Celebrating Leap Day...Sort Of

Here it is, leap day, and I couldn't think of a single pertinent thing to post.  So, I thought I'd just tell you about something fun coming up: Bloggiesta!

I was hoping to do this awesome blog-fixer-upper event again, and even though the lovely Natasha of Maw Books isn't hosting, two of my other favorites are: Suey of It's All About Books and Danielle of There's a Book.

Not sure what Bloggiesta is?  Here's the run down, from Suey's blog:
"Bloggiesta is a three day event where participants will spend as much time as they can working on fixing all those pesky blog related tasks.... all those things that you think "some day I'm going to clean that up, or change that around, or add that thing!" Everyone will post a "to do" list, or goals they want to accomplish and then all of us will work together to get our lists done."

So, prepare yourselves for this coming March 30, 31, and April 1 - it's time to spruce up those drooping blog sidebars!  For more info, check out the intro posts on It's All About Books and There's a Book.  Also, sign-ups are available for hosting mini-challenges, so leap (ok, I had to have one bad pun) into that if you want.  Yeah for improving the old, boring blog (I so need this)!

Are you participating this year?  What are you hoping to improve on your blog?

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

Book Review: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 240
Source: Library
For: Cybils
Series: Yes, this is Book 1
 

Castle Glower is not your everyday garden variety castle.  It is constantly changing, moving around, creating new rooms or closets or stairs.  When Celie's parents disappear, though, things become a lot more difficult at home.  Diplomats from other countries are trying to take over the throne.  Can the Glower children protect their parents' throne - and the kingdom - with the help of their castle?

Things I Liked:
I fell in love with the castle right on the first page. This sweet and funny adventure in a castle with a personality all its own was such a delight to read! The Glower children were also fun to read about, Celie of course being my favorite. I liked the nice combination of the silly, funny, and serious that made this one a light but thoughtful book. Definitely a fun new series for MG fans looking for magic and castles.  Sweet and just what one expects of a mg fantasy.  It even has some boy appeal, if they can get past the girly cover (which, is a big "if").

Things I Didn't Like:
I was just a touch disappointed in the ending, since it seemed a bit hurried, unexplained, and convenient. There were some hard things to face, but it almost seemed like they were too easily taken care of. Not much in the way of explanation for Celie's parents being gone so long, particularly as this is a big plot point. But, still an enjoyable read.

Read-alikes:
Dragon Slippers series by Jessica Day George
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Anything Gail Carson Levine
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: none 

Overall rating: ****

Would you want to live in a castle that is constantly changing?

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

Book Review: The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication date: January 2012
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review

Ricki Jo is determined to start fresh when she begins high school, beginning with being called Ericka. She hangs out with the right people, buys the right clothes, and even flirts with the right boy. But when her best friend Luke says he misses the old Ricki Jo, she begins to wonder if she wants to change who she is. If she wants to be the kind of friend that doesn't really care, or the kind of girl who would let a boy walk all over her.

Things I Liked:
I really enjoyed the fresh voice and characters of this book!  Ricki Jo (I mean, Ericka) was interesting and she really felt like a teenager to me.  She made mistakes and had misconceptions and made choices based on feelings.  Her life was like a rollar coaster, which totally reminded me of the ups and downs of teenagehood.  The romance was pretty true too - the feeling of liking someone, even if you know they aren't good for you.  I liked the characters and the plot and the down to earth real-ness of the whole thing.  I really liked how it didn't progress as I expected.  From the beginning, you think it is going to go one, predictably cliche way, but it actually doesn't.  The plot goes its own way.  One other thing was a character who is religious and her family is religious, but they are portrayed well.  Religion was not the point, they were not ridiculous or crazy or downright scary.  Just people who happen to have religion in their lives.  Here's a quote that sums it up pretty well:

A lot of the time, I feel totally backward.  Like everything I do is inside out.  I dress wrong and have to back up to square one to catch up with the style.  I've never been kissed, so I read articles about other girls' stories.  Everybody I know is growing, while I seem to be stuck in the body of a ten-year-old boy.  And my new friends all have crushes on the boy I'm in love with. p 160 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
There were a few times where I think the book didn't know what it was doing or where it was going.  It had a lot of things going on and it almost seemed like we had no true destination.  Mind you, I had no problems while I was reading, but usually after I put it down for a while, I would start to wonder.  The ending seemed a little neat, Ricki Jo suddenly changing, despite being stubborn throughout the entire book.  I wish there had been a touch more development before that.  But overall, I really enjoyed the book.

Read-alikes:
Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Populazzi by Elise Allen

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
not too many, actually

mrg-factor: X 
a little bit of implied stuff, nothing on page

v-factor: none 
unrelated, but there was some underage drinking

Overall rating: **** 

It has such a cute book trailer too, made by teens! Check it out.

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

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: January 2012
Pages: 400
Source: ARC sent by publisher
For: Review
Series: Lunar Chronicles, Book 1

When Cinder has a chance meeting with Prince Kai, little does she expect so much to come of it.  As a cyborg, she is a lesser citizen in New Beijing, and her stepmother won't let her forget it.  But, when her stepsister gets the plague and she is blamed for it, Cinder might discover that she plays an unusually important role in the survival of her whole world.

Things I Liked:
What a fun, unique book with a stellar concept.  I loved the futuristic twist on a classic fairy tale.  There is nothing I love more than fairy tale retellings, so adding a sci-fi element made it even more fun.  I love Cinder - the tough, vulnerable, realistic cyborg who is trying to figure out where she fits in her world.  I loved the world Meyer has built and the societies she has created to inhabit this bleak future.  The sci-fi elements are simplistic enough to make it accessible for those who don't like sci-fi, but believable enough for the true connesieur.  The original story is there, but with originality and twists that make it much more interesting and fun.  Just a darn good story.

Things I Didn't Like:
Ok, so I had Cinder figured out long before the end of the story, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching her figure it out.  And really, that's all that might have bothered me.  Very much looking forward to the next books!

Read-alikes:
Not exactly like other fairy tale stories and not exactly like anything sci-fi either - it's pretty unique

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
occasionally

mrg-factor: none 
just some kissing

v-factor: -> 
maybe a little gruesome in relation to the plague

Overall rating: ***** 

What other fairy tales do you think could be great sci-fi?

Check out this clip from the awesome audio version of Cinder!

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

Bring on the Random: Five Ways House Hunting is Like Dating

Thought I'd sneak in a little random post about my life.  Feel free to skip over it, if you are here only for the bookish stuff.  So, we've been trying to buy our first house.  It is actually really scary.  And then I realized why I thought it was so horrifying - it reminded me of dating.  So, here are five ways buying a house is rather like finding a spouse:

5- Sometimes it feels like a game and you don't know all the rules.You know how dating feels like this stupid game with changeable rules and no clear winner?  That's kind of how I feel.  "They" play the music, you do the dance.  I have no idea what to expect next.  Terrifying.

4 - Appearances can be deceiving.Just like that really cute guy who acts like a total moron, houses might look really nice on the outside (or in the pictures) but when you get up close and personal, you can see every flaw.

3 - There's no such thing as the perfect one.If you are trying to find the perfect spouse, good luck with that.  Just as there's no perfect match for you, there's no perfect house.  If you look hard enough, something nasty or annoying or just plain ugly will show up.  You gotta decide what you can live with.

2 - It seems the odds are never in your favor.It always felt like no matter where I lived, there were two or three girls for every guy.  In just such a way, there are always two or three (or four or five) bidders and investors (don't get me started on them) for every house.

1 - The good ones get snatched up right away.Unfortunately, it's also true when looking for a house.  The good-looking nice ones are always the first to go, so you gotta be on the prowl :)

Just reminds me to be happy I am not also playing the dating game.  Trying to buy a house is enough work!

Any sage wisdom from you house-owners?

Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells

Variant by Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Variant, Book 1

When Benson gets a scholarship to a remote private school in New Mexico, he thinks it's the beginning of a new life.  But when he arrives at a school with no adults, gangs of students, and no way out, he is definitely not prepared.  As the mysteries of this school just keep piling up, Benson is determined to escape, no matter the cost. 

Things I Liked:
What an action-packed and twisty story!  I loved how the plot built the tension slowly and carefully, how Benson wondered about everything and everyone.  I was enthralled by the different attitudes and personalities that were portrayed by students all in the same position.  I was pretty much blown away by the surprises and stunned at everything that happened, not to mention how it happened.  This is a surprising read with lots of action, suspense, and twists - not to mention psychological bending that makes you wonder if you're going crazy too!  I think this one will have a lot of boy-appeal and pretty much anyone who likes crazy action and surprise endings will love it.  (Side note: not sure how to fit this into the genre mold - not exactly dystopian, but kind of a little bit...)

Things I Didn't Like:
The characters didn't feel very developed.  The story definitely took a front stage on this one and the characters were more just a part of the action.  Benson was pretty well developed, but the minors felt very flat.  I liked Becky because she actually seemed to have some character, but most of the others just didn't have that spark.  I think Wells has a lot of potential and the writing is pretty good, but I wanted a little something more than story.  Still, couldn't quite believe what was going on and near the end my jaw was aching from being dropped so many times.  Read this one when you want something unexpected! 

Read-alikes:
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
surprisingly few

mrg-factor: none 
just some kissing

v-factor: ->-> 
some gory fist fighting and the like

Overall rating: **** 

Which do you like more - books about story or books about characters (if you had to pick between them, of course)?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

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

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd)
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 224
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review (and Cybils)

When Conor wakes up one night with a monster outside his window, he isn't afraid.  He expected a monster, ever since his mom started her cancer treatments.  But this monster is different, and he wants something painful from Conor.  Will Conor be able to face this monster that pushes his understanding of himself and his mother beyond what he is comfortable with?

Things I Liked:
This is a thoughtful and tough little book.  I liked the combination of realistic situations and real tragedy as well as a sort of fantasy element.  I think this book is one that I'd definitely label magical realism.  I was interested in the monster - what it was, what it represented, why it was there, what it was doing, etc.  I think the idea of it and the things we slowly understand about it make the book compelling.  But really, it is the ideas and the hard look at what life is like when you have a terminally ill family member that make this unforgettable.  I liked how it wasn't glossed over, how Conor made mistakes and the struggles he has fitting his home life and his school life together.  The issues he faces and the personal demons are so realistic they will make you cry.  A lot.  Beautiful story, beautifully told.  I first read the book on my kindle (thank you NetGalley), but hated the format for the illustrations (which was more like a non-format).  I did finally check it out from the library and got to appreciate fully the beauty of those illustrations.

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, I found some of the details of the monster's story a bit distracting from Conor's story.  There were some really complex and abstract concepts thrown around in relation to Conor and I am quite sure I didn't fully grasp them.  I kind of wanted something I could nail down and understand.  And I really questioned the kid-appeal of this one for the Cybils.  I just couldn't see a general interest in such a dark and sometimes quite depressing book.  Something that I can't quite put my finger on is holding me back from giving this one five stars.  But I absolutely recommend it.

Read-alikes:
This one is pretty unique, maybe a little like Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

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

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
not so much violent as raw and a bit scary in places

Overall rating: **** 

What did you love about this book?

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

Phoenix Public Library: Burton Barr Central Library

Since my last two libraries around the world posts were about my former local libraries, I figured it was about time to showcase a library closer to my new home! I got to visit the Burton Barr Central Library, which is the main library of the Phoenix Public Library system.  I went there to get my Inheritance Cycle books signed by Christopher Paolini, but the building itself is such a beautiful one that I had to show you all. 

Here's a view from the inside looking out through the huge windows:

And a view of the crowd gathered for the signing - taken from the great glass elevator (it had to be said).

I loved this display of some art from Eric Carle, even though the lighting made it impossible to get a good photo (not to mention, I was taking photos on my phone).

I've noticed that glass elevators tend to be very popular in libraries.  It makes for an interesting view on the way up and down.  (There is also a pool at the base of the elevators, but my photo of it was really bad.  Just know, it was cool.)

The interesting shade sails on the outside - they certainly make for some great photos, inside and out.

I love libraries anyway, but housing all that book-ish goodness inside a soaring gorgeous structure just makes it more enjoyable.

Want to brag on your own local libraries?

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

Book Review: Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 336
Source: Library
For: Fun (and then for Cybils)

Solveig and her siblings are sent for their own safety to a small frozen fjord while their father the king goes off to war.  But this isolated place may not be as safe as they first imagined as the small group of servants and warriors appears to be harboring a traitor.  Can they figure out who it is before it's too late?

Things I Liked:
I read this one at the very end of 2011 and you probably don't remember it was one of my favorites of the year.  The whole experience of reading this book blew me away (or more accurately entranced me).  The book is very atmospheric.  I loved how the characters are in this claustrophobic icy prison and the tension is slowly building to find out who among them is the traitor.  Every detail on every page seemed to draw you into this place of unimaginable cold and mounting fear and mistrust. I fell in love with Solveig and the things she learns and the ways she grows up.  Not your usual heroine, she is a plain middle child with no great purpose in life.  It is during this winter imprisonment that she begins to find a place and grow and accept who she is and what she can do.  I love her growth over the novel.  The whole story is constructed so carefully and it comes together so well that I almost never wanted them to leave their frozen prison.  An absolute gem for me!  Some good quotes:

Can your sword grant immortality?  Because my voice can.  You would defend the king's body, an honorable endeavor, but I would defend his legend.  Which do you think will outlast the other, Captain? p 19

A story is not a thing.  The question you must ask is what a story has the power to do.  The truth of something you do is very different from the truth of something you know.  p 64

Stories give you a way to see things.  A way to understand the events of your life.  Even if you don't realize it while you're hearing the tale. p173

The weeks are relentless.  The days are stretching, lengthening, as though someone is spinning the gray wool of winter-light into golden thread.  p 183

Things I Didn't Like:
I honestly can't remember anything I didn't like about this book.  I know some of my fellow Cybils panelists thought there were too many characters to keep track of, but it didn't bothered me.  It might move a bit slowly for some as well, but I didn't notice that either.  I just loved this one through and through!

Read-alikes:
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: X 
maybe a bit implied, nothing on page

v-factor: ->-> 
with berserkers, what do you expect?

Overall rating: ***** 

What book do you adore that seems to get very little attention?

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

Mini Reviews 5: (Mostly) Audio Fun

Here we are again! I'm starting to love these minis. They are lots of fun to write and I feel less pressure when I do write them. Three of the five were audiobooks, so I figured the title was (mostly) accurate. Enjoy!


In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Various
Publication date: 1990
Pages: 256
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: Song of the Lioness, Book 2

Alanna's further adventures, as squire to Prince Jonathan, become even more dangerous as she continues to masquerade as a boy.  A dangerous and powerful magician is out to get not only her but those she cares about.

My thoughts: I loved watching Alanna grow into herself, accept herself as a woman, and learn to love.  She is still the same person, which I think is fabulous, but she has new parts to herself and has grown even more.  I thought it covered a lot of time in a very short book.  Which isn't bad, but it just seems like a lot happens and happens quickly.  I was also rather surprised at the direction it took. I figured the stuff that happened at the end would only come at the end of the entire series.  I'm happy to be wrong and look forward to seeing where the next books take me!  This was another audiobook and I still love the narrator.  She portrays Alanna so well and does a few accents to help me keep the characters separate.  I love the characters and the setting and just everything about this series.  This is my kind of story.  
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The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley, adapted by Yuri Rasovsky
Publisher: Zorro Productions and Blackstone Audio
Publication date: April 2011
Source: Audiobook won from Devourer of Books
For: Fun
Series: There are lots of Zorro books

Don Diego, a foolish and weak but rich young man, is being forced into taking a wife by his father.  He attempts to woo the smart and independent Lolita Pulido.  But her heart belongs to the dashing, daring, brave Zorro, a masked menace to the corrupt officials in the town. 

My thoughts: This was a good old fashioned, swashbuckling story.  I love Zorro stories (though I've never read one, so I'm basing it on the movie), but this one was just perfect, complete with do-gooder outlaw, beautiful lady, and corrupt leaders.  While the story is a bit simplistic, black and white, and just plain obvious, I think it is meant to be that way.  And it still is charming.  I really liked the full cast narration (Val Kilmer was not hard to listen to).  The accents and the voices and the sound effects made the story truly come to life. 
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Publisher: Various
Publication date: 1962
Pages: 280
Source: audiobook from the library
For: Reread (for 50th Anniversary post)
Series: A Wrinkle in Time Quartet, Book 1

Meg does not fit in anywhere in her life, at school and even at home.  She's always fighting people and in trouble.  But when she gets a chance to find her father who's disappeared and to travel with some unusual new friends, she jumps at the chance.  And life will never be the same for her and her family.

My thoughts: I've already talked about much that I liked in my post about sharing this book.  But, I love the characters and the epic journey feel of the story.  I loved how broad and how huge its scope is - travel in space and how time and science play a huge part of it.  But I also love the religious aspects.  I know many people don't, but I am a religious person and found those parts added a layer and meaning to the book that resonated with me.  And yet, the book is still very strange, odd, and confusing even.  I wish I'd read it as a child.  My biggest complaint on this reread (er, relisten?) was that it was read by the author.  While this added another aspect of passion and meaning, I found her voice very annoying.  And I absolutely loathed Mrs. Which's voice, which had a strange echoing effect that bothered me to no end.  Definitely listen to one not narrated by the author.  She wrote interesting books, but she was not a good narrator.
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Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 272
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review

Izzie is content with her life, she has a sweet boyfriend and a great best friend.  But life gets turned upside down when an interesting new guy, Tristan, shows up and a mix up in magical potions leaves her feeling confused.  Even more distressing is the strange creatures that begin stalking Izzie.  Will she figure out her feelings for Mark and Tris or will she be destroyed by monsters before she gets the chance?

My thoughts:
To be honest, I've seen nothing but loathing surrounding this book. Perhaps it was best that I had low expectations.  I liked how Izzie fought the idea of being attracted to someone based only on some stupid potion.  She didn't want to have that choice taken from her, but she was also a huge jerk both to Mark and Tristan.  Izzie had some interesting things about her, but much of her was just annoying.  I was glad that she changed and grew in many ways over the course of the book, but I just didn't enjoy reading it.  None of the parts seemed to mix together well.  It felt disjointed like its parts didn't quite fit together.  And I was disappointed that it seemed to lack Harrison's unique style and writing.  I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters.  Tris and Mark were just not interesting.  The quick exchanging of affections that occurs is unreal (though possibly intentional).  The whole thing felt like it was unpolished (mind you, it was an ARC, but even for an ARC, it felt that way).  The bones of the original story were there and fairly interesting, but it just didn't play out well.
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Frost by Marianna Baer
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series:

When Leena finds out she has a new roommate foisted on her during senior year, she is anything but happy.  But when it turns out to be Celeste, she is livid.  Celeste is eccentric, loud, complaining.  And Leena was sure this year would be perfect, since she and her friends are staying in Frost House, an adorable little house set off by itself in the woods.  But when strange unnerving things begin to happen to Celeste, Leena may discover there is more going on at Frost House than she could have imagined.  Or did she imagine it?

My thoughts: This book was very, very creepy.  The atmosphere, the small details all building on one another, all these elements made the whole thing completely horrifying (as it was supposed to).  I also really liked the teenage-ness of the characters, especially, the slow building picture of what Leena really is like, what she does.  She isn't even sure who she is herself.  There is also a Gothic undertone to the whole story that made it even more spooky and thrilling.  I was sufficiently terrified into avoiding my closet for a time.  And I have to admit, it is definitely not my kind of book.  I don't like being freaked out, and I don't like disturbing stories.  It was just not the kind of book I usually enjoy and not one I recommend, unless this is your kind of story.  But, it's a great psychological thriller for those aching to be terrorized by the mind.

Any thoughts on these books?

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

Book Review: The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy, Randall Wright, and Barry Moser

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy, Randall Wright, and Barry Moser
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 256
Source: Library
For: Cybils

Skilley, an unusual alley cat, manages to secure his place as mouser in the Cheshire Cheese, an inn famous for - what else - its delicious cheese.  When he meets Pip, an equally unusual mouse, and one who discovers Skilley's darkest secret, they form an odd friendship that will be tested in more ways than either can imagine. 

Things I Liked:
What a fun and clever book!  I loved the Dickensian feel of the story, especially how Dickens and other historical figures of the time were woven into this sweet little tale of friendship and loyalty.  All of us on the Cybils panel were pleasantly surprised to find that, not only was this a delightful animal tale, but it had a depth and character that made it stand apart from the pack.  And I truly loved the illustrations - they went just perfectly with the text and feeling of the story.  It's just perfect for lovers of Dickens or animal tales or just plain Old English fun!

Things I Didn't Like:
I wondered if kids would enjoy it quite as much as adults, especially since it has lots of references to Dickens: War and Peace, Great Expectations, etc.  I think it might not be as fun for them if they aren't familiar with his stuff.  But, as was mentioned in the blurb from our panel, the hope is that they will remember this fun book when they get older and appreciate it more as they become more familiar with Dickens.  It certainly isn't necessary to be a Dickens fan to love this book, though!  So happy that it took home a Cybils prize.

Read-alikes:
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Bless This Mouse by Lois Lowry

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: none 

Overall rating: **** 

Perfect timing for Dickens' 200th birthday! What's your favorite Dickens-related book?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Be My Valentine, Cybils Winners

What better day to announce the Cybils winners than a day devoted to love!  Since I already posted a heart-loving list yesterday, I figured today should be a post about my love of Cybils. 

This year marks my third time participating as a Round II Judge (I'm not quite up to the crazy that those Round I folks do) on the MG Sci-Fi/Fantasy panel.  Every year is different, but so much fun!  I love the diverse and wonderful books the Round I judges pass on to us.  I especially love discovering fabulous new books that I might not have picked up otherwise.  Chatting with the other panelists, hearing their opinions and seeing things from a new point of view is also one of my favorite things.  And I'm so pleased with the books that won, particularly our panel's choice, The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale.  I'll let you read the beautiful blurb one of our members wrote, since it explains so well why we all loved this book.  I'm hoping to get my review up for this delicious book today or tomorrow.

Check out all of the winners for all of the categories (shout out for Blood Red Road and Amelia Lost taking home prizes) and then express your love for those winners or for the Cybils or just for reading in general.  It's the perfect day for it.

What Cybils winner are you loving?

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

Listless Monday, I Heart You Edition

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

I've done at least three love-related Listless Mondays before, but this year I decided to go with something more visual to display. And this way, it includes books that are love oriented and some that are more an anti-valentine-ish.

(Suggested by Annette)

(Suggested by kathy)

Any additions?

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