Pictures from San Francisco

I finally found the time to edit the pictures from my trip to San Francisco last weekend.  I was out there for a friends wedding.   There are a couple of pictures of myself with some friends included, but I didn't take those.  

San Francisco

A Rose from the Dead by Kate Collins

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Obsidian
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 283
Challenges: TBR challenge, Series Challenge,
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
Abby is renting a booth with one of her friends at a Funeral Directors convention. She is trying to get some more business for her flower shop however she gets caught in another murder investigation. Surprising right? This time one of her friends, Delilah, is the murder suspect. Abby and Marco decide to investigate the murder so they can clear Delilah's name. Abby is positive the murderers are either one or both of the Urban twins. Earlier in the day they had locked Abby in a fake phone booth that was decorated to look like a coffin. Since the murdered woman was found locked in a coffin, she knows she was just practice for the twins. Meanwhile, the police detective and Marco think it could be the wacko named Eli. Eli has a confrontation with the murdered victim earlier in the day and he was found back inside the convention center. Abby thinks Eli is harmless, just rather weird. When Marco and Abby find a cassette tape that once belonged to the murder victim, they believe they hold the missing clue. It appears this was used for blackmail. The cassette tape is an old vhs beta version and there is only one person Abby knows that might have a beta player. Somehow she must convince him to let her borrow it before the convention ends and time runs out.

Why did I read this book?
This is one of my favorite series.

What I liked most:
I love Abby. I love Marco. I love…well I could go on and on. This is definitely one of those books where I love the majority of the characters and how they interact with each other.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not really.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes, yes, and yes again. This is a great cozy mystery series.


Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.


Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Friday Smile - Smiles and laughs are contagious, right?

I'm the first to admit that this is not the most flatering picture of myself (on the left) or the other ladies. However....when somebody smiles or laughs - don't you have the urge to do so as well? So maybe you'll see this and feel like smiling or laughing as well.

This photo is of myself and two friends that I've known since highschool. I was in San Francisco this past weekend for my friends wedding (obviously the pretty lady in the middle). Boy was it cold! But...lovely all the same - especially once we had a chance to thaw. haha!

Never fear - more pictures of the trip are coming..I've just been lazy and haven't edited them and uploaded yet.

(oops - I meant to schedule this for tomorrow but accidentally published it today - so you get your Friday smile - a day early!)

A Murderous Glaze by Melissa Glazer

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 213
Challenges: Read your own books, 1^st in a series
New-to-me author? Yes - if you count this name and not that fact that it's a pen name for Tim Myers
Author's website

Simple Description
Carolyn owns a pottery store/studio in the small town of Maple Ridge. One evening when she goes back to the story to make sure the kilns are on, she finds the dead body of Betty Wickline. The sheriff considers Carolyn the main suspect, not only because the dead woman was found in her store but also because it was a known fact that the two women didn't get along.

As you can imagine, business is very slow at the pottery store after this happens, gossip around town is that Carolyn really did kill the woman. When Carolyn's assistant, David, suggest they look into the murder and try to solve it, she says no. However, when her husband tells her she can't do it, of course she has to start investigating. She calls a group of friends and the pottery group, known as the Firing Squad, to help her.

Carolyn has a long list of suspects and each time she askes around and gets more info, the list seems to grow instead of getting smaller. In fact, she even has the sheriff and his wife on the list.

Why did I read this book?
I really love cozy mysteries and I heard that this was a good series.

What I liked most:

I liked the small town atmosphere and how friends come together to help out somebody in need.

Was there something I didn't like?
I didn't always like the main character! I hate to admit that! I thought she was too quick to get defensive and get annoyed with people. I'm planning to read the 2^nd in the series and I hope that there is more character development and I end up liking her better.

Do I recommend the book?
I do. Even though I can't rave about Carolyn I still thought this was a good book. If you like cozy mysteries, take a peek at this book next time you are at the bookstore.

This book has also been reviewed by:

The Book Resort

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Avon – Paranormal Romance
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 357
Challenges: Love Bites
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
It's been 4 years since the ending of the last book (well…not in real life but in the charactors lives). Cat had to leave Bones and pretend to her boss that she killed him. She thought this was the only way to keep him safe. That's right, Cat works for the government now. She tracks down vampires and other non-humans and kills them. She has a strong team of people who follow her and help her take down the nasties.

She is on a job, she is supposed to kill a master vampire. She has the silver in his heart but she realizes that this is the vampire who turned Bones. She decides to let him live. Well, of course this other vampire becomes smitten with her and he finds Bones and tells Bones that she is still alive. Bones is able to track her down and she can no longer deny her feelings for him.

However there is more to the story than just their romance. It appears there is a contract out for Cat. She is known in the vampire world as the Red Reaper. She didn't realize there was a contract on her until some vampires set a trap to kill her. Even though she kills them, there is another attack on her life. Bones figures out who is behind it and how her boss is a bit involved, but I'm not going to give away any details.

Oh, and remember that master vampire she let live? Bad move…because he collects rare items and because she is half human and half vampire, she is indeed rare. He is determined to make her one of his possessions.

Why did I read this book?
I read the first and really enjoyed it, so of course I wanted to continue with the series.

What I liked most:
I really like Cat. She is funny and very straightforward. I liked many of the other charactors as well. I also like books dealing with vampires and the supernatural, so this is a fun book for me.


Was there something I didn't like?
Not really.

Do I recommend the book?
Yup! If you like reading about vampires or the supernatural, this is for you. This book is also funny at times and very engaging.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley Prime crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 280
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Series Challenge, Paranormal Challenge
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
Tolliver and Harper have a job in a small town in North Carolina. Several local boys have gone missing and the Grandma of one of the boys doesn't believe they are runaways like the older sheriff believed. The new sheriff believes something is going on as well and is open to Harper doing what she does best – finding bodies. Harper does find the grave site for the boys, it appears they were all killed by the same person or persons. Later that night, Harper is attacked when she leaves the hotel room.

Because this is a small town, outside help is brought in to help with the investigation. They insist Harper stick around. Soon Harper is convinced that there was more than one person in on the killings, yet the police arrest somebody and don't tell the towns people that they also believe there was more than one killer.

If you have read this series than you know that in the last book, Harper realized she had feelings for Tolliver. While their parents did marry – they are not biological brother and sister. This relationship intensifies in this book.

Why did I read this book?
I really liked the other books in the series and wanted to continue with it.

What I liked most:
I liked the paranormal aspect to it and the mystery behind it.

Was there something I didn't like?
Ok, while it doesn't bother me that Harper and Tolliver have feelings for each other (I get that they would say they were brother/sister and their parents were married – but they are not related biologically). However, that being said, I thought it was taken too far in this book. I didn't mind that they had sex in the book – rather it was how they talked about it and their language. It just wasn't necessary and turned me off. I don't mind sex in books but sometimes don't like how it's talked about. I mean they would talk about size and what not and it was just kinda gross. I don't know…just didn't fit with the book in my opinion. Have you read this book? What did you think – am I alone in my thoughts here or did you feel the same way?

Do I recommend the book?
I'm torn on this. Other than what I mentioned above, I did enjoy the book. I really do like Harper and Tolliver and find what they do interesting and think it makes for a great story. I do plan to read the next in the series (assuming there will be a next). In the past I have praised and highly recommended the other 2 in the series. I'm just torn on this one because of the sex talk.

Also reviewed by:

Kittling: Books

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr

Copyright: 2000
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 378
Challenges:
New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website

Simple Description
June Hudson is the only dr in Grace Valley. This is a small town in California. She took over the practice that her father had started. He still helps out at times, but since he's in his seventies, he doesn't help much. June is in search of a Dr. to help out. She interviews John Stone and after seeing him in action decides he would be a great fit. John believes this would be the perfect setting for him and his family too. This get a little complicated when a patient tells June that she didn't want to be seen by the new doctor anymore because he was inappropriate with her. Luckily June is friends with the local sheriff and can get his help in finding out if the new Dr. has a background. Meanwhile, lots of other things are happening in this town. First June finally meets a man she is attracted to but it doesn't help that he is undercover and can't be seen around town and can't be around much. Then we have the fact that the pastor in town seems to be a womanizer and this is causing lots of problems, womanizer bordering on sexual harassment. Then there is another family where the husband beats his wife and kids. And then…well..I could just keep going.

Basically this is the story of a small town and how they all work together to help each other out. I was reading this with a couple other ladies and one summed it up best when she said it was like a Debbie Macomber book but with more depth. There are more characters, you learn more about them and how they all work together and there are a lot more smaller stories within the story.

Why did I read this book?
Robyn Carr was the author of the month for one of my online book groups. I had decided to buddy a book by the other with a couple of other ladies and this book sounded good so we settled on this one.

What I liked most:
I loved the characters. I know I say that a lot when I talk about what I liked about a book, but the characters do make the story. I love learning about life in a small town. Especially a town like this where everyone helps out and does what they can for others, even though they don't have a lot themselves. I live in a city and while I don't think I could ever handle living in a small town, this book makes me want to try it.

Was there something I didn't like?
Nope!

Do I recommend the book?
Absolutely! This was such an engrossing read. I couldn't bare to put it down. I loved June and wanted to read more about what was going on with her. I wanted to hear about how things would turn out for other families. This is the first in a trilogy. I've already gone on paperbackswap.com and requested the other two. I can't wait to read them.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Friday Smile - You're never too old to play with toys

On Mother's day we all went to my sister's for lunch. She snapped the above two pictures of our Grandparents playing with Connor's toys. haha!

Love, Mom by Doree Shafrir and Jessica Grose

Copyright: 2009
Publisher:Hyperion
Genre: Non-fiction
Pages: 247
Challenges: The Pub Challenge, Non-Fiction 5

New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website

Simple Description

One day the two authors were sharing funny emails their Mom's sent them and decided it would be a great idea for a website. So, they start this website and ask people to send emails and IM's from their Moms that could be shared. Before you know it..they have a book offer. If only things like this would happen to me in real life right?

So Love, Mom is a collection of IM's and parts of emails from Mom's to their kids. The book is split into chapters based on different subjects such as blobs and facebook, relationships, appearance, school & work & growing up, etc. You get the idea. I'm going to hazard a guess and say these were also on their website but not sure. Either way…loved the book and now have the website subscribed in my google reader.

Some of the stuff was so funny I giggled while reading it. (Which…I have to tell you what is even funnier – I was reading it in bed and I giggled, so my husband giggled, which made me giggle because it was funny, which in turn made him giggle again. Haha!) Ok..so some stuff was very funny, others made me smile, others I didn't really get and didn't see why it was funny. It's not that I didn't like them – still enjoyed it, but just didn't really get the humor of it I suppose

Now this is the type of book I think is hard to review, so I marked a couple to share with you.

"Joe, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LInkedin – this is Facebook for grown-ups. –Mom"

Haha! I loved that one! I might be a grown-up but I do love facebook, and yes, I'm also on LinkedIn too.

Ok..here's another one:

Mom:I just nailed the entire rock and roll section (british) on jeopardy

Me: wow, nice!!

Mom: yeah!! (me with the big L on my forehead)

I am playing with myself

Ha

Me: please don't ever write "I am playing with myself" to me

Mom: that's why I did it

Haha! I loved that one too. Ok, so that gives you an idea of what you can find in this book.

Why did I read this book?

I read a blurb of the book and it sounded like a fun read.

What I liked most:

I liked that it was a fast read and a fun read. It's the perfect type of book to use as a filler. Just read a very gory thriller and now need something light? Perfrect! Busy with kids and work and school and all sorts of other things and need to take a break? Perfect!

Was there something I didn't like?

I didn't really think some of them were that funny, but can't I really put that in this section. Suppose I can since I'm the blog author. Sure it's something I didn't like, but I can't really blame the book. If it's in the book..that means sever somebody's thought it was funny and worthy.

Do I recommend the book?

I do. I think this was a fun quick read that can lighten the mood. I personally am not a Mom yet, but could totally see myself in some of those emails/chats. Haha! I just just see doing stuff like that to my kids when they are grown.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

A+ certification and what did I use to study

I know most of you aren't IT professionals or looking to be. However, I did want to review what resources I used to study for the A+ exam I took last week. I still have one more test to go..but the first is passed so these recourses did help.

 

I only focused on one book, too cheap and lazy to buy more than one. I used CompTia A+ certiciation Study Guide, sixth edition by Jane Holcombe and Charles Holcombe (and yes..I'm counting this towards my reading count since I technically did read it). Overall I think it's a good book. They are good at pointing out some things and telling you that you have to know it. However don't think you can just know that stuff and pass, you do have to know others. I just like that they at least give you some pointers. I did have some issues with the index. When I would take practice tests and then try to look something up to read about it, I couldn't always find it in the index, so that was annoying. There is a practice test at the end of each chapter. This is great to test your knowledge and get you some practice in but don't rely only on these tests to pass! I thought the chapter summary and two-minute drill were good refreshes.

This time around I used uCertify for my practice tests. It is kinda expensive, but they do offer a money back guarantee if you don't pass. So the company does stand behind their product. I used this for over a week, taking at least one exam (usually more) every day. I would print the ones I got wrong and study them, then the next day I would attempt the test again. Then I would move on to other exams and do the same thing. So towards the end I had a huge stack of paper with questions and things I needed to study and I would gradually get that stack down. I also like that you can review your wrong answers and they explain why the correct one is correct and most of the time explained why the wrong choices were the wrong choices. I found this extremely helpful. There are a total of 8 practice tests that each have 50-60 questions. There is also an interactive quiz that boasts 190 questions. You can do a custom test too. There are also flash cards to help you study and figure out what you do know and what you need to do more studying on.

I also used exam cram for practice exams. It's the exam cram CompTia A+ practice questions. They split the practice questions up for each exam and for each objective. So you know if there is one objective you are really weak on and if there is one that you are confident with.

I also found a couple of websites with loads of info. Proprofs.com is a website full of info. Lots of people get on there after they have taken the exams and tell you what kinds of things to expect. You can also post your own questions if you have any. However, I've been trying to use it this week to get some info on my next exam and it keeps having trouble. So hopefully they will figure it out soon. The Professor Messer is a great place for video instruction. I thought this one was helpful because the videos show you what different things look like and how they work while the Professor is explaining it all to you. Since I don't have the opportunity for hands-on experience, I thought this was a great help.

Illegal by Paul Levine

Copyright: 2009

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 367

Challenges: The Pub Challenge

New-to-me Author? No

Author's website

Simple Description

Jimmy Payne (Royal Payne) used to be a good lawyer, now, not so much.  He is almost forced to bribe a judge by a cop who is working a sting to uncover dirty judges.  On the way to bribe the copy Jimmy decides to take some of the money.  He feels it's what he is owed for the grief and crap that others will give him for doing this.  Later when the cops show up at the judges house, the judge committs suicide.  Then the cops find out some of the money is missing.   Jimmy decides to make a run for it.  

His son was killed in an automobile accident not long ago.  The other driver was a drunk illegal.  Jimmy decides to take the money to Mexico, hunt down this guy and kill him.  However there is something else in store for him.

When Jimmy shows up at his office to get the stolen money, he fins a young boy in his office.  The cops show up however, so he sends the boy to be a decoy while he escapes.  He picks up the boy and finds that the boy was sent to him.  He crossed the border illegally and was seperated from his Mom.  His Mom told him to find Jimmy Payne if he was in trouble.   

Jimmy takes the boy, Tino, to his ex-wifes house.  She won't let him drop the boy off, instead she convinces him to search for his Mom.  So this starts several days of Jimmy evading the cops, which gets him into even more trouble, crossing into Mexico, and leaving Mexico with a fake passport.  

Mixed in you also get the story of what is happening to Tino's Mom.  

Why did I read this book?

I have enjoyed the author's Solomon vs Lord series so when I was offered a copy of this book for review, I just couldn't pass it up.

What I liked most?

I loved the interaction between Jimmy and Tino.  You have this guy who is lost and has no will to live.  Yet he is helping this young boy try to find his Mom.  He gets himself into even more trouble with the law just to help this boy, whom he just met.  You have Tino who is young in years but seems so much older must of the time.  Half the trouble is caused by Tino too.  Yet...you can see the two begin to really bond.  I just loved it.  Plus, Jimmy is a real smart ass, so he was a fun charactor to read about.

Was there something I didn't like?

Can't say that there was.

Do I recommond the book?

Absolutley.  This was such a fun read.  You get a great mystery, lots of action, but it's also a lot of fun to see what Jimmy will do next and what he will say. It's not as light as a cozy but it's not that dark either.  If you are in the mood for a mystery but don't want something heavy, this might be for you. 

Have you reviewed this book on your blog?  If so let me know and I'll link it here.

Sorry..no reviews yet.

Happy reading and thanks for stopping by.....Kris

 

Friday Smile - A young reader?

Hmm...I think I'll read that Stephen King book. Wait..no..maybe that Patricia Cornwell book. Wait..what's these right in front of me? Hmm.....

Once again, my nephew Connor makes an apperance on my blog. My sister has soo many cute pictures of him, but I thought this one was fitting for a book blog.

Where have I been?

Thanks to everyone who has commented lately!  Sorry I haven't responded.   I've been studying for a very hard test and so I had to pretty much not check email or go online etc. Otherwise I would have never studied.  To make matters worse...I haven't read a fun book in days!!!!  I was taking my study matterials into the bedroom with me and reading those at night, I was reading them when I ate breakfest, I was even riding the bike for my workout instead of running so I could sit and study!  Talk about boring.  

I'm happy to say that I passed the exam today!  Woohoo!!!!!!!!  I took it last year and failed, so I was super nervouse about taking it again.  I'm working on getting an A+ certification, it's an IT certification. I have two different tests I have to pass in order to get the certification.  Each test cost almost $200. So you can imagine that not only do I feel depressed and upset that I didn't pass it last year when I took it, I was pissed about "wasting" the money too.  But that's all behind me!  I passed the first test today!!!  Woohoo!  I am going to review my study materials on here later, I know you are all dying to hear about it. haha!

So that's where I've been. I've been here but missing in action.  I am so way behind on reading all of your blogs, I apologize.  I think I'll try to skim most posts but probably wont' comment a whole bunch, I might even have to just mark all as read too.  I've been studying for several weeks..so I have over 1000 posts unread.  

Also..I still have 1 more test to take. I want to take it either the end of this month or early next month. So that means after this weekend..I'm going to have to force myself to study hard again.  So I'll be MIA just a bit longer (I hope..I hope it doesn't take me forever to pass this next exam). 

So thanks for everyone who has continued to view my blog and comment -even though I've had to stay away for awhile.  Once I pass this next test (thinking positive thoughts!) I won't be doing anything like this again..at least not for a long time.  So it will be back to normal!  

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Copyright: 2009

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 290

Challenges: War Through the Generations, The Pub Challenge

New-to-me author? yes

Author’s website

Simple Description

This book goes back and forth between 1986 and the 1940’s during the WWII and right after the end of the War. The main charactors and Henry, a Chinease American, and Keiko, a Japanese American. Henry is sent to an all-white private school where he is constantly made fun of for being Chinese. One day Keiko shows up. She is the only other non-white in the school and is also teased because of it. This helps Henry and Keiko forge a strong bond.They are 11 or 12 at the time they meet. Henry doesn’t tell his parents about Keiko because his Dad is very much anti-Japanese. However Keiko does tell her family about Henry and they meet him and don’t care that he is Chinease. One day, Keiko and Henry are able to sneak into a local jazz club where Henry’s friend, Sheldon, is playing the sax. The main person at the jazz club is Oscar Holden and he creates a song for Henry and Keiko. This song ends up being recorded on vinyl and this is a reoccurring thing throughout the story. As an adult Henry is always trying to find a copy of this record. Soon, the US decides to put all the Japanese Americans into internment camps due to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Henry is devastated by this because Keiko soon has to leave and go to a camp. Due to one of the white adults Henry knows, he is able to find Keiko at this camp and bring her things that she needs. Soon Keiko is transported to another camp that is much further away, a different state. Henry and Keiko didn’t have a good parting and this bothers him. Sheldon suggested that Henry take a bus and go visit Keiko, which the two do. There Henry and Keiko realize that what they have is love and agree to wait for each other, until the war is over and Keiko isn’t stuck in a camp. After awhile though, Keiko stops responding to Henry’s letters. He realizes the she must have moved on and tries to forget her. He marries and has a son.

In the chapters where it is 1986, we learn that Henry’s wife has died and he doesn’t have a great relationship with his son. This changes as the story about Keiko comes out and helps bring together Henry and his son.

Why did I read this book?

I kept reading great reviews online about this book and was offered a review copy, how could I pass that up!

What I liked most:

I loved learning about this aspect of WWII. It’s something we, as Americans, know happened but for the younger generations, we don’t hear about it. It’s not something that is readily talked about. When I think of WWII I think of the Nazi’s and their concentration camp. I loved that this book was from a different viewpoint and it showed what happened and what those times were like for an Asian living in the US.

I also loved Sheldon. He is an awesome character.

Was there something I didn’t like?

I wish the ending had been different. I totally understand why the ending is the way it is, but that doesn’t mean I wish that the book had kept going and I learned more.

Do I recommend the book?

I really do. I admit that when I was first reading it I thought “It’s good…but not as good as I was expecting it to be based on other reviews.” However, the more I read it, the more I loved it.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I’ll link it below.

Reviewed by:

2 Kids and Tired Book reviews

War through the generations challenge (several reviews for this book on the challenge blog)

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Matala by Craig Holden

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: fiction

Pages: 180

Challenges:

New-to-me author? Yes

Author’s website

 

Simple Description

Darcy Arlen is on a tour of Europe.  She is bored with the tour and sneaks out of her hotel room.  Walking around Rome she meets Will.   Later that night when out with Will, his partner Justine, spikes her drink and knocks her out.  They steal her cash but not her cards.  They feel that Darcy is up for an adventure and feel they can use her for awhile.  Darcy ends up leaving the tour and even though she has called home to tell her parents she is safe, she learns they have sent somebody to find her and bring her home.  However, Darcy would rather be on this adventure.  Will and Justine feel that Darcy is just a wild, rich, American. However Darcy is smart, she knows she is being used.  She decides to have a little fun herself.  She sets up Justine to be caught for the attempt to sell drugs.  Darcy wants Will all for herself.  The little adventure they are on turns out to be more than she first expected though.   She knows she is supposed to deliver a package, but soon she isn’t sure that’s the only thing that is supposed to happen.

Why did I read this book?

I read a description of the book and it sounded interesting.

What I liked most:

I liked that it was a rather fast read and a short book.

Was there something I didn’t like?

I thought the sex scenes were a bit much.  I just didn’t see that it was needed in the book.   I don’t mind sex scenes, just didn’t really see where it fit into this story.

Do I recommend the book?

Unfortunately, I’m not sure.  The story was ok, not my favorite.  But it wasn’t my least favorite also.  There were several times when I was lost and not sure what the characters were referring too.

 

Have you reviewed this book on your blog?  Leave me a comment to let me know and I’ll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

 

 

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Copyright: 2008

Publisher: Harper Collins Children

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 312

Challenges: 9 books for 2009

New-to-me author? yes

Author’s website

 

Simple Description

Nobody Owens survived being murdered when he was a toddler.  A man came into his house and killed the rest of the family.  While the man was doing that, Nobody Owens walked out the front door and up the street to the graveyard.  The ghosts were out and because he was a kid, Nobody was able to see them.  His Mom’s ghost briefly showed and asked the other ghosts to watch over him.  At this point, the murdered was trying to get into the cemetery to get this toddler.  The ghosts decided the toddler would live with them and be protected as long as he was in the cemetery.  Silas is a man who lives in the cemetery and isn’t a ghost.  He agrees to help with Nobody Owens, since he is the only one who can leave the cemetery to get food, clothes, and other items.

This is the story of how Nobody Owens grows up being taught by ghosts and looked after them.  At one point he meets a young girl.  They have lots of fun playing, but her parents decide to relocate and so once again Nobody is by himself with the ghosts and Silas.  When he is older Nobody learns about what happened to his family and that the man is still after him.  He convinces Silas and the ghosts that it is in his best interest to attend school.  He does this, until he is noticed and once again needs to stay in the cemetery where he is protected.

Eventually the man is able to find Nobody and comes after him. 

Why did I read this book?

I had heard this was a great book and since it won the Newbery Medal award I was also able to use it for a challenge.

What I liked most:

I liked it’s originality.  I’ve never read a book where the ghosts raise a real flesh and blood child and teach him and watch over him.  I thought the idea and the basis of the story was excellent.

Was there something I didn’t like?

I think because of all the hype surrounding this book, I was a bit disappointed.  It has nothing to do with the book, really, just that I was expecting more.  This happens all the time to me though….the more a book is recommended, the more I expect from it and set myself up to be disappointed.

Do I recommend the book?

I do.  Even though I expected more and was a bit disappointed, I still felt this was a great book and an excellent read.

Also reviewed by:

The Movieholic & Bibliophile Blog

In Spring it is the Dawn

Lesa's Book Criques

As Usual, I need more bookshelves

Linda's Book Blog

Bitten by Books

 

Have you reviewed this book on your blog?  Leave me a comment to let me know and I’ll link it below.

 

  

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Friday Smile

I just love this picture of my nephew (a different nephew from last week). This one was taken on Easter as well. My Mom got the perfect shot with those big eyes opened wide and his face a mess. I couldn't help but share.

You might live in St. Louis...

ah...good ole St. Louis.......a family member from my husbands side passed this on to me and after reading them, I thought it would be fun to post. Yes ladies and gentlemen - this is all so very true.

What Jeff Foxworthy has to say about St. Louis:
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don'twork there, you might live in St. Louis . (this has happened to me on several occasions!)

If someone mentions "The Landing" and it has nothing to do with thespace shuttle, you might live in St. Louis .

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live inSt. Louis .

If you've seen a tornado touchdown and ONLY thought "Darn it, I just waxed the car," you might live in St. Louis .

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation withsomeone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in St. Louis ..

If you measure distance in hours instead of miles, you might live in St. Louis .. (I do this all the time!!! haha! Oh, it's only 40 minutes away, that's not very far. )

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and backagain, you might live in St. Louis .

If you drive 75 miles through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard for some White Castles, you might live in St. Louis .

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to usethem, you might live in St. Louis .

If you take I-Farty-Far to Six Flags, you might live in St.Louis.

If someone says "concrete" and you think of Ted Drewes instead ofpavement, you might live in St. Louis . (yummy ice-cream, kinda like a blizzard but thick enough (hence the "concrete" name that you can turn it upside down and it won't fall out.)

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit overa snowsuit, you might live in St. Louis .

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you might live in St.. Louis.

If you've ever skipped school, work, or even a court date because youhad tickets to an afternoon Cards, Blues or Rams game, you might live inSt. Louis ..

If you can say the words "Cahokia Mounds" and not think of a candy baror boobies, you might live in St. Louis .

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled withsnow, you might live in St. Louis . If someone asks you what school you went to and you tell them your high school and not your college YOU KNOW YOUR FROM ST. LOUIS (yes...so very true, I have no idea why though)

If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your St.Louis friends & others, you live or have lived in St. Louis