false 9 389 160 true 7275394 read 2 true 7275393 currently-reading 227 true 7275392 to-read 65 false 7275443 2009-reading-list 15 false 7714082 books-i-own 6 false 7819234 crafts 6 false 7714093 books-for-swap 5 false 8592859 paranormal 5 false 8049366 looking-for-copy 4 false 8592850 romance 3 false 8592965 spirituality 2 false 7618334 first-reads 2 false 8576531 youth 2 false 8241318 wishlist 1 false 7618478 book-review-bloggers 1 false 8592913 fiction 1 false 8576564 cooking 1 false 8592893 humor 1 false 8592887 autobio 1 false 8620502 horror 1 false 8524961 health 1 false 8592930 animals 0 false 7275448 2010-reading-list http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/244577-first-reads-winner Headacheslayer made a comment on Sicilian Tragedee: A Novel:

Is there anything better than winning books? I DON'T THINK SO!!! Looking forward to reading this one, thanks GoodReads! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78713049 Sicilian Tragedee: A Novel (Paperback) by Ottavio Cappellani
bookshelves: 2009-reading-list, first-reads, to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78604160 Natisha's review of In Too Deep (The 39 Clues, #6)
by Jude Watson

hold old is your son? I've heard these are good, but not sure if my son is too young (8 in Jan). ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76189366 to: Balarama: A Royal Elephant (Hardcover) by Ted Lewin
bookshelves: 2009-reading-list, first-reads, youth
I received this book through GoodReads "First Reads" Giveaway. I love Children's/Young Adult books, and since the subject matter was elephants and India, I knew I would like this before it even got here.

Based on two trips made by authors Ted and Betsy Lewin, Balarama tells the story of an elephant by that name who will be leading the procession of a parade during Dasara, a holy festival in India. Accompanying the text are the dazzling paintings done by Betsy Lewin.

While this book is aimed at ages 9-12, I read it aloud to my 7 year old son, who enjoyed it as much as I did. We both learned several words in Hindi and Kannada (there is a glossary at the back) and marveled in the artwork. Truly, I think this is the most beautiful illustrated books I have ever seen--my son argued with me over one painting of the parade of elephants, insisting that it must be a photograph.

I can see the use of this book in the study of India, elephants, and relgious/cultural customs for a few age ranges. A section in the back discusses the differences between Asian and African elephants as well as the anatomy of elephants. One final section lists the lineage of the Royal Elephants who participated in Dasara.

I have to admit, based on story alone, I would have given it 4 stars. Betsy Lewin's glorious paintings earned an extra star on its own. I have looked up a few more titles of theirs and will be sure to purchase them.

I feel so fortunate that this book found its way to me; I hope other readers are as equally delighted. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70328428 Diana's review of Inkspell (Inkheart, #2)
by Cornelia Funke

My daughter LOVES this series--I'm giving her the 3rd one for Xmas. Enjoy :) I need to read this too... ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78445364 Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel (Hardcover) by Lauren Weisberger
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78355769 Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift: 20 Traditional Patterns for a New Generation of Generous Quiltmakers (Paperback) by Joanne Larsen Line
bookshelves: crafts, to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78355541 Best Lesbian Love Stories 2010 (Paperback) by Simone Thorne
bookshelves: romance, to-read
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