Happy New Year!

Favorite Christmas Movie of 2008

I love Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life! I try to watch it every year and I actually got my mom to watch it this year! She really enjoyed it even though we were both in tears by the end.

Now that Christmas is over and 2008 is nearly over, what was your favorite Christmas/ holiday movie that you watched this year? Don't forget to stop by and check out my It's a Wonderful Life review!

I hope to have many more reviews on my Ladytink's Neverland in 2009!

All My 2008 Reads/ Reviews

Another year has come to an end and 2009 is almost here! I hope everyone has read lots of neat things, enjoyed blogging about them, and met some great new bloggers too. I know a lot of people are doing their favorites of the year posts but I've never been good at picking favorites so I won't be doing that this year either.

I've actually only been keeping track of what I'm reading since the middle of 2006 which is the year I still can't beat since I read 164! In 2007 I only managed 97 books so I'm very proud of myself when I say that I read 132 books this year! I hope to beat that number in 2009 though.

I'm a little (okay, a LOT) behind on my reviews but here is my complete list of reads for 2008 (to make it less complicated everything is backwards) including links to the reviews over on my Movieholic & Bibliophile Blog. You guys are more than welcome to go over and leave comments on any of these or post links to your review of the same book (or movie!) in the comment section.

Total books read: 132
New Authors: 49
Books in a Series: 89
Short Story collections/anthologies: 5
Mystery: 36
Non-Fiction: 4
Romance: 47
Children or YA Fiction: 24
By Women: 121 (not including anthologies)
By Men: 12
Authors I Read the Most By: Charlaine Harris (10) & J. R. Ward (6)
Best Reading Month: March (19)
Worst Reading Month: August (4)

2008 = 132
December
No Rest for the Wiccan by Madelyn Alt
Jinx by Jennifer Estep
Hot Mama by Jennifer Estep
The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by Alice Kimberly
Santa Baby by Crusie, Foster, & Phillips (anthology)
The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair
The Ghost and the Dead Deb by Alice Kimberly

November
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Changeling by Delia Sherman
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
The Faery Reel edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling (anthology)
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep
Their Way Home by Melissa Van Rossum
Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
Sunshine by Robin McKinley

October
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
The Ghost and Mrs.McClure by Alice Kimberly
The Witches by Roald Dahl
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Vampire Shrink by Lynda Hilburn

September
Mr.Perfect by Linda Howard
The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R. L. LaFevers
The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart
Winnie the Pooh: A Celebration of the Silly Old Bear by Christopher Finch
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

August
The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
This Charming Man by Marian Keyes
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
24 Hours by Greg Iles

July
Naked in Death by J. D. Robb
Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
Lover Enshrined by J. R. Ward
I'll Be Watching You by Andrea Kane
The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

June
To Catch a Cheat by Kelley St. John
Heartsick by Chelsea Cain
Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel by Judith and Neil Morgan
Runaway Mistress by Robyn Carr
Tempted by Megan Hart
It Must be Love by Rachel Gibson
Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen
Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

May
Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
My Immortal by Erin McCarthy
Troubling a Star by Madeleine L'Engle
And the Dying is Easy (anthology)

April
Lover Unbound by J. R. Ward
Greywalker by Kat Richardson
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Hex Marks the Spot by Madelyn Alt
A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt
The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon
Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor
The Chocolate Bear Burglary by JoAnna Carl

March
The Chocolate Cat Caper by JoAnna Carl
Lover Revealed by J. R. Ward
Lover Awakened by J. R. Ward
Lover Eternal by J. R. Ward
Dark Lover by J. R. Ward
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin
Sucker Bet by Erin McCarthy
Bled Dry by Erin McCarthy
Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy
A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle
Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell
Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson
Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris
Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris
A Fool and His Honey by Charlaine Harrris
Dead Over Heels by Charlaine Harris
A Girl's Guide to Vampires by Katie MacAlister

February
The Julius House by Charlaine Harris
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charliane Harris
A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris
Real Murders by Charliane Harris
Crazy for You by Jennifer Crusie
High Stakes by Erin McCarthy
Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon (anthology)
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Master of Dragons by Angela Knight
Master of Swords by Angela Knight
Master of Wolves by Angela Knight
Master of the Moon by Angela Knight
Master of the Night by Angela Knight
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Forever and the Night by Linda Lael Miller

January
On the Prowl (anthology)
Ice Storm by Anne Stuart
Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit
Cold as Ice by Anne Stuart
Hard Day's Knight by Katie MacAlister
Visitors from Oz by Martin Gardner
Poetry for Young People: William Butler Yeats
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Katie MacAlister


Related Links: My 2007 Reads Post

Dinosaurs!

The first movie I ever owned was Don Bluth's The Land Before Time, Jurassic Park was the first film I remember seeing in theaters, and my favorite TV show when I was a kid was Dinosaurs but dinosaurs themselves were never really my favorite thing. However, my little brother loved them as a kid lol.

How about you, did you get in on the dinosaur craze? How about your siblings or children?

Don't forget to visit my post about the Jurassic Park Trilogy!

Jurassic Park by "Weird Al" Yankovic:

My December Reads

December Books
Total books read: 9
New Authors: 1
Books in a Series: 7
Mystery: 2
Non-Fiction: 0
Romance: 5
Children or YA Fiction: 1

No Rest for the Wiccan by Madelyn Alt
Jinx by Jennifer Estep
Hot Mama by Jennifer Estep
The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by Alice Kimberly
Santa Baby by Crusie, Foster, & Phillips (anthology)
The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair
The Ghost and the Dead Deb by Alice Kimberly

Teaser Tuesday- Jinx

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
  
• Let the book fall open to a random page.


• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.


• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!


• Please avoid spoilers!

JINX BY JENNIFER ESTEP

Who would want to rule the world, really? It'd be nothing but a giant headache, with everyone constantly whining and crying at you.

Musing Monday- Recommendations

How often do you recommend books to others, and who do you recommend them to? Do you only recommend books to your “reading friends” or to anyone you think might find the book interesting? What does it take for a book to make it to your ‘recommendation’ list?

Oh I'm always recommending books to everyone! Family, friends, complete strangers... lol. Friday when I was in Borders two strangers started recommending Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series to each other (which I love) and somehow True Blood came up. Neither lady knew that it was based on Charlaine Harris' books so I pointed them in that direction and each one bought the first three!

To make it on my "recommendation list" the book (or series) has to be something I throughouly enjoyed. I'm always honest even in my blog reviews though I do try to find something good to say about a book even if I didn't enjoy it that much. If I do recommend a book that I only sortof like, it would have to be something that I know that that person would love.

Crafty Stuff

There’s just something about a craft store (especially Michaels!) that I find so peaceful. I’m not sure if it’s the smell, all the wonderful crafty things, or the sheer “creativeness” in the air but craft stores are definitely magic places!

When I was a kid I loved doing craft projects, painting sculptures, etc. but I haven’t made anything in years :( . At one point I wanted to learn how to scrapbook because I have TONS of photos but discovered that I had too many ideas (plus I really hated cutting up my pictures). So all that stuff I collected is sitting in a huge box in the top of my closet just waiting for me to get up the courage to tackle that project. And I know I will…. eventually.

What about you? Do you do any crafty thing (knitting, painting, scrapbooking, etc.)? Do you have a favorite craft store or do you use Michaels too?

Some Christmas Gifts & Award

Here is the majority of hubby and mine's Christmas presents this year (some of these are gift card buys). There is also a few things not pictured. You like my new fluffy white bathrobe lol?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh and Melody and Kailana gave me this Christmas award!


Here are the rules:

• You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award. The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.


• Link back to the person who gave you the award.


• List 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going til you run out of space!


• Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 2-50. It's up to you! But keep the Christmas cheer going!


• Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment. Also, link back to the person who gave you the award.
  

5 things I love about Christmas:
I get to visit family for two weeks (we live two states away from all my family)
I get to bake all kinds of Christmas goodies for everyone
Christmas specials
Christmas gifts (giving and recieving)!
I get to read all those Christmas books I've been saving all year!

I'm not going to tag anyone in particular but if you have made it to this post than I'd love for you to take it with you!

Hope Everyone Has a Great Day!

Jason Bourne vs. James Bond

I found this fun video at one of Matt Damon's fan sites. E! Online is having a poll on who is better Jason Bourne or James Bond. I've only seen one Bourne movie, Dr. No and I actually enjoyed it but I haven't gotten around to see any of the others yet (and you know how nutty I am about reading/ seeing things in order!).



So, what about you, James Bond or Jason Bourne? Don't forget to visit my review of the three Bourne films!

Been Crazy Busy

Sorry I've been away for the past few days! Darren and I are in Georgia for the next two weeks visiting family. Between my birthday and baking stuff for Christmas I haven't really had time to get online. I'll get some new reviews up in the next few hours and then I have to go shopping lol. Is everyone else having as crazy a time as I am? How in the world are you able to get around to updating?!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to me lol. Hubby is spoiling me rotten today. He bought me the rest of the Buffy seasons, beautiful white roses (my favorite), and The Tale of the Beedle Bard. Not sure what he has planned today other than spoiling me a little bit more lol.

Enjoy Donald Duck's birthday:

Kreativ Blogger Award

Carrie K. over on Books and Movies and shaunesay over at Shaunie's Happy Place both nominated me for this cute award! They always has something interesting to say so I enjoy visiting their blogs a lot. Carrie and I also tend to have similar taste in movies which is why she nominated me. Thanks guys!

This award deals with values we deem important in others. Here are six values that are important to me, six things I don’t support, and my nomination of six bloggers:

Six values in others that are important to me:
Friendliness
Honesty
Uniqueness
Compassion
Modesty
Humor

Six things that I do not support:
Rudeness
Hypocrisy
Hatred
Closed-Mindedness (Did I just make up a word?)
Holier-than-thou Attitude
Cruelty

Now, here are the six bloggers I nominate to receive this award:

Most Similar Blog: Living Read Girl
Lady T has been one of my favorite people to visit ever since I found her blog. She posts about anything and everything from movies to books to TV.... well you get the picture! Check her out!

Most Similar Taste in Movies: Here There & Everywhere 2nd Edition
DesLily was one of the first blogs I discovered. We both appreciate the old black and white films and actors who are no longer with us.

Friendliest Bloggers: J. Kaye's Book Blog, The Bookworm, Musings of a Bookish Kitty & Hello, My Name is Alice
I know, I know I'm not supposed to share categories, but when have I ever really played by the rules lol? These four ladies have commented on just about every post I have written on almost all three of my blogs since they found me (or was it the other way around?) on here. Especially in the beginning when I wasn't doing the blogs for anyone other than myself they helped make me want to make improvements and put together the most interesting and interactive reviews I can!


If I left you out, its not because I love you guys any less!

Fictional Serial Killers/ The Good Guy

It takes a seriously talented author to create a memorable villain but it takes a genius to create a serial killer who is not only interesting but he (or sometime she) is the person you root for! My two favorite killers are Hannibal Lecter and Dexter Morgan. I’ve seen all of the Hannibal movies and read all the books (would love to do a re-read) but I’ve only read the first book in the Dexter series and only watched the first season. Something I need to remedy quickly!

I think Hannibal’s intelligence and Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of him is what makes him my number one favorite bad guy (although I found I preferred the book version of him more). Can’t say I was surprised in the least when I discovered that he was the #1 villain on the American Film Institute’s 100 Heroes and Villains! It was the TV Dexter that made me want to read the Dexter books. Michael C. Hall walks the thin line between being creepy and interesting- mainly because he’s a serial killer who kills other serial killers.

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!


SPOILERS:


So who is your favorite fictional serial killer? Don’t forget to stop by my review for Dean Koontz’s The Good Guy!

Books Make Great Gifts!

Great clip of authors and other famous people promoting books:

Twas the Night Before Christmas Poem

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Don’t forget to drop by and check out my Twas the Night Before Christmas post!

Teaser Tuesday- Christmas Carol

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.


• Let the book fall open to a random page.


• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.


• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!


• Please avoid spoilers!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS

"I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body!"

I have just left 18th century England on Christmas Day. Thanks to four ghosts I now have a new outlook on life...

Happy Birthday Meme

I wasn't going to say anything but I've been thinking about it all day so Happy Birthday Meme!

Charlotte Baxter

1922-2006

Musing Monday- Reading On the Go

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading on the go…

I always like to have a book with me at all times – call it a nerdy grown-up security blanket – and rarely do I leave the house without slipping one into my bag (even if I KNOW I’m not going to have a chance to read it). Do you take a book with you? Do you take whatever book you’re currently reading, or do you have a special on-the-go book? And do you have a preference for a these types of book (paperback, hardback; short stories; poetry etc)?

I tend not to carry a purse too often nowadays but when I do (and did), I'd always have my current read stashed inside. I've never bought a bag that a book wouldn't fit inside lol.

M&M Love

M&M's are some of my favorite candies but I especially like them in cookies! Has anyone tried those Premiums yet? The chocolate almond and the triple chocolate have me drooling. Hopefully I'll get some in my stocking this year! ;o)

So what's your favorite M&M? Plain? Peanut? Dark Chocolate? Almond? Other?





Do you hate these questions? I decided instead of the polls I'd have sort of a discussion type thing whenever I posted a new review on either blog that would somehow relate to it.

Frosty the Snowman was a Jolly, Happy Soul

Georgia isn't really a good place for snow. My entire life, I've probably seen it snow enough to cover the entire yard (lightly, with plenty of bare spots) maybe three or four times. Most of the time, it just sprinkles a teeny, tiny bit of snow and then it rains or ices over-- NOT fun.

I realized the other day while watching Frosty that I'd never actually built a snowman (I know, I've been deprived)! Nor have I ever seen snow as beautiful (and plentiful) as it is in the Frosty the Snowman cartoons so this year I find myself dreaming of a white Christmas...

How about you? Have you ever built a snowman? Don’t forget to drop by and check out my Frosty the Snowman and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland posts!

Red and Rover

Tempting Tuesday- Kitchen Witch

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.


• Let the book fall open to a random page.


• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.


• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!


• Please avoid spoilers!

THE KITCHEN WITCH BY ANNETTE BLAIR

While Shane and Logan chose a pumpkin to carve, she went for a final fitting on the gown she'd ordered for the station's annual Salem by the Sea ball the following Friday. No vintage outfit this time, but an up-to-the-minute fashion statement-- a curve-flattering, full-length, corset dress her mother would have loved. This, she did not model, because she wanted to make a "splash".

Musing Mondays- Planned Reading/ Reviewing

How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one? How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)? Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?

I don't have a set time after finishing a book. Sometimes I automatically pick up another (especially if it's the next book in a series) and sometimes I can go a day but it usually just depends on my mood and the book itself of course.

I also don't really plan ahead. I have a general stack of books that I need to read for my book clubs before the month is out and most of the time I concentrate on that. I have TONS of books that I own that I haven't gotten around to reading because my library books come first.

I would love to be able to review right after I finish a book but I'm currently reviewing the books I read in July at the moment. I do take notes when I finish a book about what I thought etc. since it will be months before I get around to actually writing it.

Late Advent Calender

I apologize for missing out on my turn on the Advent Blog Tour! I haven't had internet access all week :( Before I lost it I was working on something so I'll post it incompletely below and I will also do my best to get new posts up on both of my other blogs by the end of the day. Again, I apologize.



Happy Holidays everybody! Two days ago was my turn on the Christmas Advent Calender and for reasons beyond my control I wasn't able to make it on time. For those that don't know me, my name is Ladytink_534 or Jen and I have three blogs: the one you're currently at, my Movieholic & Bibliophile Blog where I review books and some movies, and my Ladytink's Neverland where I review only animated or family-friendly movies. Below are some of my posts from Christmas past, most of the film ones include the entire Christmas special itself.

Films and Christmas Specials:
Frosty the Snowman

Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Christmas Comes to Pacland
A Flintstone Christmas
It’s a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Shrek the Halls
Jack Frost
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Holiday Inn

Holiday Books:

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

A Springwater Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

My November Reads

November Books:
Total books read: 16
New Authors: 6
Books in a Series: 12
Mystery: 0
Non-Fiction: 1
Romance: 7
Children or YA Fiction: 10

Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Changeling by Delia Sherman
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
The Faery Reel edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep
Their Way Home by Melissa Van Rossum
Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Black Friday Shopping

Did anyone else brave the crowds and go shopping today? Hubby and I did over in Mobile, AL and OMG it was crazy! We did get some good deals though.

Darren (finally) broke down and bought a TomTom since he's been wanting one forever and we also got: three seasons of Nip/Tuck, two seasons of CSI: Miami, Hancock (which we just watched for the first time), and National Treasure 2. Then I got a few new clothes, a (much needed) belt, and a few books (the books altogether cost what one would have!):

Hot Mama by Jennifer Estep

Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor

Real Vampires Live Large by Gerry Bartlett

Still it was a little crazy and claustrophobic at times too. Somehow, I can't wait for the after- Christmas sales though!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Teaser Tuesday- Treasure Island

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
• Please avoid spoilers!
  

TREASURE ISLAND BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

"They got the money, you say? Well, then, Hawkins, what in fortune where they after? More money, I suppose?"

"No, sir; not money, I think," replied I. "In fact, sir, I believe I have the thing in my breast-pocket; and, to tell you the truth, I should like to get it put in safety."

Musing Monday-Reading Peer Pressure

How do you feel about wide-spread reading phenomenons - Harry Potter, for instance, or the more current Twilight Saga? Are these books so widely read for a reason, or merely fads or crazes? Do you feel compelled to read - or NOT to read - these books because everyone else is?

Well, I discovered the Harry Potter books a couple of years before the movies came out so that craze really didn’t have any effect on me… actually to tell the truth, I was probably one of the people who helped push it on people in my area lol.

Now the Twilight books are a different story. Everyone, and I mean everyone I talked to on these book blogs just about had read them and raved about them and although it had vampires in it (which means that I knew I would love them), I still put off reading them until the very last second. The week before the movie (which I also loved) came out matter of fact!

I doubt I’ve ever really been compelled to read something because everyone else is. If I do cave to all of the “OMG, this is so good- you have to read it”-’s then it is always because the book (or series) sounds interesting to me... or is something one of my online book groups is reading :)

glitter-graphics.com

Belated Blogiversary!

I'm a bad blogger! One of my commenters had to remind me that last Friday was my Blogiversary lol! So Up Close and Personal with LadyTink is officially a year (and a few days) old now. Thank you guys so much for everything!

Two New Challenges Joined

Okay, somehow I've decided to join two more challenges! The 1st in a Series and the YA Challenge. I'll sit down and write out a list of what I plan to read soon. The only hard part is waiting until it's 2009 to start!

1. Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson
2. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
3. Tall, Dark, and Dead by Tate Hallaway
4. The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (39 Clues)
5. Elvenbane by Andre Norton & Mercedes Lackey
6. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
7. Dead Girls are Easy by Terri Garey
8. Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong
9. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
10. Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
11. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
12. Evernight by Claudia Gray

1. The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (39 Clues)
2. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
3. Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by RL LaFevers
4. A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
5. Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine
6. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
7. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
8. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
9. One False Note by Gordon Korman (39 Clues)
10. Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
11. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
12. Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Award/ Meme

Thank you Alice Teh and S. Krishna for presenting me with this award/ meme!

Here are the rules:

Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following.

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS AS TOLD TO JEFF GUINN:

"How strange," I said faintly. It was odd to hear about someone finding me dead.

"Oh, don't worry, he said everyone mourned you greatly," Felix said quickly, mistaking my bewilderment for disappointment in public reaction. "There were tears all around, and loud wailing, and the decision was made to build you the greatest tomb any bishop ever had."


And finally, tag five people to pass on the award: Unfortunaly, I waited too long to do this and I think everyone has already done it. :( Please play along if you haven't though!

Dr. Dennis Leary's Why We Suck

Teaser Tuesday- Changeling

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.


• Let the book fall open to a random page.


• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.


• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!


• Please avoid spoilers!
  

CHANGELING BY DELIA SHERMAN

Usually I like telling stories. I know all the patterns and the traditional plots that tell you what kinds of events usually go between "Once upon a time" and "They lived happily ever after."

Musing Monday- Reading Questions

Today's Musing Mondays asks us:

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

See sidebar -->

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING, and WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?
I recently finished all 4 Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer (loved first two, was disappointed with the others) and The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter which I really liked!

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL READ NEXT?

I need to read Changeling by Delia Sherman since it's due back soon but I kind of want to read Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart

WILL YOU READ ANY HOLIDAY-THEMED BOOKS SOON?

I've been thinking about re-reading The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guin and The Birds' Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin. I also have two anthologies to read Holidays are Hell & Wolfsbane and Mistletoe

Seven Random Book Facts

I was going to wait and do this tomorrow but once I started thinking about it, I easily had my 7 weird/ random book facts which Melody tagged me for.

The rules are:
Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share seven random and/or weird book facts about yourself.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

1. I think hardcovers are prettier but I prefer reading a paperback most of the time.
   
   
2. I spent most of my time in middle school volunteering in the school library but I hardly ever even went inside my high school library!
   
   
3. Despite the fact that I own over 200 books that I have never read (some I've had for years), I still continue to not only buy new ones but also pick up two or more a week from the library.
   
   
4. I love reading a book and then watching the movie based on it. I even created an online book group called Books Into Movies. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble keeping up with both my blogs and my group so the group isn't doing so well anymore.
   
   
5. I enjoy re-reading books I remember liking after about 5-10 years (sometimes sooner but rarely less than 2 years) because I forget things so easily. Also if I read the book when I was somewhat younger (like all Stephen King's books and some classics like The Secret Garden, Wind in the Willows, etc.), I'll discover things that I couldn't quite grasp before.
   
   
6. I treat my books like they're made of glass most of the time. Even if I bought the book second (or third)-handed and it's in terrible shape, it will usually look the same years later because I treat them just as good as I do the brand new ones I bought.
   
   
7. Non-fiction rarely intrigued me for years and then I realized that books I had avoided like biographies are essentially just books of trivia (I love trivia) and with the internet, I can look up what they're talking about (like when I read that Dolly Parton biography, the author would talk about a certain song and why she wrote it etc. and then I'd go listen to it online). I've also found that I enjoy doing this with books about animation or animated films like Michael Barrier's book Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in its Golden Age. I think it took me three months to read that one since I can read a little and put it down to read something else (not to mention all that looking stuff up stuff takes time) unlike regular fiction. Right now I'm reading Shirley Temple's autobiography which I've had ever since I was about 10 years old. I've never managed to finish it though so this will be a first for me. I'm enjoying looking up and watching her films while she's talking about them (and giving behind-the-scenes trivia).

Bookworm's Romance Reading Challenge 2009

I don't read as much straight romance as I do paranormal romance but Naida said that's okay so in addition to the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Library Book Challenge, I'm also joining her Romance Reading Challenge in 2009. Here are the rules:

1. Now, "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.
2. Choose at least 5 novels read them between Jan 1st though Dec 31st 2009. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.
3. Read them at your own pace in 2009 then come here and post the link to your review(s).
4. Link your "RRC" choices here with any of the graphics she provides here

I haven't quite decided on my list yet as I tend to read what I want when I want so a list wouldn't help me. I do plan to be one of the first finished with this challenge though!

To sign up head over to Naida's blog.

Twilight Madness

Yay!!! Twilight comes out next Friday! Yes, I finally got around to reading the series so now I’m all uber-excited to see it. I knew I would be like this, which is why I kept putting off reading the books until almost the last second. Ok, now I’ve got to go read Eclipse…