N's Literary Asylum

How to add links to your blog posts

Reblogged from BookLikes:

 

Sharing your book reviews sometimes requires sharing links:

  • to your other blogs, webpages, social profiles etc
  • to the book pages
  • to the author pages
  • to your fellow bloggers

 

All of this can be easily done with your blog on BookLikes. We'll present you several ways on sharing additional links within your review or a post on BL. 

 

1. Source link

 

If you quote a piece of writing or share an image, a passage, a quote from other site, please use the Source Link spot (on the right).

 

 

The link will be added at the bottom of your post and will be visible in your Dahboard and the blog view. 

 

 

 

2. Book page links

 

When you write a book review, you select a book on the wooden bar, right? Did you notice that the little cover has got a link icon? Yes, it does! It's the link. And precisely it's a book title + author phrase linked to a book page. 

 

 

If you'd like to add a linked book title just click the icon and it will be added to your text. 

 

 

The text will be added with the book details from BookLikes book pages (title, author(s)).

 

 

But if you wish to change the text to display or link, mark the text (or just click on it) and click the Insert/edit link icon on the upper bar. 

 

 

Then make the changes to the text, and/or change the link. And Save to view the effect. 

 

 

3. Link your text or graphics

 

You can link any phrase or photo in your text. Simply mark the phrase and click the Insert/edit link icon visible on the text editor's upper bar, add a link and Save. 

It work the same for the image. 

 

 

Happy blogging! 

 

 

Looking for more BookLikes how-to and tutorial posts? Click HERE to view our tutorials and make sure to follow BookLikes blog to view our news on your Dashboard. 

"He's got too much pride, she's got too much prejudice. It just works"

Reblogged from As the page turns..:
Pride and Prejudice - Audible Studios, Jane Austen, Rosamund Pike
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Narrated by Rosamund Pike
Overall Performance Story
★★★★★  ★★★★☆  ★★★★★

Summary:
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Pride and Prejudice, is vividly brought to life by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). In her bright and energetic performance of this British classic, she expertly captures Austen’s signature wit and tone. Her attention to detail, her literary background, and her performance in the 2005 feature film version of the novel provide the perfect foundation from which to convey the story of Elizabeth Bennett, her four sisters, and the inimitable Mr. Darcy.
In Pride and Prejudice, the Bennett sisters try to find their way in the repressive strictures of 19th-century society. Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and the experience of falling in love, and she superbly describes a world which, despite being more than two centuries old, still resonates with modern concerns.

 It is a flawless masterpiece indeed Mr.Cooper.

 

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite classics and I thought the narration by Rosamund was very fitting to the tone of the book. Her narration was very even and nicely paced. My only complain was her voice for Mrs.Bennet (Elizabeth's mother); it was a bit annoying for my taste. Elizabeth however was spot on!

 

I cannot possibly write something that hasn't been written about this classic piece of literature.

I read this when I was a teenager and loved it. Both Elizabeth and Darcy hold a special place in my heart. Their admittance of their faults is admirable. And their subtle romance contradicts all the romance that conquers literature nowadays.. 

 

I do recommend this audiobook, if you like Pride and Prejudice. Plus, if you get the free kindle you can get this narration at 1.99$ which is an amazing bargain!

Book Release + Giveaway : Powerless By Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs


NOW IN TRADE PAPER!
Powerless
By Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs
May 3, 2016; Tradepaper; ISBN 9781492616603

 
Book Info:
Title: Powerless
Series: The Hero Agenda
Authors: Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Fire
 
Summary:
Kenna is tired of being “normal.”
 
The only thing special about her is that she isn’t special at all. Which is frustrating when you’re constantly surrounded by superheroes. Her best friend, her ex-boyfriend, practically everyone she knows has some talent or power. Sure, Kenna’s smart and independent, but as an ordinary girl in an extraordinary world, it’s hard not to feel inferior.
 
So when three villains break into the lab where she interns, Kenna refuses to be a victim. She’s not about to let criminals steal the research that will make her extraordinary too.
 
But in the heat of battle, secrets are spilled and one of the villains saves her life. Twice. Suddenly, everything Kenna thought she knew about good and evil, heroes and villains is upended. And to protect her life and those she loves, she must team up with her sworn enemies on a mission that will redefine what it means to be powerful and powerless…


Buy Links:
Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/4nl0nt
BooksAMillion- http://ow.ly/4nl0DN
Indiebound- http://ow.ly/4nl0Xd
 
 
 
Excerpt from Powerless:
If I could have any superpower, right now, I’d choose the ability to reach through glass. One thin, little pane is all that separates me from bliss…of the midnight-snack variety, to be exact. The chocolate bar hangs halfway to freedom but refuses to take the plunge, as if the vending machine is mocking me, taunting me.
As if it knows I’m powerless.
Annoyed, I slam my palms against the glass. Everything inside shudders. My chocolate bar—pure Swiss milk chocolate dotted with toasted hazelnuts—doesn’t budge.
“Come on,” I beg as if the candy can hear me. “Just a little farther.”
No such luck.
Then again, when have I ever been lucky? I’m just glad no heroes are around to see me lose a battle with a vending machine. I would be the punch line to every joke for a year.
Thankfully, the lab is pretty much empty at this time of night. Even Mom went home two hours ago, leaving me to transcribe the notes from today’s sessions. I prefer to work when no one is around. My experiments fall into a gray area in the Superhero Code of Conduct, and even though I’m not technically a superhero—yet—I try not to piss off the powers-that-be. The last thing I need is to lose my lab privileges before I’ve perfected my formula.
Copying down Mom’s scribblings is like deciphering some previously unknown ancient language. It isn’t exactly the most glamorous summer job ever, but it pays okay and gives me access to the facility.
I’m almost done with tonight’s transcription from the digital white board Mom and her team spent all day filling with chemical equations for her newest power-enhancing formula. Maybe twenty more minutes, and then I can get back to my test samples.
My stomach rumbles in protest, reminding me that I skipped dinner. I really want that stupid chocolate bar. But since I just used my last quarters, my only hope is that one of the security guards upstairs has change for a ten.
I turn away from the vending machine alcove and start back around the corner to grab my wallet from the lab.
Right before I make the turn, I hear hurried footsteps. Not wanting a repeat of last week’s collision with Dr. Harwood—my favorite jeans still smell like sulfur—I hang back a step.
But the boy who rushes around the corner looks nothing like the balding, old scientist who works nearly as many late nights as I do.
No, this guy is tall and lean, but not too skinny. He’s got major biceps and I can see the outline of some pretty impressive muscles beneath his shirt. Yum. He’s probably about my age or a little older, eighteen or nineteen maybe. And everything about him is shrouded in black—his tee and jeans, his heavy-duty boots, his shoulder-length hair—everything but his eyes.
If we weren’t in superhero central, I’d say he looks like a stereotypical villain.
You’d think with all that darkness, he’d be nothing more than shadow. But he’s all angles: his cheekbones, his jaw, even the collarbones I can see peeking out from the low neckline of his tee. Light seems to reflect off him like moon glow at midnight. Surrounded by all that sculpted darkness, his icy blue irises burn like the hottest flames.
Our gazes collide, and though I know it’s vain, I instantly wish my hair wasn’t pulled back in a messy braid and that I was wearing something—anything—more appealing than my dad’s ratty old 1996 Stanley Cup Champions tee.
Hot guys in the underground lab are few and far between—Who am I kidding? Hot guys in my life are few and far between—so most of my wardrobe choices involve comfort and whether I mind if the garment gets ruined by acid, dye, or any of a million other compounds we work with every day.
If my best friend, Rebel, were here, she’d be doing an I-told-you-so dance because she’s been wanting to give me a makeover forever. That, and she’d already have his number and email address, and they’d be making plans for their date this weekend. Me, I can’t even manage a simple “hello.”
The fact that he’s scowling at me, those dark brows slashing low over those bright eyes, isn’t helping anything.
“The lab is supposed to be empty,” he says.
His voice is flat, but his comment almost feels like an accusation.
“I’m working late,” I answer, trying not to sound defensive. “What are you doing here?”
He lifts an eyebrow. “You’re working in the hall?”
“I needed a break to come get chocolate,” I say, gesturing at the vending machine behind me.
He nods down at my empty hands. “You don’t have any chocolate.”
“That thing hates me. Took my money and kept the candy bar.”
In a graceful movement that looks almost choreographed, Dark-and-Scowly steps around me and up to the greedy machine. He presses his palms to the glass, just like I did. Hey, maybe he has the power to reach through glass. After all, around here pretty much everyone but me has some kind of super ability.
When his hands don’t immediately sink through the surface, I say, “I tried smacking it already. Didn’t work.”
Moving his hands closer to the edge, he curls his fingers around the frame. Then, with his boots braced on the floor, he gives the whole machine a solid shove. The heavy hunk of metal rocks back once, then comes forward, its front legs hitting the tile floor with a sharp thud. On impact, the chocolate bar sails against the glass before falling into the trough below.
He turns to face me, a cocky smile twisting one side of his mouth. “Takes a special touch.”
I duck down and reach through the hinged door to grab the candy bar.
“You’re my hero,” I joke.
He snorts. “Right.”
 
COMING SOON
Relentless
By Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs
June 7, 2016; Hardcover; ISBN 9781492616610

 
Summary:
 
Revenge is easy, but justice is worth fighting for…
 
Kenna is tired of being lied to—and hunted by the very allies she once trusted. Unearthing the dark secrets of the superhero world has not only endangered her life, now her boyfriend faces execution for crimes he didn’t commit and her mother is being held captive in a secret governmental prison.
 
Kenna is determined to stand up for what’s right and save those she loves from unspeakable fates. It’s time for the betrayal to end. It’s time for the real criminals to face justice.
 
But the truth is even more terrifying than Kenna could imagine. A conspiracy threatens the fate of heroes, villains, and all of humanity. If Kenna’s going to survive, she must draw on her deepest strength: her resilience. Because when Kenna’s pushed to the limit, she doesn’t break down. She fights back.


 
Pre-Order Links:
Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/4nl7i1
Indiebound- http://ow.ly/4nl7GQ



About the Authors:
Tracy Deebs is a national bestselling and criticially-acclaimed author who writes under many different pseudonyms. Tera Lynn Childs is the RITA-award-winning author of two mythology-based novels (Dutton’s Children’s), and a kick-butt trilogy about monster-hunting descendants of Medusa (Katherine Tegen).
Social Networking Links:
Powerless Website: http://heroagenda.com/
Tera Lynn Child’s Website: http://teralynnchilds.com/

Tera Lynn Child’s Twitter: @teralynnchilds

 
Rafflecopter Giveaway link for two paperback copies of Powerless (Runs May 1-May 31st; U.S. & Canada only):
Source: http://seraphinareads.blogspot.com.eg/2016/05/book-release-powerless-by-tera-lynn.html

Review: Ninja and Bunny's Great Adventure by Kara S. Tyler ( Author), Sarah Pacetti (Illustrations)





-Title: Ninja and Bunny's Great Adventure
- Series: Ninja and Bunny's Great Adventure
-Author: Kara S. Tyler ( Author)Sarah Pacetti (Illustrations)
-Gener : Fantasy
-Age Group: Children
-Publisher: Evolved Publishing
-Source: was given to me in exchange for an honest review
-Rating:  5 /5
-GoodReads (quote):
A children's tale of imagination and play, of love and loyalty, and of courage and determination. Evolved Publishing presents the first book in the wonderful, colorful world of the "Adventures of Ninja and Bunny." Marian loves playing make-believe, but what if her big sister Ruthie's fairies have been real all along? What if Princess Isla is truly in trouble and needs their help? Marian and Ruthie must visit Fairyland and transform into Ninja and Bunny! Will they be able to save the princess? Find out in this tale of love, loyalty, and imagination. And be sure to watch for the second and third books in the "Adventures of Ninja and Bunny" to release in 2016.

My Review:
** spoiler alert ** This story was sent for me in exchange for a honest review. Before I start my review; I want to say that I was so excited about it because the author was inspired by her children to write this wonderful book.


The story begin with a wonderful bond between two sisters; Ruthie (the ninja) and Marian (the fiary winged bunny) or this is how they dress up going to fairy land. I just loved how they got into the rescue which is their favorite play time game adding I adore this part:

(“There was nothing to be afraid of,” Ninja said. “But running away made it seem
so much scarier.”
Isla nodded her agreement. “In Fairyland, thoughts have power. Maybe my fear
made the creature stronger.”)

Fear is not big thing but we make it look so; we are way stronger than fear.


Givaway time:About the Prizes

You can win a $20 Amazon Gift Card, a Fairyland book, Temporary Ninja Tattoos or a Stuffed Ninja Bunny.  Enter the Rafflecopter here:
 
 
Source: http://seraphinareads.blogspot.com.eg/2016/04/review-ninja-and-bunnys-great-adventure.html
SPOILER ALERT!

Review: The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co. #1) by Jonathan Stroud


-Title: Lockwood and Co.
- Series: Lockwood and Co. #1
-Author: Jonathan Stroud
-Gener : Fantasy, Horror
-Age Group: MG 
-Publisher:
-Source: Doubleday Children’s Books
-Rating:  5 /5 
-GoodReads (quote):When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest, most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .


My Review:
***Spoilers this way****Screams of excitement as I REALLY LOVE this book* I don't remember when was the last time I read a book with ghosts in English. I always read my horror in Arabic so I can get to the mood but this one scared me like a baby. I could not sleep with the lights off. Thanks to Mr. 
Stroud we have now an alternative London with all the joy adding ghosts wondering at the night making lives way interesting for ghost hunting agencies and scary for the rest of the world. So as the the world struggle with the visitors we meet our wonderful three teenagers agents Anthony Lockwood, George Cubbins and the new edition Lucy Carlyle. I have enjoyed every moment of the story; the chemistry and humor between the three which is going to make you stay up all night finish the book wondering what happened to Annie Ward and what/where is the screaming staircase itself. 
In the middle of the story you would be wondering why is all of this happening but by the 100 last pages you will find a new level of neat horror and your answers. Very well build believable story. I need part tow right now...




<!--more-->
 
 
 
George Cubbins
 
Lucy Carlyle
Anthony Lockwood

Annie Ward 

Source: http://seraphinareads.blogspot.com.eg/2016/04/review-screaming-staircase-lockwood-co.html
SPOILER ALERT!

Middle Grade Book Review: The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1) by Lemony Snicket ( Author), Brett Helquist (Illustrator)





-Title: The Bad Beginning
- Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events #1
-Author: Lemony Snicket ( Author), Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
-Gener: Fiction, Fantasy
-Age Group: Middle Grade
-Publisher: Scholastic
-Source: The Library
-Rating:  5 /5 
-GoodReads (quote):
 
Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket.


My review: 


I really love this book; I really do.
Lemony Snicket is giving us a story that as sad as interesting; don't contusion reading  if you are looking for happiness because within this story dead is in the very first page then turning over you would meet the sad fate of the Baudelaire siblings who are too cleaver to pass the curtly of adults; I hate adults -noting that I am one-. I have watched the film before starting the series and I am sad that they squeezed a whole wonderful series into one movies where Jim Carry made count Olaf fun but indeed he is cruel man. This book reminded me of  Dickens' stories about orphans and it simply should be a classic. 


Source: http://seraphinareads.blogspot.com.eg/2016/04/middle-grade-book-review-bad-beginning.html
SPOILER ALERT!

Review: Ruby Red (Edelstein-Trilogie #1) by Kerstin Gier, Anthea Bell (Translator)

 
-Title: Ruby Red 
- Series: Edelstein-Trilogie #1
-Author: Kerstin Gier, Anthea Bell (Translator)
-Gener : Fantasy (Time traveling).
-Age Group: Young Adult
-Publisher:  Square Fish
-Source: Bought
-Rating:  5 /5 
-GoodReads (quote):
 
Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.


Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended - and rather eccentric - family in an exclusive London neighborhood. In spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to "the mysteries," and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past.

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any centrury . . . .
 
 
My Review:
So I am guilty of watching the film before reading the book. I am even more guilty for not knowing about the books first. After watching the wonderful movie Rubinrot with English subtitle for sure; I said to myself this beauty must come out of a book and the book must be even way better than the film and I was correct.
 
**Spoiler alert** This is the story of Gwyneth a sixteen years old teenager who lives in a family's owned house in London with her mother, siblings, grandmother, crazy grand aunt, aunt and a cousin. See all normal so far but when you know that her mother faked her birth certificate; also her grand aunt is crazy. Not surprised enough? What about that her aunt is expecting that cousin Charlotte who is being taught by an elite group all about history, art, fashion etc.. to time travel for the fist time. Now I have got your attention. Indeed she fails and the one travels is Gwyneth  who close the circle of twelve time travels and her cousin's life now hers even the boy who is so handsome and good with swords Gideon. 
 
 
 


  • I was so surprised how the book with more fun and enjoyable than the film.
  • Gwyneth is so funny, curious about everything. She was not that hero who accept it all.
  • Gwyneth had help of her friend and she had a wonderful loving mother.
  • The History I loved how it was so realistic and the author was easily moving between times.
  • Gideon was so charming knowing all the customs of the past and still being a modern guy.
  • The prophesies and the quotations at the beginning of each chapter.


 
The is a must read and owned series.
 

Source: http://seraphinareads.blogspot.com.eg/2016/04/review-ruby-red-edelstein-trilogie-1-by.html

When shelving new titles, show your bookish mood - emotion status is now available for books

Reblogged from BookLikes:

Share your bookish mood with your friends and followers and show how do you feel about books you're reading! Now when you shelve books, click Finished! or set any other reading status you can supplement the shelving information with the emotion status. 

 

To add the emotion status to a book you're shelving, search the book or click the book cover as usual and go to the advanced pop up with the additional shelving options: 

 

 

Answer the question How do you feel about this book?

 

 

 

The emotion status will be visible in the book pop up and on Dashboard: 

 

The emotion status in the advanced book pop up 

 

 

Book emotions on Dashboard

 

 

Why to use emoticons when shelving and reviewing?

 

Emotion statuses and emoticons won't replace full length reviews, they can, however, complement the text with an enjoyable mood addition.

 

Some scientific surveys revealed that our brain reacts likewise when we see an emoji and a human face -- this means we pay the similar degree of attention to the smiley face as we do to real face. And attention is what we wish for when we write or share the book news, right?

 

What's more, emojis tend to enhance our memory skills and have a highly positive influence on getting the message across -- they make a happy news more enjoyable and negative more approachable. 

 

Being just an addition and another mean of conveying the message, emoticons can be a fun supplement to your texts, and a way of expressing yourself and how you feel about your books. In a short and tips-like manner. Why not? :-) 

 

 

Updates

 

  • Emotion statuses are now available in Draft views. This means that when you write a text, add an emotion status and click Save as Draft, the emotion status will be attached to your text and visible in Draft view (to see your Drafts, click Blog from the upper menu and Drafts in the right column). 

 

  • Emotion statuses are visible on your public blog pages. This refers to reviews, posts and 3 BookLikes design templates only (Gentle Spirit, Notebook, Smart Casual).

 

If you have a different blog theme, a customized blog look or if you have edited your blog's HTML code, please have in mind that this update will not be visible on your public blog page. To make the emojis visible on blog pages, please follow the instructions on Theme Docs (in the footnote) and add the changes to the code or contact your designer. 

 

 

Emotions on public blog pages

9 Classic Authors Born in March - Books, Quotes, Reviews

Reblogged from BookLikes:

hello March 

Say "Hello" to the upcoming Spring and spring books! Let's start with the nine classic March authors, their quotes, books and BookLikes bloggers reviews.

 

Ralph Ellison: (March 1, 1914- April 16, 1994) 

 

Ralph Ellison quote

 

Ralph Waldo Ellison  was an American novelist, literary critic, scholar and writer. Ellison is best known for his novel Invisible Man, which won the National Book Award in 1953.

 

Rowena's Reviews:  Invisible manI really enjoy coming of age books and this one is no exception. It’s hard to really summarize this book because so much goes on. Of course the main issue is about race and how it was for a person of colour living in a racist society at the time... read more

 

meganbaxter: The writing is hypnotic in Invisible Man and the dread all-pervasive. Every time I sat down to read a bit more, I was sucked into the prose, even though it made me deeply uneasy and worried about what was going to happen next... read more

 

Chris Blocker - Literary Snob: The story begins with one of the most vivid introductions and jumps into a first chapter that is enthralling. Critics heap praises on the work and compare it to the works of Doestoevsky. Within a year the novel has won the National Book Award. It is perhaps the most eye-opening account of the black experience in America ever written in novel form... read more

 

 

 

Theodore Geisel (March 2, 1904- September 24, 1991)

 

Dr. Seuss quote

 

Theodore Geisel better known as Dr. Seuss was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist. He was most widely known for his children's books written and illustrated as Dr. Seuss.

 

Ronyell (a.k.a Rabbitearsblog): Dr. Seuss has once again created a truly brilliant and engaging book where each story details the consequences of letting too much pride cloud your good judgment.  I enjoyed all of the stories in this book as each story shows a different take on characters becoming too self-absorbed into themselves in certain situations, such as “Yertle the Turtle” showing the consequences of letting the power go to your head... read more

 

Isa Lavinia: One of the annoying things about English not being my first language is that I missed out on a lot of popular children's books. And the thing is, when you do get to read them as an adult, you are fully aware you're not experiencing them as you were meant to - there are a great many books beloved by English speaking people which I read and go, "Oh, okay, was that it?" Not the Grinch, though!... read more

 

 

 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (March 6, 1806- June 29, 1861)

 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning quote

 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was one of the most prominent English poets of the Victorian era. Her poetry was widely popular in both Britain and the United States during her lifetime.

 

The English Student

Aurora Leigh is a relatively esoteric Victorian verse novel about a woman trying to gain independence and become a writer. It's basically Jane Eyre in verse. Gets a bit tedious at about book 9, but for the most part it is a very interesting poem with some wonderful poetic moments: "Behold! The world of books is still the world". A mixture of social criticism, lyricism and satire... read more

 

 

 

Kenneth Grahame (March 8, 1859- July 6, 1932)

 

Kenneth Grahame quote

 

Kenneth Grahame was a Scottish writer, most famous for The Wind in the Willows (1908), one of the classics of children's literature. He also wrote The Reluctant Dragon; both books were later adapted into Disney films.

 

Kaethe : 

Yet another classic of children's literature that I didn't discover until adulthood. But this one, I really liked. It inhabits that fictional Edwardian period I love so much, with many of the modern conveniences, and none of the annoyances. Also, in British literature, as in American film and TV, you get adults who don't really work... read more 

 

 

 

Jack Kerouac (March 12, 1922- October 21, 1969)

 

Jack Kerouac quote

 

Jean-Louis "JackKérouac was an American novelist and poet. He is considered a literary iconoclast and, alongside William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, a pioneer of the Beat Generation. He became an underground celebrity and, with other beats, a progenitor of the hippie movement, although he remained antagonistic toward some of its politically radical elements.

 

BrokenTune - Reviews & Rants

I first read and adored On the Road in my teens , when the ideas of road trips seems pretty cool and the defying defined roles seemed something to aspire to. I would not say that picking up Steinbeck’s novels in the years since that first reading On the Road changed that perception completely... read more

 

Literary Exploration on Booklikes: While some might think this is a rather boring novel, I tend to think there is so much in the book worth exploring. I like the style and feel of this book, it reminds me of dirty realism and the quest for knowledge and satisfaction in life really hit home for me... read more

 

 

 

Lois Lowry (born March 20, 1937)

 

Lois Lowry quote

 

Lois Lowry is an American writer credited with more than thirty children's books and an autobiography. As an author, Lowry is known for writing about difficult subject matters within her works for children. She has explored such complex issues as racism, terminal illness, murder, and the Holocaust among other challenging topics.

 

 Ani's Book Abyss: There's no doubt that I enjoyed reading The Giver; there was an immensely hungry curiosity I felt while reading the book.  Throughout, I had a need to know what was going to happen on every aspect, be it the story, the characters, or even Jonas, himself.  I found myself more and more curious about the story's development and I started asking questions about the society, the community, the world, the people... read more

 

Hadeer's Ranting: I feel like i took a bite out of a delicious dessert, then someone snatch it, and i am left with the memory of the taste with no way to experience it again.  what I mean it I felt unsatisfied. This is one of those novels that leaves people with conflict feelings and conclusions... read more

 

  

 

Tennessee Williams (March 26, 1911- February 25, 1983)

 

Tennessee Williams quote

 

Thomas Lanier "Tennessee" Williams III was an American playwright, author of many stage classics. Williams adapted much of his best work for the cinema, and also wrote short stories, poetry, essays and a volume of memoir.

 

hippieed perceptions: I loved this book, but then I love Tennessee Williams. It's a very candid look into his personal life that helped shape his work, rather than the work itself. It can be sporadic at times, it jumps from the present to past several times in a chapter, but it comes across as if you are sitting in the room with him as he is reminiscing about his life... read more

 

Teresa Tumminello Brader: Williams' style didn't stay static. As he said at the time of this production (I'm paraphrasing), he didn't realize at first how far he had departed from realism, long since exhausting 'poetic realism' and now finding that 'German expressionism' (for the sets in particular) was right for his material. He added, "This, after all, isn't twenty years ago."... read more 

 

 

 

Robert Frost (March 26, 1874- January 29, 1963)

 

Robert Frost quote

 

Robert Frost was an American poet. His work was initially published in England before it was published in America. He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech.

 

 Munira @ In Vogue with Books:

One word- Awesome. I am not much of a poetry person and very rarely I like them. But I must say Robert Frost| is completely different. Each of the poem seem to represent more than it meets the eye. Poems like "The Road Not Taken", "Out, Out-", "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" are simply epic. These poems show grave philosophies of life with subtle hints and deceptively simple lines... read more

 

 

 

Anna Sewell (March 30, 1820- April 25, 1878)

 

Anna Sewell quote

 

Anna Sewell was an English novelist, best known as the author of the classic novel Black Beauty. Sewell sold the novel to local publisher Jarrolds on 24 November 1877, when she was 57 years of age. Although it is now considered a children's classic, she originally wrote it for those who worked with horses.

 

 kneubeck: I don't think I have to say much about Black Beauty. I'm sure most of you have seen one of the film adaptions (the 90s version is one of the few films, where Sean Bean doesn't die, btw). It's a beautiful story about a horse and its many owners and fellow horses. If you haven't seen one of the movies, watch one, if you haven't read the book, read it... read more

 

Sharon E. Cathcart: It has been many years since I read "Black Beauty," the book that set me on the road to my lifelong work in animal rescue and welfare. As an adult, the additional themes of caring and compassion ring throughout Sewell's text... read more

Guest Post By: Tatyana K. Varenko and Giveaway

Hello again my fellow readers; sorry for being too lazy to post a post. I had my own health problem but I shall talk now more for today I would love to welcome Tatyana K. Varenko author of Elfineness.



 
Here are her wonderful words:
Hi everyone! Thanks for attending
This “paranormal meeting”
With versed Elfineness book, intending
To offer you a greeting.

The novel mentioned is a story
Of elves, vampires, magic;
Of love and heartache, wars and glory;
Of fates both great and tragic.

The setting is on the background
Of nanobots destroying
The world of humans to the ground,
With “vampish” troops deploying.

That would be a concise description
Of what you will be facing
When tracking the events this fiction
Is dearly embracing.

I cannot tell you more without
Disclosing much and spoiling
The reading for you. Please find out
Yourselves all things uncoiling.

You may be wondering by now
What was my inspiration,
Why is the book in verse and how
I plotted its creation?

Well, first things first, I was inspired
When my imagination
Tied up the images required
From dreams evaluation.

The plot and characters were there 
And needed but portraying,
Arranging random scenes with care
And humor in relaying.

And speaking of my style of writing
With preference for versing,
For me prose sounds uninviting,
While “poems” keep emersing –

A “glitch” my brain just keeps producing,
By way of relaxation,
Mind-blowing like a drug, seducing,
Exciting in sensation.

If, after reading this narration,
You feel like asking questions,
Proceed without hesitation,
I’m open to suggestions.
 
 
Giveaway time
 
 
About Elfineness"
 
 
Back to her own self and kingdom,Luella’s winning back her nameSecuring her reign and freedomWith Derek, her re-found flame.
When things are looking up like neverAnd happiness is at her door,The Elders want her, however,Engaged in the impending war.
Can she refuse without facingThe consequences it may bring?Will she be capable of tracingThe missing links she needs to win?
And this is all on the backgroundOf nanobots beyond controlDestroying down to the groundThe human race condemned to fall.
 
Source: http://thevictorianvanity.blogspot.com/2014/02/guest-post-by-tatyana-k-varenko-and.html

#Review - Broom with a View

Reblogged from Parajunkee:
Broom with a View - Gayla Twist, Ted Naifeh

Broom with a View by Gayla Twist


Published by Self-Published on November 30th 2013
Genres: Paranormal, YA Fantasy, Young Adult
Size: 206
Format: eBook
Source: Provided by Author
Buy it :: More Info ::

PJV Rating: 4 of 5

 

PJV Quickie: BROOM WITH A VIEW by Gayla Twist was a charming and cute young adult romance that had me engrossed until the very end. A well done piece, Twist’s novel had nothing that even hinted at “self-published” and the only thing that was disappointing was that it was too short.

 

Review: In BROOM WITH A VIEW, Gayla Twist introduces us to an alternative historical past, in which Vampires, Witches and Humans live together very tumultuously. The main character is Miss Violet Popplewell and she is a witch. When violence rocks her witchy world and vampires are considered the culprits, her mother sends her away with her great-aunt Vera. They travel to the city-state of X, a beacon of the paranormal world, where vampires and witches seem to coexist and magic is openly used.

 

On arriving in X, Violet and Vera discover that X is much different then what they are used to and there are actually vampires staying at their boarding house. Alarming for Vera, but Violet, whom has never encountered vampires is intrigued, especially with the son, who seems sad, in a very attractive way. Violence follows them to X though and Vera, Violet and the rest of the boarding house guest are sent this way and that as they try to avoid the rioting…but it only serves to push Violet closer to her dashing vampire Sebastian. Which causes all kind of trouble in the vampire and witch world.

 

A paranormal romance and mystery all wrapped into one, Violet is one of those unsuspecting heroines that is thrust into plots that are much bigger then expected. The whole book had a quirky feel that is common with light historical paranormals. Twist pulled off the tone well and it held strong through the whole novel. She lightly introduced all aspects of this new world with a blasé spirit that made you feel part of the world almost instantly. This cemented the story telling instead of the more common forced telling in other novels of it’s like.

 

The characters were also well done, each had their own unique style and behaviors. All the supporting characters brought more depth to the novel and there was nothing two-dimensional about them, even the smaller roles. The only character that I didn’t feel was as flushed out as it could have been, was Sebastian, which led me to not feel the romance aspect of the story as much as I wanted. Sebastian was a nice character, but I wasn’t swooning over him, which is always an added benefit in these YA Paranormal reads.

 

I do believe the fault in the romance was because of the short length of the novel, at only a little more then 200 pages, there was a great BIG story shoved into a tiny 200 page package. A bit more length and I might have fallen head-over-heels for Sebastian also.

Even though this was a down-point, Twist’s world-building out-shined everything else and I was entranced with the City of X and the past where vampires and witches war with each other and humans are along for the ride.

 

Recommendations: If you are a fan of YA Paranormal, or YA Historicals this is the book for you. I’m putting this at a PG-13 Rating, mainly because there is some violence and talk of war.

4 stars for father, not so many for son

The Fall of Arthur - J.R.R. Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien

A full review later, which will be only of the poem itself.  The Fall of Arthur was great but the two hundred pages of "notes" I found to be pretty much unreadable. I finally gave up. The poem though! That was great, even if there was only 50 pages of it.

SPOILER ALERT!

Review: The Hobbit By J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

 

Review:
** spoiler alert **  
 O! God. This is overwhelming. I am laughing, going mad and above all crying.
This is too much happiness for me to take the path of a journey that once been taken by one of my favorite Hobbit ever Mr. Baggins which I am so proud of; he never imagined that his Took side of the family might might take over him one day when he leave his house one morning to catch up the 13 dwarves who been uninvited to his Hobbit's hall but yet they spent the whole night eating and sings making it uncomfortable for any Hobbit and more over there invitation to him. He even left without his pocket handkerchief. I believe it is unbelievable for a Hobbit but so as Gandalf said Bilbo is the lucky number ; he was.
Starting the journey he was frighten adding to the new path he took that no Baggins but might be a Took have taken once before. To Rivendell where he got to meet the elven kings under the sky, to the heart of the the misty mountains and meeting the very forgotten creature Gollum that he challenged for riddle or Bilbo would be eaten. Bilbo won his life but above all he won the ring that mad him walk through shadows, he tricked the goblins and with his ring saved the life of the dwarves many countless time; that he turned to be the most important fellow of the 15. Meeting eagles and Dragon! He was the only brave to meet and even speak with the mighty dragon (poor Bilbo or poor us? that we never though how a small fellow of a Hobbit can change the face of the earth and history within?)
 
What tricked me is the leaving of Gandalf who as always shows up in the right time ("A wizard is never latenor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.") but within Tolkien's writing every thing is for a reason, the whole story line is perfect and I shall write more to this review when my heart rest from the excitement of the journey.
The great battle of five races at the end was an epic even if the story taller got knocked out before he sees the end.
 
R.I.P. Thorin Oakenshield, Kili and Fili.

Audiobook Spotlight! The Iron Druid Chronicles

Reblogged from Parajunkee:
Hounded - Kevin Hearne

There is nothing like finding a good series on audiobook, with a great narrator + a great series to make things just the perfect blend of awesome. I recently stumbled across THE IRON DRUID CHRONICLES after audible.com had a sale and I couldn’t be more pleased.

 

Fan of Harry Dresden? Like your boys with a bit of brogue? You need to check out THE IRON DRUID. These books are fun, a little bit sexy, full of zany misadventures and just the perfect urban fantasy novel with a strong male lead. Top that off with almost perfect narration by Luke Daniels, aka – the guy that had me swooning over his Irish accent – you have a great listen on audiobook.

 

Hounded – Book 1 of The Iron Druid Chronicles

The first book introduces us to Atticus O’Sullivan, at first glance he is a trendy twenty-something, with tats, speaking in slang, that runs an occult bookshop. But, really Atticus is centuries old, the last ancient druid. Kept alive by spells, with and a few pacts with ancient death goddesses. In this first installment, we are introduced to a preexisting issue that has haunted Atticus for centuries. In Atticus’ early days he enjoyed battle, like most men of his time and found himself in possession of a magical sword, Fragarach, after a particularly noteworthy battle. The problem was, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danana, a particularly nasty god of love, Aengus Óg believed the sword was rightfully his. Over the years, Aengus sent his followers to occasionally try to kill Atticus and take the sword from him, but none were successful, and Aengus himself never came knocking. Unfortunately, now, things seem to have changed. Aengus is now determined to get his sword back, for unknown reasons…and it might just lead to Atticus’ death. Because, how can one defend themselves against a god?

 

The first book, Hounded, was a joy to read/listen. The main character Atticus and all the great side characters just make this story. Atticus is a phenomenally constructed character. He possesses a great sense of humor, snarky one-liners, an up-beat personality and an underlying sexiness, without all the male machismo that you find in some alpha-characters. Atticus is just a very well-rounded character. Then you sprinkle in the great secondary characters, from Atticus’ werewolf and vampire lawyers, to his fun Irish neighbor, the Widow McDunna (who was my absolute favorite side character – I could just imagine her as a real person, talking about how she had to drink her Whiskey before church) and even his talking wolf-hound, Oberon was a great addition to the book.

 

The plot was also very fast-paced and full of interesting tid-bits about the Celtic pantheon. We are introduced to the ancient Celtic gods, The Morrigan and Aengus along with a few others that I have never read in fiction books before, even though I’ve read considerable urban fantasies that cover the Tuatha Dé Danana. It showed some great research by the author and gave the novel real-world depth. It made the book that much more enjoyable and why this is a Parajunkee’s View series pick.

Audiobook Spotlight! The Iron Druid Chronicles - HEXED

Reblogged from Parajunkee:
Hexed - Kevin Hearne

There is nothing like finding a good series on audiobook, with a great narrator + a great series to make things just the perfect blend of awesome. I recently stumbled across THE IRON DRUID CHRONICLES after audible.com had a sale and I couldn’t be more pleased.

 

Fan of Harry Dresden? Like your boys with a bit of brogue? You need to check out THE IRON DRUID. These books are fun, a little bit sexy, full of zany misadventures and just the perfect urban fantasy novel with a strong male lead. Top that off with almost perfect narration by Luke Daniels, aka – the guy that had me swooning over his Irish accent – you have a great listen on audiobook.

 

Hexed – Book 2 of The Iron Druid Chronicles

 

In the last book we were introduced to a few witches that had taken up with Aengus Og, thus reinforcing Atticus’ dislike for witches in general. The book doesn’t paint them as very good characters, their beauty just glamours, their power great, possessing the ability to kill a person just by having a lock of their hair. Along with Atticus’ introduction to the witches coven in the last book, there are also a few problems that haven’t been fixed because of the finale of the last book, including a few escaped demons. Even though it wasn’t Atticus’ fault, he believes it is his duty to right these wrongs. So, with a little help from a Native American god, Atticus has to go to work. On top of maybe having a show down with some nasty German witches that feel they want to take over the area, now that their isn’t a powerful coven in residence. It just doesn’t end for Atticus!

 

The fun just keeps coming. More Celtic gods and goddesses emerge, the plot thickens by introducing other pantheon of gods and goddesses, informing us that All of the worlds gods and goddess exist, from Thor (even the comic version) to Jesus and all the incarnations of Mary and Atticus’ Celtic gods are just 1 of many that can cause havoc on their world. It makes for quite an interesting plot and it just seems to get better and better.

This is a series you don’t want to miss! Start at book one, even though they could be read out of order.

Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls by Katherine Larsen

Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls - Katherine Larsen, Lynn Zubernis

I thought I would be the right person to read this book as the dynamic behind the fandom has always been somewhat interesting in intellectual levels and I figured I would gain more understanding toward it by reading something that deals with it through the TV-show called Supernatural. 

 

I have never really been a fan of anything, at least not the way it would take over my life or the way I would dedicate a big part of my time or money to it. Sure, I have always listened to Metallica (damn, I don't dig their new material), have owned few shirts from them, their song played when I said "yep, yep" to my husband at the registry office , and we nicely spend one anniversary at their concert. Sure, I like Pantera a lot and would not mind spending one steamy night with the lead singer, especially when I am drunk and in a nostalgic mood. And oh yes, I really like Supernatural too...

 

... And that is kind of why I picked up this book.  

 

Fangasm is not the actual study about the fandom but a story of two middle aged college professors (and two frantic Supernatural fans) and their journey while trying to discover what lies behind the fandom culture.

 

If anything, this is an thought provoking book. It did show the positive and negative sides of the fandom. How places such as LiveJournal can be a heaven and hell for the fan, where you get the ultimate approval or in some cases, exactly the opposite of it. In the end, the ugly side of the fan society was a lot bigger part for me than all those beautiful sides of sharing your passion with others. I would not bother.

 

While the book was dedicated to Supernatural it did make references to other well known and bigger fan societies such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Star Wars, Star Trek and The Fifty Shades of Grey and dealt with the subject surprisingly equally. 

 

I did enjoy all the interviews with Supernatural cast, their take on the fandom as well as all their trips to cons. But initially my problem with the book was that most of the time I was not quite sure were the authors trying to convince and justify their fandom to the reader or to themselves. And even I do understand the fandom a lot better in theory, I still find it hard to understand why would a person dedicate and sacrifice (family, children, friendship, money) to something I personally find to be... No offense to the hard core fan personalities... A bit ridiculous. 

 

As a light weight fan of Supernatural, this would be a 5 star read but when putting that factor aside, this is somewhere between 3 to 3.5 stars.

 

Note: I was having Supernatural season 8 marathon while reading this book, not in purpose I would add. Coincidence. 

Currently reading

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman
Progress: 160/413pages