A Bookseller Recommends

By the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Ever since I was young, I've loved the Little House books. I loved the way Laura Ingalls wrote, I loved her descriptions of hay and sugary candy and paper dolls. Of the entire Little House series, this book was my favorite. I still have the original books I bought when I was young, scraping together the money to buy these paperbacks to read over and over. I daresay, I was good to my books because they're still in fantastic shape, with only yellowed edges from age. But Plum Creek is where Laura gets even with Nellie Olsen, she and her family live in a Hobbit-like home, where locusts eat up their crop, and where Laura and her sister splashed through the clear little creek near their house. I always liked to imagine myself as Laura, running free and mussing my dress (even though I wore pants).

A delightful read for children and one that they will revisit throughout their lives - just like so many of us have.


Notes from the playlist: "Half Acre" by Hem

Posted by Nicole at Saturday, November 28, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: children's books, young readers

2,001 Things to Do Before You Die by Dane Sherwood

Now, I know it sounds slightly morbid, but curiosity piqued and I had to sneak a peek at this book. I bought it not long after. Really, it's quite funny since there are soooo many different things you can mark off. That's all it is; a list of 2,001 things you can do, each with a box beside it for you to check. Some are easy, like baking a massive cookie (which I actually have yet to do) while others are downright impossible - as a woman, I cannot grow a beard, much less shave it off. Still, there are plenty of fun, interesting, and downright bizarre things for you to do or be inspired to try (I really want to try milking a cow).

This book may seem a bit hard to get, but you can usually find it in B&N's bargain section.

As of right now (and I've just marked off another square), I've done 207 things. (yes, I just counted them)


Notes from the playlist: "If Today was Your Last Day" by Nickelback

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, November 24, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: humor, nonfiction, trivia and facts

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Though I have to say that I was mightily disappointed with American Gods, I wasn't about to let that stop me in my Neil Gaiman fun quest. So this book was next in the lineup. I've only gotten about 20 or so pages into it, but already I'm having a great time. It reminds me a little of Douglas Adams in terms of how it's written. I was hoping for a good time too, though I think I owe that to Pratchett and his craziness (crazy in a good way, mind you). Here's to hoping for plenty more good times ahead...


Notes from the playlist: "Hear Me" by Shaun Davey

Posted by Nicole at Friday, November 20, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

I actually discovered this book through a customer. She was the one who asked me to find it and, lucky her, we had a copy in the store. She said her friend had read it and suggested it. Later on, I looked up some information about it...for myself. After reading the blurb, I decided it was a book I should read. Which I did (several months later). Though admittedly, it's a predictable book, it's still fun. Set in present day New York, the heroine Emily heads off to England for a Jane Austin tour, where she actually meets the dashing Mr. Darcy and learns a thing or two about herself...and men. Oh, and did I mention there's a guy named Spike in this story? Hard to go wrong with a good-looking guy named Spike.

Read the Epinions review here!

Notes from the playlist: "Dawn" by Dario Marianelli

Posted by Nicole at Monday, November 16, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fiction, romance

Voluntary Madness by Norah Vincent

I'd already read Self-Made Man and in that book Norah Vincent mentions that all her work had led her to a bit of a breakdown. She then visited an institution, and after only 4 days, realized what her next project had to be. It became this book, in which she visits three different mental institutions; public, private, and altnerative medicine, and reveals to readers what she finds. Her discoveries are incredibly engrossing. It was hard to stop reading. She also lends her thoughts and even gives us a very candid look into her own mental health and issues. Though she said she set out to show that the system was broken, she realized many different things, that blame lies with more than one person, and that there are ways to heal - it's just a very difficult path.


Notes from the playlist: "Macedonian Morning" by Bill Whelan

Posted by Nicole at Thursday, November 12, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: autobiography, cultural studies, health, nonfiction

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Every day it seemed I'd end up in the fantasy/science fiction section of the store, fixing and adjusting books. Facing out here, reshelving there. I'd always linger around a handful of them, thinking, "I ought to read this." Neil Gaiman's books were some of them.

Finally I got my hands on American Gods and am now in the middle of it. It's a slow, but interesting book. I'm waiting for something major to go down. After all, there's a storm coming. A clash of the gods, old and new. And poor protagonist Shadow is right in the middle of it. He's a regular guy...or at least he's supposed to be. I doubt it. First off, he's named Shadow. C'mon. Second, he keeps having very strange dreams. Third, everyone and their grandma is out to get the guy. I'm pretty sure he's important and will do something awesome in the end. Though I am getting a little impatient, it's more because I want things to move along more because I have other books I need to read and thusfar Shadow's just hiding out in a small, quaint town getting groceries and talking to the townsfolk about mundane things.

I loved Coraline. Waiting for this one to really capture me though.

Notes on the playlist: "Beauty and the Beast" (the Angela Lansbury version)

Posted by Nicole at Sunday, November 08, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction

Easy Green Living by Reneé Loux

I was doing a bit of green-related research and needed a few books to give me some aid. I combed through several before choosing this title and one other.

First off, I have to say that Reneé Loux really knows her stuff. She goes into a lot of information, but manages to keep it all understandable and even with a friendly style to keep you from feeling bogged down in information. This book is thick, and chock-a-block full of info, from whole sections on chemicals to steer clear of to tiny tidbits about how much energy we would save if just 100 people switched out their usual products for a more eco-friendly version. She touches on all sorts of subjects from greening your bathroom to finding environmentally responsible makeup. If you want to green your house, this is the book for you. She even offers up a multitude of green websites for just about every product she mentions so that you have somewhere to buy green items from if you can't find them locally. A truly handy book, you can move one room at a time and transform your home into a chemical-free, all-natural, happily green living space for you and your family.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "All Souls Night" by Loreena McKennitt

Posted by Nicole at Wednesday, November 04, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: green living, house and home, nonfiction

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The children have had their turn when it comes to fun and spooky Halloween books, but now it's the adults' turn. Many of you may have already heard of the Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) novels by Charlaine Harris, whether it's through the HBO show True Blood or a friend or even a bookseller at your local B&N. If not, and you like fantasy and don't have a problem with vampires (they're not depressed and they're actually fun, I promise!), then you'll enjoy these books. They have their share of humor, horror, romance, the fantastic, and goodies you don't see coming. Charlaine Harris has a vivid imagination and if the idea of a vampire named Bill visiting a bar in Louisiana doesn't make you cock your head in curiosity and smirk a little, then I don't know what will. This ain't Twilight folks, I'll tell you that right now.

Read the Epinions review here! (actually, the review includes all 7 Sookie Stackhouse books)


Notes from the playlist: "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence

Posted by Nicole at Saturday, October 31, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction, horror

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

I read this book long ago when I was young and I still remember and love it. You hated Molly's (the protagonist's) younger stepsister Heather, but when the end came, it was scary and unnerving and you didn't hate her anymore. That's because while Helen seemed like such a good friend, she wanted something in return, and Heather isn't the first...

It's a good ghost story with a ending that won't leave kids freaked out. Everything is resolved and left you with a good feeling. Some kids might be looking for stories with a bit more horror, but this should be good enough for many. If you're looking for some good Halloween books to read, try this one by candlelight and see if you don't get a few shivers.


Notes from the playlist: "Haunted" by Poe

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, October 27, 2009 | 1 comments    
Labels: fiction, horror, young readers

The Witches by Roald Dahl

It's hard not to love Roald Dahl. I still have this book, the very same book that my sister got years and years ago. It's actually quite amazing how well it's held up, only gently dog-eared though it's been read oodles of times. You'll learn to recognize real witches here; they don't ride brooms or wear pointy hats. Instead, they're just like any other women - except they're bald, have no toes, and they hate children. Read Dahl's tale of how one little boy and his grandmother thwarted the plans of some of the nastiest witches in all of the country!


Notes from the playlist: "I Remember" by Stabbing Westward

Posted by Nicole at Friday, October 23, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fiction, young readers

The Forbidden Game Trilogy by L.J. Smith

Notes from the playlist: "Snow White Queen" by Evanescence

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, October 20, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, horror, teens

I Spy Spooky Night by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

I loooove I Spy books. I have almost all of them. Well, technically I do have all of them because the Challenger books are essentially rehashes of older books with harder things to find. But I love I Spy books. I love their pictures. I love the intricacy of the shots. The lighting. All the tiny little objects they used to make the photos. Tiny buttons, marbles, paperclips, delicate figurines, shiny balloons, old keys and boxes and books, glimmering paper, pools of water, strewn sand, all sorts of things. I love sitting and searching for something, even knowing I've glossed over it probabaly a thousand times. I love discovering all the hidden toys and pieces and little birds peeking out under leaves and cat paws in paint crossing the pages. Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em, and I'll recommend them until the cows come home.

Naturally, this one takes you through a haunted house and all its unique rooms. Perfect for the coming excitement of that mystical night - Halloween!

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback

Posted by Nicole at Saturday, October 17, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: children's books, picture books, young readers

Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent


I was zoning (read: orgainizing) the biography section in the store one day and came upon this book. A lot of times, that's how we booksellers get sucked into books. Something looks interesting and we pick it up and before we know it, we're adding it to our mental list of "Books I Need To Read." Nevermind that the list is already hundreds of books long (most of which we eventually forget about at some point). But this one I did finally read and found to be thoroughly interesting. Norah Vincent conjures up a convincing man-counterpart (from the walk to the talk to the fake cash and prizes in the pants). From there she goes on a journey, slipping into man-saturated areas of life: bowling alleys, strip joints, door-to-door salesmen, and even a monastary. For over a year and a half she was Ned, experiencing life as a man, even dating women to see what it was like on the other side. Within her writings, she tries not to make too many assumptions, or at least, press her opinions on anyone, but rather does her best to report what she discovers within the world of men.

A real eye-opener and a fascinating read for both men and women, her experience eventually led to a minor breakdown, which led to the inspiration (if one could call it that) for her next book, Voluntary Madness, a book that is, of course, on my mental reading list. Except this one is near the top so it doesn't get lost.


Notes from the playlist: "Bonebreaker" by Infidel Incorportated

Posted by Nicole at Wednesday, October 14, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: autobiography, cultural studies, nonfiction

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

When I moved to my new home, we got satellite instead of cable, and of course a free package came with it. That meant movie channels. Thus for the first time I got to see Stardust.

For it's flaws, it's a fun movie, but working in a bookstore I knew that Neil Gaiman was the mastermind behind the book that became the movie (found in both the adult and teen sections, in fact). I've not read as many of Gaiman's novels as I would like (American Gods is next on my list), though I did make a point to own Coraline (the book, not the movie). I wanted to know just how different the book is from the movie. I may not know Giaman well, but I know enough to feel safe to assume that it will be quite different. But in a good way. I expect to have a good time with Gaiman. After all; Coraline? The creator of the movie Mirrormask? Oh yes. A very good time.


Notes from the playlist: "The Myth of Creation" by Ian Bellamy

Posted by Nicole at Sunday, October 11, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction, teens

The Intellectual Devotional: American History by David S. Kidder and Noah Oppenheimer

Read from January 1, 2008 to December 31st, 2008, this devotional isn't the typical religious sort. Instead, David Kidder has created a devotional dedicated to American history with categories of science, art, history, music, politics, and more. Each page is a tidbit of information that your history books may or may not have ever mentioned, giving you something to consider each night before bed. What you learn depends upon your current knowledge of American history. Either way, it's a gem for your nightstand.

Now for 2009, I'm going back to the book that started it all - the original Intellectual Devotional.


Notes from the playlist: "Rough and Ready" by Trace Adkins

Posted by Nicole at Thursday, October 08, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: cultural studies, history, nonfiction, reference, trivia and facts

Cirque du Freak: Tunnels of Blood and Vampire Mountain by Darren Shan

Darren Shan continues to learn the life of a half-vampire, trailing along as his maker Mr. Crepsley teaches him more and more about what it means to be vampire. He has much still to learn. That includes finding out about the vampaneze - vampires who no longer follow the code of "no killing humans" - and a place called Vampire Mountain where every 12 years the Vampire Princes and Generals get together and talk vampire politics (and much more).

Tunnels of Blood was interesting, the vampaneze weird, but Vampire Mountain wasn't much more than a transitional book - like an entire book used to get from point A to point B. A lot of travel and hanging around. Still, Shan makes sure to keep it as interesting as possible (I liked the wolves in Vampire Mountain), though I was a bit disappointed in the confrontation between Mr. Crepsley and the Princes. After being suggested that it would be a big deal throughout the past few books, it was a bit anticlimactic and I thought their final decision was a bit ridculous (not to mention unfair) and seemed to only serve as a reason to get Darren into perilous situations in the next book, Trials of Death. Ah well, at least it means that the next book ought to be exciting.

Read the Epinions reviews here and here!


Notes from the playlist: "Black Betty" by Ram Jam

Posted by Nicole at Monday, October 05, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fiction, horror, teens, young readers

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Happy Birthday to Me!

I chose this book to recommend on my birthday because it's one I've read more than any other book. The funny part is that I'm not sure why. I guess it's just because it's a good story. Unique. Interesting characters even if they are rabbits. A different world view.

Watership Down is an epic story of rabbits. Yes, you heard right, rabbits. Hazel is the unlikely hero of the tale, who convinces a group of rabbits to leave their warren after one rabbit, Fiver, speaks of a foreboding prophecy in which everyone in the warren is killed. Hazel and the other rabbits set out on a long journey to find a safe haven where they can begin anew. But the world is large, and there are a lot of enemies in it, sometimes even their own kind.

Hats off to Richard Adams for creating this book. You get to see a rabbit's take on life, all their unique stories and tales of their one rabbit hero, and be amazed at how anxious you can get during a rabbit war. It may sound strange, but give it a try. It's a steady seller, and has been for over 30 years.

Notes from the playlist: "Idle (The Rabbit Song)" by Hem

Posted by Nicole at Friday, October 02, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: animals, fiction

What's Your Poo Telling You? by Josh Richman and Anish Sheth, M.D.

I know, it sounds ludicrous, but you really can find this in the health section of the book store. It doesn't sound like something that's supposed to be serious. It doesn't even really look like something that's supposed to be serious. In many ways though, it's not. This book is a hilarious hybrid of fact and fun (that is, if you find poo to be funny). I found this and thought about sending it to my brother-in-law, a decision supported wholeheartedly by my sister. It was well received. It's a tiny book, really, with explanations on what exactly is going on with your particular bowel movements. Who knew?

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Bananaphone" by Raffi

Posted by Nicole at Monday, September 28, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: health, humor, nonfiction

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

You simply can't go wrong with a lion in the library (at least, you can't when it's in a children's book!). When this lion wanders in one day, no one is sure what to do. But this lion loves books and he enjoys sitting with the children. The kids love him as well, but sometimes it's hard for a big lion to behave - and be quiet - in a library.

I love the illustrations that go with this story. The lion is so big! The best part is that he's probably pretty on par with how big a real lion would be compared to a child. He's an adorable lion with cute facial expressions and really, it's just hard not to love a lion that hangs out in a library. It's a whimsical sort of tale that children will love to read or have read to them, and who knows? Maybe this will make them want to visit the library more often!


Notes from the playlist: "This Side" by Nickel Creek

Posted by Nicole at Friday, September 25, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: children's books, picture books

Cupcakes! by Elinor Klivans

I slaved over cupcake books when Mother's Day rolled around. For months my mother had mentioned making cupcakes and needing good cupcake recipes. Naturally, neither of us did anything about it. So I decided it was time for her to own a book full of delectable cupcake goodies and so sat at a table with 5 cupcake books and poured through them to find the best one. Cupcakes! won out because of it's fantastic pictures, good organization, and of course, the cupcake recipes. It's a nice mix of recipes, from the slightly more elegant cakes to simple, happy cakes. However, for the most part they are all rather easy to put together and don't require a ton of crazy ingredients just to make a batch of cupcakes. Perfect. I delivered this book to her along with the Chocolate Chip Cupcakes I whipped up straight from the book before wrapping it. Since then we've enjoyed a batch of scrumptious cupcakes now and then - we're going to need to buy a second cupcake pan after we move!

Interestingly enough, this book has the same publisher as Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey. I commend Chronicle Books for putting out books with fabulous photo shots and perky colors. Cheers!


Notes from the playlist: "Sway" by Michael Bublé

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, September 22, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: baking, cookbooks, desserts, nonfiction

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My third favorite of the Little House books (and book #2 of the series), Laura and her family have moved from the woods where things are getting too crowded with people and out into the wide open prairie. Here they will build a new house with real glass windows, where Pa will farm instead of hunt, and where Native Americans roam (and occasionally show up!). Wonderful to read and imagine yourself back during the times of the West when people traveled in covered wagons and ventured out into the wild yonder with everything they owned riding along with them.


Notes from the playlist: "Ukelele de Chocobo" by Nobuo Uematsu

Posted by Nicole at Saturday, September 19, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: children's books, young readers

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Slotted in the romance section of the store, don't let its genre placement fool you. At all. There is essentially no romance in this book, but that doesn't mean it isn't a kickass bit of fantasy involved. With nasty Fae roaming the streets, MacKayla Lane is on the trail of her sister's killer, and lurking behind her is the mysterious Jericho Barrons and a super-sexified Fae prince, V'lane. Something big is about to go down in the city of Dublin and everyone wants Mac - for various unsavory reasons. This is the first of a five-book string, so if you plan to get on the ride, you'd better be ready for it to take some time. Oh, you'll have a great time while you're on it, but you'll have to wait patiently for book #5 since Dreamfever (#4) just came out August 18th. Still, if you're just starting the series, you'll have time to enjoy them all while she finishes the final book.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Frozen" by Within Temptation

Posted by Nicole at Wednesday, September 16, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, romance

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

A haunting and yet completely captivating story about a girl named Hannah. Hannah killed herself, and one morning Clay finds a box with cassette tapes sitting on his doorstep. Before Hannah ended her life, she left these tapes to 13 people. These, Hannah claims, are the reasons why she committed suicide. Clay must listen to all of them in order to find out what he may have done that contributed to Hannah's despair and ultimately, her death.

There are a lot of heavy issues dealt with in this book, from suicide to rape to the damange one person can do to another without ever realizing the consequences. Readers will alternately dislike Hannah for her selfishness, and yet be able to identify with her predicament. Mostly though, this book will promote discussion between teens, friends, and parents about suicide, treating people with respect, and the impact one life has on another. No matter what your thoughts on the subject matter may be, you'll get sucked into this book just as I did. In terms of time - I read this book in a single day.


Notes from the playlist: "For May" by Kavin Hoo

Posted by Nicole at Sunday, September 13, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: teens, young readers

 Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

I don't know why it's taken me so long to get to this book. Maybe because the count was always off at work and I kept thinking maybe it would just come in (instead of being smart and just ordering it). The library certainly didn't have it. Now, however, I'm painfully broke, but lucky for me, the library system here (as I moved in August) had it - right down the road. Yay!

Already the story is chugging along.  I like that Maria doesn't waste time filling you in on what happened in the previous books the way other authors do (I like to think that by the time you read book 5 you shouldn't need any recapping), though I did forget who a couple characters were since it's been so long since I last read Magic Study.  She certainly makes sure to cut off chapters in a way that make you want to keep on reading, though Yelena has already done a few of her *slightly* irritating headstrong things (that sort of "I can do everything myself" attitude).  With a nasty fugitive on the loose and one of her family member's missing, it will be exciting to see where Yelena's life leads her this time.  Here's hoping that Valek makes another appearance! (all the ladies love Valek)

Maria V. Snyder's first book already made it onto this blog - Poison Study!


Notes from the playlist: "Sand in My Shoes" by Dido

Posted by Nicole at Thursday, September 10, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction, romance

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My favorite series as a child (and still one of my favorites as an adult), I adored reading about the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder: how she lived during the days of log cabins, when her Pa went hunting, the smoking of meats, playing with dolls, and indulging in the tiny presents brought to her by her Pa when he returned from his visits to town. I ate up every word and know that children today do the same. Her descriptions about food always made my mouth water and the hardships she and her family went through, such as huge snow storms, always held me in awe. I don't even need to handsell this book because it does so well on its own (but I still do if I can). This is my second favorite book in the series (my favorite to come soon!) and I'm sure there are children out there waiting to put this book at the top of their list.

While other children saved their money for toys or candy, I saved mine to buy these books. And guess what? I still have them.


Notes from the playlist: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Posted by Nicole at Monday, September 07, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: children's books, young readers

Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare and The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan

Notes on the playlist: "Youth of the Nation" by P.O.D.

Posted by Nicole at Friday, September 04, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, fiction, horror, teens, young readers

The Customer Is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles by Jeff Martin

Notes from the playlist: "Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, September 01, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: cultural studies, humor, nonfiction

Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White

A great little book for writers of term papers, fiction, and nonfiction alike, the Elements of Style has been recommended to students by professors and professionals ever since it's mass publication by E.B. White (yes, the E.B. White). Focusing on grammar hiccups and ways to improve your writing by making it concise and pop-off-the-page effective, it should be on every writer's shelf. Just remember one thing; this is a bit like the Pirates' Code. While everything in this book is a great idea, there are times during one's writing life when "them's more like guidelines than actual rules."

[What can I say? I love a good fragment.]

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Long Distance Runaround" by Yes

Posted by Nicole at Friday, August 28, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: editing, nonfiction, reference, writing

PostSecret by Frank Warren

I remember everyone asking for this book at one point in time and I never understood why - until I finally looked at it. This compilation of letters, postcards, and other mailings is the result of a social experiment by Frank Warren. Within these pages are people's secrets. Their dark ones, their light ones, secrets they've hidden from the entire world, and yet here, are freeing them for the entire world to see. It's all anonymous so you'll never know who sent what, but you still may find yourself able to connect with some of them. Not the only one of it's kind, PostSecret has 3 other sister books as well as a website. Truly fascinating, I plowed through all four books in a matter of days - the only reason it took longer than it did was because I had to wait for the books to be in stock.

I look forward to the October 2009 book: PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Second Chance" by Shinedown

Posted by Nicole at Tuesday, August 25, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: cultural studies, nonfiction

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

A fantasy novel (that happens to be located in the romance section - but don't let that fool you) that is full of intrique, action, and of course, poison. You never know what will be coming around the next corner for poor Yelena, and when the chapters end, you won't want to stop. I often found myself thinking, "Just one more chapter........Just one more chapter" until finally I'd realize it was 2 in the morning and I should probably get some sleep. Yelena is a strong character that readers will cheer for and Valek, well, he's a whole other matter.

I sent this book off to my sister with high recommendations, and I'm happy to say that she was pleased as punch to have read it.


Notes from the playlist: "The Heart of the Matter" by India.Arie

Posted by Nicole at Sunday, August 23, 2009 | 0 comments    
Labels: fantasy, romance, teens