Top 10 Authors We Own the Most

This question was posed to the members of Casual Readers

Which author wins for having the most books on your shelf? Digital copies also apply.
  1. Lauren Brooke
  2. J.R. Ward
  3. Alice Hoffman
  4. Janet Evanovich
  5. James Patterson
  6. Cormac McCarthy
  7. Raymond Chandler
  8. David Levithan
  9. Lois Gladys Leppard
  10. J.K. Rowling

Thank you to Talitha, Hiedi, Wendy, Daniel, Jez and Jo for helping with this list!

Each week, The Broke and Bookish inspires a Top 10 Tuesday list.
  Our responses are group member generated.

Reading Like A Writer: Game of Thrones Edition

Meet Sophie, My Friend the Writer.

http://sophiesdiamondwords.wordpress.com/about/

Sophie lives in Nottinghamshire and just finished writing the first draft of her first book. After reading endless articles about the difficulties of getting published and making a career out of being a professional writer, she decided to push mercilessly ahead (and stop reading those terrifying articles).
Visit her blog to witness her transformation from a fledging writer into an actual professional.


Attention: Potential spoilers ahead.


Game of Thrones Edition: A Case Study

I don’t know about you but I reread books, sometimes more times than I can keep count of. Every time I pick up an old faithful someone will ask, “that again? But you know what happens!” It doesn’t matter that I know what happens, I still enjoy the journey. There’s another reason too, as an aspiring writer, rereading stories teaches me how the the author has created their story.

I can’t help but read like a writer. Reading like a writer and reading like reader is the difference between reading actively and passively. There is nothing wrong with reading passively, we all know it’s lovely to read and turn your brain off but writers, even if they’re only amateurs like myself can’t help but look for the how and why.

I’m going to use George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series of books as an example (and I’m going to try very hard not to include any spoilers). I started the first book A Game of Thrones about six weeks ago and I still have one and a half books to go before I’ll have finished the series. But I developed a theory about one of the main characters half way through the first book, although I don’t yet know for certain that I’m right, I have every reason to believe Martin is pointing in this direction.

In the very first book you’re introduced to a character called Jon Snow (portrayed by the beautiful Kit Harrington), he’s the bastard son of Lord Stark and he’s been raised in his father’s household as one of his children. But Jon’s life isn’t quite like his highborn brothers and sisters, the Lady of the household despises him, he is colloquially known as the bastard and his father keeps his mother’s identity a closely guarded secret.

Why? Was my first question, what is the point of giving Lord Stark a bastard? Good writers don’t introduce big characters like Jon Snow without a purpose, but as a bastard Jon is fundamentally limited in Martin’s world, so why make him a bastard?

My second question regarded the identity of Jon’s mother, it wasn’t who she was but rather why she was a secret. One explanation could be that Lord Stark didn’t want to upset his Lady wife but other than seeming a pretty flimsy excuse, he has no trouble telling her to keep her nose out when she asks. So why the secret? A Game of Thrones is written in the perspective of different characters, Lord Stark could tell the reader her identity in any of his chapters but he doesn’t. In my experience, a writer explaining away someone like they have Jon’s mother is for two reasons. One, the writer hasn’t actually thought it through (a bad writer), or two because it will become significant later and Martin has invested in his world too thoroughly for it to be anything but the latter.

By half way through book one, I’d reaffirmed that Jon’s parentage was important because the question of his mother continued to be raised. Also by this point, I’d gotten to know Jon’s father much better and the more you read of him, the odder it seems that this man even has a bastard. Lord Stark is honourable to his core, you know it and other characters know it, but siring Jon while he was married seems far from the honourable picture Martin has created of Lord Stark. In fact, it starts to seem distinctly out of character. Lady Stark is forever miffed by Jon and the way Lord Stark fiercely protects the identity of his mother, she says he must have loved her very much.

But the only woman Lord Stark loves other than his wife and daughters, is his sister. The same sister who was set to marry the king before her untimely death, and Lord Stark did make her a mysterious promise on her deathbed...

Before I seal my lips, I’ll present you with one last question, why has Martin included such a rich background for a character that died before the story starts?

A friend of mine read GOT at the same time as me and didn’t come to the same theory. Another friend has finished the entire series, he holds the same theory but didn’t come to it until very late on. The difference between my friends and I was that I read this as a writer, I was looking for clues and asking why right from the beginning.

I will hold my hands up and admit that I don’t know if I’m right about Jon’s identity, but if I’m wrong all Martin’s signposts have been planted wonky.

What do you think about Sophie's evaluation?
Watch for more of her upcoming posts about Reading Like A Writer.
Comment to discuss or chat via Twitter by using the hashtag #ReadingLikeAWriter.

BOOK CLUB: August Group Reads

We have two books scheduled for August, Guy in Real Life and Etiquette & Espionage.


Guy in Real Life

From the acclaimed author of Brooklyn, Burning comes Guy in Real Life, an achingly real and profoundly moving love story about two Minnesota teens whose lives become intertwined through school, role-playing games, and a chance two-a.m. bike accident.

It is Labor Day weekend in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and boy and girl collide on a dark street at two thirty in the morning: Lesh, who wears black, listens to metal, and plays MMOs; Svetlana, who embroiders her skirts, listens to Björk and Berlioz, and dungeon masters her own RPG. They should pick themselves up, continue on their way, and never talk to each other again.

But they don't.

This is a story of two people who do not belong in each other's lives, who find each other at a time when they desperately need someone who doesn't belong in their lives. A story of those moments when we act like people we aren't in order to figure out who we are. A story of the roles we all play-at school, at home, with our friends, and without our friends-and the one person who might show us what lies underneath it all.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS: 

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

We will continue the Finishing School series with Curtsies & Conspiracies in September and Waistcoats & Weaponry in November.

Vote for the member's choice September read here.

VOTE: What Should I Read? #ARCAugust

Is anyone else extremely behind on their reading? Looking for some motivation?

ARC August is the perfect opportunity to catch up! Just swing by Read. Sleep. Repeat. and sign up.

My goal is to read at least FIVE books currently on my NetGalley reading list during the month of August. Best case scenario, I'll have time for all of the books listed below, but don't hold your breath.

Now, where should I start? You get to choose for me! Voting ends on August 1st.



Don't forget to join us for the #ARCAugust Twitter chat on August 4th at 8PM EDT!

Library Scavenger Hunt #SLChallenge

This is the end of week eight of the Summer Library Challenge hosted by The Book Monsters.

I'm a tad late with this post, but the objective for this installment was just too fun to pass up... a scavenger hunt!

I completed this challenge virtually versus in person at my local library.

 Go to your favorite section. Check.
Pick a book at random. Check.
Check it out and read it! Check.



 Normally, I wouldn't even bother to pick up this book because of the title. I am totally burnt out on vampires at the moment! Also, I don't read many short stories. Recently, I have tried a few different collections, and they were more enjoyable than anticipated. I am actually looking forward to this book (and secretly hoping that it doesn't really have vampires in it).

Watch for my review, coming soon.

When was the last time you read out of your comfort zone?

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Anthem's Fall

http://www.booknerdtours.com/2014/anthems-fall-by-s-l-dunn.html
Anthem's Fall by S.L. Dunn

Above a horrified New York City, genetics and ethics collide as the fallen emperor and a banished exile of the same herculean race ignite into battle over the city’s rooftops. In the streets below, a brilliant young scientist has discovered a technology that can defeat them both, yet might be more terrible than either.

Set both in modern New York City and in the technologically sophisticated yet politically savage world of Anthem, Anthem’s Fall unfurls into a plot where larger than life characters born with the prowess of gods are pitted against the shrewd brilliance of a familiar and unlikely heroine.

http://www.booknerdtours.com/2014/anthems-fall-by-s-l-dunn.html
Anthem's Fall

REVIEW

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Who knew cellular biology could be this interesting? I was extremely surprised that this book managed to keep me interested throughout despite the enormous level of detail. The writing was excellent for a debut. Four strong stars for science and super-ish heroes!

My only complaint is the overall length as well as the teeny tiny print. Admittedly, I zoned out a few times in parts that were probably intended to be the most exciting. The book could've been shaved down a bit and still relayed an utterly fantastic story.

The plot twist was a shocker, and the cliffhanger has me begging for more.
There is a sequel, right? I sure hope so!

This would be awesome as a graphic novel. Just saying. No pressure.


AUTHOR

S.L. Dunn is the debut author of Anthem’s Fall, a novel he wrote amid the wanderings of his mid twenties. He has written while living intermittently in St. John USVI, Boston, Maine and Seattle. Raised on big screen superheroes and pop science fiction, he sought to create a novel that bridged a near-sci-fi thriller with a grand new fantasy. He currently resides in Seattle with his girlfriend Liz and their dog Lucy, and is hard at work completing the next book of the Anthem’s Fall series.

http://www.booknerdtours.com/2014/anthems-fall-by-s-l-dunn.html

WEBSITE 
FACEBOOK
TWITTER

GOODREADS


GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is open to US Only. | Must be 13+ to Enter

1 Winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
14 Winners will receive a Signed Paperback Copy of  Anthem’s Fall by S.L. Dunn.
42 Winners will receive an E-Copy of  Anthem’s Fall by S.L. Dunn. (International)

Enter Rafflecopter Giveaway

*I received this copy from the author in return for an honest review, and opinions are mine alone.

A(nother) Novel Giveaway


Our last novel giveaway was such a success that it's time to host another one!

Thanks to 0s & 1s Novels, an independent digital bookstore, you get yet another chance to win a gift voucher for THREE (3) books plus one (1) for a friend.

My personal suggestion is Byrd by Kim Church
 I love to support North Carolina authors!

http://www.0s-1s.com/shelves/byrd-by-kim-church

“You and me, we aren’t like everybody else.”

Addie Lockwood believes in books. Roland Rhodes believes in blues guitar. Coming of age in the small-town South of the 1970s, they form an unlikely friendship that makes each of them feel, if only for a short while, extraordinary.

They meet again in their disillusioned thirties, this time in California, where Roland’s music career has landed him. Venice Beach is exotic, a world away from North Carolina and Addie’s cloistered life as a bookstore clerk.

But when their whirlwind reunion leaves Addie pregnant, reality sets in. Conflicted, unready to be a mother, she gives birth and surrenders her baby for adoption without telling Roland, little imagining how the secret will shape their lives.

Told through sharply drawn vignettes and Addie’s letters to her son, Byrd is an unforgettable story about making and living with the most difficult, intimate, and far-reaching of choices.

EXCERPT

Dear Byrd,

This is how I told your father.

We climbed up on his roof. We could see the ocean, wrinkles of light in the distance. I was wearing a billowy cotton skirt. I wanted to look soft, unthreatening, unselfconsciously pretty. I wanted your father to love me. My legs were pale, not used to sun in winter. I had painted my toenails lavender. I wanted him to be a little sorry he hadn’t loved me all along.

The roof of his apartment was flat, asphalt. All grit and sparkle.

He was glad to see me, he said. He didn’t ask why I’d come back.

He unfolded an orange blanket from his sofa bed and we laid out our picnic: smoothies, crinkle-cut fries from his favorite stand on the beach, canned peaches from his kitchen, and barbecue I’d brought from home, packed on dry ice. So much food. I had to make myself eat. I chewed slowly, counting each bite, the way you’re supposed to, though I couldn’t remember how high to count.

A warm breeze ruffled my skirt.

Your father offered to spike my smoothie, but I covered my cup with my hand.

I wish I could tell you we were young, inexperienced, not yet grownups or ready to be. That’s the story you’re expecting, isn’t it?

We were thirty-two. We’d grown up together. Everything about the afternoon—our picnic, the roof, the sun, the salty air, your father’s pilled orange blanket, him sitting close and warm beside me—had been coming all our lives.

After we’d eaten, when I couldn’t put it off any longer, I told him my news, the news I had carried across the country to deliver in person. I thought if I could see him when I told him, I would know what to do.

I was delicate, telling him. Artful, as I’d practiced. So artful he didn’t understand at first what I was saying. He blinked like the sun was hurting his eyes. The big white California sun, dazzling, warm even in February.

http://www.0s-1s.com/gifts/

INTERNATIONAL / Must be 18+ to enter.

Please, read the Terms & Conditions listed in the widget below before entering.

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

All entries will be verified. If the winning entry cannot be confirmed, another winner will be selected.
Retweet winner(s) will be randomly selected by @0s1sNovels.

Write On Review-A-Thon: July 26-27th

Write On Review-a-Thon

The Write On Review-A-Thon is a monthly event created and hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen. It’s two days dedicated to getting reviews done, whether you have one review to write or 30+. This edition of the review-a-thon takes place ALL DAY Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th. Let’s get those reviews done!

Review-A-Thon Details:
  • Reviews can be of the written variety or in video format.
  • This event is not limited to book reviews. If you write/vlog reviews for movies, super cool gadgets, or anything else, you are welcome to participate.
  • To participate, create a post on your blog with a list of reviews you need to complete. Don’t forget to grab the official blurb (above) and event button (grab code here). If you don’t have a blog, you can announce your intent to participate via social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.) with a link back to the sign up post so others can join in as well.
  • Add the DIRECT LINK to your sign up post to the linky here. The sign up linky will be open until 11:55PM PDT on July 26th.
  • On July 26th, get working on those reviews!
  • There will be a wrap-up post linky available on The Book Vixen on July 28th.

REVEAL: Monster Book Swap


Thanks to The Book Monsters for hosting the Christmas in July Book Swap!

I was partnered with Beth from Printcess, and she requested NO bookish swag or bookmarks. Therefore, I was forced to get creative! Check out her reveal post here.

SWAP LOOT

My Wishlist Item

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5899779-pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies

I also received a cute little bee journal, a precious set of bookmarks, a delicious bag of gummy bears (which were gone before the end of the day) and more swag than you can shake a stick at. I can see now why Beth said she was drowning in it!

This was a fabulous swap, and I can't wait for the next one. Thanks again, ladies!

Introducing Kindle Unlimited



 Unlimited access to over 600,000 titles and thousands of audiobooks for just $9.99 a month.

I just subscribed. Will you?

FREE TRIAL

I'm wondering what authors think about this. Good or bad?

Discuss! Share your thoughts in comments...

REVIEW: Stim

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18685092-stim
Stim


Robert is different. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He experiences the world differently to 99% of the population. Follow his entertaining and highly empathetic story as he struggles to realise and accept who he really is, try to understand other people—which he cannot—and find a girlfriend. Especially find a girlfriend—he's decided it's his special project for the year. Accompanied on this transformative journey by his quirky flatmates, Chloe (who also has Asperger's, amongst other things), Stef (who hasn't, but doesn't mind) and their oddly-named kitten, Robert endures a myriad of awkward moments in his quest to meet a nice, normal girl...and not even a major earthquake will stop him.

This absorbing and humorous story is starkly told from Robert's point of view, through the kaleidoscope of autistic experience.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was simply a delightful book. The story is just not for those on the spectrum but appeals to all readers. I fell in love with these characters from the first page! Robert's voice is brutally honest and extremely funny (even when he doesn't understand exactly why).

I walked away from this read understanding more about economics than I ever thought possible. The fact that each chapter started with a journal entry of which books he had read lately plus his number of sexual encounters made me giggle to myself each and every time.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES

I think words are beautiful, especially the ones with neat little letters that do not extend up or down above the others, like 'universe' and 'unconsciousness', because they look so tidy on the line.

I gradually became more aware of the chasm between how I was and how others seemed to be.

I collect books like a dragon reputedly hoards riches. They are my little treasures, though I cannot afford to buy them often, and I usually acquire them second-hand. I love it that a book can be relied upon to provide the identical information, or tell the same tale, time after timeunlike people, who can be fickle. Rereading something I already know is grounding for me, and it is pleasing to know that information in a book is always the same each time I look at it.

Some might say I am not normal, but more accurately, I could say that I am not typical.

Celebrate and accept neurodiversity.

It's better to lose a lover, than to love a loser.

We have all loved having Sex in the house.

What I actually mean is that I want to choose someonea partnerwho will take me without judging me by my past, without trying to change me in the present, and without limiting me in the future.

I can't wait to read the sequel, Kaleidoscope, and find out more about Chloe's point of view.

THE SILMARILLION #NerdistBookClub

http://www.nerdist.com/2014/06/nerdist-book-club-the-silmarillion/
The Silmarillion (Middle-Earth Universe)

I just found out that Nerdist has a book club! How did I miss that?

Currently, they are doing a group read of The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Breaking it down into easily digestible sections, here is a copy of the schedule:

Part 1: Ainulindalë and Valaquenta – discussion July 8
Part 2: Chapters 1-4 – discussion July 15
Part 3: Chapters 5-8 – discussion July 22
Part 4: Chapters 9-10 – discussion July 29
Part 5: Chapters 11-13 – discussion August 5
Part 6: Chapters 14-16 – discussion August 12
Part 7: Chapters 17-18 – discussion August 19
Part 8: Chapter 19 – discussion August 26
Part 9: Chapter 20 – discussion September 2
Part 10: Chapter 21 – discussion September 9
Part 11: Chapters 22-24 – discussion September 16
Part 12: Akallabêth – discussion September 23
Part 13: Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age – discussion September 30

You still have time to catch up!

Just use the hashtag #NerdistBookClub to join in on the conversation.

REVIEW: How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back

How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back (White Trash Zombie, #4)


It’s zombie versus zombie as the Saberton Corporation declares war against the Zombie Mafia, kidnapping several of their party. It falls to Angel to lead the remnants of her gang halfway across the country to claw their way through corporate intrigue, zombie drugs, and undead trafficking to rescue her friends—and expose the traitor responsible for their abduction...

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
So far, this was my least favorite book of the series. Angel was a total wuss for at least 90% of the entire story! Let me be clear: I have no problem with strong female characters also expressing emotion. However, Angel's attitude consistently grated on my nerves. And the shoulder punching! Dear God, the shoulder punching. I thought it would never end! Who does that? Annoying people, that's who.

WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT IT: If you haven't read any of this series, it recaps a lot so is easily read as a stand alone.

WHAT SUCKS ABOUT IT: If you haven't read any of this series, it recaps a lot so is easily read as a stand alone.

There was zero real action until the last quarter of the book. I have always loved the zombie origin concept of this series and especially like the new theory of transformation. There are a few new questions raised, and I'm anxious to see where the author intends to take us. NYC was a welcome change. Now, on to Dallas?

Yes, I will reluctantly read the next in series. Alas, the ending of this one hinted only to increased disappointment. I'm tired of rooting for Angel at this point, and she's gonna have to work hard to win me back!

*I purchased this copy myself, and opinions are mine alone.

THE OBSIDIAN COLLECTION: Kindle Fire HD Giveaway


Nine authors. Nine dark-love novellas.
The wicked have never looked so good…


  
SYNOPSES

Obsidian Escape by Rebel Adams
Just one look at the battered form of Whitney Geddings awakens a fierce protective instinct in Detective Jackson Ogden…but at what price?

Obsidian Liquor by Scarlett Dawn
Reporter, Elizabeth Forter, never expected one drunken challenge to leave her sexually satisfied and waking beside Daniil – the head of the Russian mafia.

Obsidian Faith by Bev Elle
Shanice Bailey’s epic faith in Trevor Kyle, the man she’s loved since they were both wards at the Baptist Children’s Home, is shaken when his sketchy foster father shows up on their honeymoon.

Obsidian Heart by Nicole Flockton
Will Erika’s holiday fling with Brandt bring him out of the shadows, or is his heart destined for darkness?

Obsidian Sky by Lara Henley
When military man, Brandon Michaels, comes home to a town he no longer recognizes, his salvation may rest in Arabella Knight, a woman who has secrets that no one knows.

Obsidian Ice by Missy Johnson
Medical intern Cam Fletcher knew becoming a surgeon would be hard work, but what he wasn’t counting on was falling for his mentor – cocky surgeon Eric Langdon.

Obsidian Jewel by Angel Lawson
Professional thieves, competitors, and occasional lovers, Maya Clarke and Malcolm Kent, must work together for the job of a lifetime and try not to kill one another while doing it.

Obsidian Desire by t.h. snyder
Can one chivalrous act change Tyler Jones, a coldhearted man, or will desire burn through his soul and change him forever?

Obsidian Beauty by Emily Walker
Out of jail and finally ready to confront the man who left her there to rot, Abigail Rivers is upset to learn Benton Sellers has moved on with no regard for the sacrifices she has made for him.


Kindle Edition: ONLY $0.99 for a LIMITED time!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20437199-the-obsidian-collection
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)

Rebel Adams is writer and lover of good prose, better cigars, well-aged whiskey and fine women– and not always in that order.

Scarlett Dawn is the author of the Forever Evermore new adult fantasy series, which include King Hall and King Cave. She lives in the Midwest, where she loves to ‘people watch’ and daydream. She adores her music loud and her fries covered in melted cheese.

Bev Elle is the author of sweet and spicy, contemporary romance. She’s a lover of books–those already written, and those she harbors in her very active imagination. Writing is a passion she’s had for many years, but was unable to act upon. Until now. Bev Elle is the mother of three human children and two canines. She is also the lover of one husband. When Bev isn’t writing in her spare time after work, she is thinking of doing so.

Nicole Flockton is an Australian living in Texas. Nicole writes sexy contemporary romances which seduce you one kiss at a time. She enjoys taking two characters and creating unique situations for them. When she’s not busy writing, she’s attempting to keep up with two active children and a busy husband.

Lara Henley is originally from Oklahoma, but has lived in several places. She began writing in 2009 when she had a dream about a little girl traveling with her grandmother. That is how Jessie Discovers Christmas was born. She then ventured into YA and adult romance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing and a Masters in Administrative Leadership. She loves all things creative and aspires to have a fulltime writing career.

Missy Johnson in a small town in Central Victoria, Australia, with her husband and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture). When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Angel Lawson lives with her family in Atlanta and has a lifelong obsession with creating fiction from reality, either with paint or words. On a typical day you can find her writing, reading, plotting her escape from the zombie apocalypse and trying to get the glitter out from under her nails. She is the author of five books, including the Wraith Series, Serial Summer, FanGirl, and Vigilant. She is the co-author of the New Adult Paranormal book, Odin’s Murder with Kira Gold.

T.H. Snyder is a 34 y/o single mom of two amazing kids. She lives in Central PA where she works full time for a local business/technical school. Writing wasn’t something she ever thought she’d be doing, but here she is. t. h. snyder started reading like a nut after Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey. Since then she’s read over 300 romance and paranormal books. In June of 2013, she decided to try her go at writing. She had a vision and went with it….hence Touch Me. To date she’s published 6 books and now 2 anthologies…The Touch Series (NA Romance), Pierced Love (YA Romance), Cursed Love, Cursed #1 (Erotic Romance), My Dirty Little Valentine, and the Obsidian Collection.

Emily Walker loves creating worlds and stumbling around in them. She is constantly losing her chap-stick, and has an obsession with the color pink. Currently a resident of the mountains and loving the view, she writes mostly paranormal fiction and horror. Her small family consists of her red bearded other half, a rat terrier named Rebel, and a cat named Mr. Creepy.

GIVEAWAYS

One (1) e-book copy of The Obsidian Collection (International)
A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Kindle Fire HD (US/Canada ONLY)
A Rafflecopter Giveaway

My Library In Pictures #SLChallenge

http://thebookmonsters.com/summer-library-challenge-library-collage/


Here are a couple pictures from my local library...

Summer Reading Kick-off Event 2014
Family Game Night
You can find more pictures in the photo gallery or check out the Facebook page for additional content.

What's going on at your local library?

Mini #Bloggiesta: July 19-20th

http://www.bloggiesta.com/2014/07/339/

Are you feeling the need to freshen up your blog?
Here’s hoping so, because it’s time once again for a Mini Bloggiesta!

Join us this weekend, July 19 and 20, for a fun gathering of bloggers, working feverishly to fix and freshen up their blogs!

There will be a few new mini challenges, so stay tuned for that list on Friday, but you can also work on any of the past challenges. It’s a perfect time to catch up on the challenges you missed during previous Bloggiestas!

We’ll be having one, just one, Twitter party on Sunday, the 20th at 1PM EDT. You know you want to join us, because Twitter parties are awesome. All you have to do is use the hashtag #Bloggiesta and follow @Bloggiesta to join in on the shenanigans.

Meanwhile, create your To-Do Lists and sign up via the linky. That will let us all know who plans to join us!
(For ideas to get you going on your lists, check out this past challenge).

Also, spread the word! Grab a button to let your blogging buddies know it’s happening and persuade them to join the fun!

JOIN HERE

My To-Do List

❏  write two reviews
❏  update my spreadsheet
❏  clean up formatting of archived posts
❏  comment on other participant's blogs
❏  participate in the Twitter chat

75 Years of Batman: Graphic Novel Giveaway


In his 75 years, Batman has been the central figure at the forefront of graphic storytelling. These ten titles, from seminal industry benchmark Batman: The Dark Knight Returns to New York Times #1 bestseller Batman: The Killing Joke to the modern classic Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls, are essential to every comic library.

From the printed page to the big screen, Bob Kane's creation has never been a more significant fixture in popular culture the world over. Join us as we celebrate the Dark Knight's 75th anniversary!

Enter to win one of 5 sets of 10 graphic novels, then tell your friends!

☛ JUST CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO ENTER ☚ 

A #SwashbucklingSummer Giveaway


North Carolina was home to some of the most infamous pirates in history.

The most notorious was Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.


After serving as a privateer in Queen Anne’s War, Blackbeard began a prosperous life of pirating. After capturing a French merchant ship, he renamed it Queen Anne’s Revenge but later ran it aground in Beaufort Inlet. Blackbeard eventually received a royal pardon and settled down to reside in Bath, hobnobbing with polite society.

Retirement didn't last long, and he grew bored of the prestigious pirate parties on Ocracoke. Once again plundering, he quickly drew the attention of the Governor of Virginia. In November of 1718, he clashed with Captain Robert Maynard. Once onboard Maynard's ship, the pirates were overpowered by crewmen hidden in the hold. Edward Teach was killed after reportedly being shot five times and cut more than 20. Maynard proudly displayed Blackbeard's head on the bowsprit of his vessel.

Blackbeard had a lot of hideouts, but this was his only home.


Other scandalous pirates also terrorized the North Carolina coastline.

Stede Bonnet (The Gentelman Pirate) was a wealthy plantation owner from Barbados but threw it all away to pursue a life of piracy. Charles Vane was renowned as an exceptionally cruel captain and hanged for his treachery in 1721. Jack Rackham (Calico Jack) flew the legendary Jolly Roger flag and counted Anne Bonney and Mary Read among his crew. William Kidd was one of the few pirates to actually bury treasure and reportedly buried some of his booty on Money Island near Wrightsville Beach.

Now, that you've had a quick history lesson about the pirates of North Carolina, how about a giveaway?

Here are some of my favorite pirate-y reads! The winner will receive his/her choice of one (1) of the books listed in hardback or paperback form, depending upon availability.

Sorry, US residents only. This is NOT an International giveaway.

The Rebel Pirate 
On Stranger Tides
The Assassin's Curse
Blackbeard: The Lost Journal
The House of the Four Winds
Cinnamon and Gunpowder
The Devil's Fire
Steel

US ONLY / Must be 18+ to enter.

Please, read the Terms & Conditions listed in the widget below before entering. 

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Want to linkup your own pirate-y posts? You can join us!

Swashbuckling Summer Linky

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ENTER HERE

Gone Reading Giveaway Loot


I recently entered a giveaway at Read Breath Relax. Imagine my dismay when I actually won the $50 gift certificate from Gone Reading! It took me forever to choose my prizes, but here is a list of the loot that I finally decided upon (pictured from left to right):
 

Lisa writes some pretty awesome book reviews, so please take a moment to check out her blog.
http://www.readbreatherelax.com/
Brad from Gone Reading was gracious enough to give my readers a surprise, too.

You get 10% OFF all non-sale merchandise from now until the end of August!

Just enter code CRBC10 at checkout.

Feature & Follow: Time Travel Interview

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Rachel of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read.

The goal is to increase blog followers and make friends.

Just remember it is required, if you participate, to follow those featured.

You must also follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) as a courtesy.

http://www.parajunkee.com/features/feature-follow-hop/

Thank you for featuring me this week!

INTERVIEW:

When did you start blogging?
I recently answered this question (+ more) here.

What is your favorite part of book blogging?
My favorite part of book blogging is reading books, of course! 
The fun part is then sharing my thoughts with YOU.

What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I don't discriminate by genre. However, most posts you see here will be about general fiction. Most commonly featured is whatever we're reading for our book club group on Goodreads.

What is your favorite book(s)?

I have more favorite books than can be listed here!
So far this year, I have only handed out four 5-star ratings.


What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?
The best thing about book blogging is YOU, the readers! 

The best thing that has happened as a result of book blogging is interacting with all of the other awesome book bloggers. I couldn't be more proud to be part of such a wonderful community.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

If you had a time machine (i.e. a TARDIS) where would you go?
 ANSWER:

The real question is: Where would I NOT go?

Of all the eras on my list, the 1940s would be my first decade of choice.

The dancing, the fashion, the glamour, the hairstyles, the movies!
There are so many reasons why they call it the Greatest Generation.


You can answer the question of the week, too. 

Just click HERE to link up your post and view this week's #FF list!