Cartboy and the Time Capsule looks at the challenges of middle school through the eyes, and assignment of one Hal Rifkind, sixth grader. The book coul...moreCartboy and the Time Capsule looks at the challenges of middle school through the eyes, and assignment of one Hal Rifkind, sixth grader. The book could be read by ages 8 and up with discussions including peer pressure, what to do when you get embarrassed, empathy, responsibility and mean kids.
Hal’s assignment is to write a journal to kids of the future which will be put into a time capsule and not opened for many years. Hal’s journal entries are hilarious and reflect the point of view of your typical sixth grader trying too hard to make a name for himself while not humiliating himself. A true challenge for any sixth grader!
The book is somewhat reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid in that we have the boy’s POV and the journal includes illustrations and pictures. This is a charming and humorous look at being a sixth grader. (less)
What a Nightmare! A real one. A girl who is half human, half Nightmare. 16-year old Dusty Everhart feeds on nightmares, when she’s not attending schoo...moreWhat a Nightmare! A real one. A girl who is half human, half Nightmare. 16-year old Dusty Everhart feeds on nightmares, when she’s not attending school and drooling over hunky Eli Booker. So when she ends up having to feed on Eli’s nightmares she’s so embarrassed. But, Eli’s nightmares of murder start to come true and Dusty must help him, without giving herself away.
The premise is so fresh, so unique and the author’s writing is fantastic. It’s one of those books you can’t wait to get back to while you’re going about your day. It’s fun, there’s some romance of course and a great mystery. The book is not too intense, but it’s engaging and interesting.(less)
Breaking Point is the second in the much acclaimed Article 5 series. Ember Miller has escaped from the reformatory where she had been placed after bei...moreBreaking Point is the second in the much acclaimed Article 5 series. Ember Miller has escaped from the reformatory where she had been placed after being arrested for being born out of wedlock. The not too distant future has a post war government ruling the country with an iron fist, exchanging the Bill of Rights for “Moral statutes”.
Ember is on the run with her neighbor and first crush, Chase, who was one of her arresting officers when they came to get Ember and her mother. Chase can never go back after betraying his post so he and Ember join the resistance to fight the government and take it back. Ember’s journey has been tough and this book is very gritty, not for pre-teens, but certainly for teens, young adults and adults. Thought the heroine is only seventeen she is forced to take on an adult role as she finds herself on her own.
Romance, fear, self-discovery and injustice all follow Ember on her journey as she now is on the most wanted list and becomes a liability for even the resistance.
This is an amazing book, very much worth the praise and hype it’s gotten in the media. The characters seem so real you find your heart racing as you travel with them through the story, feeling their every move, every mood, every turn. Kristen Simmons is an amazing YA author with a wonderful writer’s voice. I highly recommend this book, and series. (less)
Soul Speak: The Language of Your Body is a metaphysical book that is bound to intrigue both people of science and medicine as well as people looking t...moreSoul Speak: The Language of Your Body is a metaphysical book that is bound to intrigue both people of science and medicine as well as people looking to connect with their own higher power.
The book is very well organized and could even be used as a teaching tool. The author has a background and education in the medical field and her logic, presentation and material reflect that. She talks about “Body Part Messages” and addresses different parts and systems of the body. There are diagrams and pictures included.
The book is condensed into about 150 pages which includes the pictures, but though you have that concentration of information, the author is able to hold your interest as you learn. That is a skill I can appreciate.
If you are interested in medicine, metaphysical teachings or interested to learn more about how your body can speak to you then I recommend checking out this book. (less)
Many books have been penned about war. For many who have never experienced a battlefield, they are moments of clarity into a situation we could never...moreMany books have been penned about war. For many who have never experienced a battlefield, they are moments of clarity into a situation we could never have imagined. Others, usually soldiers often find a camaraderie in the words of a stranger that knows intimately about their experiences.
The Mind of War is that kind of book. Written by a soldier, the words are rough, harsh, and brutal - like war. Told in first person, the novel is more than a memoir, more than a journal, it is a no holds barred examination of men at war.
The author, Sid Gould was a normal kid growing up in Australia. A small town boy with a proud family history of service. He grew from a scared and somewhat bullied kid, to a fighter, to an arrogant teen that got into trouble to a rough soldier, and eventually, after many struggles, he became a man true to himself.
Few books, particularly those written as a first person account are a well articulated as The Mind of War. From the first chapter you will want to know what becomes of the boy struggling to find his way in the world, and you won't leave until you know that the soldier is safely home. (less)
Have you every wanted to slip into the minds and bodies of Biblical characters? Do you yearn to breathe and fully experience scripture and the impact...moreHave you every wanted to slip into the minds and bodies of Biblical characters? Do you yearn to breathe and fully experience scripture and the impact of Christ's presence? Now, you, the avid reader of all things faith-oriented, have the opportunity to do just this. Anita Higman's recent release Where God Finds You invites you into the pages of the Bible and its many powerful experiences as perceived by a myriad of characters who were present in the time of Christ's life on this Earth. The book explores each figure's specific story and pairs this narrative account with an actual passage from scripture. The format is powerful and informative, and a plethora of characters and a range of experiences are there for you to discover in this inspirational, faith-driven collection. Ester, John the Baptist, Lazarus, Mary Magdalen—they are all there along with many more. Over forty characters' accounts serve as the foundation of the piece, which lends itself to close study and careful consideration. One additional aspect of the book you might find helpful is the inclusion of questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. These questions encourage the reader to actually take something from each account and apply these lessons to his or her own life. Award-winning and best-selling author Anita Higman delivers an empowering and rewarding collection of tales lifted straight from the pages of the Bible. Higman does not exclusively write faith-oriented works (though it often plays some part in each of her works), but her own strong faith has compelled her to share her devotion to God and Christ's teaching through this well-crafted piece, which is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible's characters as they existed in the time of Christ. If you are ready to learn about more than forty different Bible characters this season, then look no further then Anita Higman's Where God Finds You: 40 Devotions Bringing Bible Characters to Life. This title is now available in bookstores everywhere. For those of you interested in learning more about the author and this specific title, refer to the following web address: http://anitahigman.com/.
Disclaimer: Some blogs are paid for by a third party client, but the books are indeed read and all(less)
When Francesca Arno meets Ian Noble during a cocktail party held in her honor, she is suddenly bound to him by a desire that is strange and exciting f...moreWhen Francesca Arno meets Ian Noble during a cocktail party held in her honor, she is suddenly bound to him by a desire that is strange and exciting for her. Francesca, who is working to complete a great centerpiece for the lobby of Ian's newly designed skyscraper, is not accustomed to experiencing such a purely sexual response to any man, especially upon the point of a first encounter. But, although it seems unsettling to Francesca, it is also undeniable and irresistible. Ian, a darkly intense and dominating character, sees something fresh in Francesca—true innocence. The prospect of possessing her is impossible to ignore, and Ian is a man who always gets what he wants... ...However strong the physical attraction between these two may be, there are complications from the start when this couple's flame is ignited. Francesca must first learn to yield to the passions of Ian in order to awaken her deepest fantasies. And Ian has his own inner demons to face before this sexually charged romance can become something more intimate and lasting. What does the future hold for Francesca and Ian? Find out in Because You Are Mine by bestselling author Beth Kery. Because You Are Mine is somewhat of a special release in that the novel is serialized, meaning it will be released in parts as a series. Each installment adds to the saga of Ian and Francesca as they follow a tumultuous course to greater intimacy. Kery has a special appreciation for erotic contemporary romance, and her writing has a certain flavor that will be much enjoyed by romance fanatics. Furthermore, she pays close attention to the full development of her characters. This is especially evident in the growth of her primary characters, which serves, of course, as the foundation for the novel. If you are ready to turn up the heat in the midst of an already sweltering summer season, then look for Because You Are Mine. The first part releases on July 31 and all subsequent parts will be released on a weekly basis for a total of eight weeks. Find out more information here http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pag... or visit the author's website at http://www.bethkery.com/.(less)
I really enjoyed No Country for Old Men when I watched the movie, so when this book was compared to that I thought I’d at least read the first chapter...moreI really enjoyed No Country for Old Men when I watched the movie, so when this book was compared to that I thought I’d at least read the first chapter. These are not always my cup of tea. They’re gritty, harsh, in-your-face dark thrillers and they don’t always appeal to me. But, I gave it a try and was surprised at how much I liked it. You’re almost afraid to say you enjoyed it, because it is so disturbing. But, though the story itself is good, it is really the characters that make it hard to put this book down. What the hell will they do next?! You just don’t know. It is a complex-character-driven story about an ex-con with nothing to lose, a girl who is as crazed for sex as for drugs, the bank teller lucky enough to live, but not lucky enough to be left behind and the agents on their trail who have problems of their own. When Charlie went to work that day his biggest problem was his over-bearing mother. Now he’s a hostage surrounded by ruthless criminals with little hope of escape. But there are things about Charlie that are annoying. It’s not like your typical victim you immediately feel sorry for, though you do empathize with him. You want him to live. The writing is captivating. The characters are captivating. The story is captivating and disturbing in a way that won’t let you but the book down.(less)
Barbara Vey is an icon in the industry. She has won industry awards, been a speaker at prestigious events, and her blog has had comments in the tens o...moreBarbara Vey is an icon in the industry. She has won industry awards, been a speaker at prestigious events, and her blog has had comments in the tens of thousands. Her advice is hard won from experience. She's successful and her do's and don'ts in this book are worth the price alone. Guests contributing to the book include everyone from James Rollins to Dianna Love and everyone comes together to share experiences.
The book is great for established authors too. You get insight on what is working with marketing and what isn't.
Yes, I am a co-writer of the book so of course I'm going to say great things about it. But if I didn't believe in it, I wouldn't have spent so much time on it. And the fact that Barbara Vey is a co-author, I think, gives me reason to be proud of this book.(less)
There is a small store in London where magic happens at the end of a needle. In the newest series from bestselling author, Jade Lee you'll be whisk in...moreThere is a small store in London where magic happens at the end of a needle. In the newest series from bestselling author, Jade Lee you'll be whisk inside A Lady's Favor dress shop. Once inside, you won't want to leave.
Filled with ribbons of humor, flounces of intrigue and woven together in the fabric of love, Ms. Lee's Bridal Favors series brings Regency England to life.
Each book in this new series will feature a different woman who by circumstances, usually not good circumstances, comes to own or work at the dress shop. Beginning with the prequel to the series, Engaged in Wickedness, her heroine Lady Gwendolyn is a woman with too much curiosity. She captures the imagination of a quiet baron and her life, and her passions will never be the same. Yet, everything is not as it appears, and old secrets have a way of raising from the darkness.
Featured in the next book, Wedded in Scandal is a disgraced Lady Helaine. Her father was thrown out of polite English society for being a liar and a thief. The scandal leaves her unfit for marriage, and financially destitute. She opens the dressmaker's shop under an assumed identity. Her world is difficult, but she is earning her way. Her biggest threat is that someone will learn of her true identity.
Enter the Viscount of Redhill, Robert Percy. He is handsome, he is regal, and he is attracted to the mysterious woman. With her scandalous past, will they be able to give their love a chance? There are obstacles to overcome, but love does have a way of conquering all.
At present, there are two additional books forthcoming in the series: Wedded in Sin (June 2012) and Engaged in Passion (October 2012).
If you love rich, finely detailed Regency historicals, The Bridal Favors Series from Jade Lee will take you there. It is a fun, well-crafted, adventurous read sure to please her legion of fans. (less)
What makes us who we are? Think about that question for a moment... ...Among all of the questions we can ask as human beings, even with all of our pro...moreWhat makes us who we are? Think about that question for a moment... ...Among all of the questions we can ask as human beings, even with all of our progress and our potential, that question alone remains one of the most difficult, or perhaps the most difficult, to answer. Innumerable factors are involved when it comes to the inner workings of the mind and how it serves to shape our characters and our behavior. We are only just beginning to understand the unfathomable intricacies of the brain, this small, yet remarkably powerful organ at the center of all that we do. Our very functioning depends on it. Yet we understand relatively little about the relationship between the brain, with its vast network of neuronal connections, and the foundation of the genome, our genetic “program,” which possesses its own complex code. That is about to change. Of course, the genome serves as the foundation for many of our characteristics, such as our predisposition to various conditions and our physical attributes. It is the framework of our hereditary information, the core of traits passed on from parent to offspring, developed over many generations. However, the genome is not home to the memory of our first love or the feeling of pain when someone whom we know has been lost. It is not the center of our passion, nor is it the basis for our relationships with others. These are the qualities that make us truly unique. Every experience we have is linked to brain activity, specifically between neurons and synapses, which collectively might be thought of as the “circuitry” of the brain. The neuronal connections formed throughout our lives are now the subject of much investigation, because the relationships between these connections, now referred to as our “connectome,” may serve to tell us more about who we are and why than anything ever before. This is where our genome meets the brain's incredible system as it develops throughout our lives (relative, of course, to our personal experiences). Here, nature meets nurture to form the basis for what makes each and every person truly special. As they say, you are your Connectome. Sebastian Seung is an ambitious and charismatic rising star in the field of neuroscience. He has received numerous accolades and currently teaches at MIT as a professor of computational neuroscience. Now, Seung, along with the help of fellow researchers, is determined to understand more completely the complexities of neuronal connections and their relationship to who we are. Connectome: How the Brain's Wiring Makes Us Who We Are is a lucid and exciting read about this exploration and the implications for truly solving this greatest of mysteries. Yes, it is a book about science, but this is not your ordinary science text. Seung, regarded as a highly effective and dynamic teacher, makes learning about the science of the brain enjoyable, and the content is accessible. You really get a sense of the potential regarding this research and what Seung and his colleagues hope to achieve through such discoveries. What would it be like to have a better grasp of the causes for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder? In my opinion, this book is right for everyone, since it helps to illustrate the intricacies of our inner-connections and aids in giving us a clearer sense of why we are just as we are. But the book is strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in science (especially of the mind) and recent developments in the field of neuroscience. Connectome is also perfect for any reader with a genuine interest in learning more about the brain's impact upon our development as whole human creatures, with our capacity for both love and loathing, joy and chaos. Check out the following website for more information about the book and its author: http://connectomethebook.com/.(less)
I’m an animal lover so a title like “Dog Days” caught my eye easily. But, when I read the title of the first chapter I knew this was my kind of book....moreI’m an animal lover so a title like “Dog Days” caught my eye easily. But, when I read the title of the first chapter I knew this was my kind of book. The title of the first chapter? “The Day I Became a Dog”. Think Freaky Friday, but with a person and a dog. It’s funny, it’s tender in places, it’s a romantic comedy and it’s a feel-good book. The town festival is called “Woofinstock” and the entire town loves dogs. Honestly, I need to live in this place. It’s by the ocean, people are interesting and friendly and everyone loves dogs. It’s like the author knows what my version of Heaven looks like! LOL Jessica, our heroine is not so much of a dog lover, but she does have the hots for the local vet and, in order to help her business, she volunteers to work the festival. In a freak accident, Jessica ends up trading bodies with a lost, white German Shepard named Zoe. Zoe is thrilled, but Jessica, not so much. They need to figure out how to switch back and Jessica learns that every dogs has its day, even when that dog is her. This is so fun! If you love dogs and are looking for a fun read this is the one I recommend you check out! Dog Days by Elsa Watson. There’s a video for it too! http://youtu.be/vWl5a0b4xXc(less)
When you think about real heroes, not the ones with super-powers and capes who fly about compromising the plots of ugly villains but genuine and hones...moreWhen you think about real heroes, not the ones with super-powers and capes who fly about compromising the plots of ugly villains but genuine and honest human beings who fight to uphold the values we hold dear, what comes to mind? Some of you might think of the police officers who work in the streets day and night, providing us with a certain measure of security, while others may be reminded of those who respond to emergency situations, like firefighters and paramedics. How many of you are reminded of the men and women who serve as members of the military forces both here and around the world? I suspect that for many of you these are true heroes, valiant and full of courage. These are very real people who risk their own lives to provide us with peace of mind in a violent and uncertain world. And, as most of you know, there is a special sort of hero among the ranks of military soldiers in the American armed forces. They are the Navy SEALs, highly trained and ultimately dedicated to their line of work. But what does it mean to live the life of a Navy SEAL? Now, you can get a taste... ...Not always is romance associated with military service, but believe me when I say that many women would appreciate the opportunity to love a Navy SEAL. After all, it takes passion to stay on such a demanding course, and what woman would ever fail to appreciate that in a man? Now, eighteen popular romance writers are taking on the challenge of writing fiction that gives you a sense of what it means to experience that passion, and many of them know from firsthand experience. The book is SEAL of My Dreams, and many great romance authors have a part to play in this. The authors who contributed to this impressive collection are as follows: Robyn Carr (who provides the foreword), Jami Alden, Stephanie Bond, Kylie Brant, Helen Brenna, Helen Kay Dimon, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen, Leslie Kelly, Elle Kennedy, Alison Kent, Jo Leigh, Gennita Low, Marliss Melton, Christie Ridgway, Barbara Samuel, Roxanne St. Claire, Stephanie Tyler, and Loreth Anne White. Many of these romance specialists are award-winning, highly acclaimed writers, and some of them even have family members who have served or currently serve. These stories, some of which read more like novellas, are exciting and full of energy but come with that characteristic sensuality that so often is the pursuit of romance fanatics. If you happen to be a fan of romance-style fiction with a touch of the patriotic, then this is definitely the collection for you. And, in case you need another reason to invest in SEAL of My Dreams, here it is: all proceeds will go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit group that provides financial support for veterans medical research. For more information about this collection and the authors who provided their work to it, visit the following web address: http://sealofmydreams.com/wordpress/.(less)
For any reader who is unfamiliar with the author Philip K. Dick and his many published stories, I hope that after reading this article you realize wha...moreFor any reader who is unfamiliar with the author Philip K. Dick and his many published stories, I hope that after reading this article you realize what you are missing and you subsequently work to resolve the matter of this deficiency immediately. In other words, please find Dick's novels and read them as if you have been touched by madness. Be a voracious reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. You cannot miss the brilliance of this author. Philip K. Dick passed away a few decades ago but he left us with a remarkable and vast collection of novels and short stories, most of which would be classified as science fiction. Even if you are not a fan of this genre, Dick's writing goes well beyond this sometimes limited territory and deals with aspects of religion, philosophy, and pure science. In case you did not know, much of his writing has been adapted for film. Films such as Blade Runner and A Scanner Darkly come directly from Dick's collection, and even films like Minority Report were inspired by some of his shorter writings. He was a true genius who lived an unusual life complete with visions (of a spiritual nature) and ripe with complications. Some consider him a sort of precursor to or partial founder of post-modernism, especially with regard to his focus upon the sociological, political, and cultural experiences in our world. Now, his final (and extensive) work is about to be available for your pleasure and (perhaps if you keep an open mind) enlightenment. The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick is the final collection of writing to be offered by Dick to the world. It serves as a means of better understanding his peculiar but powerful views on a wide range of topics but particularly religion and the true nature of the spiritual reality. As an author, he delved deeply and with great care into topics such as personal identity, perception, and the impossibility of a truly objective reality. The Exegesis is a journal-style collection of notes, entries, story sketches, and letters, all of which relate to Dick's remarkable and sometimes surreal experiences with faith and religion. The editors of the work, Pamela Jackson and Jonathan Lethem, have taken great care in compiling and arranging this epic and potent piece. You will not be disappointed... ...If you wish to test yourself with a work that is far from ordinary and almost painfully provocative in its uncanny awareness, do not miss The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick, the final novel from Philip Dick. If you are a lover of science fiction (then you should by this point be familiar with Philip Dick's work and you have this novel ordered or already in your collection), do not miss this release. Even if you have no interest in science fiction whatsoever, the importance of this piece cannot be lost. For anyone with an interest in spirituality, the true nature of perception and reality, or science, The Exegesis must at this point be considered a must-read. You will not regret this purchase. For more information about this ultimate work from author Philip K. Dick, look to the following website: http://www.philipkdick.com/new_exeges....(less)
A historical thriller so gripping, so intriguing you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
The McMenamin’s have done it again. Their Winston Churchill...moreA historical thriller so gripping, so intriguing you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
The McMenamin’s have done it again. Their Winston Churchill thriller series is set against a tumultuous time; pre-WW2. So much of the fiction is set against the background of true history and true characters that it will also challenge you to tell the difference. Hitler was evil and so was what he did. You could easily believe that experiments on twins was something that really happened.
When Churchill hear about strange and horrific murders involving twins he is certain the murders would lead back to Germany. He enlists photojournalist Matty McGary and her lover Bourke Cockran Jr. to find out what’s going on. Churchill really did have a vast intelligence network and he really was a man of adventure. Add in two exciting heroes and some romance and this book is sure to please.