Quick Takes on Books You SHOULD Read

All of the below are Taleastic, which means awesome!

Pure by Julianna Baggott - Pressia, Bradwell, Partridge, El Capitan (Helmud) - Beautiful, sexy, strong and characters with some of the deepest depth I've ever read.  Looking forward to riding with them into their next battle.   One will never see (or feel) the flutter of a bird's wings or hold a doll the same way after reading this post-apocalyptic novel about the battle between what appears to be and what is.  (Yes, I had to spell check apocalyptic.  And the speed at which I talk normally doesn't help when saying it to the author/publisher/fellow booksellers.) 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga - If the title doesn't catch the darkest part of your thoughts, then the cover design will (yes, I do judge a book by it's cover (sometimes)).  Jazz is determined to not be his serial killer father.  But he was raised and taught by one of the most brilliant serial killers in history.  How to be a normal teenager?  Lyga takes you on a roller coaster of chills in I Hunt Killers and when you realize that there are only 5 pages left and the end is nowhere near, you are captured on that roller coaster with Jazz and Howie.  Are you strong enough to hunt a killer?

Both of the above can be enjoyed by mature young adults and adults.

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison

Oh, the anticipation of your first snog...you never get that feeling back.  I'm over doubly past 14 and coming of age but it would be awesome to be Tallulah Casey and starting an exciting summer at a liberal arts camp and be tall with knees to my chin and wearing squirrel slippers in my loft bed.  This is the book that put me all in a dither and using my imaginary Yorkshire accent.  If you're a 14 year old girl or a 60 year old girl, you should read this book and just do an Irish jig because you can.  Ms. Rennison's words made me realize that that young girl is still in their somewhere, I just have to learn to give in and let her out every now and again (the tears, uncontrollable laughter and dancing amongst the trees).  Oh and this is the beginning of a series...

We need a little inspiration...

Which characters have inspired you?  Fictitious or Real, here are some of mine:

Maya Angelou - funny and smart

Tallulah from Withering Tights - The image of her flailing Irish dance makes me smile and not so awkward.

Eliza & Cassandra from The Forgotten Garden - Strength of character and unending passion

Henry & Keiko from Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Young love is real and lasting.

Jon Snow & Arya Stark from A Game of Thrones - Determination and willpower

(You can leave a comment without signing up to be a follower.  I'd love to hear who has inspired you.)

I'm all in a dither...

because I've started too many books at once and they are all fantastic and I just got another from the library today and it looks awesome too!!!!!  So if you are in need of a holiday read in between bouts of shopping, baking and laundering, here's what I'm reading right now:  

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison, which has me speaking in some odd Yorkshire accent (which only comes out right in my head).

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain - Technically it's the January book club pick, but ever since someone whom shall remain nameless borrowed my last copy, I've been dying to know what adventure Ernest and Hadley have been taking.

When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey - Not your average Christmas tale so far and not for those that disdain of profanity or the art of stealing albeit for a good cause.  But it's a laugh (said in my Yorkshire accent, which I really don't know what a Yorkshire accent sounds like).

Oh and that library book in the mail today...

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg - I have no idea what to expect but the cover is really cool and it contains snip-its from some of the best authors around!  (Shout out to Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA for making me take note of this one!)

What I should be reading (and yes excited to read)...

Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by the Maya Angelou (This is the December book pick.)  Can't wait to see where Maya takes us next!

Turkey Day in the USA!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

There are countless things I am thankful for - family, a loving home, supportive and trusting friends, a mom that worries and hugs and a dad that holds my sister and I up, a loving church family, books and adventures, the ocean, clean water, mountains, a good job, a realist hubby who makes me laugh, wise and funny young adults, beautiful niece and hilarious nephew, forgiveness for my sins, a loving God, the Muppets, movies, comfy couch and good wine, plenty to eat, football games and tailgating, freedom - truly blessed! 

Devil in the White City - Erik Larson

Still reading, highlighting, pondering, in awe and anticipation of the rest to come in this brilliant piece of history - just hope I don't dream about it again tonight!

The gray is coming...

Gray hair!!  This is not going to be an easy task and starting to get my first reality checks but I will push forward!!!  Incorporating, business bank account and online bookstore are on the horizon - just need some more finger holds:)