Its Monday! What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)84 Comments

WOO HOO!  Another week – and more books/audio to add to my “read list”!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I love being a part of this and I hope you do too!  As part of this weekly meme I love to encourage you all to go and visit the others participating in this meme.  I offer a weekly contest for those who visit 10 or more of the Monday Meme participants and leave a comment telling me how many you visited.  You receive one entry for every 10 comments, just come back here and tell me how many in the comment area.

Last weeks winner:

Shirley  from My Bookshelf

Congratulations!  Please choose an item out of the PRIZE BOX and email me your choice with your mailing address as well!   journeythroughbooks@gmail.com

 

I am still kind of flying high from Saturdays Polar Plunge!  It was a much-anticipated (and feared) event.  That went off pretty slick and the friends I made and the memories – soooooo worth it.  😀

So let’s do a recap of what went down here this past week:


The Oracle Of Stamboul by Michael Daivd Lucas – fabulous taste of fantasy

Miss Scarlets School Of Patternless Sewing – book review and GIVEAWAY!

Rockin’ The Red Pumps (which I later fall in…. but that’s another story 😛)

Wench by Dolan Perkins-Valdez – Bookies book review for March!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (audio with Steve Fry – oooohhhhh so good!)

39 Clues by Rick Riordin (fantatsic adventure read for middle grade – and a bit of history too!)

Pictures from the Polar Plunge event ( oh yeah….. these are good memories!)

CLick on the pic for the story

SO that was my week.  I took a couple extra audio along with me for my drive this weekend to Eden Prairie but alas, the one I am currently listening to is the one I listened to all the way there and all the way back.  Its good – so it was a great ride.

This week I am keeping it low as the first one of these I need to finish by next Tuesday and it is 600 + pages….

Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. Yet it will be love, not politics—their passion for the same woman—that will tear them apart and force Marion, fresh out of medical school, to flee his homeland. He makes his way to America, finding refuge in his work as an intern at an underfunded, overcrowded New York City hospital. When the past catches up to him—nearly destroying him—Marion must entrust his life to the two men he thought he trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.

An unforgettable journey into one man’s remarkable life, and an epic story about the power, intimacy, and curious beauty of the work of healing others.

This was a “bonus read” for our book club that we are doing a food review a week from this Tuesday.  At 600+ pages I need to set page goals and work on completing this one this week 🙂

In a middle-class neighborhood of Iran’s sprawling capital city, 17-year-old Pasha Shahed spends the summer of 1973 on his rooftop with his best friend Ahmed, joking around one minute and asking burning questions about life the next. He also hides a secret love for his beautiful neighbor Zari, who has been betrothed since birth to another man. But the bliss of Pasha and Zari’s stolen time together is shattered when Pasha unwittingly acts as a beacon for the Shah’s secret police. The violent consequences awaken him to the reality of living under a powerful despot, and lead Zari to make a shocking choice…

This book has waited on me a LLLLOOOOOONNNNGGGGGGG time.  Now, thanks to my finding a second copy this past week at the Brainerd Library sale, I offered up a contest and this is the book my winner, Sarah E chose this book.  This means I will read this book, hopefully this week and then pass it on to her.  😀  Next week I will run this contest again as it will help me to get through my book piles!

 

 

Berg’s sweetly understated dramatization of the Nativity story casts Mary and Joseph as provincial teenagers who try to honor family tradition in spite of challenging circumstances. Alternating between the voices of the holy couple, Berg relates a romance that blossoms at the wedding of relatives between the 16-year-old carpenter from Nazareth and the comely 13-year-old girl originally from Sepphoris. Mary, dreamy and intractable, already entertains notions of miraculous circumstances surrounding her own birth to her barren mother, Anne. Joseph is instantly smitten and engenders the trust of both families for a betrothal, yet Mary holds back, cherishing a sense of greater destiny. Escaping a near rape by a Greek man by the river, Mary then receives the angel’s message that she will bear an extraordinary son, despite never having known a man; the sadly unwed Mary must return to Joseph, who repudiates her until he, too, is visited in a dream by an angel directing him on the honorable course. With Herod’s decree that everyone return to their hometowns to register for the census, Joseph and the near-term Mary set off on their arduous and momentous journey to Bethlehem.

 

On this one, lets say I am cautiously optimistic?  I am reading through Berg and when I picked this one up at the library I really had no idea what it was about.  When I read the back I was surprised – but interested.  This is a short 4 hour audio that I hope to get to later this week when my current one ends.

 

That is it for goals.  I am finishing up two that need to go back to the library soon so I will be working on those as well.  I really am looking forward to what you are reading this week and hope to get around to visiting your posts.  Please add your link below where it says “click here”


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Morning Meanderings… The PLUNGE (The Day After)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)87 Comments

Good morning.

Yes – I am late but it is still morning 😉

By the time I came back home last night at 6 pm I had dinner grabbed a book went to read in bed and fell asleep.

True story.

Apparently the cold water wiped me out.  😀

So all I really have this morning is a few plunge pics and to tell you that it was COLD.  It was a little SCARY.  BUT for the cause and to hang out with my bike ride team it was also AWESOME and FUN.

More pictures may come in over the next few days… I did not know everyone taking pictures so I am waiting to see what other people post on Facebook.  All my pics are on Facebook – Sheila DeChantal but here are a few highlights:

 

Belinda, Me, and Jana waiting at the legion for the shuttle to the plunge.

 

 

 

Full team pic - we were the "Snow Queens"

 

 

 

A Minnesota girl is ALWAYS prepared

 

 

 

I think that may be fear on my face

 

 

 

I am in - (water to the left) you just can not really see me

 

 

 

And on my way out

 

 

 

... There are no words

 

 

 

39 Clues by Rick Riordin

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments

 

When Aunt Grace dies, she opens up a clue to a secret that can make or break the world.  Each member of her family is offered two million dollars to take as an inheritance and walk away…

or…

you can turn in the bank voucher for the 2 million and instead get a clue to something…. amazing.  Something that can make you powerful and probably save the world.

Most of the family takes the 2 millions dollars… after all Grace was old and seriously may not have been in her right mind.  The 2 million is a solid deal.. the clue?  Not so much.

Yet 7 families do take the clue…. many of them already wealthy are greedy for the thought of power….  but for Dan (11) and Amy (14) Cahill they really don’t see what they have to lose.  Warded to an unloving Aunt Beatrice after their parents were killed, Beatrice (Grace’s sister) treats the kids like dirt.  The clue…could provide freedom and adventure.

They take the clue.

Soon the siblings as well as the very strange and power-hungry members of their family are on the hunt of a lifetime.  They follow the historical trail of Ben Franklin to find the next clue, with Amy’s book smarts and Dans math smarts they can and do go far but not without trouble from other family and others who they thought were allies, who want the treasure for themselves.

 

 

This book has interested me since it was released…. probably because it is more than a book.  The book includes a website, trading cards, and is really part of a 10 book series penned by different authors.  You can even log into a site and become part of the hunt.  Being a big fan of movies like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, Jewel Of The Nile…

yeah… I was hooked and Scholastic, you are brilliant.

I listened to this one on audio and by now I am starting to feel I have Rick Riordin’s number.  His characters from what I have picked up on from Percy Jackson and the Olympians as well as Red Pyramid have given way to characters of youth of fantasy and intrigue.

The audio book was a  joy to listen to.  As an adult it held my interest and I loved the historical information sprinkled through the book as the siblings uncovered the clues within the clue.  Even I learned a few things about Benjamin Franklin that I did not know.  🙂  As a middle grade reader, I think these books would be devoured.

I love that many authors worked on these books together, each adding their own personal flare.  I just love that!

 

Here is the list of the books in the series: (as written in wikepedia)

 

Each book in the 39 Clues series includes six cards, which unlock one online clue, the same one Amy and Dan find in the corresponding book. Readers can unlock it by entering the code on one of the cards on their 39 Clues account. If eligible, they will also be automatically entered to win the Book Prizes, the largest being $10,000.

Book 1: The Maze of Bones

Main article: The Maze of Bones

The Maze of Bones is the first book in the series, written by Rick Riordan. It was released on September 9, 2008. Amy and Dan Cahill travel to Paris, France in search of a clue that Benjamin Franklin hid there after their grandmother sets their large family off on the quest. William McIntyre (the person that first told Amy and Dan about the clue hunt) told the 7 teams to trust no one. Unfortunately, Amy and Dan didn’t do what William had said.The pages that have strange markings say “Anni Cahill did not drown”. While on the journey they discover that there is more to their family than they were led on to believe. The find and activate a liquid only to be stolen by Ian Kabra. The clue is iron solute.

Book 2: One False Note

Main article: One False Note

One False Note is the second book in the series, written by Gordon Korman. It was released on December 2, 2008. After succeeding in obtaining the first clue, Amy and Dan (along with their competition) travel to Vienna, Austria to find a clue relating to Mozart and his sister, Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, famous Cahills. Following a lead to Venice, Italy, Dan and Amy brush up with the other competitors, however, to secure the lead. The strange markings say “Look to India”. The clue is tungsten.

Book 3: The Sword Thief

Main article: The Sword Thief

The Sword Thief is the third book in the series, written by Peter Lerangis. It was released on March 3, 2009. They travel to Japan to find the next clue, focusing on swords stolen centuries ago by Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and they make an alliance with Alistair Oh and later the Kabras. Amy and Ian start to like each other, but their relationship ends in an unusual way, because Ian fails horribly at reading his true feelings. The strange markings at the bottoms of the pages say “The competition is about hope”.

Book 4: Beyond the Grave

Main article: Beyond the Grave

Beyond the Grave is the fourth book in the series, written by Jude Watson. It was released on June 4, 2009. Amy and Dan go to Egypt on the next step in their quest and meet an old friend of their grandmother’s, who gives them a hint left for them by Grace before she died. Amy is apparently not over Ian, as she often thinks about him.

Book 5: The Black Circle

Main article: The Black Circle

The Black Circle is the fifth book in the series, written by Patrick Carman. It was released on August 11, 2009. After receiving a telegram from a mysterious person known as ‘NRR’, Amy and Dan travel to Russia. In Russia, Amy and Dan form an alliance with Hamilton Holt. They go through a series of clues that keep leading them to different places and they are being timed.The clue is Amber.

Book 6: In Too Deep

In Too Deep is the sixth book in the series, written by Jude Watson. It was released on November 3, 2009. Amy and Dan arrive in Australia and meet up with their surfer uncle Shep Trent. Also, Isabel Kabra joins the hunt. Isabel tries to kill Amy and Dan by starting a fire and Irina dies saving them. It is revealed that Isabel Kabra was the one who caused Amy and Dan’s parents to die.

Book 7: The Viper’s Nest

Main article: The Viper’s Nest

The Viper’s Nest is the seventh book in the series, written by Peter Lerangis. It was released on February 2, 2010. Amy and Dan, shaken up by their last encounter with Irina, travel to South Africa after discovering a note in Irina’s boat. Their search leads them to a Tomas stronghold in the South African veldt.

Book 8: The Emperor’s Code

Main article: The Emperor’s Code

The Emperor’s Code is the eighth book in the series, written by Gordon Korman. It was released on April 6, 2010.[1][7] Amy and Dan arrive in China, fresh from the shocking discovery that they are Madrigals. In this book, Dan releases the info that he is a Madrigal to the Wizards. At one point in the book, Dan is kidnapped by the Kabras. They continue to search for clues, though, and find a note written on silk from the Chinese emperor Puyi. They find out that the clue is hidden elsewhere. They travel to the top of Mount Everest to find the Clue.

Book 9: Storm Warning

The ninth book, Storm Warning, was written by Linda Sue Park and released on the 25th of May, 2010. Amy and Dan go to Jamaica, where they meet a friend of Grace and her nephew, Lester, who helps them, then dies.Nellie is then confirmed to be a Madrigal in this book.

Book 10: Into The Gauntlet

Main article: Into the Gauntlet

Into The Gauntlet, the final book in the series, was released on August 31, 2010, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix. In the book, all the teams come to Cahill Island. Isabel Kabra captures them, and forces each of them to say their clues, by threatening to kill their loved ones. Amy saves them by smashing the serum over her head and knocking Isabel out cold. Amy and Dan are left with a list of everyone’s clues in their hands, which each team gave them, “because they don’t trust themselves around the serum, and the great power it wields.” Dan and Amy end up winning the clue hunt the way Grace wanted them to, with everyone else wanting them to win.

Book 11: Vespers Rising

This book will serve as a transition between the first and second series. It will be written by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson. The book is expected to be released on April 5, 2011.[8] It will explain the history of the Vesper family, the Madrigals, Grace, and eventually catch up to Amy and Dan.[9]

 

My thoughts:  This is definitely a series to try if you have middle grade adventure readers…. I love the interaction with the website.

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include 39 Clues

 

I purchased this audio from audible.com

 

Morning Meanderings…. It’s “P” Day!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)34 Comments

Good morning!

Current temperature in Minnesota….

I am leaving here shortly to drive 2 1/2 hours to put on a prom dress and then plunge into the water with my team the Snow Queens to raise money for Special Olympics.

Yup…

today should be interesting.

I think on my way home I get to treat myself to a book store stop.  😀

As for my picture today for Alyce’s Saturday Snapshot…here is a fun one from last February.  Al (hubby) and I were at an equipment auction in Florida.  We had been there ALL DAY walking and walking and walking looking at equipment for our business.  I was trying hard to be a team player but I was exhausted from all the staring at big yellow things.  😀  After I took this picture and showed it to him he said he could have done the same thing when I was in the book stores.  He said he could have laid on the floor and piled himself with books.  LOL… I wish he would have.  😛

This is what happens when you are at an equipment show too long 🙂

Final morning thought… I chose a winner this morning from yesterdays “Choose the next book I read” post.  I used random.org and the winner is:

Sarah E who chose Rooftops of Tehran


I will be reading this book over the next week and once complete I will mail it to you!  Congratulations!  😀

See everyone tomorrow.  I will respond to comments later tonight after I am home… dry… and warm.  😀

Harry Potter and The Philopher’s Stone by J K Rowling(Stephen Fry audio)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)30 Comments

Ok… so in case you have lived under a rock for the last 13 years (can you believe it has only been 13 years since this first book was released?)... anyway here’s the storyline:

So, before the book opens we learn that “he who shall not be named”, from this point forward for time-saving he will be known as HWSNBN, has wiped out Harry’s parents for reasons I can not now reveal and poor little Harry is orphaned and left on his aunt and uncle’s doorstep to be raised until he is 11.   Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and their spoiled brat of a piggish son (no, I am not opinionated at all – why?) treat Harry like a virus.  He is forced to sleep in a closet space under the staircase and wears only Dudley’s very large hand me downs.

But all of this is about to change.


On the day that Harry turns 11 years old a large giant of a man arrives at the Dursley’s and announces to Harry’s surprise that he will be starting at the Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Harry learns in that same amazing moment… that he is a wizard.

From there life is a series of amazing events:  shopping for wands and owls, a magical train that is boarded from platform 9 3/4, meetings of the Weasley’s, meeting of Draco Malfoy (cue threatening evil music), Hermione – annoying but she grows on you, Neville who for some reason I really like, Dumbledore is awesome, a hat that sorts which house you will be a part of at Hogwarts, magical food appears on tables, professors that can turn into cats, Snape a name you won’t soon forget, spell classes that suck just a little bit, a troll in the lady’s room and a gross sentence or two on troll buggers, house points WON, house points lost, magical lessons and life lessons, whats up with Snape’s leg,  Malfoy prank backfires,  flying broomsticks and a game called Quidditch, a broom as a gift, stuttering Proffesor Quirrel and his mighty and also stinky turban, Quidditch practice practice practice, a little broom “almost” disaster, Hermione creates fire, a WIN for Gryffindor,  a secret, a three-headed dog, who is Flamel, Hagrid can not keep a secret, a cloak that makes you invisible, a mirror that shows your greatest desire, Haggrid may have a slight drinking problem, baby dragon, baby dragon go away, DETENTION!, Snape steals into the Forbidden Forest (uhhh… helllo it’s called Forbidden for a reason!) dead unicorns, blood sucking floaty dude, centaurs (because really what is a good fantasy read without a centaur?), a magic stone (mmm hmmmm you knew that was coming, it’s in the title), sleepy flute music, HWSNBN makes a special guest appearance, life-size chess game, Ron gets a smack down, Harry plays Alice In Wonderland with a row of potions,Hermione uses her brain, mirror mirror who’s got the mirror,  old stinky turban returns, what’s in your pocket Harry, whoa – HWSNBN what are you doing there?,  well this is awkward, a little hospital tlc, info on the parental units, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored beans and Dumbledore eats the ear wax flavored one, final house points awarded, the school year ends on an up note, High fives and “see ya laters” by the dynamic trio, Harry is hauled back to the Dursleys for summer break.

Yup… I think that sums up book one.  😛

A year would not be complete if I did not dabble in yet another way to get my Potter dosage.  Last year I spent time with Jim Dale and enjoyed the audio version of these books.  If you have not tried them in audio – you are truly missing out.  Jim Dale was an incredible narrator and his voices were FANTASTIC!  I enjoyed these very much.  Now this time around I have listened to it in to audio again but with another narrator that I have heard was a “do not miss”, Stephen Fry.

Stephen Fry was also an amazing narrator and once again this story opened up to me like it was the first time.  There is something truly magical about these books.  Every time I read one or listen to one, I pick up on something new… something that links to a later book that makes me shake my head in awe of the incredible mind of J K Rowling.

If you haven’t had your Potter dose in 2011… I suggest you try one of the early books again, or try it on audio for the first time – even if you are not an audio person I think you will enjoy the Harry Potter books and your whole family will too 🙂

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include The Philosopher’s Stone

I borrowed this audio from my lovely library

Morning Meanderings… Choose The Next Book I Read And Win It For Yourself!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)86 Comments

Yes!  It is that time again and maybe, for me, the first sign of spring is indeed the Spring Library Sale.

Yesterday I was not able to be at the library for the opening moments which is crushing… but I did make it around 11 a.m. and came out with enough good reads that I am content until the fall sale… where I have already pre warned everyone – I am going and going in the morning to be a part of the excitement of the crowd that wraps around the library waiting for the doors to open… ahh yes, it truly is a part of the sale that makes it a complete experience.

SO – as per my tradition… If I go to the sale and bring home a box of books they tend to stay in that box.  Last year I implemented a fun win win with the library sale books that works for both you and I.  Below you will see posted all the books that I purchased yesterday at the sale.  Honestly I had a short time at the sale and with the crowd, I did a lot of picking out books that had appealing  covers and in many cases know little about the actual reads.

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to pick my next read.  Below in the comment area tell me which of these books you would like to read.  On Saturday I will choose a winner using random.org and I will add the at book to my reads for next week and once read, I will mail it to you.  See?  Win Win!!!

Here are the titles of the books:

Their Eyes Were Watching God

V.S. Naipaul

A Catch of Consequence

The Dress Lodger

The Other Side Of Air

Breath, Eyes, Memory

About Schmidt

Finding Nauf

Six Pence House

The Beautiful Thing That Heaven Bears

A Child In Time

A Cup Of Light

The Elegant Gathering Of White Snows

Dance Upon The Air * a three book series I have loved for years

Face The Fire * The third book in the Dance Upon The Air series

The Glass Palace

Cutting For Stone

Rooftops of Tehran

The Beach House * read and enjoyed many years ago but willing to read again

Chateau Of Echos

The Knitting Circle

Murders Out Of Tune

The Last Kingdom

 

Have fun 😀

 

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)35 Comments

Lizzie, Reenie, Sweet, and Mawu are four slave women who meet when their owners vacation at the same resort in Ohio.  Each of these women have a story and each of these women are mistresses to their master… in some cases willingly.  While at this resort they see the first time free blacks and Mawu leads the group as she talks about escape and freedom.

Reenie and Sweet are on board with the dreams of running to their freedom but Lizzie feels she really loves her master Drayle, and she believes he loves her as well… after all they do have two children together.

In the end, as they spend their third and final summer together in Ohio, the women have a decision to make….

but will it be one of freedom?


This was a fascinating read.  Initially when my book club chose this for our March read I was nervous that it may be like The Help.  I loved The Help, but do not like it when books (or movies for that fact) build off what another pulls off successfully.

I did not have to worry – Wench is a book all in its own.  I was able to learn much through the sto ri es of t he women, and enjoyed each of their takes on their lives and their worth – from mild-mannered Lizzie who felt she was the rightful wife of her master if not legally by heart then, to wild Mawu whose master is cruel and violent and Mawu feels she would rather die trying to escape than continue living in this manner.

I really felt uneducated going into this read as I knew that in some cases the masters of these black women would force them into sex … but I guess I did not realize it was so common.  The complexity of the women’s relationships with their masters as well as in their friendships with each other made for a fascinating read.  In the end I came to appreciate a lot more what these women went through in a time that no one stood up for them….  this book is a read of heartbreak and in a way – triumph as well.

Fabulous fabulous fabulous read.

Amazon Rating


The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map has been updated to include Wench


 

 

 

 

I received this book for review

 


Bookies review:

Our book club had a wonderful discussion about this book.  We discussed in great detail the different lives each of the four main women had with their masters and with their friendship as well.  The discussion was quite detailed and I enjoyed how deep we dived into the subject of slavery and especially into the relationship of Drayle and Lizzie.

I love it when our group does the little extras and Angie (By Book Or By Crook) had taken the time to find and print out for us the use of the popular songs of slaves.  Follow The Drinking Gourd – the video above, is one of those songs.  It was interesting to hear the words, that were not written down as the songs contained codes of where they would meet when they escaped – and were used by Harriet Tubman when she helped slaves escape

.

The resort, Tawawa House, mentioned in the book, does exist and on Dolen Perkins-Valdez’ website you can read about the history of this resort.  As the masters who took their slaves to the resorts and left their wives at home, this was truly a case of what happens in Tawawa House – stays in Tawawa House.

And of course, when the Bookies meet – we do like to go all foodie on the theme and the girls out did themselves with the delightful treats we had for this review.   Grits, corn bread, stuffed potatoes, a stew, rice and beans with Louisiana hot sauce, sour dough bread, strawberry shortcake, chocolate cake, cinnamon applesauce, a Feta and Craisin spinach salad with poppy seed dressing…. Oh man….


Morning Meanderings… Library Sale – Hit and Miss, but I will be Wearing Red Pumps today

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)23 Comments

For the first time ever…. I am missing opening hour of the Brainerd Library sale.

I have an important meeting that I can not change.

I really thought I was ok with this as I don’t need any books.  Really.  I am good.  Yet, last night I was at the library and as I left I seen the room where they have the sale.  The books were pushed up against the glass panels at least 4 feet high…. boxes and boxes sorted by genre, author…. hardcover, paperback….

I think for a moment…

my nose was pressed to the glass.  (If you go – you may see my nose mark.)

 

I think I am going to try to pop in after the meeting.  I realize by that time the line will be around the building – they only let so many people in at a time… but maybe… just maybe… I will find a treasure or two.  😀

 

 

On a completely different note… today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  I have a good friend Connie who has had AIDS since she contacted it through an emergency hysterectomy in 1981.  Connie has an amazing heart and I have met with her weekly as often as possible, to discuss her story – and what a story.

So today – this is for Connie and for all the women and girls out there who have been touched by AIDS.  This pump is for you.

 

It’s a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls and encourages ladies to take action. While progress has definitely been made in the areas of AIDS prevention and treatment, women still represent 27% of all new AIDS diagnoses, with African-American women accounting for 66% of that group. This year focuses on this statistic, “Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.”

 


Miss Scarlet’s School Of Patternless Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo + Giveaway

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)63 Comments

Scarlet Santana is never happier than when creating fabulous fashions for women of all shapes and sizes. Now, after years of hard work, she finally has the chance to live her dream and study under the hottest designer in New York. To raise money for her move, Scarlet opens an after-hours sewing school in a local record shop, teaching a type-A working mom whose rigid parenting style is causing her family to unravel and an enigmatic seamstress with a mysterious past.

But as stitches give way to secrets and classmates become friends, the women realize an important truth: There is no single pattern for a good life. Happiness is always a custom fit.

 

 

 


I read Kathy Cano-Murillo last summer when I read her book Waking Up In The Land Of Glitter .  At the time I enjoyed her fun style of writing with a flair for the humorous.

Scarlet is a wonderful character and her determination to sew (despite her families efforts to help her move on to another career and her two degrees in engineering) is a good lesson in sticking to what you believe about yourself, no matter what. Her friends are a hoot and I enjoyed the diversity among them.  I like the fact that the women were not all cookie cutter cut outs of one another but that they all brought a little something different to the story.

I found the book to be a light, quick read and a break from my normal routine as of late… I am not a crafty person although I like to pretend I am… and reading about someone who has a real heart and talent for a craft such as sewing was fun.  Scarlett’s passion is inspiring!  The play of words, referring to the “patterns” in our own life are fun and through provoking.

Amazon Rating

The “how to’s” at the end of the book are fun… and after a read like this, I am inspired to try my hand at “Little Victories Pages”…. maybe.  😛

 

Reading Group Guide
@CraftyChica
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Craftychica.com
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Crafty Chica YouTube Channel

The Giveaway

Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am able to offer a giveaway (USA and Canada) for a book bundle including copies of Miss Scarlet’s School of Patternless Sewing and Waking Up in the Land of Glitter.

Leave me a comment here letting me know what craft you are either good at or wish you were….  and I will enter you in this giveaway

For a second chance to win – subscribe to my blog or let me know if you already have (upper right hand side bar) and let me know in a separate comment here and I will give you a second entry.

I will choose a winner on March 17th using Random.org.


The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include Miss Scarlet’s School Of Patternless Sewing

 


I received this book for review from Hachette Book Group

 

Morning Meanderings…BUSTED by the Snoring Husband

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)43 Comments

Good morning.  😀

Another lovely day here in Minnesota and no, I am not being sarcastic.  Currently 27 degrees I can not (WILL NOT) complain as yesterday at this time it was 9 degrees.  Looks like Saturday will much be the same and Brrr….. to the Polar Bear Plunge, but well… that’s days away.  😛

So…

my hubby snores.

Yup.  Al snores.  I don’t think it bothers me if I am already asleep but if I am just getting cozy….

I am not sleeping during the snore fest.


A couple of years ago I discovered that if I took a corner of his pillow and pulled just a wee bit that would cause him to roll over or readjust and the snoring would stop.  I was Queen of all those who snore and life went back to quiet nights and happy mornings…

Until two nights ago.

It started with the snores…

I did the pillow tweak.

A voice said, “Don’t pull on my pillow.”

Whaaaa…..?

“Don’t pull on my pillow.”

B U S T E D

For the first time since I started making happy sleep time for both of us with the “pillow tweak and sleep” I was discovered.  He did not want to hear about my successful run of two years (Gold medal worthy I am sure…) without him ever knowing the secret to my sleep success….

Oh well.  😳

Yesterday evening was Bookies book club at my home and between the delicious food (hello Gym membership!) and the fantastic discussion surrounding the book Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (review up tomorrow) it was a wonderful evening.

Oh course, right before Al went to bed he said,

“Don’t pull on my pillow.”

GAH!  I need a new tactic…… 😛