Category: Book Stuff

Horrid Henry’s Christmas by Francesca Simon

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)11 Comments

A book that is sure to cause an outbreak of giggles… ~ Sheila

If you have a child between the age of 4 and 8, they are probably familiar with the shenanigans of Horrid Henry.  Author Francesca Simon has made Horrid Henry the #1 bestselling chapter book series for children in the UK.  With over 15 million copies of the Horrid Henry books sold,apparently readers everywhere are enjoying these tales…

This was my first time reading Horrid Henry and this book has 4 stories centered around Henry’s adventures over Christmas.  I have to admit, I really enjoyed the book.  The four short stories were witty and funny.  In the first story Henry is upset that he didn’t get the leading role in the Christmas play at school, however he takes his part as the Innkeeper to a whole new and hysterical level.

In the second story Henry battles over decorating the tree with his brother, Perfect Peter.  Henry had Christmas presents for people… but due to a series of events…. now he did not and he has to think outside the box of what to do….

In the third story it is Christmas Eve and Henry’s greed for gifts gives him the idea to ambush Santa.  Yeah… you heard me right.

And finally in the fourth story Christmas is here and by now I realize that Henry really is horrid!  Children would probably giggle themselves silly as this book is being read….  outrageous behavior, over the top horribleness…. Francesca has earned her way with these books that are sure to bring a smile to the most reluctant of readers!

This review copy came from Sourcebooks

Its Monday, What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)38 Comments

This weekly meme hosted by J Kaye’s Blog is one of my favorite book moments of the week!  Its the moment when Coffee Cup and I can go into my reading room and browse.   These next two weeks I have no real book commitments other than what I would like to read.  I still have reviews to catch up on posting so stay tuned for a few more Christmas reviews hitting yet this week.

Last week I finished:

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

Primal by Mark Batterson

The Ghost, The Egghead’s and Babe Ruth’s Piano by Larry Sweitzer

40 Loaves of Bread by C D Baker with a giveaway too!

I am currently putting the finishing touches on The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent and last night I finished listening to Run For Your Life by James Patterson (which was so fantastic!)  Review will be up later today.

As for this weeks plan:

That’s the plan.  Two books I have heard wonderful things about that have been waiting on my shelf.  So this week I say Merry Christmas to me, and I have pulled them down to be the next stories I get to sink into!

What are you reading this week?  Be sure to link up your post over at J Kaye’s Book Blog!

Pondering Moment: How Do You Read So Many Books?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)71 Comments

Not sure if this will become an occasional meme or not but there are a few questions that I get asked time and time again and this is one of them.


How Do I Read So Many Books?


Well, I am not a speed reader.  If anything I am a thorough reader.  By that I mean if I am reading along and suddenly something happens in the book that makes me go, “Wait a minute… I thought….”  I will actually back track through the book to make sure I am fully understanding.

The only way I can read what I do is that I feel I have an unusual life.  What do I mean?  Well, there are many things that take the place of reading time for others that I don’t have – such as:

  • We had our kids young.  Most of my friends still have kids at home.  We do not.  Our boys are 19 and 22.  The 19 year old goes to college 3 hours away and the 22 year old is in the Navy.
  • My work schedule is flexible.  We own our own business and I help out with payroll and invoices, but I can do that anytime, at midnight if I want to.  Other than that, we have office personal to handle the day to day stuff.  I work at our church office as the Office Manager 3 days a week from 9 – 2, Tues, Wed, Thurs.  I have long weekends.
  • My husband – works a lot!  He loves it!  He is out of the house by 5 am and back home usually around 6 – 8 pm.  He eats dinner, watches a little tv and is usually in bed by 9 pm.

All of these things factor into my reading time.  I prefer to read over watch tv so from the time Al goes to bed, until I do (about 1 am) I usually read.  If its a really good book… I have stayed up later!  🙂  I sometimes have a little reading time in the afternoon after work.  Weekends, if Al is working, I am usually reading once I have house work done.  If we travel to our cabin, he drives, I read for the 3 1/2 hour road trip…. if I drive, we listen to audio books.

There is an audio going in my vehicle at almost all times.  I prefer the story to music.  Sometimes, like the one I am listening to now, is getting so good – I will have to bring it in the house and listen to it while I prepare dinner.   Wherever I go, I have a book.  There is always a book in my car and/or in my purse.  Trains, long stop lights, waiting at appointments…. I am never bored.  When I work out on the tread mill or elliptical, I am reading.

I don’t read every day – but almost.  It is my absolute favorite pastime.  With winter here – I do not have the bike events like I do Spring thru Fall so I have even more time.

How about you – when and where do you read?

Do you have certain times of day or rituals to your reading schedule?

Do you read several books at once or do you have one going at a time?

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

This is the weekly meme hosted by J Kaye’s Blog that takes a look at what is on on our reading agenda for the week….

I am pleased to say that in light of the mega reading I have been doing lately – I am taking this week to catch up on some reviews that seem to be piling up all around me and only working on reading one book this week – The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent:

I know, right?  Me the person who strives for 5 or 6 books a week needs to take a step back!  I have plenty of reviews to get posted this week and with my son here for the month now from college and my other son having left for the Navy…. I am just going to slow down a bit.

In my car I am listening to James Patterson:  Run For Your Life and I am loving it!


Last week I read and reviewed:

The Secret Of The Christmas Box by Steven Hornby (a quick read and a good holiday story)

The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea (This book through me for a loop – a great read on child labor!)

Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly (The book didn’t impress me, but the review did!)

Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan (I had been listening to this on audio for the past week)

Gringos In Paradise by Malana Ashlie (A look into an area that I know well, it was fun to read about Honduras)


So that’s my plan…. I am doing a discussion next Monday afternoon here about The Heretic’s Daughter that I I hope many will join in.  If you have read it, let me know as I will be linking reviews here to those who join in the discussion of what I am hoping is going to be a fascinating read!

Word Verification Balderdash: My Thursday Thing

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

This is my weekly meme of the great word verification we that make comments on blogs have the annoyance pleasure of typing again and again….  (I have missed this the last couple of weeks but now I am ready to roll again)!

I know it is a necessity…  I get that.  You leave a comment, chances are you going to be word verified.  Yet being a comment junkie… it slows me down.  So to make this a bit more enjoyable… I came up with a plan.

I love word games (not as much as commenting).  To entertain myself and maybe some of you… I decided to share with you a little thing I do while I type in the verification.  I play Balderdash in my head.  Yup.  As I am typing in the word, I think if it was a real word… what would it mean.  Some come easy.  Others…. I really have to stretch the imagination.

The definition of Balderdash: An oft used strategy  to elect your own fake definition in an attempt to give it credibility in the minds of your fellow players. …


Cercula:  Dracula’s half brother who has an inner ear infection which causes him to run in circles…. thus taking the fear factor away from potential victims as they can just…. well…… walk away.


Revent: When one becomes so upset about something they have to just get it out so they vent about it.  Then…. hours later, something triggers  this anger  again and causes one to revent.


Promila:  Godzilla’s sister who is obsessed with going to the prom.  Always worried about her breath and working on shining up her scales.


Gaspr: Casper the Ghost’s annoying cousin.  Due to Gaspr’s asma…. he is always trying to get in more air and creating breathy noises that really can ruin a good night of haunting.  Since Casper is the friendly ghost, he often is the one chosen to hang out with Gaspr.

Yes…. I know that for the most part they kind of theme today and I have no idea why… LOL.  Perhaps I watched too much tv as a child… 😉

Wanna play?  I hope you do!  Write your post, feel free to take the Balderdash meme and them comment here with your link to your post.  I will add your link here so others may stop by and see your words!

Check out others in the Blogespere who are playing along!

Laurel at Embrace The Whirlwind

Alexia’s Books and Such

Ryan at Wordsmithonia

Melissa at My World


It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)26 Comments

It is Monday!  I am currently reading my book club book that is up for review tomorrow, Home For The Holidays be Rebecca Kelly.  This will also make it on to my Holiday Reading Challenge!  Tomorrow is our 100th book club meeting!  Any suggestions for something cool to do?  It is our Christmas potluck meeting and I am bringing a cake to celebrate the big 100 but have been racking my brain for months for a reasonably priced something to give each of them to commemorate this milestone!  I am currently thinking book marks….

ANYWAY…. 😉

Here is the reading plan for this week:


Yup there is a theme here.  Working on the Christmas spirit so have pulled out three Christmas related books that will hopefully push me in the right direction since so far I really am not there (I don’t even have my tree up yet).

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

What a Christmas! by B R Roberts

Secrets of a Christmas Box by S Hornby

and for a book tour on Wednesday…

Gringo’s In Paradise:  Our Honduras Odyssey by Malana Ashlie (chosen to read becuase of my Honduras experiences)

Over the weekend I was reading two of the books that were on my list for last weeks post and suddenly just felt that I needed a break.  This resulted in my pulling Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone off the shelf and curling up with the old friend I found within the pages.

**Reminder that on Dec 20th we will be reviewing and discussing The Heretic’s Daughter for the online book club, Word Shakers.  All are welcome to join in!  Let me know in a comment and I will be sure to include you in the email questions.

How about you?  What are you reading this week?  Be sure to link your post up over at J Kaye’s Blog so we can all stop over and see!

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)18 Comments

Ooh…. I am a little later than usual.  I am trying to break a habit of getting up and on non office days (like today) not hanging out on the computer for the first three hours of my day and then rushing to get everything done that I have procrastinated on.  One of the big things for me is my workout.  I take a Group Power Class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  It is weight lifting to great music and I love the class.  On Mondays they offer is at 8:15 am, and at 12:15 pm.  I am trying to break breaking the habit of going to the noon class and getting back on track with the 8:15 am one.

So – that was my delay this morning.  Now I am back and with Coffee Cup, I wanted to share this morning  what I think are great Christmas Gifts for the bookish people on that list.  Here are some things that I think are super fab….

For that someone who is a game board junky this is a fun twist on Monolopy called Bookopoly!  With thngs to buy and fun facts about books and authors – oh, I am excited just talking about it!

Yup – Trivial Pursuit Book Edition is another win for the book lover!

Like to have something to keep track of all those book recommendations so next time you do to the book store or library you are not fumbling with, “now what was that title again?”  This great little binded book inspired by library check out cards is just what the book lover ordered!


Love this (in fact after I seen it I had to order it!) Areas to jot down notes, record meeting dates, member contact info, book rating stickers and more!  Oh man… I really like this one!

Love this banned books bracelet!

A great start for the pre teen reader is your life… book suggestions, invitations, book marks and even an online component!

I have heard good things about this reference book on how to write good reviews.

For discerning bibliophiles and readers who enjoy unforgettable classic literature, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a trove of reviews covering a century of memorable writing.

Any other suggestions?  Sometime in the next week I will do book titles that would make great gifts so save those ideas for then….



In My Mailbox

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)34 Comments

What an extremely super fab (yes I said super fab) week for the mailbox! A few long awaited treasures made their appearance this week.  I am so excited I have to share with you right now!  Right now!!  🙂

Thank you to Kristi at Story Siren for this wonderful weekly meme!

Books To Review

The Magicians Book by Laura Miller: Check out that cover!  This book is about Laura’s love hate relationship with the Chronicles of Narnia.  I am so pro Narnia and CS Lewis, I am curious to read what this is all about.  If you are curious too, I have copies of this book to giveaway – enter here!


Primal by Mark Batterson: LOVE Batterson!  I have read all of his books and this is one I have waited for anxiously as well.  Look for this tour here on December 15.


American Rust by Phillip Meyer: A novel on the restlessness of the Great Depression this books subject matter caught hold of my heart and hasn’t let go.  A beautiful hard cover too!


Thirsty by Tracey Bateman: I have read the reviews of this book and I am found so curious I can hardly stand it!  A vampire style book written by a Christian author…. cant wait to sink my teeth into it!  😉


The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy by Gina Collia-Suzuki: When Gina (the author) approached me to read her book I was unsure what this was about.  However reading the brief bit on line I had to say yes so I could know about Benjamin and his wonderful demise.

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott: YAY!  A Christmas read thanks to Pocket books!


Conflicts With Interest by Michael Ruddy: Its a little about gambling… a little about business… a little about lawsuits… and a lot about mystery.  Why oh why do I always seem to be hungry for a mystery?  I don’t know but I am eager to see if this book can satisfy that hunger.


Collision of Evil by John LeBeau: Another fabulous looking mystery that leaves me with visions of conspiracy just by reading the jacket cover!


Books I won

Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah: Can you hear me squeal with excitement?  This book has been on my wish list and then I won it!!!  It came directly from the author and it is signed!


Always My Brother by Jean Reagan: Natasha at Maw Books reviewed this lovely book and interviewed author Jean Reagan.  There was a contest to win a signed copy of this book and I was one of the winners.  I am so excited to review this book and then I am going to donate it to my grade school here in Brainerd, Harrison Elementary.

7th Heaven by James Patterson: Oh yes – I am so into Patterson these days!  I won this one and will get tothis after the holidays….


Book Purchases

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown: I had to do some on line shopping this week and purchased this one off my wish list as a little treat to myself!  I loved Davinchi Code and Angels and Demons and can not wait to read this one!


Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly: This is my December book club read AND it will fit nicely into the holiday reading challenge.  🙂


Read, Remember, Recommend: This is for our Christmas book club Christmas gift exchange we will do this coming Tuesday.  I found this at Amazon and I LOVE it.  Pages of book suggestions, places for notes, books you want lists and books you have loaned.  In fact I think I need one for myself!


Climbing The Stairs: This one is on my wish list but it is not for me but sent off how the holiday gift exchange as it was on their wish list too!


Shelf Discovery: Is for the other Christmas exchange I signed up for and this book is on its way to its new home as well.


Holiday Swap Gift!

And last but not least – this week I received The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton!  This was sent to me by Helen of Helen’s Book Blog.  She was my secret swap aprtner and I love the gift!!!!  Love it!


Be sure to stop in at the Story Siren blog and share what you got in your mailbox this week!

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

I know, I know… like I need another challenge.  But it’s Historical Fiction!  I love Historical Fiction! AND I can plead again that it fits into my 100 Book Challenge and I would read these books anyway so really it is so big deal.  🙂

Care to join?

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don’t need a blog to participate.
–Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

— Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.

— Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.

— Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.

— Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

Head over to Royal Reviews and sign up under the Linky!

1.  The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent

2.  The Mercy Seller by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

3.  Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet by Jamie Ford

4.  Songbirds Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer

5.  Born Under A Million Shadows by Andrea Busfield

6.  The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

7.  A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini


It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments

This is a weekly meme hosted by J Kaye’s Blog.  I enjoy doing this because it allows me each Monday to browse the book shelves and set a plan of what I would like to accomplish in reading for the week.  To me, it’s kind of like shopping in a book store all over again 🙂


This morning I grabbed my coffee cup…. browsed the shelves and came out with this:


It looks like a lofty goal but it really isn’t.

Say You’re One of Them is audio so that can play in the car and when I am working around the house.  I probably will not get it finished this week, but I will be started on it.


Shadow of Tears I have been working on.  It is about escaping Iran so it is a bit heavy and I have not been able to read it straight through.  I am hoping to finish it this week.


The Smart One and The Pretty One I started on yesterday  and I am flying through this delightful read.


The Readers Choice:  200 Book Club Favorites is a book I am just itching to get into…. its a book on books and what is not to love?  🙂


Children Of Dust is one I planned on reading in Honduras and did not get to it.  This one will be the one that I will probably be spending the most time reading this week.


The Possibility of Everything is on tour this Wednesday and I finished this a couple weekends ago when I had some down time.  This one is on tour this Wednesday.


God Gave Us Love and God Gave Us Christmas are also on tour this week.  These will go up wither later today or tomorrow.


Currently I have quite a few books done that are waiting on their review.  I am trying to get a review up a day, two if I can do so without crowding them….  I would love to know what you are reading this week!  Stop over at J Kayes Blog and add your post to the link so I can stop by as well as others!