Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 4

Beyond the Books: (2) Birth Order

Quoted from Kissin Blue Karen

Beyond the Books is a weekly meme where I throw out a topic (mostly non-bookish), and you guys blog about it. Come back here and share the link to your blog post, and we all have fun learning about each other.

 This week’s question:  Where do you fall in the birth order of your family? First, middle, baby, only? Do you think that affected who you are today?

In my family, I was the oldest, the first born.  But, there were 7 years between me and my brother, and then 14 between me and my other brother, so in a sense, I spent the first 7 years of my life as an only child, as well.

Do I think that has shaped who I am today? Hmm.  Well, yes, in a sense, it probably has.  I do tend to often take on leadership roles. I don’t generally mean to, but they tend to sort of find me whether I intend to or not.  I tend to be the one people look to as a mentor in some circles, and I don’t honestly know whether that is a good or a bad thing, but it is what it is.

It very definitely has effected how I relate to my own children.  I have three of my own.  I try not to put the same pressures on my own oldest child, though I am sure that sometimes I fall into the same pitfalls that all parents do of reminding the oldest that they are to be the example to their younger siblings, et cetera.

What about you?  How has where you fell in the birth order in your family effected who you are today?

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ARC Review: Drag Teen by Jeffery Self

Drag Teen by Jeffery Self
Published by Push on April 26th 2016

A fantastic, fabulous, funny YA debut from Jeffery Self, one of the gay icons of the YouTube generation, that follows one high school student on a drag race to his future.

Debut YA author Jeffery Self takes us on a road trip with an insecure high school senior who has one goal: to be the first in his family to leave Clearwater, Florida, and go to college. The problem is, he has zero means of paying for school -- until his friends convince him to compete in a drag teen competition for a college scholarship.

ISBN: 0545829933
Pages: 256







Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss

This post may contain affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. Using these links is not required or necessary, but is always appreciated.

Buy on Amazon Goodreads
Genres: LGBT, Young Adult, Social Themes, Adolescence, Friendship, General, Social Issues
Reading Challenges: 2016 Goodreads Reading Challenge

I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I always endeavor to provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the book and do not allow receiving a book for free to influence my opinions in any way for any reason.

In a world where young adult books seem to have become cookie cutter, here comes a novel that breaks the mold, steps out of the box and gives us something with a bit of diversity and maybe even a bit of controversy.  Fair warning.  Should you find yourself offended by drag queens and homosexuality, please walk away now.  This is not the book for you.  If, however, you are open-minded then continue to read on.  Better still, know a teen in your life questioning their own sexuality or unsure about their own place in the universe, regardless of what role sexuality plays in that place?  Definitely read on.

Drag Teen is one of those books that breaks the mold.  I rated it at a 3.5 because the pacing could have been a bit better and some bits of the drag queen drama may have been a bit over-cliched for me.  There was a little too much playing up of the hot gay guy versus the not so hot gay guy kind of situation for my liking and I wish that the author would have spent a bit more focusing on the inner beauty of it all because to me, that was the message that they were trying to get across.

Some of the characters were wonderfully developed, while others fell a little flat for me.  While I loved the main character, JT, Seth kind of irritated me, but I can’t get into why without giving away plot points, so you will have to read, and then after you have, come back here and we can discuss my irritation with his main character flaws of hypocrisy.

In general, this was an interesting and fairly quick read that I was glad that I had the opportunity to give a try.  I am glad to see authors stepping outside of the box and giving us something that will allow the youth of today a chance to connect with what is really in their hearts.  We all need books that we can relate to, and there needs to be more of that in the fiction market.

What other areas of diversity do you think need to get more attention in fiction?



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Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend Series: Legend #1
by Marie Lu
Published by Penguin on November 29th 2011

"Marie Lu's dystopian novel is a Legend in the making."--USA Today

"Taut and exciting."--The Los Angeles TImes

"Legend doesn't merely survive the hype, it deserves it."

A New York Times bestseller!5 Starred Reviews!

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

ISBN: 9781101545959
Pages: 352







Format: Kindle
Source: Library

This post may contain affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. Using these links is not required or necessary, but is always appreciated.

Buy on Amazon Goodreads
Genres: Young Adult, Law & Crime, Social Themes, Runaways, Action & Adventure, General, Social Issues

It took me a lot longer than I had planned to read this book, but that in no way is a testament to the story itself. Life just got in my way.

The story of Day and June starts out a bit slow, but before long you find yourself sucked into a world you can scarcely imagine. Life is so much different, and yet I can imagine it that way. I imagine there are countries in the world where life is already like this. Is this what the future holds for this country? You cannot help but wonder.

The story draws you in and you find yourself imagining the situations the characters find themselves in. I wonder, if I were Day, would I have that same level of devotion to my family? If I were June, would I react the same way to what happens? And then, when so much more is revealed later on, how would I handle it.

Marie Lu paints a poignant picture of a life that seems unimaginable and at once immensely real. For me, reading is about escape, but also about wondering about the what ifs. I was at once taken to a new and frightening place, and also plunged into the depths of wondering how my life would be different, if only.

I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series to be available from my public library so that I can continue the journey with these inspiring characters.



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Review: Fire Prophet by Jerel Law

Fire Prophet Series: Son of Angels #2
by Jerel Law
Published by Thomas Nelson Inc on 2012

"Jerel Law transports readers to a place where supernatural forces of good and evilcollide. Young readers will be entertained and inspired . . . I heartilyrecommend it." -Robert Whitlow, bestselling author of the Tides of Truth series

What if you could actually see angels and fallen angels engaging in battle-and you were expected to join the fight?

It's been one year since Jonah Stone and his sister, Eliza, discovered that their mother is a nephilim, the product of a union between a human and a fallen angel, which makes them and their little brother, Jeremiah, quarterlings, or one-quarter angel. After embarking on an epic journey to rescue their mother and the other nephilim, who were kidnapped by fallen angels, the Stone kids have enjoyed a little peace and quiet.

But when Jonah and Eliza are attacked by fallen angels at school, they learn that quarterlings all over the world are being targeted, and separating them from their parents is the only way to keep them safe. The kids undergo special training to help them discover their own unique angelic gifts, which come in handy when they embark on a mission to find a mysterious prophet who they believe holds the key to Abaddon's defeat in a massive battle between good and evil.

Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle grade series packed with adventure, action, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly scriptural in that God alone is always in control.

"Jerel Law has crafted a fantasticstory that will leave every reader wanting more. Stop looking for the nextgreat read in fantasy fiction for young readers-you've found it!" -RobertLiparulo, bestselling author of Dreamhouse Kings and The 13th Tribe

ISBN: 9781400318452
Pages: 257







Format: Kindle
Source: Library

This post may contain affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. Using these links is not required or necessary, but is always appreciated.

Buy on Amazon Goodreads
Genres: Young Adult, Religious, Christian, Action & Adventure
Also in this series: Spirit Fighter
Also by this author: Spirit Fighter
Reading Challenges: 2016 Goodreads Reading Challenge

WARNING: May contain spolers for book 1.

Fire Prophet picks up where Spirit Fighter leaves off, bringing us back in touch with our heroes, Jonah and Eliza who are trying to return to their normal lives after they had rescued their mother and the other Nephilim from the throes of evil.

I liked the fact that Jonah is not perfect. He has faults and failings and is full of self-doubt. Too many times in stories similar to this, the hero or heroine is so full of themselves and they lack any true flaws. It can make the story seem flat and impossible to relate to.

There is a lot of Bible in these stories and for those that did not grow up in the church, that can be a bit ….daunting. Some may even find it a bit preachy to those who are not used to having the biblical references shoved in their faces.

To me, this series so far reminds me of a cross between the Percy Jackson series and the Mortal Instruments series, albeit with the latter being a bit watered down for younger readers, since it is aimed at middle grade readers.

This book took a little bit longer for the “action” to pick up and may be a bit slower going for some readers, as opposed to the first book which jumped right into it.

I am going to keep reading because I love reading books about angels and things like that, so I am curious where the author is going to go with it and whether or not he redeems the “Mortal Instruments Light” image I have in my head of this series so far.

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Dewey #readathon April 2016

What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs, Twitters, Tumblrs, Goodreads and MORE about our reading, and visit other readers’ homes online. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October.

It was created by the beloved Dewey (her blog is archived at the Wayback Machine). The first one was held in October 2007. Dewey died in late 2008. We’re still saddened by her absence, but the show must go on. The read-a-thon was renamed to honor its founder in 2009.

Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon is hosted by Heather and Andi of The Estella Society, with help from volunteers.

More on the read-a-thon’s history.

 

My Top Five Bookish Childhood Memories:

 Learning to read with The Pokey Little Puppy in my basement during a Hurricane when I was 3 years old.
Reading through the entire works of Dickens by the time I was 9 or 10 (Yes, I was THAT kid).
Discovering Mom’s Stephen King novels at 10.
Girl Talk Book Club in the 4th grade (age 9)
Sitting and reading by flashlight in my bedroom closet, usually David Copperfield, by Dickens, of course!
Bonus Bookish Memory – In high school, reading The Green Mile by Stephen King, and drawing a parallel between it being released as a serial novel and Dickens’ Pickwick Papers having been serialised at it’s original release and how many of Dicken’s original works were serial releases in literary magazines and the like.  And the joy and glee at discovering something my Lit teacher didn’t know.

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Dewey #readathon April 2016: Hour One: Hello World

What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs, Twitters, Tumblrs, Goodreads and MORE about our reading, and visit other readers’ homes online. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October.

It was created by the beloved Dewey (her blog is archived at the Wayback Machine). The first one was held in October 2007. Dewey died in late 2008. We’re still saddened by her absence, but the show must go on. The read-a-thon was renamed to honor its founder in 2009.

Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon is hosted by Heather and Andi of The Estella Society, with help from volunteers.

More on the read-a-thon’s history.

Opening Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

I am in not quite so sunny Florida!

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

I don’t really have a set list of books planned.  I am just going to go with what grabs me on my ereader today.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

    My snacks are pretty basic since I am trying to diet.  Pop-tarts and Smartfood popcorn and cucumber slices.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

   I am a work at home mom of three, all with ADHD, one of whom is autistic and with this being autism awareness month, I have also been super busy advocating for autism acceptance, because to me, awareness is just not enough.  

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

    This is not actually my first readathon, but I haven’t done it in a few years and I don’t even remember what I did or how I did it last time.  I am just going to try to relax and have fun.  I was too competetive about it last time, that much I know.

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Review: Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law

Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law
Series: Son of Angels #1
Published by Thomas Nelson Inc on April 2nd 2012
ISBN: 9781400319879
Genres: Young Adult, Action & Adventure, General, Christian Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Kindle
Source: Library
Buy on Amazon Goodreads

“In his exciting debut novel, Jerel Law transports readers to a place where supernatural forces of good and evil collide. Young readers will be entertained and inspired by Spirit Fighter. I heartily recommend it.” —Robert Whitlow, bestselling author of the Tides of Truth series

Percy Jackson, move over! Jonah Stone is here! 

What if Nephilim—the children of angels and men—still walked the earth? And their very presence put the entire world in danger? In Spirit Fighter, Jonah and Eliza Stone learn that their mother is a Nephilim and that they have special powers as quarter-angels. When their mom is kidnapped by fallen angels, they must use those powers to save her.  Along the way, they discover that there is a very real and dangerous war going on between good and evil and that God has a big part for them to play in that war.

Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, The Secret Series and other middle-grade series packed with adventure, action, and supernatural fights. Son of Angels, Jonah Stone will be the first series in the market to explore this topic from a biblical perspective with content that is appropriate and exciting for middle-grade readers.

“Jerel Law has crafted a fantastic story that will leave every reader wanting more. Stop looking for the next great read in fantasy fiction for young readers—you’ve found it!” —Robert Liparulo, bestselling author of Dreamhouse Kings and The 13th Tribe

My Thoughts:

There was a part of me that felt like this was a watered down version of the Mortal Instruments series. The Nephilim must hunt for the missing mother. Haven’t we been here before?

But this story is geared toward middle grade readers, and is geared more toward the Christian Fiction genre, so I tried to keep an open mind.

Keep in mind. if you aren’t a fan of having bible verse thrust at you fairly frequently, this may be a bit offputting in this book. There is a lot of scripture quoting.

But on the other hand, there wa a lot of ignorance on the part of the characters considering their age and the fact that they grew up with a pastor for a father. Shouldn’t they have had a firmer grasp on the scripture associated with what was going on here?

I did enjoy the book, and read through it fairly quickly, but I am really just torn about it. I am going to read on through the series to see if it redeems itself any.



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Feature and Follow Friday: (6) #FF : What Defines a Misbehaving Author or Reviewer

Feature and Follow Friday is a Blog Meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee’s View.  The basic concept is that each week, there is a post prompt, and we each post on that topic. And each week, a blogger is featured  on the host’s blogs.  The point of this whole thing is to help grow followers and to generally create a sense of community and we all get to know each other and follow each other, et cetera.  There is a more elaborate list of rules on the hosts’ sites if you want to read more specifics!

So this week’s prompt:

What’s your criteria of a misbehaving author/reviewer?

This is a topic I have discussed before.  Badly behaving authors is a topic that comes up fairly frequently in the book blogging world.  But when an author goes out of their way to go after someone who gives them a negative review, or to go after reviewers or other authors in general, that is never a good thing.  Authors should not comment on negative reviews, definitely not in a negative way at least.

As far as a misbehaving reviewer, bashing a book because of something that has to do with the author and nothing to do with the book is not a good thing.  Don’t do it.  Reviewer etiquette is just as important as author etiquette.  If you want to be viewed as a professional, you need to act like a professional.  Don’t make personal attacks in your reviews.  Don’t attack an author’s personal character and base your review of their work on them as a human being.  That is not what people want to read.

Please make sure to check out some of the other great stops on the Feature and Follow and get other people’s opinions on this great topic.  I have so much more to say on this topic and would love to open a dialogue, so please comment and let me know what you think!

As the icons above indicate, feel free to follow with WordPress if you have the capability, or Bloglovin’ if you don’t.  Of course, if neither of those is an option, Twitter followers are also welcome.  Somewhere along the side should be buttons for all available options.

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Review: Seeress by Ednah Walters

Seeress (Runes, #4) by Ednah Walters
Series: Runes #4
Published by Firetrail Publishing on January 1st 1970
ISBN: 0991251717
Genres: Romance, Paranormal
Pages: 314
Format: Kindle
Source: Borrowed
Buy on Amazon Goodreads

I love Torin St. James...I need his strength…But someone from his past wants me dead.

Raine Cooper is certain of two things: her love for Torin St. James and her destiny to be a powerful seeress. But when she starts having premonitions, they are unclear and disturbing. Worse, they involve Torin. With her mother gone, her father dying, and her best friend in Hel, she is not sure who to talk to.

But when the visions become more personal and she foresees her future with Torin threatened by someone from his past, Raine becomes desperate for answers. Just her luck two new students arrive at her school and they seem to have answers. When with them, her powers are enhanced and her visions become clear. There is only one problem: Torin forbids Raine to see the two girls.

Can their love survive without trust?

We are back in the realm of Raine’s point of view. So many things have changed over the course of a few books. It is hard to imagine that these are the same characters that we met in the first book.

The character development on the continuing characters was not bad, but the introduction of new characters left a lot to the imagination. On most of the newly introduced persons, we have little, if any, background on them and a whole lot of wondering if they are really who they say they are.

Some of the plot turns are trippy and will leave you wondering what you could have possibly missed. An enjoyable read overall.

For the negatives, there were several times where there were character name inconsistencies and poorly edited sections. This was not as bad as in the previous book, but it was still there and still a distraction for this reader. Maybe the rest of you are not as anal about editing as I am.

The story concept in and of itself is interesting and I find myself wondering if this is really the end of it or if there is more to come in the future.

 


About Ednah Walters

Her award-winning, International Bestselling YA Paranormal Romance—Runes Series—started with Runes and has a total of 6 books to date. The last one, Witches, released in March 2015, was a Readers Choice Awards winner. Her most recent addition is Demons, A Runes Companion Novel (Eirik Book 1). Demons is the story of Raines best friend and former crush Eirik Seville.

Her international bestselling YA Urban Fantasy series, The Guardian Legacy Series, focuses on the Nephilim, children of the fallen angels. The series started with Awakened and has a total of 4 books to date. The latest Forgotten was released in June 2015.

She also writes Contemporary Romance as E.B. Walters-from The Fitzgerald Family series and Infinitus Billionaires series.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

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My Piece of the Puzzle (4) An Autism Theme Song

Each day and each experience when living with a child with autism is different.  Each child with autism is different.

For those who don’t know what autism is:

Autism is a developmental disability, which is defined as a syndrome. A syndrome is simply a mix of signs or characteristics that can be used to show a particular condition. Autism is a lifelong condition that combine both developmental and behavioural features.

Translation: Autism is a series of developmental issues in socialization and communication that affect each person differently.

How many of us parents have sat here day after day, wondering how to reach our child with autism?  Or even greater still, wondering how we can make sure that the world around them doesn’t treat them as if they are …damaged goods? 

I have watched my daughter, only 5 years old at the time of this writing, struggle with the knowledge that she is different from her peers.  I consider myself fortunate in that my daughter is not completely nonverbal.  I know so many families who struggle through having a child who doesn’t speak, can never vocalize what is going on.  My daughter struggles with language in that she lacks pragmatic and social language skills, but she can speak.  This is how I know she knows she is different, because she told me.  She was able to do that because I have spent her whole life not letting her autism be a crutch, an excuse that holds her back from doing and being the best she can be and trying her hardest to achieve whatever she wants.  So when cruising along Facebook and YouTube one day, and stumbling across the video below, it was the huge emotional kick in the gut that hit me right where it counted.

I immediately commented on the video, reaching out to the woman in the video asking permission to share it here, and permission to share their story about their journey and their organization.  The video shows the story of the Walden family, whose youngest son Ethan was diagnosed with autism.  They were told he would always struggle and would never speak, a bit of reality that hits close to home for far too many of us.  Here is a bit about them from their website, A Brand New Day Foundation

How it all started:

Brian and Gina Walden’s youngest son Ethan was diagnosed with Moderate to Severe Autism at the age of 2 1/2 years old. The Walden’s quickly had to learn how to stand in faith, seek God and follow the plan that He gave them. As they stood in faith, and learned to believe God in spite of the day to day trials of Autism, they saw Ethan improve and blossom in every area of development.

By the age of kindergarten Ethan was in regular education classes, learning beside typical children. Today, Ethan is at the top of his class, has lots of friends, and loves to learn. He just started 6th grade and no longer has any signs of Autism.

Today

Brian and Gina Walden know first hand the heart ache, the daily challanges and the emotional roller coaster that accompany an Autism diagnosis. Now, Brian and Gina desire to give back and encourage other parents who find themselves in the same situation.

Through their 501C3 non profit they provide Grants that help fund Medical Care, Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, Nutritional Needs and Educational Advocacy Services.

They also hold annual Autism Conferences, and will soon host their first ever Marriage Conference. Your financial support helps us bring Hope and Encouragment to families that are facing this hopeless diagnosis. 

 

 

I later reached out to the Waldens and asked them what message they would like to share with families facing a new autism diagnosis; what they though the most important thing they should know or keep in mind was, and this was Brian’s response:

Autism is not the end. There is hope for these children . With early intervention, hard work, medical care and the right diet, we can help reach these kids. We have seen hundreds of children improve and defy the autism diagnosis by becoming excellent students and self sufficient young adults.   

Brian and Gina Walden can be reached through their website, where there are also links to two Facebook support groups for parents and there is a myriad of information on their site.

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