she can be a princess anymore. 

My thoughts:
This was a reread (relisten?) for me and I just love the story every time I pick it up.  I marvel at the beautiful writing Shannon Hale crafted and the way the story seems predictable, but also isn't.  The world is so vivid that you feel you are a part of it, like you can hear the wind whispering and the animals speaking.  Just a beautiful story.  It translated really well to audio, especially with the full cast that was used - each character having their own unique voices.  Erica Lustig (Ani) was excellent, as was Anna McGee (Selia) and a number of other smaller characters like Seth Jackson (Razo) and Emily Holden (Enna).  I think they really brought the story to life.
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Northanger Alibi by Jenni James
Publisher: Brigham Distributing
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 243
Source: Won from Goodreads First Reads
For: Fun
Series: The Jane Austen Diaries, Book 2

When Claire gets a chance to visit her favorite place on earth - Washington State - she is certain going to Edward Cullen's home will be perfect.  But she's even more surprised when she discovers Tony Russo is undoubtedly a vampire too.  When her sister doesn't believe it, she sets out to prove it's true.  

My thoughts:
This is a fun, fluffy, light book that plays the Twilight-obsessed game quite well.  I loved how ridiculous Claire was and how funny it was to see her turn her Twilight obsession to reality.  I think the idea of a Twilight groupie's fascination with vampires and werewolves lends itself very well to a retelling of Northanger Abbey - the heroine with too much imagination from reading too many Gothic novels.  The story verges on the ridiculous at times, but that is part of its charm.  Despite the rough writing and sometimes odd dialog (this is not what I'd call literary), it was a quick and fun beach read.
 -------------------------------------------------------


Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: May 2012
Pages: 544
Source: Library
For: Dystopian Challenge (and fun, of course)
Series: Divergent, Book 2

In the aftermath of the unrest from the Erudite attack, Tris is dealing with unimaginable grief and guilt.  She and her friends from Dauntless and her brother are hiding from those who might try to kill them.  But when the fractures in the factions leads to more violence, she must make more choices - ones that could destroy all that she loves or save them.  

My thoughts:
I think everything that could possibly be said about this has been said - both the good and the bad, which is why I chose to do it in mini form.  I'll just indicate that I liked it, it had some very exciting and heart-pounding parts (at least, at the end) and I like the direction the ending is headed.  All that hype and the rave reviewing left me feeling a bit wary of this book, so I was perhaps more prepared to be annoyed by it, but I still found the first half to be a bit dull - especially in comparison to the non-stop action of the first book.  I was also a bit annoyed by the Four and Tris's back and forth and trust and lies thing, but it was a pretty realistic relationship issue.  Despite not guessing exactly where the story was going, and being frustrated that it took so long to get there, the ending didn't surprise me.  I think she introduced it slowly enough that it made sense to me more than surprised me.  My biggest complaint (and it was mostly my fault) was the numerous side characters whose names, relationships, and former and current factions I couldn't keep straight.  There were just too many and they distracted from the main characters importance at times.  Roth does write quite well and her action and exciting story kept me reading through all 500+ pages (a bit over the top, I think, but not unusual).  I eagerly await the last book, along with everyone else.
 -------------------------------------------------------


The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin
Publisher: Flash Point
Publication date: November 2010
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: Fun

Most people know next to nothing about Benedict Arnold - except he was a traitor to the country during the American Revolution.  This book brings to life the fiery character who played many important roles in the revolution - most of them before he became a traitor.

My thoughts:
Despite everyone knowing the name Benedict Arnold, I think few of us know much about this historical figure.  I certainly didn't.  And boy, does that title truly describe what the story was like!  He really did do a lot of adventuring and the good things he did for the country are very worthy of note.  The book itself is actually very readable for non-fiction and I think would be a good hit especially for boys interested in history and adventure.  Despite it having taken me nearly a month to finish, I think it is a fast read.  There were chapters about side characters that didn't interest me as much, but I don't think it was the fault of the book.  It was interesting to read of his downfall and possible reasons why he would betray the country he fought so hard for.  I didn't know anything about what he actually did to betray the US, but it was a truly interesting story.  I was impressed by just how many events had to fall into place in order for everything to work out as it did for our country.  Another unique piece in the puzzle of our history.

Have you read any of these?  Which sounds the most interesting to you?

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In Memoriam

Dallin

 1997 - 2012

We miss you, Dallin!

Just a Note

I just wanted to let you all know I'll be away from the blog and email for a while. We've had a family emergency and I'm headed home to be with my family. Thanks for visiting and know I'm not ignoring comments or emails.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA Winner and ALA Annual

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

Armchair BEA and BEA have come to a close for the year. I almost forgot to draw the winner in my contest in all my enjoyment of new bloggers and great posts! The winner is:

Lisa of Lisa's World of Books

I also wanted to shout out that I will finally be attending an ALA conference in a few weeks - the stars aligned for it to be close enough to drive for me. So, despite the fact that I'll only be visiting the exhibit hall this year and not getting to enjoy the fabulous and helpful sessions, I will get a chance to be there. Do let me know if you will be there and want to meet up, cause I'm already experiencing anxiety that I'll be roaming the hall embarrassingly alone :)

Thanks again to all those who visited my blog this week for Armchair BEA and I hope you'll stick around for more!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA, Day 5: Ask the Experts

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

Today (the final day for Armchair BEA) is Ask the Expert day.  Before I get to that, just wanted to say thanks to everyone who visited my blog this week - I loved getting to know you a bit more and discovering your blogs.  And now, instead of pretending I'm an expert in anything blogging related, I thought I'd throw this question out:

How do you keep the content of your blog feeling fresh - not the same thing day in and day out? 

I sure feel like my reviews and other posts are getting stale.  I like to have a schedule (Mondays I post X, etc) but not keep to it very strictly.  I guess I just feel like with so many other blogs out there doing everything under the sun, there's really nothing new or exciting for me to blog about.  (Oh that sounds so whiny, but I'm leaving it, because it's true.)

Anywho, that's my question for you experts!  Answer away, if you like :)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA, Day 4: Beyond the Blog

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

I don't really have tips or advice or cool stories about getting beyond the blog, unless by beyond the blog we mean something a little bit different.  So, I'm going to run with something different (again).  What happens when you realize your blog is TAKING OVER YOUR LIFE!!!  I think this happens to all of us at some point - it becomes more than we can fit on our busy plates.  So what can we do to alleviate or avoid this?  In other words, what can we do to be byond our blog?

1- Recognize that you do have a life beyond the blog. 
You have family, friends, cats, whatever, but you have things that exist outside this online space.  And those things are important too.  Much more so than a blog, in fact.  Realize that we might be neglecting those things in order to post the newest thing or the first review of that amazing new book out there. 

2- Step back.
You may need a small break from the blog (and try to take it before you have a break down and HAVE to take it).  This might mean a day or two or a week or two.  Just depends.  Everyone needs a break from the blog, so don't feel guilty or like you will lose all your readers if you stop for a bit.  Trust that we'll all still be here when you get back.

3- Find that balance.
This is the hardest step and one that I'm continually working on.  Life is a great balancing act and to fit in all the things we need to do and all the things we want to do, we have to organize or order.  Sit down and think about what needs to be done and what you want to do and then put the list in order of importance.  You'll find that some things will fall off the list.  That's ok.  Maybe sometime (at a different time in your life) you'll be able to try those, but not now.  For instance, I am dying to try my hand at writing a book, but right now I work full time, commute for nearly 1.5 hours, and am fixing up a house when I get home.  I barely have time to eat, sleep, read, and blog between all those other things.  When my life calms down (I'm hoping it will) I'll still have my brain (I hope) and I'll still want to write (I'm sure).  Don't let the now moments make you forget that there will be future moments to do things too.

I totally feel like a hypocrite or the least qualified person to offer these tidbits, but I couldn't think of another thing I could possibly do beyond my blog (as I mentioned, quite busy right now).  So, this is my way of remembering that there are things beyond our blogs and some of those things should be done now and some later.

What are your tips for getting beyond the blog - in whatever way you interpret that?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA, Day 3: In the Real World

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

So, I'm kind of taking a slightly different spin on the Armchair BEA topic today.  Positive real life bookish experiences aren't too hard to come by in my profession, usually.  In my current position as an academic librarian, they are more rare than in a public or school library (sometimes I feel like a printing factory).  I do have some fun, quick interactions when a student will see me reading and strike up a conversation about their reading.  One memorable experience was a former military young man who informed me that he and a group of his buddies in Afghanistan all started on a reading kick (and a writing one for him) because of one book his wife sent him.  Guess which book?  If you said Hunger Games, you're wrong.  It was Twilight.  I loved the image of all those tough soldiers devouring Twilight and finding that spark of reading fire within them.  Say what you will about it, that series can make readers out of the most unlikely people.

Or I could talk about donating my ARCs and other YA books to my local library and hearing them exclaim over the contents of the bag and how excited they are about giving it away for the summer reading program!

Or the local book club I am slowly building.  It's so much fun to connect with other women, even if the vast majority of the time, we talk about other things.  What brings us together is a desire to find time for books in our lives. 

What I'm getting at is it doesn't have to be some big interaction with the community or a huge event - and it doesn't even have to involve your blog.  Reading is a connection that can create friendships in unlikely places and form bonds between strangers met online (oh blogger meet-ups, you are my favorite) or strangers met in real life.  If you haven't made a "real life" connection, take a book out in public and read it.  Or talk to someone who's reading.  There's something about that book (or kindle or other reading device) that can bring people together.  Try it!

What are your favorite real life bookish interactions?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair Bea, Day 2: Giveaway!

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

So, I'm hosting a giveaway for Armchair BEA participants today! (For more giveaways, check out the linky at the Armchair BEA site.) I love to do a choose your own book type of giveaway, so I have a list of books and the winner will get to pick one book from the stack.  The only requirements are that you be 13 years old and have a US address.  Fill out the form below and then tell me in the comments one good thing about not making it to BEA in NY this year :)

(I know, my picture-taking skills astound me too)

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann, audio CDs
Dreamland by Alyson Noel, audio CDs
Destined by P.C. Cast, audio CDs
Tempest by Julie Cross, audio CDs
What Happened on Fox Street by Tricia Springstubb, HC
Wildwood by Colin Meloy, ARC
Father of Lies by Anne Warren Turner, HC
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, HC
Stunning by Sara Shepard, HC
Northanger Alibi by Jenni James, PB
The Best of the Best by Tim Green, HC
The Magnificent 12 by Michael Grant, HC
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith, ARC
The Final Four by Paul Volponi, ARC
Restitution by Kathy Kacer, PB
The Ivy: Secrets by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur, HC

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

Contest Closed - Winner chosen.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA, Day 1: About Me!

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads.

Welcome Armchair BEA goers! Read on if you want to know a bit more about me! And skip right over if you don't. :)

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?
I'm obviously a librarian, though I'm currently working in an academic setting despite a desire to be in a public library. I started blogging four years ago this October and I decided to blog about books simply because I read so much that I wanted to track it and review it. That way, all my family and friends who asked for recommendations could come here and find something.

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?
Well, not sure I could pick just one favorite even from the books I've read so far this year. However, I did discover a new favorite series, Bloody Jack by LA Meyer, that I've been raving about. Seriously entertaining audiobooks.

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
I actually have a pretty boring life outside of the book world, but I do love to get out camping and hiking when I can, as I recently mentioned. Nothing like reading in the beautiful outdoors :)

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
I really enjoy doing the Listless Monday posts, where I create fun themed lists, though I also get a real kick out of Name That Book - a game where readers guess the book based on images I post.

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
I don't know if they are favorites, but I liked the recent discussions I had with readers about book advertising and what influences them to pick up a book.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy your time doing Armchair BEA.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Classic Double Challenge: June

And once again, I manage an epic fail on my own reading challenge.  Sigh.  June totally snuck up on me and I haven't read a book for this challenge since April.  I am going to get started on a new pair this month!  Who's with me?

Ok, moving on.  I've picked another monthly winner and this time it's Vasilly!  Congrats, I've sent you an email and I'll get a bookish prize sent to you soon. 


Thought question: why do you think it is so hard for us (and authors) to leave those fairy tales and classic stories alone?  We update and write sequels and do movies - why the fixation on these stories of the past?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage