tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38804227635669772962024-03-28T02:32:17.841-07:00BittenbyBookLust"Never Give Up on Something You Can't Go a Day Without Thinking About"Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-50196428661572682352015-02-01T03:37:00.000-08:002015-01-18T04:25:36.050-08:00February Picks 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bXbuPYI44yzvZtUpaAZNNH-5utfIZ2VER6oDxs4Ji69bz2Fsl-S8sbWH9d-OwEypgJcixOu8vUe0SKcxVE3gYEuypWkR0BJ2Cp85rebig4cb42a6L6g5OnenRDBScAyBSaJ7iUE8OH8J/s1600/February+Picks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bXbuPYI44yzvZtUpaAZNNH-5utfIZ2VER6oDxs4Ji69bz2Fsl-S8sbWH9d-OwEypgJcixOu8vUe0SKcxVE3gYEuypWkR0BJ2Cp85rebig4cb42a6L6g5OnenRDBScAyBSaJ7iUE8OH8J/s1600/February+Picks.jpg" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
Hello Lovely Readers, it is that time again where I let you know what books I have picked out for the month of FEBRUARY. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Be sure to check out the theme of the month which is: Ancient Adventures and join by recommending more reads to me.</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Alongside that, join in with me reading the Bookish Monthly Pick which is Witchcraft by Katie M John. </span></h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Girl Interrupted</b></span></h4>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<img alt="68783" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353635648l/68783.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68783.Girl_Interrupted?ac=1"><b>Girl
Interrupted -Susanna Keysen</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite movies growing up was Girl Interrupted. I
have been meaning to read this one for years. I borrowed my sister’s copy with
no time limit, and I feel that February would be a great month to get to it. I
have no expectations, and it is a short read.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p><img alt="2294528" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1324490211l/2294528.jpg" width="214" /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Howls Moving Castle</span><o:p></o:p></b></h4>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2294528.Howl_s_Moving_Castle">Howl's
Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
I adore the movie, both in the English
translations and in the Japanese with the subtitles. My partner being a Ghibli
fan showed this to me many years ago. I love everything about this movie. It
gives me all the ‘feels’, and this is another book I have been wanting to
purchase myself that my sister has let me borrow. It seems fitting for my theme
of Ancient Adventures. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><img alt="1961495" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1190924907l/1961495.jpg" width="191" /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Ancient Future</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1961495.The_Dark_Age?ac=1">The
Ancient Future - Traci Harding</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<o:p>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever since my partner and I met he has been putting this
book under my nose and adding it to my collection to read. He has read me the
first few chapters many times and I do love the concept and the story of what
he has read, I am excited to sit down this month and explore the world of Traci
Harding that has inspired my partner and his perspective. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="275000" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924381l/275000.jpg" width="215" /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Warriors Fire and Ice </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/275000.Fire_and_Ice?ac=1">Fire and
Ice- Erin Hunter</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
I am reading this one for the challenge for the Pop
Sugar Reading list – A book with non-human characters. What better way to spend
February continuing this fantastic series about Warrior Cats. I loved the first
one, and am excited to get to the second one.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="6581334" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1261914440l/6581334.jpg" width="219" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">13 Treasures</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6581334-13-treasures?ac=1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13
Treasures - Michelle Harrison</span></a></b></div>
</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
This will cover another challenge – A book
with numbers in the title, as well as my aversion to Fey stories and lore. I
have heard only good reviews about this book over the years, and the premise
catches my attention. Alongside Fire and Ice, this Middle Grade novel will be a
nice addition to spice things up a little and take me on an adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="15733346" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341274679l/15733346.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is it Just me?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15733346-is-it-just-me?ac=1">Is It
Just Me - Miranda Hart</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
I started this one last year and school took over.
Let’s be honest here I let it. This will cross of – A book that is Funny, as
Miranda Hart is one of my favorite British comedians and her style and manner
is close to mine. I can see myself having many laughs during the week when I
read this.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="17675031" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392015126l/17675031.jpg" width="212" /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This Star Won’t go out</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675031-this-star-won-t-go-out?ac=1">This
Star Won't Go Out - Esther Earl</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story that inspired John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars
has inspired me to pick this one up in February. I have been meaning to get to
it, and I am looking forward to experiencing it for myself. I know I can
anticipate an emotional roller coaster, I am ready for it and this is a definite
read in February.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415299271l/23509080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="23509080" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415299271l/23509080.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Witchcraft – Katie M John</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Book-One-Meadowsweet-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00NG5CLTE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Witchcraft
- Katie M John</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received a copy of Witchcraft by Katie M John in return
for an honest review, and hope to have her over on the blog during the month. I
love Witches and supporting Indie authors. This is my Bookish Monthly Pick for
February. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV79RnKs5FCbgkBNqyveL8ar8q_rhrz8b1V9A6ltreajRwSUmsDORMJ4oxBwjwrrCm6KallBBelQkLw2nIgUZ1ku4UVW1XluUBNYaLQKM6bHaw9FvcU_uW4AUuOIAv5vXES3ftsRZndY-/s1600/Bittenbybooklust+2015+footer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV79RnKs5FCbgkBNqyveL8ar8q_rhrz8b1V9A6ltreajRwSUmsDORMJ4oxBwjwrrCm6KallBBelQkLw2nIgUZ1ku4UVW1XluUBNYaLQKM6bHaw9FvcU_uW4AUuOIAv5vXES3ftsRZndY-/s1600/Bittenbybooklust+2015+footer.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-70386839530918131602015-01-26T05:49:00.001-08:002015-01-26T05:49:18.349-08:00Book Review Y.A : Slide - Jill Hathaway<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="9542582" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332450287l/9542582.jpg" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9542582-slide">Click the link to learn
more about SLIDE</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I picked this up on a whim wanting something with an element of Supernatural in a contemporary setting. Slide delivered in the relaxed enjoyment of the story, and the premise had me excited. I love out of body concepts. It was a hard book for me to rate though when it ended, as I enjoyed it, and was also frustrated with parts of it at the same time. Here are my <i>pro's</i> and <i>con's</i>, and my overall thoughts.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things I liked<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The developing relationship with her sister
Mattie</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Complex family secrets that unfold and reveal
reality</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The past and present colliding to create thick
tension in all areas of the plot</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Engaging protagonist[Vee] her ideals, and
perspective was relatable and I was empathetic of her</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I enjoyed that the romance wasn’t top heavy in
the context of the story</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things that troubled me<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Her ‘ability’ at times felt too easy for me</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->More development with friendships </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The relationship and resolution of Zane felt off
to me </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It felt wrapped up too fast </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The pacing was off for me at times</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I did see the major twists coming</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b><u>Conclusion</u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was a great, mysterious read that had fantastic layers
that when peeled back revealed a promising story. Jill’s characters were emotionally
sustaining, as was the overarching stories of Vee’s ability and the world
around. The pacing was slow at times, and I feel it could have used with a
little more meat in places regarding relationships and resolutions, a few
threads trickled out, and weren’t wrapped up for me. It was a fun read. The
elements that kept me entertained and turning the pages were definitely my intrigue
with her ability and her relationships. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">RATING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #87a2a5; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;">☽☽☽</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #87a2a5; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #87a2a5; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;">½ </span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-67028087728677390412015-01-17T01:20:00.002-08:002015-01-17T01:28:13.678-08:00Two Non-Fiction Reviews - January Week 1&2 <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.elsotano.com/media/rzd.php?i=cG9ydGFkYXMvMS85Nzg4NDE1ODI5MDQxLmpwZw==&w=193&h=292&f=1" height="320" width="207" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ART OF PAPER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Selected by Marc
Gimenez<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Thoughts:</span></b></h4>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received this book as a Christmas present from my partner’s
family who all know that I am quiet obsessed with paper; from scrapbooking to
writing, books to filofaxes. I was excited to see the talent, creativity and
exploration of paper art throughout the book and I was not disappointed. The
vibrant photography, insightful process information and the concepts really
provoked some creativity in me, and it is always nice to read something outside
the comfort zone, or usual reading collection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recommend It?</span></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This would make a great book for any Art fan, Paper lover or
an interesting edition to your Coffee table. Easy to read, flick through,
admire and inspire, Art of Paper is both written in English and Spanish. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of my favourite Artist in the book:</span></h4>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.boveylee.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.boveylee.com</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.petercallesen.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.petercallesen.com</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.anastassia-elias.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.anastassia-elias.com</span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LR6yWGjKL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR
LIFE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream it- Plan it- Live
It<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Debbie Ford<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h4>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If there ever was a book to kick start any day off, let
alone the beginning of the year it is <b><i>The Best Year of Your Life</i></b> by Debbie
Ford. I have ventured into reading her other book the shadow side of our lives,
and was intrigued when I found this one on Amazon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With an honest approach to conscious living and embracing
all aspects of ourselves: Light and Shadow side, Debbie offers some fantastic
techniques, and exercises not only to plan out the best year of our life, but
how to go about putting those plans into action. With a smart, realistic,
inspired coaching style conversation between the reader and Debbie, this makes
for a provoking read, one that had be post it noting every page with fantastic
quotes and gems of wisdom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recommend It?</span></u></b></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy it now. If you only read one Non-Fiction book this year
pick up this one. It faces self realization, inspiration, action, passion, and
Debbie isn’t afraid to be raw with you. Short, straight to the point and
powerful this book is for everyone and anyone who aspires to make the mundane
magical, and to have the best year of their life – created by the powerful you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kL9F8rU1f4L02t_idTQoHiPq5SkwdBeGt1l5QrYKm5JhN05dCSSq69X7iSs1Q7SkbwB73GHyp5dgX2PoCbLd64zXOlg02BMUtcDRNJaVBAeVbr4I1IWSQUvy6QD-eOutoa4Hfzid1CaF/s1600/Bittenbybooklust+2015+footer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kL9F8rU1f4L02t_idTQoHiPq5SkwdBeGt1l5QrYKm5JhN05dCSSq69X7iSs1Q7SkbwB73GHyp5dgX2PoCbLd64zXOlg02BMUtcDRNJaVBAeVbr4I1IWSQUvy6QD-eOutoa4Hfzid1CaF/s1600/Bittenbybooklust+2015+footer.jpg" height="119" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-90804137355078276972015-01-12T20:55:00.002-08:002015-01-12T20:58:05.094-08:00BOOKISH CONFESSIONS # 1 - February Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvv6L02W2-LfO7N3YPO1uzEQRGlSKXDl42jHhLU67at6TcPJYgehmJWhLsx3OZGdIdcCnxbZyMJ285eNZUJHKf-J3gbsTgrtMIU_ezFVr_jMI-1Kv9bd8u72uS77qLAji5Xw4D3N12J9_/s1600/BOOKISH+CONFESSIONS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvv6L02W2-LfO7N3YPO1uzEQRGlSKXDl42jHhLU67at6TcPJYgehmJWhLsx3OZGdIdcCnxbZyMJ285eNZUJHKf-J3gbsTgrtMIU_ezFVr_jMI-1Kv9bd8u72uS77qLAji5Xw4D3N12J9_/s1600/BOOKISH+CONFESSIONS.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">February Goals –
Reading</span></u></b></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is almost
midway through January and I have been thinking a lot about the goals that I
made for myself only two weeks ago regarding my reading and my plans for the New
Year. Now that 2015 is well into spring I feel content to say that I am
enjoying the ‘guidelines’ that I set out for myself when it comes to challenges
and my collection of books chosen to read each month. The aspects that are
working so far for me are: reading two books a week, participating in the Pop
Sugar challenge, and adding non-fiction books into my weekly reading.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Flexibility
is important for me, alongside that adaptability, and when something isn’t working
I want to be able to look at it logically as well as laterally and assess where
changes need to me made, and how I can have the best reading journey that I can
create for myself. Which in truth is personal, and up to me to decide, to
mould, to craft and to explore. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two new
things I realized today are that for me choosing books does work, even though I
was curious to see if it would. The two things I realized is this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I have more Fiction books than
Non-Fiction books</span></span></u></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have on
average about 30 Non-Fiction books Vs over 200 Fiction books on my shelf. By
changing my goal at reading a Non-Fiction book every week, to two a month I
will be able to enjoy the more in depth Non-Fiction books I enjoy [The Secret,
The Best Year of Your Life] and read more broadly with my Fiction shelves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Some Books will take longer to read</span></span></u></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tend to
get anxious by making deadlines. You would wonder why then I made having two
books read a week a goal. For me this is one of my lessons, and this is why I
love reading and creating goals. You never know what you’re capable of until
you take the plunge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This thought
is a simple one, though admittedly it only sank in last night when I was
reading <b><i>Wuthering Heights</i></b> and berating myself on my slow reading. It
took me a smack in the head [not literally] to realize that while I can read a
600 page book in a week, It wouldn’t be my preference to do so every week, and
like any vocation there are challenges when coming across new authors, or genres
and topics that push our buttons and those books are the ones that we need to
be flexible with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What it
comes down to is really fear of failure. I am sure we all feel it as some
stage, even when reading is a passion. To couple this thought I realized that
whatever pressure I feel is self-inflicted and there is strength in being able
to be open to change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like to
let the past be the past, and always grow even with reading, that is one of the
stronger drives for me to read, to learn and to grow as well as for enjoyment
and community. I have been learning that I am still hard on myself when it
comes to creating goals and sticking with them. I am a focused person, and can contradict
myself with my impulsive patterns. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is my
confession, my amendment to the plans I have made, and the open door to bookish
bliss. My themed picks and challenges will be running for the present, but
those two changes will be put into place mentally immediately and actively come
February. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What about
you?</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How have
your January goals been going?</span></span></h2>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-1846567242128780042015-01-07T04:44:00.001-08:002015-01-07T04:44:26.758-08:00Book Review: The Circle - Sara B. Elfgren & Mats Strandberg<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="16101193" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359077723l/16101193.jpg" width="198" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The Circle<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">More
information about The Circle:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101193-the-circle">The Circle -
Good Reads</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">*<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Finished:
January 7<sup>th</sup> 2015<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1/100 Book Challenge<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Challenge Completed: Read a book over 500
pages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">*<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
was conflicted when I closed the pages of this novel as to how I wanted to
share my thoughts about the book. It being the first in the Trilogy, I felt as
though it was a fantastic beginning, and I am anticipating the sequel when I
can get my hands on it. However there were a few things about it that took a
half star away from my final rating.</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Things I
liked:</span></b></h3>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It was intense and intricately plotted [set out]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The mystery element was loaded and diverse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The strong contemporary tones lead to well developed characters
[individually] and collectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It had an interesting and uncommon approach to magic law, and the
elements<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The writing style was refreshing in the perspective of each of the
many characters in the novel. I hardly was confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The somber setting was elusive and provoking – I also liked the
change in country and landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The complex and realistic relationship between the girls. I liked
the way it started and developed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Things I troubled
me:</span></b></h3>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Intentional vagueness on mythology – while I understood that this
was a set up at times, the intent was strong, yet fell flat because I needed
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There was a lot to digest, and at times the pacing was heavy
handed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My
Conclusion:</span></b></h3>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The Circle
was an all engrossing page turner with a fresh perspective on familiar
concepts. The landscape of Sweden was powerful, as was the town itself. Each
character had strong purpose, both major and minor, and I found myself loving
the running story lines that intertwined fantastically. I grew attached to a
few characters, and would like to see more personal growth in others. Alongside
that I am anticipating a ramp up on the magical elements of the story,
especially with the ending. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I would
recommend this if you are looking for a taste of world Young Adult literature,
enjoy Paranormal Witch/Magic stories, and have a desire for a novel that is
both dark in undertones and hits emotionally with the contemporary realism
imbued throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Rating:</b></span></span></h3>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
☽☽☽☽ ½ <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-26505362341786987132015-01-06T02:13:00.001-08:002015-01-06T03:01:26.790-08:00Bout of Books 12 Challenge | Top 10 Recommendations<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Top -10 Book
Recommendations<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's challenge is hosted over at </span></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://treesofreverie.com/">http://treesofreverie.com</a></span></span></b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can find the link
to Sarah’s post here</span></span></b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://treesofreverie.com/post/107288766633/bout-of-books-12-challenge-top-10-recommendations"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Top
Ten Recommendations</span></a></span></b></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This list is in no order of preference, as these are all favourites in my opinion, it was hard to slim it down to just Ten. Some are older reads, others are newer. I have noted what genre they are in, and the Authors as well. </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was an eye opener to the diversity of my reading, and I found it interesting to see the books I have kept on my shelf even after all the years that have passed since reading them.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Without further ado... </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Taken- Erin Bowman [Y.A Sci-Fi/Dystopian]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="11044367" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340110014l/11044367.jpg" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The minute
that I started reading Taken I knew I was hooked. Not only did Erin’s writing
style draw me in with the beautiful prose and power character development, the
concept of the world took over, and I was immersed; fearful, exhilarated,
excited and turbulent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I
finished the book I knew that I needed more. It was fast dubbed my ‘crack’ book
as I avoided going out and being social so I could spend more time in the
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you like
a mixture of Science-Fiction and Dystopian, Male protagonists, diverse
landscapes and political intrigue you are going to love Taken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Touch of Power [Y.A Fantasy]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="13124584" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322545696l/13124584.jpg" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I first
discovered my love of Maria V Synder in the first book to her Healer Trilogy.
I’d seen it at my local department store, though the cover was pretty and was
drawn to the main character being a healer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Little did I
know this would be one of the most memorable books not only from the novel
itself, but the personal reading experience that I shared with one of my good
friends, who is no longer in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Fantasy
elements in this book are well crafted, and atmospheric. The pacing of humor,
tenderness, war, friendship, and magical intrigue makes it a rich read. Several
times my eyes got watery with emotion, and I remain attached to the Male
characters that surround the Female protagonist in her journey to self
discovery and safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are
pulled in by sharp wit, captivating and muti-faceted characters, touches of
romance, and page-turning action you will enjoy Touch of Power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look out for my series wrap up later
in the year when I complete the trilogy. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Born Wicked – Jessica Spotswood [Y.A Historical]<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="11715276" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332157702l/11715276.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was my
first completed Trilogy in physical form. From the first book Born Wicked, to
the last, the trilogy kept me pining for the next one after each books release.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s start
with Born Wicked though. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You are
going to want to get your hands on it if you haven’t already, and if you have,
and are a fan of Witch stories. This one is sure to have you reading by candle
light, enchanted with Jessica’s stunning prose, provocative prophecy, and swoon
worthy romance. Don’t let the romance fool you though, it is intense,
complicated, beautifully explored and one of my favorite couplings in Y.A
fiction to date. Finn and Cate – their love story is one to last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Along with
this, the relationship between the sisters collectively and individually was
hard hitting, and real, yet with the touches of magic and Historical
exploration, coupled with humor, and humanity this by far one of my favorite
books of all time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ve Got a Book in You - Elizaberth Sims [Writing Reference]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="15894353" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363558931l/15894353.jpg" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ve got a Book in you is a must read, go-to guide to
writing your book and developing trust in your own process. With guided,
grounded advice, humorous commentary and simple to begin techniques that can be
re-used this book has become my new writing Bible.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Aimed at those embarking on their first larger
Fiction or Non-Fiction project this book is also essential for seasoned
writers, both published and unpublished as it offers guidance that you can put
into practice to cultivate a fun, easy, and achievable daily writing practices.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I found the concept of Storm Writing, Heart
clenching moments, and her process for ‘making the book better’ changed my
perspectives on writing, and my own practice. Writing is not a chronological
process, and the revision state need not be either. If you buy one book on
writing on writing your first book – look no further than: You’ve got a Book in
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Writing
Down the Bones- Natalie Goldberg [Writing Reference]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="44905" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924733l/44905.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether you are new to writing or a seasoned pro <i>Writing down the Bones</i> is an essential
for any writer or creative spirit. Written in essay form, each chapter is full
of insight, inspiration, and person experience in her years of writing. Her
approach is fresh, humorous, sensuous, and engaging. Scattered throughout there
are exercises to explore, that I myself have done many times. In terms of
Non-Fiction books this is my most re-read book, and I will continue to rave and
recommend anything by Natalie Goldberg as she is one of my favorite writers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Frankie
Says Relapse – Siobhan Curham [Adult- Contemporary]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518FJZ5G0DL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This one is
another book that I have recommended ever since starting my book blog back in
2010. My copy is so well read and beat up that when I saw it in a cheap
bookshop I brought myself a backup copy. That alone should tell you enough when
it comes to wanting to pick it up, but let me sell it to you better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sassy female
protagonist – flashbacks to the 80’s – intense romance – raw teenage emotions –
Journal entries written to Anne Frank as a confidant, and plot twists that make
you both cry and laugh at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have I sold
it? I sure hope so because this book is up there with my </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">favourite</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> books of all
times, and I am well due for a re-read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Blue Eyed Boy – Joanne Harris [Adult – Psychological]<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="6962314" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320430070l/6962314.jpg" width="206" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It has been
many years since I have read this book, a lot of it is amiss in the jumble of
books I have read in the interim, but one thing that has stayed in my mind is
the way that this book affected me while reading it. I cannot remember reading
something since it, aside from <i>Chelsea
Cain’s Heartsick</i> that totally took me over, and had me questioning my
sanity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Written in a
creative format, this intense, somber, and at times perverse story of a
dysfunctional family, and a haunting tale of murder is a must read for lovers
of psychological thrillers, and mysteries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By the end it
will have you highly wired, and unable to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Living Dead Girl – Elizabeth Scott – [Y.A Contemporary [Y.A]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="Living Dead Girl" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308286060l/6413444.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If there was
ever a book I could recommend you read that will disgust you, scare you,
captivate you and keep you hooked page after the page it is <i>Living Dead Girl.</i> I picked this one up
on recommendation a few years back, started reading in the morning and read the
entire thing in one day [this is rare for me, I am a slow reader] I could not
stop, despite the tears, the repulsion and the agony that the main character, a
young kidnapped girl has to experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ending
to this one lingers long after you read it. I would recommend this for those
who enjoy darker tales, although if Child abuse is a trigger for you then I
would read at your own risk. Elizabeth did an amazing job at handling the
topic, especially for the young adult genre. Her writing is both beautiful and
harrowing given the content, but if you feel you are mature enough to handle
it, take the time to read it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One Past Midnight – Jessica Shirvington [Y.A Contemporary] <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="18594392" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405465583l/18594392.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As beautifully heartbreaking as <i>The Fault in Our Stars,</i> <b><i>One
Past Midnight</i></b> is a creative, unique and fresh take on the concept of parallel
worlds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Set in two locations, running along
the same time line, the main character Sabine has to live two completely
different lives that pose their own challenges both internally and externally.
She feels out of control, and tired and makes a chilling decision that will not
only affect both lives, but the fabric of time, and how it influences other
people and their experiences of life and death, love, and hate, compassion and
fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica’s writing was powerful, and phenomenal.
When I finished the novel I had to wipe the tears from my eyes, and I wanted to
start it all over again. Her execution of the premise was superb, and has
started me on a journey to read all the books she has in publication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This Song Will Save Your Life- Leila Sales [Y.A Contemporary]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<img alt="15777621" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362753915l/15777621.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I dub thee the book that surprised me
the most. While reading it, and through to the final page. Leila Sales has a way
of striking deeper chords in me, and this book is no different. If you are a fan
of music, freedom, learning to self love, acceptance, family, and the power of
passion you will love this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
really drew me in to connect with a character who, through the novel, really
finds her passion. It made me laugh, drew me into a world I had only heard
about through the grapevine. It felt as though I was there the whole time. I
resonated with her story in ways I could not even begin to imagine.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
book changed my life. It opened up parts of myself that I never knew existed
and helped me to understand the important of music and creativity in my own
life, and to never give that up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Highly
recommended for all ages, pick this one up NOW.</span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJe28KpJDGnObtMurY-X0-ve8uNF0-uQb6jX8z6n6PW6lh35B_jOSI-tb1PL7o5WYdWW86p5bE3qo2NWEmeVCl34ra-IE1QOQf7_B7h5sN356lrrx_OhXPBzLWwc4nA5P0kj-Ceh4QJO0/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJe28KpJDGnObtMurY-X0-ve8uNF0-uQb6jX8z6n6PW6lh35B_jOSI-tb1PL7o5WYdWW86p5bE3qo2NWEmeVCl34ra-IE1QOQf7_B7h5sN356lrrx_OhXPBzLWwc4nA5P0kj-Ceh4QJO0/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
we go, just a few of my all time favorites that I wanted to recommend and that
jumped out at me to grab my attention, and share my heartfelt thoughts about
them.</span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
about you? What are your favorites? Link me up in the comments below so I can
check out your lists, and as always – Happy Reading. </span></h3>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-32124597810883405352015-01-05T03:40:00.000-08:002015-01-05T03:40:06.722-08:00Bout of Books Challenge – Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQrJgE8lx7VWL9jW5m9NQe1Y-KX2aNHpqXSLUtr9kRCq1mU6KwGErCE_5kqr1-Pf3XGi_KeJoqzJEzF8YQBFyobYl5Rx0Xhi7WXOzaLsnSvqrkqNm_9kxiGsbS-Dr1UTuV7o7RuOd89kZ/s1600/Book+S+-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQrJgE8lx7VWL9jW5m9NQe1Y-KX2aNHpqXSLUtr9kRCq1mU6KwGErCE_5kqr1-Pf3XGi_KeJoqzJEzF8YQBFyobYl5Rx0Xhi7WXOzaLsnSvqrkqNm_9kxiGsbS-Dr1UTuV7o7RuOd89kZ/s1600/Book+S+-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Welcome Back Readers to Mondays Challenge: Number Two for Bout of Books 12. </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am here with the Book Scavenger hunt hosted by </span><b></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.caughtreadhanded.wordpress.com/">www.caughtreadhanded.wordpress.com</a></span></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could not find a book with the same initials as me in on my shelf...I completed the rest though.</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;" /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">2. Find a book with the color yellow on it - Rebel Amy Tintera</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #574d4d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;">3. Find an author’s name with the letter “S” in it- Jessica Spotswood - Born Wicked Trilogy (one of my favourites)</span></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px;">4. Find a book with a female protagonist - The Chaos of Stars - Kiersten White</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #574d4d;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">5. Find the longest book you own - Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #574d4d;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">6. Find a book with a map in it or on it - Let's Get Lost - Adi Alsaid</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #574d4d;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">7. Find a book with a face on it (photograph or illustrated)</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #574d4d;"><span style="line-height: 28px;">This Star Won't Go Out -Esther Earl</span></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #574d4d;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">Bonus: Find something on your shelf that isn’t a book -</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">If you can see it I have a little tea strainer hanging over the edge that sits in my naughty book shelf.</span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;">This was fun. Although my bedroom and general house lighting is off. I loved taking these photo's and taking them of my shelf. It gave me an idea of what I want to look at reading in the next few months, as well as rekindling happier thoughts of the books I have read.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #574d4d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;">I will be back tomorrow with an update on my reading, and to participate in the challenges. Happy Reading.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt52e3eUIhgonqfrjpKFNJagzk1WTdCOBwJvdRcfZXNS42MHy0MHzaBHI3x6PJj5fKlWtu9dnqfjXeqHfQPydNW4SuOQT3Rds7ovx-jfTNiKUUeQ1oE7IiJs9SQH45nIVLeS9vNQvSQxH/s1600/Bout+of+Books+Challenge+%E2%80%93+Bookshelf+Scavenger+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt52e3eUIhgonqfrjpKFNJagzk1WTdCOBwJvdRcfZXNS42MHy0MHzaBHI3x6PJj5fKlWtu9dnqfjXeqHfQPydNW4SuOQT3Rds7ovx-jfTNiKUUeQ1oE7IiJs9SQH45nIVLeS9vNQvSQxH/s1600/Bout+of+Books+Challenge+%E2%80%93+Bookshelf+Scavenger+Hunt.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sVcR3R4ThcqfwsRToRfh_zz9NZB3-UlT2Qt5g8dKkbeWSzsN4uZ9CdccICtrjt3wbGirrz6Aee7ifUb53fbKB0BnUaY0-gEYSbFwnMOaQp99Em_XVZcaxzfbPl63YbamkLtrcGEYSaa_/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sVcR3R4ThcqfwsRToRfh_zz9NZB3-UlT2Qt5g8dKkbeWSzsN4uZ9CdccICtrjt3wbGirrz6Aee7ifUb53fbKB0BnUaY0-gEYSbFwnMOaQp99Em_XVZcaxzfbPl63YbamkLtrcGEYSaa_/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #574d4d; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-26435437046824877592015-01-04T22:00:00.003-08:002015-01-04T22:00:42.595-08:00Bout of Books: New Year’s Resolution Challenge<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello Bookish Friends Today I Am Participating In The Bout of Books First Day Challenge Held By </span></i><a href="http://thebookthat.wordpress.com/" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">http://thebookthat.wordpress.com/</a> </h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was a fun challenge and got me really thinking about how I interpret my reading on a fun level. I hope you enjoy my finds, and good luck to all of you lovely readers out there who are doing the Bout Of Books 12.</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Grab a cuppa and Join In Today</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Reading</h2>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GOAL – 100 BOOK
CHALLENGE</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TITLE: THE
BODY FINDER- KIMBERY DERTING</span></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358266631l/6261522.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Body Finder is humorous for me because when I
read you can usually find me in the one spot, but it also plays on the
experience of being out of my body when I am in a good book – immersed deeply. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This hits on my 100 book challenge – as I will be having many adventures
through my collection throughout the year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GOAL – SHOP
SMART</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TITLE: CONSPIRACY
GAME – CHRISTINE FEEHAN</span></i></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LpYmGsriL.jpg" width="199" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Conspiracy Game - Shock revelations, news paper worthy headlines. Conspiracy theories all around my house
abound when I set myself forward to SHOP SMART, and be wiser about spending in
regards to reading. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I did really well
last year, comparatively to the years when starting my bookish blog and youtube
channel, were I was buying upwards of 60 books a month. Now my goal is to buy
1-4 a month [if that] </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GOAL; READ
TWO BOOKS A WEEK</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TITLE: THE
GIRL IN THE ARENA</span></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330973705l/9369285.jpg" width="215" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When making this goal it dawned on me that I was going to
need to make stronger changes into my boundaries with people, and where my
attention went if I was to immerse myself in my love of reading further by
reading two books a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> At times it
does feel as if I am a Gladiator claiming my power, and being strong in my
intent – knowing if I dedicate to the enjoyment and flexibility of the goal I
can achieve anything, and have fantastic adventures along the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What about you Bookish Friends...What are your picks?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MCUTUrzYcWLJqQS_K2a3dDV8XGfgQeoCIcoRbOx0XxAke8UxUizSO0pDE5ChiQ-knyRkw5Uqym48pTRJGubBhyjhZiUwFwh_lfRLDWQfmWP1sr70bs74uSGnE-WQxjqvcWXCvRarCYQs/s1600/youtube_banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MCUTUrzYcWLJqQS_K2a3dDV8XGfgQeoCIcoRbOx0XxAke8UxUizSO0pDE5ChiQ-knyRkw5Uqym48pTRJGubBhyjhZiUwFwh_lfRLDWQfmWP1sr70bs74uSGnE-WQxjqvcWXCvRarCYQs/s1600/youtube_banner.png" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-28147771847412188102015-01-04T00:54:00.000-08:002015-01-04T00:56:55.623-08:00Mini Challenges: January Picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />Every month I will be posting mini challenges for readers to participate In my monthly THEME PICKS.</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />This month is Vampires Vs Witches<br />&<br />New Best Year</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please note that in my challenge boxes - I have made a few typos.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Participate - Link In - Comment - Connect</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7qA9hDKF60C0GD-aJ_Ft2Js2qyDSsIC_C7kqCBgzhqVsKeakGeCFhNfpZcKiRZPkzrLdEHp6b258LwVqFpuMt31ujFER5RFi10gjJmE-_Tnzihz94yPZ6Wq6811N99hpr2fHTHuIsKCM/s1600/January+Picks+Mini+Challenges+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7qA9hDKF60C0GD-aJ_Ft2Js2qyDSsIC_C7kqCBgzhqVsKeakGeCFhNfpZcKiRZPkzrLdEHp6b258LwVqFpuMt31ujFER5RFi10gjJmE-_Tnzihz94yPZ6Wq6811N99hpr2fHTHuIsKCM/s1600/January+Picks+Mini+Challenges+2.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNA7kGUU15yR0E8WCGNpgELKeCamHvJEIn_xQFmrzN-D6uIlmDzq-eVKPvLxoBt2WYP3WY10V3zbYLkozBSt1wh88P0EiODkGqNlhoCj1qqcxBC6nbjQKKm6h3F7boP2L39Py5fpu3wQ2/s1600/Jan+Picks+Mini+Challenges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNA7kGUU15yR0E8WCGNpgELKeCamHvJEIn_xQFmrzN-D6uIlmDzq-eVKPvLxoBt2WYP3WY10V3zbYLkozBSt1wh88P0EiODkGqNlhoCj1qqcxBC6nbjQKKm6h3F7boP2L39Py5fpu3wQ2/s1600/Jan+Picks+Mini+Challenges.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-91567679531071199852015-01-01T21:12:00.000-08:002015-01-01T21:12:24.208-08:00Bout Of Books 12 Sign Up Post<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome Readers - This is my
confirmation sign-up post for Bout of Book 12 </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Which is run by:</span> <a href="http://onabookbender.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #00a9ac; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Amanda @ On a Book Bender</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">&<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://paranormalbookreviews-kelly.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #00a9ac; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-align: start;">.</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Over at: <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com.au/">http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com.au/</a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center">
<a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" title="Bout of Books"><img alt="Bout of Books" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyAkOEZznLDcczHMWHnmIQQPbbcDDdjpby-Oah5t1UyYKBi7eHrTEdgvxk5yvJRy0t7ji65MTKU2utYvgY9W2xuOmgDLLrYAhex-HYokOQCXMq3anPRLviwsZdUbtRyI_M00irqYmSeat/s200-no/BoB12-200x200.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can find any relevant information
over on the blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In January my goal is to start two
new books and work on my beside pile, that has been building since 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9cRLV616S9hyphenhyphen5Tw50L_jo7mivAUauQB6BaefLh3ftXv3QeXgvlk4D43WL9tlaKPqcgvi6bnWY8oC_oF7Z6l5JHd4WsR0b4gLrLcrB_RTG3QU2q9_rLttBR1JYNhLrna90JY9ikFRZGIj/s1600/Books+From+2014+To+Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9cRLV616S9hyphenhyphen5Tw50L_jo7mivAUauQB6BaefLh3ftXv3QeXgvlk4D43WL9tlaKPqcgvi6bnWY8oC_oF7Z6l5JHd4WsR0b4gLrLcrB_RTG3QU2q9_rLttBR1JYNhLrna90JY9ikFRZGIj/s1600/Books+From+2014+To+Finish.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bout of Books Read-a-thon that runs
from Jan 5<sup>th</sup> -11<sup>th<o:p></o:p></sup></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><sup><br /></sup></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><sup>JOIN YOU THERE</sup></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><sup><br /></sup></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK_eJ8O4c_pFEXXEy-CWJ_Kn4Si3g_Mj2Kvq8vJP5Cg8M9Wv057181qJ15z2OHj_md8jlrJDc7T13wNjVcPYIqE0DiXAkdG5u98qJ6a7nJWj3llqk_mrZ-rXRVQar1MJpGnhhJtdgZc5U/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK_eJ8O4c_pFEXXEy-CWJ_Kn4Si3g_Mj2Kvq8vJP5Cg8M9Wv057181qJ15z2OHj_md8jlrJDc7T13wNjVcPYIqE0DiXAkdG5u98qJ6a7nJWj3llqk_mrZ-rXRVQar1MJpGnhhJtdgZc5U/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><sup><br /></sup></span></div>
</div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-10571585009325809032015-01-01T20:01:00.000-08:002015-01-01T20:08:37.900-08:00January Picks : 2015<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></span></b></h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Welcome,
Welcome. Leave your book bag at the door and curl up on the lusty comfy chairs
to settle in with some exciting content on <i>Bitten
by Book Lust.</i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This month I
am excited to bring you two new events: Themes, and Book Challenge Monthly. I
aim to run these every month for myself, and for YOU the lovely readers of my
blog, both old and new.</span></h3>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></span></b></h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Theme Picks</u></span></span></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want a
little extra spice in your reading?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to
branch out in your reading styles and genre?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you need
direction in choosing a book of your shelf?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to join
me in reading a range of Fiction and Non-Fiction books?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then Theme picks is for you. This is your monthly
chance to read alongside me, vary your reading style and genre, and have fun
reading, chatting, and recommending books that resonate with each month’s
theme.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each month
there will be a post in the first week detailing my pick. Feel free to
recommend future picks, reading, and other great sources to share with other
lovely readers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Book
Challenge Monthly</u></b></span></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book Challenge Monthly is an experimental idea in combining challenges from the <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2015-36071458">Pop Sugar
2015 Reading Challenge</a> and my own personal reading shelves to explore new
authors, reads, and genres that I am excited to delve into.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each month I
will share the details where you can join in and read alongside be buddy style.
There will be a giveaway at the end of the month relating to the book I have chosen,
and a Challenge Pal group in the coming year where I will be asking those who
join me to put down their names, and find new buddies to read alongside. You will find any information for the month by
clicking here: <a href="http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com.au/p/challenges.html">Bookish
Challenges</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course
you can choose to read the book by yourself, and leave me a comment at the end
of each month on my wrap up post, or review of the book itself. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> SNEAK PEAK AT JANUARY'S PICKS</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJOb8lVbNEv_cLpDW4czm49VdU8E6eo8EMMkEOi4GH9YwdGm0evP9ENgsB2cwEkPyOlTcGBDU0vc0gnSIZBEVBDQDFMKlKktPffu0fc52WDTz4ZYcB_8ypYgja62obA1gagf4v81WXuX5/s1600/January+2015-+Fiction+Picks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJOb8lVbNEv_cLpDW4czm49VdU8E6eo8EMMkEOi4GH9YwdGm0evP9ENgsB2cwEkPyOlTcGBDU0vc0gnSIZBEVBDQDFMKlKktPffu0fc52WDTz4ZYcB_8ypYgja62obA1gagf4v81WXuX5/s1600/January+2015-+Fiction+Picks.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrO9YuqYjq0n70HX9MbSM3os0WiLrpqC-cYSJ-cf-6whnrMhyphenhyphenPFgYMklYKaKiQ3YHAPAoAhp6kbWIkOYA1HOVsdxqFDDpYCx2pa850GKt3FPFbhscN_tMOypRfW5TIiqfAkeFNQ84pcFJ/s1600/January+Non-+Fiction+Picks+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrO9YuqYjq0n70HX9MbSM3os0WiLrpqC-cYSJ-cf-6whnrMhyphenhyphenPFgYMklYKaKiQ3YHAPAoAhp6kbWIkOYA1HOVsdxqFDDpYCx2pa850GKt3FPFbhscN_tMOypRfW5TIiqfAkeFNQ84pcFJ/s1600/January+Non-+Fiction+Picks+2015.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiERlY7HYWptO4dUMV9y5rQOFDUebLWViX3OFERt446cq4m4N_xAClw7bWTOj2yGQ3epsY4RuqhZxV8f58eKqQ1fIYi5zg4uRlcQ0CPNJ5RlLM3YGn5LV2BLQpKd7kJZmi8isRkrWWQC7j/s1600/Book+Challenge+Monthly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiERlY7HYWptO4dUMV9y5rQOFDUebLWViX3OFERt446cq4m4N_xAClw7bWTOj2yGQ3epsY4RuqhZxV8f58eKqQ1fIYi5zg4uRlcQ0CPNJ5RlLM3YGn5LV2BLQpKd7kJZmi8isRkrWWQC7j/s1600/Book+Challenge+Monthly.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope that
you join me in the month of January in my first month exploring these
challenges.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6j4NppWHd88PcuwrFB_kdhmtKhBjeuZiPj4Gb6y9IE6J0Ywv9AmT8GN1PGd8s5_BR1b_Ekm_K9VTtheoE5ndcHCW8BDUGzHiinB_TzN__VtUSWynHwcV9uC6CQi6qbLK4eLopF37BLJL/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6j4NppWHd88PcuwrFB_kdhmtKhBjeuZiPj4Gb6y9IE6J0Ywv9AmT8GN1PGd8s5_BR1b_Ekm_K9VTtheoE5ndcHCW8BDUGzHiinB_TzN__VtUSWynHwcV9uC6CQi6qbLK4eLopF37BLJL/s1600/Love+Blair.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-54035180131221096362015-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:002015-01-01T18:55:24.526-08:00Welcoming You To a Bookish 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgWTRVXSaBBhYft1uWrIkOSqVIQLDt3izMeR-kwQnpH0XIHnSpJQ_XYD20GmfYWDxr0i9-WbIxE-CCeDSeZJ74DVr3hr8gt7iuV57g1VNbZUK0Y9F9gZUsGhah9CYd7lJOxHH6yZX__RO/s1600/2015+Bookish+Goals+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgWTRVXSaBBhYft1uWrIkOSqVIQLDt3izMeR-kwQnpH0XIHnSpJQ_XYD20GmfYWDxr0i9-WbIxE-CCeDSeZJ74DVr3hr8gt7iuV57g1VNbZUK0Y9F9gZUsGhah9CYd7lJOxHH6yZX__RO/s1600/2015+Bookish+Goals+2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">January
welcomes with it the New Year, and new Bookish challenges and goals. When
considering what I wanted to change, improve and remove from my reading life in
2015 I came up with goals that I wanted to set for myself so that I could have
the focus, passion and dedication that reading gives to me, and that I want to
give back to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">What you can
look forward to on my blog in the coming weeks, and throughout the year is
having themed months, sharing my goal of reading 100 books, reading and
recommending non-fiction books weekly, book of the month picks, and book
buddies, these are just a few ideas that I will be working with, and sharing my
journey through during 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alongside
these goals I am keeping in mind my word of the year – this year I chose
Flexible. For me this means being flexible and gentle with myself, while at the
same time expressing and experiencing my love, and deep passion for books on
diverse and new levels. To be flexible I am learning day by day that putting
myself out there for the world isn’t a race, and coming back to the basics is
important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In 2014 I
read 30 books. While I did enjoy the majority of the books I read I realized that
I needed to change that in 2015. Reading is a huge part of my daily life,
whether it be an article online, a Non-Fiction memoir, or a fantastical Fiction
adventure. Daily reading is a must for me. Without it, I go a little bit nuts
[okay, okay, I go up the wall]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year I
want to be reading 2 books a week, 100 pages a day, and 100 books in the year.
Those are my base goals. The others, will change, and grow as I do in my
blogging ethics and reading lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">What about
you? What are some of your bookish goals for 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-5857291591835964812015-01-01T18:38:00.000-08:002015-01-01T18:38:20.603-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn23Q51CwcumY-C1wfQb3FMtUoSdn3nmkNezmypxd_tJNW9UoppYNCLJZyYw0VPcKJNv0jSfKHViA36g6K4HqxEDtlJgIgNUmQyMxcj-dbF0h8F5Zu8M30ICL57qkfZyvrhbbA9lVGi5RY/s1600/Coming-Soon+BITTENBYBOOKLUST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn23Q51CwcumY-C1wfQb3FMtUoSdn3nmkNezmypxd_tJNW9UoppYNCLJZyYw0VPcKJNv0jSfKHViA36g6K4HqxEDtlJgIgNUmQyMxcj-dbF0h8F5Zu8M30ICL57qkfZyvrhbbA9lVGi5RY/s1600/Coming-Soon+BITTENBYBOOKLUST.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have navigated
your way through the blog you will see that there are new have been added.
Those are currently under construction. The blog will remain running. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Check
back in over the next few weeks to see pro</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">gress.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some of the
exciting things </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">will be doing on the blog include: Writing Prompts,
Challenges, Bookish Missions, Video content, and Giveaways.</span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-56641844612520471322014-05-26T05:52:00.001-07:002014-05-26T05:52:13.125-07:00Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi - Book Thoughts<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC2NEQkl66JUgH-xEYUZsbzmleUr2_Mo-LaawhVcZPcDTqjpDAWwOzlR6Wt37ssTFBA3hjtw9MuHpoPrW72U9e12Q9egShR1Y8xma-HkEXoYMxdlz_5b6zFMSfgAHzG65PF-ZR4nNB9jA/s1600/UTNS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC2NEQkl66JUgH-xEYUZsbzmleUr2_Mo-LaawhVcZPcDTqjpDAWwOzlR6Wt37ssTFBA3hjtw9MuHpoPrW72U9e12Q9egShR1Y8xma-HkEXoYMxdlz_5b6zFMSfgAHzG65PF-ZR4nNB9jA/s1600/UTNS.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>This copy was my own paperback. I purchased it myself. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">For a synopsis and more reviews click the link to the Goodreads page: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13068776-under-the-never-sky">Under
the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">* * * My Thoughts * * * </span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I am certainly late to the Under the Never Sky bandwagon. It has been sitting on my shelf since it first came out and I am glad that I waited while the hype died down. I have mixed feelings about this novel, so I am going to do my best at sharing my opinion. I can say this though, I enjoyed it enough to order the next book and I cannot wait to see where Veronica takes the story,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">When I started this, I went into it as blind as I could. I read the synopsis and it really intrigued me. I feel as though Veronica really executed the premise really well, although in truth I was looking for a little more science fiction then I got. This wasn't enough to deter me from the promise of the fantastic book that Under the Never Sky is. With semi solid world building and a unique concept, I was immersed with the landscape as a character in itself and the effects it had on the world as a whole [especially later on in the book when we meet a certain character. However I would have loved to see more of their home lands and the lands beyond. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">To me it read very character driven, the majority of the novel was about the characters understanding themselves and each other, developing stronger connections and transforming into the people they are at the end of the book. I love it when you can relate to the characters, I became invested in every aspect of their lives; especially the romantic intrigue, that thankfully was slow burning and realistic in this novel. I particularly liked the connection between Perry and Talon, their sub-story is beautifully explored and heartbreaking, while hands down my favourite side character had to be Roar, and I hope to see more of him in the next book. When it came to the two main characters Aria and Perry, I deeply enjoyed their individual battles as well as their battles together. They work so well together, the intriguing pasts that I am guessing are only touched on in this book. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The dual perspectives was an interesting take. Being a big fan of writing in dual perspectives myself I found it great to be able to see the events from both points of view. It gave me as a reader a wider scope of understanding and enriched the emotional investment of the journey through reading. My main concerns with the book lay with a few scenes in particular that I could have done without, and if you have read the book you probably can guess which one I am talking about. I understood the impact of Arias change, however I felt it was poorly executed and didn't add to the story at all, other than to make Perry a little to creepy with his senses. My other concern was there was parts of the story read too convenient for me. I had a lot of trouble coming to terms with this giant village fortress in the middle of nowhere where everything was provided for them, without much of a back-story as to how it was created and who Marrion truly was.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Overall though I found Under the Never Sky to be engaging, creative, suspenseful and a promising start to the trilogy. It was a little slow in places, but the action scenes had my heart racing. I look forward to more development in the coming books and I cannot wait to see where Veronica takes the story next. I would certainly recommend it for all readers, especially those with an affinity to Dystopia novels with strong character growth, and great mystery. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">♥♥♥♥ <span style="font-size: x-large;">½</span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-80184236872228965142014-05-26T04:27:00.001-07:002014-05-26T04:27:07.794-07:00Feeling Frisky - In The Barn - Selena Kitt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRl4PFChOLjIhexK7No-x2ew8FmmRXg1Oy3p_ynSgphX3I1EH99XpNk4Y82mdLfKvmdcLSGe0SRM3L9IYOgJxUFg7ImUojfjNpQQsK6DR2YrEg4dH1myxnEGOa_0NymjFuwNbP_Bc1rZy/s1600/selena+-+Barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRl4PFChOLjIhexK7No-x2ew8FmmRXg1Oy3p_ynSgphX3I1EH99XpNk4Y82mdLfKvmdcLSGe0SRM3L9IYOgJxUFg7ImUojfjNpQQsK6DR2YrEg4dH1myxnEGOa_0NymjFuwNbP_Bc1rZy/s1600/selena+-+Barn.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>This story contains adult content: 18 +</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For a synopsis of this book and more reviews click the link to the Good Reads page: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13075811-in-the-barn">In
the Barn - Selena Kitt</a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I picked this short piece up to have as my first read on my new kindle. I have a thing of pseudo incest, I am not going to sugar coat that I am a kinky bitch. So going into it I knew what it was going to be about. Although I was rather tempted by the idea of the Devil “actually” being inside the girls body rather than it being subjective. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">None the less once I got into the rhythm of characters natural naivety [although bracing since they are adults] I rather enjoyed the little short story. Not the best thing I have read, but the quotes were beautiful, ones I would write down and collect and Kitt's writing was a great introduction.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: x-large;">♥♥♥</span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-56745093428555627642014-05-26T04:09:00.001-07:002014-05-26T04:10:28.910-07:00The Fault in Our Stars - Brief Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRntHiZBhhl2VciUTByA_dgrgCgFPxHZsx-b21mTEEIFbKFUEuqxIgqx544xLXW83f_1-SUAW2lnrhg2FNY8yRSECz6tDG8nkaAseN3-hyIA4t58ZuEynGXWrKELkeuUyoCI5vf3MVVUAU/s1600/TFIOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRntHiZBhhl2VciUTByA_dgrgCgFPxHZsx-b21mTEEIFbKFUEuqxIgqx544xLXW83f_1-SUAW2lnrhg2FNY8yRSECz6tDG8nkaAseN3-hyIA4t58ZuEynGXWrKELkeuUyoCI5vf3MVVUAU/s1600/TFIOS.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I will be going to see the movie when it comes out June 5th. I wanted to share my brief thoughts about The Fault in Our Stars now, and then come back and do a discussion/ Movie Review after I have seen it.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><i>Initial thoughts upon finishing the book</i></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><i><br /></i></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I don't think I need to say anything more than what has already been said about this book. It is a beautiful, heart warming, heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster that will stay in my memory and be a part of my collection for ever. I want to give my book to others to read, yet at the same time it is is ridiculously post it noted, and sacred !! Still I will be getting anyone who doesn't already know about it to read it.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">P.S Hazel's parents were breathtaking. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: x-large;">♥♥♥♥♥</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-16468131426820944152014-05-26T03:10:00.001-07:002014-05-26T03:10:28.522-07:00Incarnate - Jodi Meadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrBhz_9c2xz2Lu68kImqJveYh1dNEJ0u1cEAWti_2eqm4hehYhbvpsZivT5kmr0UVUvrf0l6p0p06GcSQmPGGbL-ml7CXGAw1CO1H09eviP9yL3qa4whX8dRF5gHExH2UXutjha62OXYy/s1600/Incarnate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrBhz_9c2xz2Lu68kImqJveYh1dNEJ0u1cEAWti_2eqm4hehYhbvpsZivT5kmr0UVUvrf0l6p0p06GcSQmPGGbL-ml7CXGAw1CO1H09eviP9yL3qa4whX8dRF5gHExH2UXutjha62OXYy/s1600/Incarnate.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>This book was my own purchase. It was a paperback of my shelf. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">For all information on Incarnate follow the link on Good Reads : </span></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8573642-incarnate">Incarnate
- Jodi Meadows</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>REVIEW</u></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I have a deep fascination with past lives. From doing my own research, reading others and experiencing it myself, there was no way that I was going to pass up reading Incarnate. I was even more excited that a young adult writer had decided to explore the idea, and could not wait to delve into the world Jodi had created in Heart and in its unfolding of Ana and her journey.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Let's start by getting the issues I had with the novel out of the way, they were few, but they did impact my enjoyment of the book at times. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The first being Ana and her frustrating victim complex. I fully understood where she was coming from, living with her mother as she did and then coming into a town where people viewed her as a victim, or worse like she should be dead, however after the halfway point I wanted to shake her for being so defensive and snappy. Can I say that Ana grew over the coarse of this novel? Yes I can, during the last quarter of the book she really came into her own body and owned who she was, which me happy. I hope she continues to grow as a soul and as a person. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The second being the romance. Now I love a good romance, and the romance in the story between the two characters was challenging in a fantastic way. I really did enjoy how it came about and their connection. However I did feel a lot of the times that romantic element squandered the possibility for more action growth. There were scenes where I wanted more mystery and growth of the overall arching plot, yet they were watered down by the progressing attraction between Sam and Ana [no surprises there] Does that mean that the relationship was frustrating? No, I found the elements of past life, present time, history and life and death to be interwoven wonderfully together to connect these two in something magical.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My favourite part of the story was the exploration of past lives and how they functioned/ or didn't in the world of Heart and beyond. I didn't have strong expectations for this element of the story, so I wasn't disappointed and after hearing such great things about the book and the premise I knew I would enjoy the interpretation. I found it to be addicting to read about, and how it affected the characters was fantastic. The concept of many lives and the system that was put in place to manage them was fascinating. The overall arc of the affects that it had was heartbreaking, especially from Ana's perspective. There were many moments when I had to stop reading to think about the impact it was going to have on these characters, and many times when my eyes were teary.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Another element that I loved was the unpredictability of the majority of this novel. For me, I thought I knew where something was going and then the novel went someone different and I really enjoy that feeling of not knowing, because it makes the reading a much more unique and enjoyable experience. I still have no idea where the story is going after Incarnate and I do want to get my hands on Asunder as soon as I can, because I do want to know what happens after that insane ending.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Overall my lovely readers, I would recommend picking up this book. Brad from Books YA Reviews talked it up a lot, and I must say that without watching his passionate videos. I might not have picked it up at all. I am so glad I did, and it has so many post-it noted quotes that I cannot wait to re-read it again at some point and enjoy the experience again. If you are looking for something fresh, fascinating, slower burning, but still really thought provoking, then check out Incarnate.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">P.S There were a few things that I left out, as I could talk about them for days. Like Sam, the Temple, Music and what it means, and the relationships with other characters. These things I believe are better enjoyed on your own without to much explanation- Enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">♥♥♥♥ <span style="font-size: x-large;">½</span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-75843848792851842002014-03-31T22:56:00.003-07:002014-03-31T22:56:46.478-07:00Y.A REVIEW: Taken - Erin Bowman
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rjQgFynooVNn43WInUjZzQ0_CITOLBljMX1OYFMsalu1s_ZVhSrwllbEu-by3UORWjya4rvNVti2Z79MS6WJ6xwVhxe-2G35ErfW21pEhyphenhyphenE9ANDTBE6G4HMcTLfl68c6BrXoZsPEGrkp/s1600/Taken+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rjQgFynooVNn43WInUjZzQ0_CITOLBljMX1OYFMsalu1s_ZVhSrwllbEu-by3UORWjya4rvNVti2Z79MS6WJ6xwVhxe-2G35ErfW21pEhyphenhyphenE9ANDTBE6G4HMcTLfl68c6BrXoZsPEGrkp/s1600/Taken+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Taken is one of those novels that I
would recommend to everyone. I believe the best way to read it is
with as little knowledge of the book as possible. I am so glad that I
picked it up when I did, it truly was one of those funk breaker books
that got me out of my slow reading and pulled me back into my
passion. Erin's writing is gripping, a page turner, and Taken was
never far from my mind at any point in time. It was one of those
novels where you truly cannot bare to be anywhere else, but reading
it, yet at the same time you don't want to finish it either.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For this reason I am going to give you
five reasons that you must pick up Taken, the first book in what I
believe is to be a trilogy. I hope that at least one of these, if not
all of these intrigues you enough to pick it up. Enjoy the synopsis.
The premise was executed fantastically.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Emotional Turbulence</b> – it had
me feeling all the feels. My heart was in a constant panic, then just
as I couldn't take it any more the plot turned and my emotions
shifted. Time and time again. I was deeply invested.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Engaging political intrigue</b> –
Always a lover of rich details and subterfuge, I was twisted through
a loop of espionage and intrigue with every turning page.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Riveting Journey</b> – By the time
I was half way through the novel it was hard to believe were I had
started. With creative story telling, atmospheric settings and heart
racing action, the story's growth was believable and provoking from
cover to cover.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Ace Pacing -</b>I
did not want to stop reading it. Chapter after chapter, I would read
pages and pages and didn't want to put it down. The pacing was
brilliant. Suspenseful, with quiet moments interspersed between the
drama and mystery.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Mali-faceted Characters – </b>Each
one was inventive and relatable. I was questioning each one time and
time again for so many reasons. I fell in love with Gray and Blaine,
yet every character pulled on the heart strings – some in worse
ways than others. Erin paints a versatile landscape in the cast, each
with their own strong drives and promising back story.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I think by now you can tell this one
gets a huge thumbs up from me. This promises to be an addictive start
to Erin Bowman's career as a writer and for the following books, and
novella's. That I will certainly be picking up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: large;">♥♥♥♥♥</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh08431hVyAeCvg-AaDyDXDRBj7RaoVspn-4Ov6rmyBgLCTAKaVNPuYgPpYvW_67FwQNpheEjokvBCa-POxsXX9c7xwOmoCVA09Qk9eBHkuIsVZKFNd_SAGSFoivQfXBwAdV5kiBWnMxDx/s1600/Reading+Taken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh08431hVyAeCvg-AaDyDXDRBj7RaoVspn-4Ov6rmyBgLCTAKaVNPuYgPpYvW_67FwQNpheEjokvBCa-POxsXX9c7xwOmoCVA09Qk9eBHkuIsVZKFNd_SAGSFoivQfXBwAdV5kiBWnMxDx/s1600/Reading+Taken.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
</ol>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-77270521534331069222014-02-06T22:17:00.000-08:002014-02-06T22:17:39.461-08:00Granny Chic - Dottie Angel & Ted and Agnes
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwovHMytAQ7ENMMKws_J58pOS5g3wwrmxRIv8BvLVazGgBy63Mu-jiSdUH3Gozzwxxd1o8AjkL26F1cSbKEiHrYNjLQL7aWh6kprE0DL_z9_vltQlJetqZwSZf4lS7xzCM3gyinUIo6PI/s1600/a+granny+chic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwovHMytAQ7ENMMKws_J58pOS5g3wwrmxRIv8BvLVazGgBy63Mu-jiSdUH3Gozzwxxd1o8AjkL26F1cSbKEiHrYNjLQL7aWh6kprE0DL_z9_vltQlJetqZwSZf4lS7xzCM3gyinUIo6PI/s1600/a+granny+chic.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Synopsis</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">More
than just a how-to guide, granny chic offers inspiration to keen
crafters hoping to breathe new life into vintage fabrics and
second-hand objects. From handmade notebooks to lace lampshades and
pinnies made from tea towels, each of the craft recipes brings the
granny chic look to life whilst allowing you to give them your own
personal twist. This selection of 20 projects includes spruced-up
coat hangers, a dingle dangle door screen, a patched and pieced
lampshade and a crocheted tea cosy. In addition to the projects,
granny chic offers advice on the granny chic lifestyle, from
befriending your local fabric shop to creating a handmade home.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/16668639-granny-chic">Granny
Chic</a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="font-size: small;">Dottie
Angel</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.com.au/">Ted
& Agnes</a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I
picked this up on a whim at my local library on a hot day and it
really gave me the up and go I needed to start on a few projects. Not
only did it inspire me with its delicious photography and easy to
achieve projects. There were a lot of projects in it that I can do
over and over again, using things that I already own. I do love a
good craft book that is packed full of tips, tricks, advice and
little snippets of inspiration and the lovely ladies here have
created a fantastic book here.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Granny
Chic is a lifestyle I resonate with whole heartedly. I am a
resourceful woman. I love creating art from second hand bits and
pieces and I am obsessed with floral's and bright colours. Vintage
trinkets and cute pieces that make my heart sing. I now live with
rose coloured glasses on me at all times when on the hunt online or
offline or even when just going through my little bits and pieces and
the photographs of fabric storage and suitcases gave me a fantastic
idea of how to use an old suitcase as a home for all my fabrics and
laces.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This
is a definite for your collection if you love Granny Chic and
photography are a collector of everything and anything and love to
try different and easy projects. The only downside for me was the
crocheting projects which hold little interest in me. I would
recommend this as a pick me up full of vibrancy, cuteness and joy as
well as a great tool for finding ways to connect with your creative
old soul, and possibly even your partner or kids in doing some of the
projects. It is certainly a keeper for me and I will be picking up my
own copy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">♥♥♥♥ <span style="font-size: x-large;">½</span></span></div>
<br />
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-12397298552818869212014-02-06T20:46:00.001-08:002014-02-06T20:48:43.215-08:00Two Spiritual Reviews - Return Again & The Courage to be Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">TWO NON-FICTION REVIEWS</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDSHCZx2LwoZKXS5ht-hP2ob3em4HH0Sy6cesBgVmDkNcMrJzqlkpVft7F8gZquSEHML9ULv5rsGONX99F2XufFnUf0jiFY6_tVjw7JqW3sb6SCrVEX5zntOA_nINIoLDCVkP-9uKEi0L/s1600/courage+to+be+free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDSHCZx2LwoZKXS5ht-hP2ob3em4HH0Sy6cesBgVmDkNcMrJzqlkpVft7F8gZquSEHML9ULv5rsGONX99F2XufFnUf0jiFY6_tVjw7JqW3sb6SCrVEX5zntOA_nINIoLDCVkP-9uKEi0L/s1600/courage+to+be+free.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Synopsis</u></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.5cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
were not born with the persistent negative, self-doubting,
self-limiting thoughts and feelings most of us carry around. Those
limitations are not part of our "original equipment." In
the words of bestselling author and beloved teacher Guy Finley, "When
you realize no one else on this earth can be like you... that no
other soul may know the beauty, sorrow, light and darkness you alone
are given to see, then you will no longer want to be like anyone else
on this earth. You will, at last, be the fearless individual your
heart of hearts has called you to be.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7982778-the-courage-to-be-free"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Courage to be Free Good Reads</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I
picked this up at my local library after a quick flick through. At
this moment in my life I am seeking to find myself on an endless life
long journey and I am always interested in other people's
perspectives on how to live a rich and free like while maintaining
our authentic self. Guy presents a myriad of blunt suggestions,
refreshing story telling and to the point key steps in which you can
implement in your own life to activity be your powerful self.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Much
with any book pertaining to spiritual enlightenment and self help I
took what resonate with me and discarded the parts that say
uncomfortable with me to reconsider and look at, at another time. I
believe this is a book that you would need to read a few times to
really ingrain his teachings into your mind in a manner that made
them automatic. It takes practice and consistent learning to break
through the resistance of freedom and I do think guy did a good job
at giving those tools, however there were some parts that felt a
little to forced for me and other parts where I felt that he was
discarding natural human reaction.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Overall
it is a book that I would probably buy if I could find it really
cheap, but I wouldn't pay full price for it. However I would
recommend it for a good read if you are interested in a different
perspective of being and expressing your fearless self. It is a
quick, thought challenging read.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: large;">♥♥♥1/2</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc30fN2T18YGT3BmQDSW-0xaUP1R5RJS4Yp982AytLVcoJWpjg9bDbttUAQtOND2Kfjt0U-Wd-WGZ1PV5G51nVR3cVttjGr8KEf0LhA1CXn0D3VrJEAaBpqrxxO9Su8XDd8a16kVO0dbU/s1600/a+return+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc30fN2T18YGT3BmQDSW-0xaUP1R5RJS4Yp982AytLVcoJWpjg9bDbttUAQtOND2Kfjt0U-Wd-WGZ1PV5G51nVR3cVttjGr8KEf0LhA1CXn0D3VrJEAaBpqrxxO9Su8XDd8a16kVO0dbU/s1600/a+return+again.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Synopsis:</u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large;">Discover
your true purpose in this life, by exploring your past life in this
do-it-yourself guide to past life regression.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14356087-return-again"><span style="font-size: large;">Return
Again Good Reads</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lately
I have been awakened to the truth of past lives. I find the
phenomenal experiences of other people both who have expressed their
identity of deceased celebrities and well known world figures to be
utterly provoking, stimulating and spiritually intriguing. From as
young as Ten that I can recount I have always been drawn to Anne
Frank and the time of the holocaust. I have read anything I can get
my hands on about the time period and always when I am done with the
curiosity of reading I feel a sense of deep sadness. I have
flashbacks already, and I know within my heart that while I might not
have been Anne Frank I was in that war. I know I am not the only one,
and so when I started this journey into learning about Past Lives,
not only did it bring amazing people with experience and knowledge
into my life, but it is beginning to bring me great documented
accounts and teachings that I can gain so much from.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When
at my local library I said – I wish I could find a book on Past
Lives, literally the next book I pulled out was Return Again – How
to do your own Past Life Regression by Georgia Cannon.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This
informative and positive guide read more to be like an introduction
to Past Lives more than a regression workbook. I would recommend it
for those readers who are new to the concept of Past Lives and
Interlives as well as those who would like to learn about Soul
agreements, Karma, the different kinds of soul mates and the planes
of existence. I would also suggest that if you are triggered by the
topic of death and reincarnation that you have a support system put
in place before you try any of the exercises later on in the book.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I
found it to be extensive enough to keep me interested. As someone
with a little background and experience in practising the regression,
I always love learning different techniques, exercises and reading
about other peoples experience in a field that is deeply fascinating.
Georgia did a fantastic job at drawing me into her teachings and I
could not put this book down. I had to keep reading, learning,
relating and appreciating the wealth of knowledge from the experience
of reading this book. It has given me a lot to consider and a great
tool for taking my own journey into past life regression.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If
you are interested in the field or wanting to learn a little more
about life, death and spirituality as well as Karma and soul mates I
would recommend picking this book up. I am certainly going to be
adding it to my own collection and doing the self recorded hypnosis
in the near future.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: large;">♥♥♥♥ ½</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-10655089478955625462014-02-05T21:52:00.001-08:002014-02-05T21:52:25.274-08:00Year Book Buying Ban - January Update
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xlu4Eh5T0LYBa8Bg56keSXCMZk-ksZB6KgvV_9X7HljSwWZN_oB5ec6O2xzLcHrxnzLQ0RXM5dnJ907CConuKhNJlVCQXLWpOO5Fe3TiuP06KVX0OWJzKQcmZufoBNYQiqpJDIogXYcV/s1600/books+buy+happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xlu4Eh5T0LYBa8Bg56keSXCMZk-ksZB6KgvV_9X7HljSwWZN_oB5ec6O2xzLcHrxnzLQ0RXM5dnJ907CConuKhNJlVCQXLWpOO5Fe3TiuP06KVX0OWJzKQcmZufoBNYQiqpJDIogXYcV/s1600/books+buy+happiness.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Progress – Pushing past the habit</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This month has been crazy hard. I have
not brought any books. I have not even requested any from Net-Galley.
I haven't bargained someone into buying me books, and no one has
gifted me with any. I haven't even looked online for books. I did
catch myself once or twice almost in automatic response to a link
here, a special there, or just to find out what I could learn about a
new release.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It has been 31 days. Yes I am going
insane with wanting to buy all the books, but I am also learning a
lot during this process. The most important is that I have plenty on
hand to read. I have been going to the library, borrowing books from
friends, looking through my shelves and finishing of books I started
and never finished from last year. I have plenty to keep me excited.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Why Blair – Why are you doing this
to yourself?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I decided this Year long book buying
ban challenge a few months before the New Year of 2014. I have long
since been inspired by Susan Hill who took up her own challenge to
only read the books that she owned and revisit her favourites as well
as read ones she had been wanting to for a long time. I found I was
lacking the motivation in this area of my reading life. With the
pressure of wanting to read not only all the new books that were
coming out, but my old ones, and library ones. Not to mention finish
some series, start new ones and find some series and authors to
delight in for the long haul, I found myself avoiding re-reads.
Avoiding the finishing of series because of the long commitment they
take to read through and being a series jumper and not a marathoner I
wanted to take it upon myself to challenge myself to try.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wanted to make a change, and in doing
so make a difference somehow. Not only in my bank balance [ because
sure, so far that has failed since I have so many different hobbies],
but also in someone else's life by directing my passion for reading,
my need to change a habit and a love for helping people into a series
of events that will raise money for different charities. What better
way to have an even stronger direction, a sense of purpose and a
reason to get others involved in reading what they own and possibly
trying something new themselves.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
These events are in the process of
planning. I hope by mid-year to be able to say I am 6 months free
from my addictive book buying habit and begin to host the events. I
would love to see my collection of unread books slimming down, to
donate any books to my book sale that I didn't enjoy to someone who
might and remember what it was like to have very little, but love a
lot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I am looking forward to documenting
this journey as well. With the books I have read, articles I find,
photo's of the books I am reading. Anything bookish related that is
not a haul – think reviews, discussions [if I see fit]
quotes...anything and everything to document the experience and maybe
even offer hope to someone out there like me who owns enough books to
last two life times, but wants to really get a crack on in getting
that pile down and having those adventures.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Epic Fail</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is always the possibility of an
epic fail where I cave in.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I am a dreamer as well as a part
time realist.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I believe in manifestation and working
hard on the goals I set for myself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One day at a time, one week at a time,
one month at a time</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can do this.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-10459357494024374082014-01-29T00:33:00.003-08:002014-01-29T00:33:37.492-08:00Finishing a series - My story and discussion<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC7ZEsPl-XliScDFC0Wl-Gsvi9FBfBUJq9qanlLQU45rc6_Xse78f2CmYh4rdhISYMdib61sRiUEaIEx8xQVBvArirYDZ0ZDcfF50guoUMJqqpO48uiu6WMFV4U-Ypm_M7XOdsHkJN7by/s1600/bookseries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC7ZEsPl-XliScDFC0Wl-Gsvi9FBfBUJq9qanlLQU45rc6_Xse78f2CmYh4rdhISYMdib61sRiUEaIEx8xQVBvArirYDZ0ZDcfF50guoUMJqqpO48uiu6WMFV4U-Ypm_M7XOdsHkJN7by/s1600/bookseries.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">FINISHING A SERIES - DO OR DON'T</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When I first started reading books that
I had purchased myself I was into series. I would go down to my local
independent book store with the little money I had left over and buy
myself either a new Christine Feehan book or a J.R Ward book. Those
books are still sitting on my shelf almost 8 years later and I am not
even anywhere close to done with them. You might ask why, but I am
fairly sure we all know the wonderful temptation of a new book and
with a new book comes a new series or trilogy and over time if you
are like me and keep collecting and starting new ones soon enough
your older books are collecting dust and you forget what even
happened in the series you started a while back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It got me thinking about some questions
I wanted to ask myself, and questions I wanted to ask fellow readers
and bloggers. In journaling these questions I began to evaluate not
only the way I read, but the way I buy books, collect books and share
my passion for them through reviews and hauls. What if I truly could
sit down and do something as amazing as a marathon. Granted it would
take me a few months of reading, but I could do it and finish some
series in a matter of months rather than years. How wonderful would
it be to be able to look at a pile of books and say – yes I
finished that series and it was an amazing ride. I imagine that
feeling every time I start the first book, the second and sometimes
even the third if I get that far. Now I don't just want to imagine
it. I want to make it a reality.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I have talked about what a commitment
it would be do take on something like finishing a series. It would
mean really picking and choosing to start new books and new series
over getting back into older ones. Recently I was reading the fourth
book in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R.Ward [granted it
has taken me a few months of dipping in and out of it] and while I
was enjoying the pleasure of finally sitting down and reading a lot
of emotions were rekindled while I reintroduced myself to the
characters and the world I had initially fell in love with. It was in
that moment, flicking through the pages and falling deeper in love
with characters that felt like old friends that I knew I didn't want
to wait another eight more years to jump into the next book. But how
could I do that when alone there are more than ten books in the
series and I have so many other books waiting for me to read.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The answer is simple – I just do it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It is not going to be easy. Nothing
ever worth doing comes easy. I am in for the ride though. No pressure
on myself. Keeping it simple. The way to change a habit or a thought
pattern is one baby step at a time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the meantime check in next week
where I will be answering these questions and feel free to take
sometime to read them and think about your reading life. I might even
come back with a TAG video.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">Make
yourself a cuppa – Grab a pen and Journal your thoughts...</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">How do you continue a
series? Do you Marathon it? Skip around with different books in
different series to break it up?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">Do
you only read the first book in a series and is so why?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">Do
you like a quick rehash of the previous books in the series before
you jump into the next one or do you prefer longer backstory?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
are some of your favorite series and why do you continue to read
them?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">If
you are/ were a writer - How do you plan to keep your reader
interested in continuing your series?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
makes you want to continue a series? </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
makes you not continue with a series?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">If
you pick up a book that is not the first in a series, will you read
it anyway and go back to the first later? Or go to the first and
start from there?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
would make you read a series out of order?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
series do you wish could go on forever?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">What
series do you wish had ended at book one?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">I
also found some interesting articles that corresponded with the
questions. Happy reading and writing readers !</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">Should I continue
reading a series :
<a href="http://www.bookblogbake.com/2013/05/16/should-i-continue-reading-this-series-a-handy-flowchart/">http://www.bookblogbake.com/2013/05/16/should-i-continue-reading-this-series-a-handy-flowchart/</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://badassbookreviews.com/series-i-need-to-continue/"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">http://badassbookreviews.com/series-i-need-to-continue/</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif;">- Series I need to
continue - perspective on reading a series out of order.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-79845712354839180832014-01-28T21:15:00.000-08:002014-01-28T21:15:44.688-08:00Star Cursed - Jessica Spotswood
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BT8eiMSTGrzyWqfH1qDLO_RyM0KXYB8nZPoMVFwhYKcjqc2piIoyQAsGtSzd2SUjHtkwd8LeEGC4J0nA6ALR3T23MWvr7bTeaXfSBlRtHCtUBq_GYTQehYtvVk7VM9hm_u7rPVd8lmW6/s1600/STAR+CURSED+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BT8eiMSTGrzyWqfH1qDLO_RyM0KXYB8nZPoMVFwhYKcjqc2piIoyQAsGtSzd2SUjHtkwd8LeEGC4J0nA6ALR3T23MWvr7bTeaXfSBlRtHCtUBq_GYTQehYtvVk7VM9hm_u7rPVd8lmW6/s1600/STAR+CURSED+COVER.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Pages</i>:
384</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Published:</i>
<span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-size: small;">June
18th 2013 by G.P. Putnam's Sons</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Format:
</i> Hardback</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Genre:
</i>Y.A / Historical</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Acquired:
</i>My own collection</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Date
Finished: </i>25th January 2014</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b>Synopsis:</b></u></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">With
the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided
Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers.
And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a
war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is
willing to endanger everyone she loves.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Cate
doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her
friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess
join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it
takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices.
Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Quick
thoughts: Vivid and imaginative, a fantastic continuation </b></i></span></h2>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I have been reading this
one for a little over six months. Yet every time I picked it up I was
able to slip back into the world that Jessica Spotswood has created.
This series is fast becoming one of my top favourite series.
Jessica's writing style is beautiful with vivid images and just the
right mixture of magic and action. Her characters truly stand out as
unique to the story and each has their own fascinating part to play
in what was an amazing sequel to T<i>he Cahill Witch Chronicals.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the second instalment
we see things unravel and become even more dangerous as the
Brotherhood cracks down on their search for the Oracle and Witches.
The stakes are higher, lives are being lost, tension and fear is
rising and the suspense is thickening. What I enjoyed the most was
the progression of the story and the anticipation of approaching war.
There is so much to be lost, yet a lot to be gained and it is so
exciting watching it all unfold. From the betrayal of those Cate
trusted, to the magic and the reality of what it means to be a Witch
I was enthralled yet again in Jessica's storytelling.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Jessica does Historical so
damn well, painting a rich tapestry with her eloquent settings, you
truly get a sense of the bleak and beautiful atmosphere at times.
There were some parts Star Cursed that were predictable, for the most
part the twists are hard hitting and they kept me turning page after
page. Admittedly I still find Cate as a main character to be
frustrating, but I believe she really came into herself in this novel
and I cannot say I would not feel the same given the circumstances.
The way she tries to hold her family is admirable and while she
doesn't always make the best choices, her choices drive the story and
make me fall in love with the surrounding characters even more. Finn
and Tess are high up on that list, they are such wonderfully explored
characters.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The ending left me so so
cold. I turned and looked at my own partner and almost cried. Jessica
Spotswood [EXPLAIN YOURSELF] For all those who have read it, you will
understand how detrimental it is, and how waiting until August of
2014 is just not right – it's darn right criminal. I want it right
now. That ending – words...words have left me.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Think candles lit, pots of
tea and a cosy read on a winter day or laying in the sun in the
Summer sipping on a cool drink and getting lost in another time. This
truly is a series to get lost in and fall in love with. I cannot wait
for the third instalment and to re-read these books over and over
again, If you have not yet picked up Star Cursed what are you waiting
for? It is well worth the read.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
RATING</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">♥♥♥♥ <span style="font-size: x-large;">½</span></span></div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-22455488957128454482014-01-20T20:44:00.000-08:002014-01-20T20:44:29.245-08:00January, Oh January Where Have You Gone...
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Welcome to 2014,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
January is almost over and we will soon
be moving on into February. It is a scary thought that already the
year is moving so fast and yet I have done so little on my blog. I am
here both to rectify that and to share with you my January so far in
reading: What I am reading now. What I am wanting to read in the near
future and What I have still in my deliciously new reading storage
box that holds all the books I started last year but am yet to
finish. So make a cuppa, maybe grab a pen or your planner in case you
see a book you like and lets take a look.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Starting of with I am moving through
the books in my storage box. It sits up on my two tier shelf next to
the handmade reading lamp my friend made me last year for my birthday
and mainly at the moment houses a mixture of Adult & Y.A books.
The books in there are:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU_G_lHdKtB3NoGiBPeQDoB1-EBVcpeT5kWUK47CD8DDt9phyphenhyphenPvHRdUeUyXYa7bZ_wbInnU7XHjrvAIAGgAJL8RZ71TNsWP49jJOOyQsyIKoVvtAuiJ-Qxke9v-V_lKqoWiFstQmnsrYD/s1600/Reading+Organized-+Books+I+am+Working+Through.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU_G_lHdKtB3NoGiBPeQDoB1-EBVcpeT5kWUK47CD8DDt9phyphenhyphenPvHRdUeUyXYa7bZ_wbInnU7XHjrvAIAGgAJL8RZ71TNsWP49jJOOyQsyIKoVvtAuiJ-Qxke9v-V_lKqoWiFstQmnsrYD/s1600/Reading+Organized-+Books+I+am+Working+Through.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Teardrop – Lauren Kate</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Calling Mrs Christmas – Carole
Matthews</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Nightshade – Andrea Cremer</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Supernaturally – Keirstan White</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Planet of Exile – Ursula Le Guin</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Lover Revealed J.R Ward</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Texas Lawman's Last Stand –
Dolores Fossen</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
The next category is books I am
currently reading, and there are a few. I like to mix it up and since
I am dipping into a few of them every now and then I will just share
the ones I am reading on a more regular basis. I am almost finished
with Star Cursed which is exciting and I only have a quarter more to
read of Granny Chic. Both of these books have been a life saver this
week in recovering from Christmas and have inspired me to write,
create and fall in love with the old and the new.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51xuUsXvGUPtsIFfcMCh3bV9j-WqN-8m7g9CVwQt3TWMbucJDsCFxrw5KRsAHLQDZ6Y_Gg3Xh77nRaXSLsqrJOXBmKJRTMuxTktsZz5lM2Juu1VbbSjQH1pQ2DL-bWaZhLgbkr4C1n1_o/s1600/Books+I+am+reading+%5BJanuary+and+Finishing+up%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51xuUsXvGUPtsIFfcMCh3bV9j-WqN-8m7g9CVwQt3TWMbucJDsCFxrw5KRsAHLQDZ6Y_Gg3Xh77nRaXSLsqrJOXBmKJRTMuxTktsZz5lM2Juu1VbbSjQH1pQ2DL-bWaZhLgbkr4C1n1_o/s1600/Books+I+am+reading+%5BJanuary+and+Finishing+up%5D.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
The Hobbit – J. R. R Tolkien</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Discovery of Witches – Deborah
Harkness</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Star Cursed- Jessica Spotswood</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Granny Chic – Tiff Fussel &
Rachelle Blondel</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
The Writer's Little Helper – Jim
[James] Smith</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Now to a few books I have waiting for
me, looking so delicious I cannot wait to dig into them. Thanks to
Evie [a new friend] for lending me something new in The Divine
Feminine, I am really excited about exploring creativity and feminine
soul. Of course anything Paris is so me this year and I borrowed
Paris- A guide to to the creative heart becsause I have seen it in
many places and after a flick through at the library I could not
leave without it, leaving lastly- Spirit Bound. I wanted to finish of
the Vampire Academy books last year, but never got around to it, but
it has been calling and calling me to read and finish so it will be
one of my upcoming goals to do so. Anyone call for a marathon !!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlow2yqJ82rIdxxGBh3LYntkaLrUPlzB5w52vCqqu2SjXd2HlC-Doke_t_kNtnvqZbShyphenhyphennfNMd5sEYrhf39LYnwM95O8uLGsZK3i9O2t_p1N0WH8-Cg-i00V8UGzO1BHmuTrgRYy0-NG1/s1600/Books+I+cannot+wait+to+read+next+January+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlow2yqJ82rIdxxGBh3LYntkaLrUPlzB5w52vCqqu2SjXd2HlC-Doke_t_kNtnvqZbShyphenhyphennfNMd5sEYrhf39LYnwM95O8uLGsZK3i9O2t_p1N0WH8-Cg-i00V8UGzO1BHmuTrgRYy0-NG1/s1600/Books+I+cannot+wait+to+read+next+January+2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
The Divine Feminine Fire – Teri
Degler</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Spirit Bound- Richelle Mead</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
Paris – A guide to the city's
creative heart – Janell'e MaCulloch</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
So there you have it lovelies. A wrap
up of the books floating around my sphere. I hope you enjoyed my
update and I cannot wait to start the new year loving, reading and
writing about my passion for everything books. Much Love ~ Blessed
reading.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="3">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880422763566977296.post-83481210610513001712014-01-10T03:46:00.002-08:002014-01-10T03:46:52.555-08:00COVER REVEAL: BURNING - RACHEL FIRASEK<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9ISoBRIhL3BEUVdAKlZHn60tTAXT2VAEJRyBSUgfPifpqtQvcpK9BDGHE-wYZVteWgFHN0Spvl-ShsFo02mCwMy_ulvxBpCe70VDqVYB45dto833l5bCVteIm5uTOotr5pc7DOKbRdZ/s1600/BurningCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9ISoBRIhL3BEUVdAKlZHn60tTAXT2VAEJRyBSUgfPifpqtQvcpK9BDGHE-wYZVteWgFHN0Spvl-ShsFo02mCwMy_ulvxBpCe70VDqVYB45dto833l5bCVteIm5uTOotr5pc7DOKbRdZ/s1600/BurningCover.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAbugmzTCDYxGOnIeQkObbekq76tBSRJ941NhkKRekTqIAOl44QM9W5O5LuWdnQFxoKVlm7I7HbBa2pUdFCXIEyux2cVL4krn-ArNtjxx2mAxJUFhCLBgz652AIk90_ZbF1_1u6qW3Qwh/s1600/Rachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAbugmzTCDYxGOnIeQkObbekq76tBSRJ941NhkKRekTqIAOl44QM9W5O5LuWdnQFxoKVlm7I7HbBa2pUdFCXIEyux2cVL4krn-ArNtjxx2mAxJUFhCLBgz652AIk90_ZbF1_1u6qW3Qwh/s1600/Rachel.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<div>
<b>BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:</b></div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Burning by Rachel Firasek <br style="line-height: 21px;" />(Tears of Sin #2) <br style="line-height: 21px;" />Publication date: March 2014<br style="line-height: 21px;" />Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Description</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br style="line-height: 21px;" />“Never say never.”<br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" />Gabe James never thought he’d suffer from a broken heart. He never thought he’d have to work for a living. And he sure as hell never thought he’d fall for a woman that carries a torch for the man that is trying to ruin his life.<br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" />Jade McKenzie has danced with demons most of her life, and just when she feels like the dark clouds have lifted, a pointless fight with an ex-boyfriend leaves her with a scarred face and ends her ballet career. Now she dances on a stage where the sway of her hips trumps the pirouettes of her past, a mask concealing her marred beauty. But nothing will stop the pain of shattered dreams.<br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" />Except love.<br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" />With Gabe’s career on the line and the threat of financial ruin blazing on the horizon, he’s guarded against a woman threatening to distract him even further when he needs his focus most. Jade can’t escape the memories of her past or Gabe’s heated glances—even if he swears that it’s her enthralling him. The two together are like kerosene and matches waiting for a spark. For a woman with no future and a man on the verge of losing hope, the only things left to cling to are their determined wills and the promise of a burning love.<br style="line-height: 21px;" /><br style="line-height: 21px;" />***Burning is a New Adult Contemporary Romance recommended for Adult readers due to some violence, language, and sexual content.***</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><b style="line-height: 21px;">Goodreads: </b></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19299468-burning?ac=1" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19299468-burning?ac=1</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
AUTHOR BIO:</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="ecxbloop_customfont" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">
<div>
Rachel Firasek spends her days daydreaming of stories and her nights putting the ideas to ink. She has spent a dull life following the rules, meeting deadlines, and toeing the line, but in her made up worlds, she can let the wild side loose. Her wonderful husband and three children support her love of the written word and only ask for the occasional American Idol or Swamp People quality hour.<br /><br />She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Links:</div>
<div>
Website: <a href="http://www.rachelfirasek.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://www.rachelfirasek.com</a></div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RachelFirasekAuthor" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/RachelFirasekAuthor</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="https://twitter.com/RachelFirasek" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; outline: none;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RachelFirasek</a></div>
<div>
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4736939.Rachel_Firasek" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4736939.Rachel_Firasek</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div id="ecxbloop_customfont">
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
~*~</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
</div>
Blair Mirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16822547864891557673noreply@blogger.com1