Book Review- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in need of more brains"

What do you get when you add zombies to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? Well, sometimes big laughs and other times some cringe worthy destroying of Austen's most famous of books.

Everyone knows the story of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy and their great love story, right? I hope so, because that is still the main story here. Seth Grahme-Smith adds Unmentionables to the story and makes the Bennett sisters warriors, pledged to protect the people of Hertfordshire from the brain eating zombies.

I enjoyed this mash up for the most part. There are some really funny parts and that first line is just great-funniest line of them all. However, as mentioned above, there were parts that made me squirm in my seat while reading. Really, how could Jane Austen's work be so defiled with vomit filled scenes, zombie feeding fests and killing sprees? Sometimes it worked, though, and I actually had fun reading it.

3.5

RIP IV Challenge
Everything Austen Challenge






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Miami Book Fair Authors

The Miami Book Fair is coming up soon. November seems like a long time from now, but you know it will get here sooner than you expect. If you are thinking about going to a Book Fair this year, definitely look into attending this one!

Go here and check out the list of participating authors.





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Yay! Books!

I knew there were books on the way!
Tuesday saw two Giveaway wins in the mail from Hatchett.

Julie & Julia by Julie Powell (Thanks, Bonnie!)
Daniel X: Watch the Skies by James Patterson (Thanks, April!)

Also in the mail was a book from my father in law. He is reading it with his book group and thought so highly of it he sent it to the hubby and I.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Not my usual type of book but it sounds interesting.

In this profoundly affecting memoir from the internationally renowned author of The Caged Virgin, Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells her astonishing life story, from her traditional Muslim childhood in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya, to her intellectual awakening and activism in the Netherlands, and her current life under armed guard in the West.

Have any of you read this? Heard of it?

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page
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Book Review- The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol is very similar to The Da Vinci Code. It's just a different city (Washington D.C. instead of Paris), a different girl (not a granddaughter but a sister this time), different secret society (The Freemasons) and a different creepy antagonist (not an albino). The entire book takes place over one busy night of reading symbols and breaking codes throughout D.C. so the story is definitely fast paced and exciting most of the time. Each short chapter ends with a cliffhanger which makes you need to continue.

By the amount of time it took me to finish The Lost Symbol,though, I would have to say that it didn't capture my interest quite as much as The Da Vinci Code. When I read it, I couldn't put the book down and read it over a couple days. This one took me a week. It was, however, interesting enough to keep reading to the end. The history of the Freemasons and the founding of our country was compelling. I love conspiracy theories and reading about secret societies so that part was fun.

Yes, the book is formulaic and yes, I figured out the bad guy's secret pretty early on but it was still fun to read and see if I was right.

3/5

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Wedding Shawl Delivered

I delivered the shawl to the bride this morning. She loved it. Yay!

It looked quite lovely over her pink robe. :) 

Can't wait to see it with her wedding dress tomorrow. I will definitely be taking lots of pictures.

Have a great weekend!

Book Review: Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

Devil Bones begins with the finding of a cauldron filled with the bones of a young woman. The items surrounding said cauldron suggest a ritual. Satanic? That is the question that Dr. Brennan must answer as her role of forensic anthropologist.

I was a bit disappointed with this latest book in the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. The mystery was not that interesting, and the personal story was slow and didn't hold my interest. Not being set in Quebec, there was definitely not enough of Detective Ryan. Also, Brennan seemed a little out of character-more emotional, not as strong. Perhaps this was an attempt at growing her character a bit but it just seemed wrong.

There were also little things that annoyed me. I don't need to know what kind of lotion or shampoo Brennan uses. I really didn't see the point of her standing around naked with her underwear in her hands while talking on the phone. Mentioned once-okay. Mentioned over and over-annoying.

I have enjoyed every other book by Reichs so I am not going to give up on Temperance Brennan just yet.

2/5

RIP IV Challenge


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New Read: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

One new book this week. 

That's it! 

And, it is the only book I have gotten in the last few weeks. Crazy, huh? I know there should be some on the way to me... I think. I will let you know next week. 

Anyway, Friday night I went to Border's for a look around and somehow came home with The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I blame it on the 40% OFF sticker and the two appletinis I had at happy hour. Whatever made me buy it, I am glad I did. So far it is quite enjoyable, entertaining and hard to put down. Great literature? No, of course not. I read Jane Austen for that. :)

Will you be reading Dan Brown's newest?


Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page


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Book Review: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

After the events in City of Bones, Clary now knows who her father is, has an unexpected brother and that her mother has been keeping secrets about her past and the skills she has passed on to Clary. In City of Ashes, Clary must deal with these new revelations and also save the Clave from being destroyed by her father.

I have some issues with these books, as I mentioned in my review of City of Bones, but the books are still a bit addictive. A good thing about this one, the similarities to other books are less. And once I got started reading City of Ashes, I had a hard time putting it down, wanting to see what was going to happen in the end. However, the story line I want resolved, and what I want not to be true, has not been addressed as of yet. I feel that the resolution in my head has to be true since, otherwise, it would be a little too Flowers in the Attic for me. I guess I shall have to wait until I read the next book to find out.

I haven't picked up City of Glass yet despite it being on my nightstand. Not sure when I will get to it. I find that I am not in too much of a hurry. I will read it, though.


3/5

RIP IV Challenge
Serial Readers Challenge


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FO: Luna Moth Shawl

It's finished and I absolutely love it!!!

Pattern: Luna Moth Shawl by Shui Kuen Kozinski
Yarn: Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace in French Vanilla
Needles: US5

I can't wait to give this to my friend on Thursday. I hope she

 likes it just as much as I do. It's not big, not too small. About 32' from neck to bottom point and 64' in length. 

So this was my first attempt at blocking lace and I was definitely worried about messing it up. I had a sample size of Soak to use. Pretty floral scented, too. I soaked the shawl for about 15 minutes then rolled it up in a towel for about five minutes. 

It took awhile to get the shawl pinned and it was a bit bigger than the mats I had so had to improvise by adding towels. Not a problem. It is now all blocked and drying. 

The only problem I had was figuring out how to keep the straight edge straight. Any ideas? Also, I need someone to show/tell me how to use the blocking wires properly. Don't think I did. :)

We leave Wednesday for CA and Thursday morning I will be taking over the shawl to my friend's in San Francisco before she leaves to Sonoma. Can't wait to see it with her wedding dress.

Miami Book Fair International

How great is that poster art? Anybody recognize it? Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of A Wimpy Kid books designed it. Great, huh?

This Book Fair sounds really great. 300 authors will gather in downtown Miami to read from their works in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Haitian Kreyol. The International aspect of this fair sounds amazing. Al Gore, Sanjay Gupta, Barbara Kingsolver, Margaret Atwood, and Meg Cabot are just some of the authors that will be participating. 

If only I lived in Florida! If you are in the Miami area from Nov 8-15th be sure to check out all the fun.

Since some of us will not be able to attend how about enjoying a little taste of it here? 

A full list of participating authors will be posted soon.

Also, I will be highlighting a couple of participating authors in the weeks to come with reviews of their books and perhaps a contest or two.

Be sure to check back often!

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Book Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

This book came highly recommended by a couple people so I was quite excited when I was leant the books. I began reading with pretty high expectations and unfortunately the book didn't quite meet them. First, I do want to say that I never wanted to abandon the book, it was good enough to keep me interested. Also, it was a quick and easy read, perfect for on the go reading. I read quite a bit of it on the drive to Dallas a couple weekends ago. My problem with it was really that I kept reading things that I had seen and read before. Demon hunters, a flying motorcycle, the main character discovering that she is not as normal as she thought. I was hoping for something a little more original.

Still, I continued with the series hoping to find out that the surprise connection between Clary and Jace is not true. What an odd development. Why was this needed?

2.5/5



Serial Readers Challenge
RIP IV Challenge

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BBAW MEME

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of
writing in books horrify you? Have not written in a book since college.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?
Laying the book flat open? Bookmarks!!

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Fiction!

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you
able to put a book down at any point? End of Chapters

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Nope. I use context clues. :)

What are you currently reading? Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

What is the last book you bought? Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time? Many at one time

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?  In bed before falling asleep

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? I love both
 
*Edited to make a little more readable. Didn't realize what a mess I had left it. 
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Book Review- Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

 Ghost In The Machine by Patrick Carman

GHOST IN THE MACHINE starts up right where SKELETON CREEK left off - in the secret room of the dredge with the ghost of Joe Bush staring down at Sarah and Ryan. It has all the same creepy videos, wonderful references to great literature and an original mystery and thriller. SKELETON CREEK was a really great introduction to the characters and story, and GHOST IN THE MACHINE was the perfect sequel, bringing the mystery to a shocking close.

Patrick Carman has given kids a wonderful series of books to enjoy. I really hope there will be more in this style of storytelling in his future. The mix of online videos to see in between chapters and the use of characters in literature as the passwords kept me reading to see the next one. SKELETON CREEK was definitely a hard book to follow, but this one is just as great.

Ghost in the Machine releases on October 1st. Be sure to go out and get a copy!

4/5

RIP IV Challenge






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BBAW Blogger Spotlight

Its that time of the year again and first on the agenda for the week is to spotlight blogs that were not shortlisted for the BBAW Awards. There are so many wonderful book blogs around the internets that even spotlighting a few here is difficult. There are at least 100 blogs in my Google Reader that I follow. 

How to choose blogs to spotlight???

It's too hard. So, I am going to point you to my post from yesterday. (Taking the easy route, I know). I shared some awards with over 20 wonderful blogs, many of them were not shortlisted for the BBAW awards so go and check them out and share some comment love!

Here's to a great week of appreciating book bloggers!!
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wedding shawl update

Wow. It has been a long time since I have posted anything about my knitting. I have been desperately trying to finish knitting my friend's shawl that she will be wearing for her wedding. It is coming along nicely. I really like how soft it is and how simple but pretty the pattern is. I am getting close to finish. I have the week to get it done and the weekend to block it. We will be leaving for CA on the 23rd. I will be sure to take some pictures once it is done and I feel the need to document my first lace blocking attempt. I really hope I don't make a mess of it.

I have blocking mats and wires that I ordered from KnitPicks. I think I have some pins. I am all ready to get to it.

Wish me luck on getting this done on time!

TSS: Awesome Awards

In the past couple of weeks I have been given many awesome awards from some wonderful bloggers. I am ever so thankful and wanted to pass these on before I forgot. 

Sorry for taking so long to get to these! 

What a perfect time to showcase some wonderful blogs. BBAW (Book Blogger Appreciation Week) starts Monday! So here is to all the great blogs I enjoy- some who have been nominated for BBAW Awards and others that have not, but all worthy of awards in my eyes. :)



Thanks go to Rebecca of Lost in Books for giving me this award. 

The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows great attitude or gratitude. Here are the rules for accepting this award.


• Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post.
• Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
• Link your nominees within your post.
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

I pass this on to:

A Striped Arm Chair

One Literature Nut

Find Your Next Book Here

Books and Needlepoint

The Eclectic Reader

The Printed Page

Drey's Library

Books Love Jessica Marie

Boy With Books

The Book Smugglers

Heather of Gofita's Pages passed on the Superior Scribbler Award to me. Thanks so much!!

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

And these are the five blogs I'd like to pass this award to:

Pop Culture Junkie

Thinkgs Mean A Lot

Diary of an Eccentric

Beth Kephart Books

Should Be Reading


Bonnie of Redlady's Reading Room passed on the Your Blog Rocks Award to me. Thanks so Much!!! The Award itself rocks. Love the image.

The three bloggers I wish to pass this on to are:

The Literate Housewife

Books By Their Cover

Bart's Bookshelf

And last but not least, a really big thank you to the wonderful Black Sheep Books, who passed on the The Literary Blogger Award.

Here is what the award signifies:

The Literary Blogger Award acknowledges bloggers who energize & inspire reading by going the extra mile. These amazing bloggers make reading fun & enhance the delight of reading!

I pass it on to:

Devourer of Books

Bloggin' 'Bout Books

S. Krishna's Books

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Fellow Blogger Contest!

I don't usually advertise contests but when asked nicely I definitely have no problem doing it. In fact, I thought this would be a great way to point you all to some great book blogs. I won't do it too often, but when I do you will know that the blogger is one that I regularly visit and enjoy reading. 

So here is the first:

Sassy Brit of Alternative-read.com has a few contests going on right now. One that ends today so go by and check them out!

Dying for Mercy by Mary Jane Clark (x 2 copies – closes Sept 19th) 

SIGNED hardcover copy of Michelle Moran’s Cleopatra’s Daughter! (Closes TODAY!)
Also, a Brit/UK only competition you may be interested in- Closes September 30th!
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Belated Sunday Salon

I am sitting in the Reno/Tahoe airport waiting for a flight to LAX where I will then get on a flight back to Austin. Does that sound backwards to anyone else? Anyway, I have been in Tahoe since Friday night for a really good friend's bachelorette party weekend. So much fun, great weather, beautiful local, and wonderful friends make for fun times. 
I brought along books but have only managed to read through half of City of Ashes and that was on the plane out here. I am thinking I will get the other half read on the plane home. I finished City of Bones before leaving. Wasn't going to jump right in to the next book since I have review books to read and I wasn't all that impressed with City of Bones anyway, however, I knew it would be an easy quick read for this trip. 
So, expect a review of both of these in the coming weeks. I may just wait to read the third book first and then do a review of the series in one post. 
I know there are some awards and memes that I have  yet to mention or do. I have been getting email notifications of comments but have been unable to visit your blogs all weekend. I will hopefully get caught up this week. 
Hope you all have had a nice weekend._________________________________________

Book Review- A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

A young girl is abducted and brutally murdered. Another is in the hospital after almost jumping off her balcony in her sleep. Could there be a connection between the two? It doesn't seem possible until Dr. Peter Gram begins counseling Naya, a young adopted Indian girl who is having very vivid and terrifying dreams.

I really loved the paranormal aspect of the story and how it plays into the mystery of the young girl's death. I liked the Indian myths and folklore and how it came into play, definitely not something I had read about before but very interesting and intriguing. The plot and pacing were perfect for a good thriller and made for a great weekend read.

I can't wait to read more by Mr. Grandhi.

4/5

R.I.P IV Challenge

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I've been Tagged!

I was tagged by Melody of Melody's Reading Corner for this fun meme.

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Share your ABC’s
3. Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs
4. Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website
5. Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag

Available or single? Nope. Married
Best Friend? Linda
Cake or Pie? Cake minus the frosting
Drink of choice? Water or sweet tea
Essential item for every day use? iPhone
Favorite color? green
Google? regularly
Hometown? Sanger, CA
Indulgences? Books and yarn
January or February? January. Colder month.
Kids and their names? no kids
Life is incomplete without…? my family
Marriage date? 18 Nov 2000
Number of siblings? 2 sisters
Oranges or apples? Orange
Phobias and fears? clowns, worms
Quote for the day?
Reason to smile? 14 4 year olds sitting and listening to a great book.
Season? Fall. Not Texas fall, though. Not cool enough
Tag 3 people?

Bibliofreak
BermudaOnion
Book Line and Sinker

Unknown fact about me? I played the flute all through school.
Vegetable you hate? I haven't met one I didn't like. :)
Worst habit? procrastinating
X-rays you’ve had? back/chest/ankle/knee/finger, yet I have never actually broken a bone. Go figure!
Your fave food? Sushi
Zodiac sign? Sagittarius

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