Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

Sputnik Sweetheart
by Haruki Murakami

Published: 2002
Genre: Japanese
Paperback: 224 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
Haruki Murakami, the internationally bestselling author of Norwegian Wood and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, plunges us into an urbane Japan of jazz bars, coffee shops, Jack Kerouac, and the Beatles to tell this story of a tangled triangle of uniquely unrequited loves.

A college student, identified only as “K,” falls in love with his classmate, Sumire. But devotion to an untidy writerly life precludes her from any personal commitments–until she meets Miu, an older and much more sophisticated businesswoman. When Sumire disappears from an island off the coast of Greece, “K” is solicited to join the search party and finds himself drawn back into her world and beset by ominous, haunting visions. A love story combined with a detective story, Sputnik Sweetheart ultimately lingers in the mind as a profound meditation on human longing.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): lonely lumps of metal

When I found that the March task for Hello Japan challenge was to read something by Haruki Murakami, I just had to pull out my one and only Murakami book in my tbr pile to finally read.

I had purchased this book based on all the good reviews I've heard about Murakami in general. I liked the cover and the title was interesting. The description of the book didn't play too much of a role in this purchase for me. Goes to show how Murakami's name packs a punch.

The story was engaging with mystery and some surrealism. A bit of a love triangle plays out with boy who likes girl, who likes another girl. And, the topic of loneliness is a biggee.

I enjoyed the thoughts on writing and the writing process described. Learning tidbits about the writing craft are always interesting to me.

I admit there were some huh? moments for me. But not enough to discourage me from reading and enjoying the book. It was mostly during the surreal parts.

I should also mention that the ending of the story thumped me. argh.

Sputnik = fellow traveller




Amusing quote:
What I've written here is a message to myself. I toss it into the air like a boomerang. It slices through the dark, lays the little soul of some poor kangaroo out cold, and finally comes back to me. But the boomerang that returns is not the same one I threw. (page 141, chapter 11)

Extras:
After I read Murakami's wikipedia entry and found that his first job was in a record store, it struck me that the two characters in Sputnik Sweetheart, K and Sumire, share his interest of music, books and writing. Always a neat-o moment when you see a literal connection between author and their works.

According to wikipedia:
"K", the narrator, is a markedly different protagonist from those of Murakami's other novels. He is considerably less given to or adept at wisecracks, maintains a respectable and stable profession as a schoolteacher, and is less self-confident and much more introverted and conflicted than any other Murakami protagonist.

So, now I'm curious of the type of characters Murakami usually writes about. I want to read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle next.

Interesting Murakami tidbit from wikipedia:
Many of his novels have themes and titles referring to classical music, such as the three books making up The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: The Thieving Magpie (after Rossini's opera overture), Bird as Prophet (after a piano piece by Robert Schumann usually known in English as The Prophet Bird), and The Bird-Catcher (a character in Mozart's opera The Magic Flute).

Some of his novels take their titles from songs: Dance, Dance, Dance (after The Dells' song, although it is widely thought it was titled after the Beach Boys tune), Norwegian Wood (after The Beatles' song) and South of the Border, West of the Sun (the first part being the title of a song by Nat King Cole).


This wiki entry got me jazzed. I've been meaning to do a couple posts on the creation of music based on literature. Consider this just the beginning of such posts.

There is also a reference In Sputnik Sweetheart. In the story the character, Sumire, is named after the music piece The Violet by Mozart which was based on the poem by Goethe. From the poem (see below), the theme of unrequited love rings true in both the poem and Sputnik Sweetheart.

Side note:
I was treated to a performance of The Violet by the Cypress String Quartet last month. Beautiful piece!



The Violet
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1775)

UPON the mead a violet stood,
Retiring, and of modest mood,

In truth, a violet fair.
Then came a youthful shepherdess,
And roam'd with sprightly joyousness,
And blithely woo'd

With carols sweet the air

"Ah!" thought the violet, "had I been
For but the smallest moment e'en

Nature's most beauteous flower,
'Till gather'd by my love, and press'd,
When weary, 'gainst her gentle breast,
For e'en, for e'en

One quarter of an hour!"

Alas! alas! the maid drew nigh,
The violet failed to meet her eye,

She crush'd the violet sweet.
It sank and died, yet murmur'd not:
"And if I die, oh, happy lot,
For her I die,

And at her very feet!"


*** Sputnik Sweetheart Book Giveaway ***

Wanna give this a read?

Open to all.

Offer ends April 11, 2010

TO DO:

Go to the Hello Japan March Task page that includes other posts about Haruki Murakami and

1. along with this post read at least one other post on the Mr Linky list

2. comment on that other post

3. come back here and let me know who you visited

If your blogger profile does not have your contact email and you want to be notified via email then include your email in comments too. OR you can check back to see if you are the winner - usually posted within 2 days of the deadline date.

~*~

* image source Sputnik2

* source poem

* part of Hello Japan mini-challenge hosted by In Spring It Is The Dawn, March Task - to appreciate Haruki Murakami

* part of Bottoms Up Reading Challenge

Winners - March giveaways


Here are the winners for giveaways that
ended March 27, 2010

Thanks to all contestants!

Winners were selected with the name-out-of-the-hat method,
random.org or hand-picked.

I will email winners for mailing addresses.
Winners, feel free to contact me with your info if you don't get my email
or if you're just too darn excited and want to let me know -- like NOW ;-D

~*~

According to Jane
by Marilyn Brant
Winner: Spav of Fiction Kingdom

~*~

Dawn of the Dreadfuls
by Jane Austen and Steve Hockensmith
Winner 1: Mary Ann of Mary Ann DeBorde Writes
Winner 2: Carol aka BuddyT

~*~

Fridays at Nine
by Marilyn Brant
Winner: Bunny B

My favorite fairy tale ending usually is when the guy gets the girl and everything is happy and dandy. And of course when the baddies get their just desserts :)

Please note: this book will be released October 1, 2010 after which the winner will be sent the book (unless I manage to get a copy sooner)

~*~

Mr Knightley paper doll
Winner: Amanda Leigh of Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick

~*~

Mr Knightley's Diary
by Amanda Grange
Winner: Violet of Mr Bennet's Library

~*~

Wicked Lovely manga
by Melissa Marr
Winner: Lauren

If I encountered a faerie it would probably be in a field at night....

~*~

Wings
by Aprilynne Pike
Winner: Precious of Fragments of Life

~*~

Custom Fairy
created by svb
Winner: Zombie Girrrl of Crackin' Spines & Takin' Names

I'd want a...*risks sounding like broken record*...
could I say zombie themed fairy?
because that'd be awesome!
Do you suppose fairies could turn into zombies?
That would be a pretty cool story!
*said in Movie Anouncer Guy voice* Fairies,
loved by one and all,
welcomed in homes and gardens as omens of good furtune,
*etc.*,
but suddenly they turn on their admirerers!
Swarms of green tinted, black clad, undead fairies
converge on cities and wreak havoc!

~*~


Mieradome by Kate Hegarty
The deadline has been extended to April 11, 2010.
So, enter if you haven't already!

~*~

* most of these giveaways were part of Mr Knightley's Picnic event

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Alice In Wonderland Challenge

The Alice In Wonderland Challenge
hosted by Take Me Away
Signup and details
September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010


Just found out about this irresistible challenge - why not join in
to keep up the Alice frenzy...

Task 1 - Read and review:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll - to do
(this will be a re-read)

Through the Looking Glass
by Lewis Carroll - to do

Alice I Have Been
by Melanie Benjamin - my review

Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland
by J.T. Holden - my review

~*~

Task 2 - Watch and review:

Disney's animated version of Alice in Wonderland (1951) - to do
(this will be a re-watch)

Live action version - Alice (1988) - my review

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (2010) - my review

Phoebe in Wonderland (2008) - my review

~*~

* first spotted this challenge at Sumana of I Read

* Alice fans, check out my Alice in Whatsitland giveaways on my sidebar -ends April 11, 2010

An Alice Tumblog


If you've never read the story

or

if you want to re-read the story...

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
is on Tumblr starting today!


The Tumblog is a serialization of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland powered by DailyLit

or

Sign up for DailyLit to email you the story daily, weekly, or monthly (37 installments) - for freeeee!

~*~

* image source All About Alice

* part of Alice in Whatsitland

Monday, March 29, 2010

Steampunk Weekly - 03.29.10

Eos
is coming July 2010

Steampunk Eos Story (from maker's site):
Curious of her birth and origin of the world, Eos is looking for the ultimate key for the change in her previous life. She attained her white hair from the mysterious incident in her childhood, but she doesn’t remember anything about it. Her journey and search for answers ignites many new adventures.

Accessories: Wings, Goggle, Light Beam Gun, Stick, Doll Stand

Is this doll super steampunky cute or what? A whole Pullip steampunk line from JUN Planning USA, Inc. will be released starting July 2010. I'll post each cutie as they are featured at the Pullip site.

What’s Pullip? (description from maker's site):
Pullip is a stylish collectible fashion doll that expresses every girl many faces = ‘’Today’s Feeling… (from her hair style, make up and fashion etc…). Pullip is extremely attractive! She stands about 12 inches tall, has a large head, big eyes that can wink and look side-to-side, along with fully articulated joints that enable her body to pose (36 parts that can move). Pullip means ‘Young Leaf’ in Korean...

~*~

* first spotted steampunk dolls at Super Punch

* pre-orders for Eos doll at Tenacious Toys

*my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)

*totally inspired by steampunk posts written by Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia

Sunday, March 28, 2010

In My Mailbox - 3.28.10


Bought:

More books for my SteamPink week, June 4-12, 2010.

SteamPink (my definition) = female heroine stories with romance, adventure or mystery in a steampunk world


Clockwork Heart
by Dru Pagliassotti

Heart of Light
by Sarah A. Hoyt

Some YA and fairies...

Eyes Like Stars
by Lisa Mantchev


Paperbackswap:

Nights of Rain and Stars
by Maeve Binchy


For review and giveaway:

Alice I Have Been
by Melanie Benjamin - my review
Courtesy of Random House
Thanks Katie!
my giveaway here


Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy
Curiouser and Curiouser
Series Editor: William Irwin
Editor: Richard Brian Davis - my review
Courtesy of John Wiley & Sons
Thanks Connie!
my giveaway here

~*~

* check out my sidebar for the latest book giveaways

* image from Leafcutter Designs - world's smallest postal service

* In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via mailbox, library, store, etc.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin

Alice I Have Been
by Melanie Benjamin

Published: 2010
Genre: Historical
Hardback: 368 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Few works of literature are as universally beloved as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Now, in this spellbinding historical novel, we meet the young girl whose bright spirit sent her on an unforgettable trip down the rabbit hole–and the grown woman whose story is no less enthralling.

But oh my dear, I am tired of being Alice in Wonderland. Does it sound ungrateful?

Alice Liddell Hargreaves’s life has been a richly woven tapestry: As a young woman, wife, mother, and widow, she’s experienced intense passion, great privilege, and greater tragedy. But as she nears her eighty-first birthday, she knows that, to the world around her, she is and will always be only “Alice.” Her life was permanently dog-eared at one fateful moment in her tenth year–the golden summer day she urged a grown-up friend to write down one of his fanciful stories.

That story, a wild tale of rabbits, queens, and a precocious young child, becomes a sensation the world over. Its author, a shy, stuttering Oxford professor, does more than immortalize Alice–he changes her life forever. But even he cannot stop time, as much as he might like to. And as Alice’s childhood slips away, a peacetime of glittering balls and royal romances gives way to the urgent tide of war.

For Alice, the stakes could not be higher, for she is the mother of three grown sons, soldiers all. Yet even as she stands to lose everything she treasures, one part of her will always be the determined, undaunted Alice of the story, who discovered that life beyond the rabbit hole was an astonishing journey.

A love story and a literary mystery, Alice I Have Been brilliantly blends fact and fiction to capture the passionate spirit of a woman who was truly worthy of her fictional alter ego, in a world as captivating as the Wonderland only she could inspire.

Alice Pleasance Liddell Hargreaves, 1932

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): Shining hair, shining eyes, shining heart.

Absolutely delighted with this read. It was like reading Alice in Wonderland but the reality version with hints and nuances of the Wonderland tale.

It was fun to try to match up who was who. I haven't read the annotated version of Alice in Wonderland and I'm sure it pinpoints the character references.

We get an idea of what might have been the three phases of Alice's life which involve her romances and maturation.

Because of the Alice in Wonderland success, we see how celebrity-dom takes its toll with the "real" players.

Amusing quote:
When you write things down, he explained, they sometimes take you places you hadn't planned. - Lewis to Alice
(page 92, chapter 5)

*** Alice Book Giveaway ***

If you haven't already, the signup to win this book is here and it ends April 11, 2010.

* part of Alice in Whatsitland (see schedule)

* giveaway prize
Thanks to Katie at Random House

Friday, March 26, 2010

Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy giveaway


Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy
Curiouser and Curiouser
Series Editor: William Irwin
Editor: Richard Brian Davis - my review


Description from publisher's site:
Should the Cheshire Cat’s grin make us reconsider the nature of reality?

Can Humpty Dumpty make words mean whatever he says they mean?

Can drugs take us down the rabbit hole?

Is Alice a feminist icon?

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has fascinated children and adults alike for generations.

Why does Lewis Carroll introduce us to such oddities as blue caterpillars who smoke hookahs, cats whose grins remain after their heads have faded away, and a White Queen who lives backwards and remembers forwards?

Is it all just nonsense?

Was Carroll under the influence?

This book probes the deeper underlying meaning in the Alice books, and reveals a world rich with philosophical life lessons. Tapping into some of the greatest philosophical minds that ever lived—Aristotle, Hume, Hobbes, and Nietzsche—Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy explores life’s ultimate questions through the eyes of perhaps the most endearing heroine in all of literature.

*** Alice Book Giveaway ***

Open to all.

Offer ends April 11, 2010 --> extended to May 1, 2010 to coincide with Alice Muchness day

TO DO:

Visit publisher's site and tell me which other philosophy book peaks your interest.

Comment below with your answer.

If your blogger profile does not have your contact email and you want to be notified via email then include your email in comments too. OR you can check back to see if you are the winner - usually posted within 2 days after the deadline date.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

* prize giveaway
Courtesy of John Wiley & Sons
Thanks Connie!

* part of Alice in Whatsitland

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Fridays at Nine cover

Fridays at Nine
by Marilyn Brant

Release date: October 1, 2010

Just got this cover and blurb to share from Marilyn.

Here's the blurb from the back cover:

Every woman remembers her firsts: Her first kiss. Her first lover. And her first time contemplating an affair...

Each Friday morning at the Indigo Moon Café, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara meet to swap stories about marriage, kids and work. But one day, spurred by recent e-mails from her college ex, Jennifer poses questions they've never faced before. What if they all married the wrong man? What if they're living the wrong life? And what would happen if, just once, they gave in to temptation...

Soon each woman is second-guessing the choices she's made--and the ones she can unmake--as she becomes aware of new opportunities around every corner, from attentive colleagues and sexy neighbors to flirtatious past lovers. And as fantasies blur with real life, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara begin to realize how little they know about each other, their marriages and themselves, and how much there is to gain--and lose--when you step outside the rules.

*** Marilyn Brant Book Giveaway ***

If you haven't already enter the giveaway for this book.

~*~

* part of Mr Knightley's Picnic

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo dress


If books were dresses...

(a weekly post where I create fashionable wear with book cover art)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson - my review
Translated: Reg Keeland


Description from the amazon:
National Bestseller from Sweden

An international publishing sensation, Stieg Larsson's Girl with the Dragon Tattoo combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel.

Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

NOW in theatres!

Movie info and trailer from the official site:

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie trailer based on the book by Stieg Larsson.

A mystery thriller based on Stieg Larsson’s international best selling novel about a disgraced journalist and a troubled young female computer hacker who investigate the mysterious disappearance of an industrialist’s niece.



~*~

* on my must see list ;-D

* if you would like to learn how to make your own Book Fashion silhouette, let me know in comments

* source for silhouette

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mr Knightley's Diary by Amanda Grange

Mr Knightley's Diary
by Amanda Grange

Published: 2007
Genre: Romance
Paperback: 304 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
Relive Jane Austen's Emma- from Mr. Knightley's point of view.

Between managing his estate and visiting his brother in London, Mr. Knightley is both exasperated and amused by his irresistibly beautiful, outrageously mischievous neighbor, Emma Woodhouse, whose misguided attempts at matchmaking are wreaking havoc in the village of Highbury.

But when a handsome newcomer arrives and catches Emma's attention, Mr. Knightley is shocked by his reaction. Amusement gives way to another emotion entirely-for his unreasonable dislike of the handsome newcomer seems suspiciously like jealousy.

My two-bits:
In-a-word: folly

Reading this is like reading the behind-the-scenes tidbits of Emma from a different perspective - a male one.

In this story we follow Mr Knightley on his day-to-day doings with the sparks of his life coming primarily from his encounters with Emma. His gentleness and realization of his love for Emma is a sweet story.

Harriet's romance novels recommended to Robert:


The Romance of the Forest
by Ann Radcliffe
I'm so curious. I want to read this.
Have you?



The Children of the Abbey
by Regina Maria Roche


~*~


*** Jane Austen -related Giveaway ***

If you haven't already the signup to win Mr Knightley's Diary is here and it ends March 27, 2010.

~*~

* image source The Children of the Abbey

* part of Mr Knightley's Picnic

* part of my Jane Austen challenge


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Alice's Adventures Under Ground: A Facsimile by Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures Under Ground: A Facsimile
by Lewis Carroll
Published: British Library (February 15, 2009)

Genre: Fantasy
Hardcover: 92 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Generations of readers have loved and embraced Lewis Carroll’s tale of the little girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatures and absurd croquet matches, but how many can recount the history behind this famous story?

It all began one golden July afternoon in Oxford in 1862, when the three Liddell siblings—Lorina, Edith, and young Alice—set out on a boating trip with two close friends of the family, Robinson Duckworth and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.

To keep the children amused, Dodgson spun a tale about an inquisitive young girl and her escapades in a magical underground world, eventually writing it down at his heroine Alice Liddell’s request.

The little book he produced, entitled Alice’s Adventures under Ground, was beautifully bound in morocco leather, illustrated with 37 charming pictures, and given to Alice as an early Christmas present in November of 1864.

Friends and fellow novelists who saw the volume urged Dodgson to publish the book formally, and literary history was made in 1865 when the first of countless best-selling editions rolled off the press.

In this superb facsimile edition of Dodgson’s original manuscript, modern readers can at last enjoy the expressive script and vibrant illustrations of the original, one of the British Library’s most prized possessions.

Perfect for the literary collector, the lover of Alice, or the child at heart, this remarkable volume includes fascinating biographical commentary on Dodgson as well as a recounting of all the stages through which the manuscript passed.

This journey produced a new tale itself, as the manuscript was revised, expanded, and illustrated by Punch cartoonist John Tenniel en route to final publication as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, under Dodgson’s celebrated pen name of Lewis Carroll.

My two bits:
In-a-word: curious

After watching the latest Alice movie, I had to read this book before the book. In reading this classic facsimile version, I found something to note. The flamingoes that Disney movie used for the croquet game with the Queen of Hearts were originally OSTRICHES.

Absolutely loved Carroll's illustrations. He even made text into an illustration when Alice hear's a tale from a mouse in chapter 2. Part of the tale is written in a descending spiral tail-shape.



Definitely a treat to read whereupon you can see why his friends and family urged Carroll for more. For this facsimile is just the flicker of the wonderland tales he later presents to the world.

Read it (it's a quickie) and see the illustrations free at Project Gutenberg. Please note that there is a postscript (notes from Lewis Carroll dedicated to readers) included online that is not in the book.

~*~



Did you know that the Cerulean Queen is looking for Alice?

And, she is offering a reward prize for any information regarding the whereabouts of Alice.

Do you dare help the Cerulean Queen or remain faithful to our Alice?

keep her secret

keep her safe


~*~

*image source of tail tale from Project Gutenberg

* image source Wanted poster template

* part of Alice in Whatsitland (see schedule)
read my Alice adventure and enter the giveaways which end April 11, 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

Steampunk Weekly - 3.22.10

Virtuoso
Written by: Jon Munger
Art by: Krist Brennan

Description from comic site:

Virtuoso is an alternate history of an Africa that never existed, one run by steel and springs, commanded by vast matriarchies and past the height of its culture.

Virtuoso is the story of Jnembi Osse, a professional weapons manufacturer for the most powerful empire in the world, and how her private rebellion becomes a full scale international incident.



This is being described in the blogosphere as steampunk Africa. You can check out some of the first few pages at the comic site. You'll see some cool-looking steam sentries.

Interesting, eh? I'm planning on featuring this during SteamPink week, June 4-12, 2010.

~*~

Just found this:
The Nubian Queen
By Paul Genesse
Release date: 2011
steampunk short story coming out from DAW Books

excerpt:
Lower Nubia, 1854 A.D.

Queen Sahdi gave the command to destroy the tracks ahead of the armored train as it steamed through the savannah beside Lake Nubia. She stood behind the thick ramparts of Gebel Adda, an ancient fortress situated in the hills that marked the border, wondering how many of her brave soldiers, and how many of the Egyptian emperor’s, were about to die.
read more of the first scene here

~*~

*my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)

*totally inspired by steampunk posts written by Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Lisa's Great Dessert-Off Contest


Mini Victorian Tea Cookies
at Decorative Sugar

Found just the right treat for Lisa's fairies!

These mini cookies are approximately 1" in diameter and are made from organic cinnamon snap dough. There are miniature hats, miniature assorted flowers cookies along with tiny teapots and teacups.

Just darling for fairies and humans ;-D

~*~



This is a contest entry for Lisa Mantchev's The Great Dessert-Off (PtD ARC Contest) details here -ends March 22, 2010.

The winner gets an ARC of Lisa's latest book, Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata Book 2).

You can pre-order Perchance to Dream at Indiebound here.

This is book 1...



~*~

* first spotted ARC contest at Lizzy of Cornucopia of Reviews - go check out her fairy dessert.

* on my want list ;-D


In My Mailbox - 3.21.10


Bought:

Getting ready for my SteamPink week, June 4-12, 2010.

SteamPink = female heroine stories with romance, adventure or mystery in a steampunk world (sample books here)


Crimson & Steam
by Liz Maverick

New Blood
by Gail Dayton

~*~

For review and giveaway:

Alice in Verse
by J.T. Holden - my review
Courtesy of Candleshoe Books
Thanks Derek!
my giveaway here


The Jane Austen Handbook:
A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World
by Margaret C. Sullivan
Courtesy of Quirk
Thanks Tiffany!
my giveaway for this will be in June for Jane in June

~*~

* check out my sidebar for the latest book giveaways

* image from Leafcutter Designs - world's smallest postal service

* In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via mailbox, library, store, etc.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Wings
by Aprilynne Pike

Published: 2009
Genre: Fairies, YA
Hardback: 294 pages
Rating: 4

Description from author's site:
Laurel discovers she is a faerie, sent among humans to protect the gateway to Avalon. Thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she's torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to each world. In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My two-bits:
In-a-word: blossom

Such a lovely fairy story. Lovely because of the kind of fairies described. I hadn't heard of this type of fairy before. Believable. But then not too hard to if you already believe in the fae ;-D (you'll have to read this to find out or shoot me an email if you really must know).

There's the discovery of being part of the fae and learning about its existence along with some romance (love triangle) and troll action.

Of course, it's just the beginning and the sequel will be out soon enough.

Series:
Wings
Spells - to be released May 4, 2010

Zombie sighting:
The next day, Laurel felt like a Zombie.
(page 87, chapter 9)

*** Giveaway ***

If you haven't already the signup is here and it ends March 27, 2010.

* part of Mr Knightley's Picnic event

Friday, March 19, 2010

Zombies in September


I'm starting to gather books to highlight for September Zombies week for later this year.

Save the month:
(OK - Fishmuffins of Doom has convinced me)

September Zombies will last the whole month!
September 1-30, 2010

The recent announcement of this latest zombie book mashup has got me excited to say that it will most definitely be part of the line-up...


Night of the Living Trekkies
by Kevin David Anderson

Release date: September 4, 2010

The book cover is not yet available but these images of zombie Spock and zombie Kirk created by Art of Molitorious are awesome and maybe should be considered???

Description from article post on Trek Today excerpt:
“It’s a zombie apocalypse and only one thing matters: What would Captain Kirk do?” Fans will find out this September when Night of the Living Trekkies is released.

“Just as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies blended monster mayhem with the world of regency romance, Night of the Living Trekkies mixes a zombie apocalypse with the enduring mythology of Star Trek.”

The story follows a group of “Trekkies,” dressed in homemade uniforms, who are en route to an annual convention. “These fanboys know more than any rational adult should know about Kirk, Spock, Next Generation, particle physics, and black holes,” writes Anderson.

“But when aliens release a zombie plague upon the Earth, all of this “Starfleet training” suddenly becomes a lot more relevant. Our fanboys find themselves trapped in the Botany Bay Hotel and Convention Center—and desperate to escape.

And one reluctant fan will discover his inner Trekkie, rise up, and take command of the crew. Fast, funny, and loaded with countless references to Star Trek, geek culture, and science fiction conventions, Night of the Living Trekkies will appeal to anyone who enjoys science fiction, horror, and the comic scene.”

=z=


PPZ: Dawn of the Dreadfuls book trailer from Quirk
--Just as entertaining as the Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters trailer
--Captures the story well (my review of book)!




Did you know that Quirk is offering free e-chapters of this book here.

If you haven't already, sign up for the giveaway of this book here (two copies up for grabs).

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* first spotted Night of the Living Trekkies announcement and Art of Molitorious at Babbling About Books and More

* image source zombie Kevin Anderson teaser

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Save the month: September 1-30, 2010

September Zombies are ambling this way

there will be zombies

there will be unicorns

there will be a battle of the most epic...

which team will you be on?


~*~

* image source for September Zombies sidebar button is the cover of As The World Dies: Siege by Rhiannon Frater

=|== September Zombies schedule of events ==|=


 
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