Book Candy: Literary Real Estate

Book Candy: Literary Real Estate

WWW Wednesdays - August 10, 2011

Should Be Reading

What are you currently reading?

I am reading three books right now:

Huber Hill and the Deadman's Treasure by B.K. Bostick

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

What did you recently finish reading?

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

What do you think you will read next?

Next up is Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer.  Review to be posted by month's end.  Check out my contest link Only Time Will Tell Giveaway.  Hurry to enter.  Contest ends August 15!!

True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

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Have you entered for your chance to win a copy of Reflections of a Successful Wallflower?  Hurry over for your chance to win.  Contest ends August 21st!! 

Please leave a comment with a link to your WWW post so I can return the visit.  

Have a great day!

Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author:  J.K. Rowling
Publisher:  Raincoast Books
Copyright:  1999
Pages:  317
Genre:  Children's/Action/Adventure/ Fantasy
ISBN 1-55192-246-0

(from the back cover) "Harry Potter is a wizard!  Along with Ron and Hermione, his best friends, he is in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Who knows what will happen this year?  Read on to find out and immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts......"

Witty and complex, the author, J.K. Rowling doesn't fail to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who read the tales of Harry Potter!  This particular novel is my favourite of the series.  Let me tell you why:

The story of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban begins during summer break at home at number 4 Privet Drive and, of course, summer holidays are rarely without incident.  This summer results in a nasty inflated floating aunt and Harry with trunk in tow leaving the house in a huff.  Thus enters the large black dog in the shadows and the knight bus!  Later we learn of the Grim, a terrible omen in the shape of ... a large black dog.  In this novel we are introduced to Professor Lupin, the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry and his friends have ever known and he comes with a huge secret of his own.

Sirius Black makes his debut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban but is he good or evil?  He has escaped from Azkaban and all are concerned he is out to kill Harry!  Thus we are introduced to the Dementors who are the guards at Azkaban.  Awful soul sucking creatures who diminish every sense of happiness, these Dementors are now guarding Hogwarts School of Witchcraft of Wizardry.  

J.K. Rowling manages to roll so much depth, action, and adventure into each novel in the Harry Potter series.  Her gift to the reader is the ability to transport us beyond our world into the world of magic that doesn't seem so far-fetched because the characters are believable and the challenges of everyday are common to most children and we, as adult readers too, remember those trials of friendship, teachers, school, family dynamics and find in Harry Potter much we can relate to.  It is a happy escape where good triumphs evil and we are mesmerized as only the best story-teller can do.

Time turning, Hippogriffs, Dementors, Sirius Black, danger, and a traitor; what more can you ask for?  All of this and more make Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban one of the most exciting, on the edge of your seat reads in the entire series!  

Rated 5/5!  

I am participating in the Harry Potter Read Along at Giraffe Days!  You may find more here.

Teaser Tuesdays 9/08/11

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Should Be Reading.  Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"According to Stephanie Aaron, Tom was okay, but he didn't look it.  He looked pale, shaken, fragile.  Alice had imagined that a negative result for any of them would be a relief, clean and simple. But they were a family, yoked by history and DNA and love." ~ page 109, Still Alice by Lisa Genova

"Hey wait!  'Fore we.." but before Scott could finish his sentence, their lips touched.  A floating sensation washed over both of them. Surprised at her own forwardness, Hannah relished the moment.  Her first kiss.  She couldn't imagine any better setting." ~ page 119, Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure by B.K. Bostick

"It was one of the rare occasions when Miss Potts left the office before me, and I was just locking the top drawer of my desk before going home, when I heard the footsteps running up the stairs.  It could only be one man.

I looked up, and the man I'd hoped never to see again was standing in the doorway, pent-up fury blazing in his eyes." 

~ page 159, Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer.

Have you entered the contest to win a copy of this book?  If not, click here to enter!

Now that your appetite is whetted, and your mind teased by these three novels, I hope you will share in your comments a link to your Teasers so I can return the visit.  Happy Reading!

Winner!!

The winner of the Badass Business Women:  the Manifesto is Sidne, from the Reading Rendezvous.  She has responded and will shortly receive her copy of the book.  Congratulations!!

In My Mailbox (Just Received) August 8, 2011

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is a weekly meme for us bookaholics to share our recent treasures, whether received by mail, borrowed or purchased; and to drool over others.  Do you have your wish lists handy?

This week in my mailbox I got some exciting books!!!  I can hardly wait to immerse my nose in these!

How Can You Not Laugh at a Time Like This?

by Carla Ulbrich

(complimentary copy provided by the author and Bostick Communications)

"...As Ulbrich spins her tale (and shares some songs), she lampoons common fears and prejudices about illness and lovingly lambastes the foibles of the medical industry. She offers heartfelt and humorous advice for navigating mainstream and alternative therapies, and she guides partners, families, and friends who wish to help their loved ones. Her candid insights, wisecracking commentary, handy lists, hilarious song lyrics, and gentle camaraderie will put a smile on the face of anyone who wants to face illness with courage and humour...." (from the author)

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Huber Hill and the Deadman's Treasure (ARC)

by B.K. Bostick

(I am participating in a blog tour for Huber Hill and the Deadman's Treasure.  Watch for the review August 18.  I received this book from Cedar Fort Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)

"Huber Hill wishes he could exchange lives with somebody--anybody!  he endures each day of junior high, tormented by his long-time adversary, Scott McCormick.  And at home, his parents bicker endlessly.  His only escape from all the madness is Grandpa Nick.

But tragedy strikes when Grandpa Nick dies, and Huber is left devastated...until he opens a mysterious box left behind just for him.  An old gold coin and directions to a hidden Spanish treasure send him off on a mind-blowing adventure, but he's not the only one on the hunt.  Filled with dangerous animals, cryptic puzzles, and long-dead Spanish corpses, this book will enthral you to the last page." (from the back cover)

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I am so excited to read this!!!!  I saw the movie first, loved it, now I finally get to read

  I Am Number Four!!

I Am Number Four

by Pittacus Lore

(I won this hardcover copy at fReado)

"WE may be walking past you right now,

WE are watching as you read this.

WE may be in your city, your town.

WE are living anonymously.

WE are waiting for the day when

WE will find each other.

WE will make our last stand together - if

We win,

We are saved, and

YOU are saved as well.

IF WE LOSE, ALL IS LOST.

(from the back cover)

(ooh, isn't that an exciting intro?)

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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

(I requested a copy on the author's site and was sent one by Random House Canada!!!!  I am so excited!)

"A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows."

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You Don't Sweat Much For a Fat Girl (ARC)

by Celia Rivenbark

(I received this ARC courtesy of Tanya Farrell of Wunderkind PR and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.)

"In her latest wickedly funny collection of essays award-winning humorist Celia Rivenbark tells it like it is...and how it should be.

With her trademark style of southern snark and sass, Celia channels her inner Betty Draper and shares her thoughts on everything from terrorists to Twitter to The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

So grab your Snuggle and pour a glass of your favourite boxed wine -- You Don't Sweat Much for a Fat Girl will make you laugh so hard you'll split your yoga pants."

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Coming Up for Air (ARC)

by Patti Callahan Henry

(I received this ARC from Tanya Farrell of Wunderkind PR and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review)

"In this breathtaking novel, one woman's search for truth after her mother's death brings her to a mysterious house on a bay--and face-to-face with an ex-boyfriend who opens a window onto her past...."

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Little Black Dress

by Susan McBride

(a copy was provided by the author and Harper Collins Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)

"Two sisters whose lives seemed forever intertwined are torn apart when a magical little black dress gives each one a glimpse of an unavoidable future."

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Abe's Lucky Day

by Jill Warren

(I received this book from the author in conjunction with Bostick Communications in return for an honest review.)

"Any day could be your lucky day.  

Abe is a homeless man who lives in the alley behind a bakery and winter is coming.  What will happen on his lucky day that could change his life forever?"

What's new in your mailbox?  What did you borrow or purchase?  Please share in the comments below with a link so I may return the visit.  I look forward to see what's circulating out there!  Perhaps add some titles to my ever growing wish list.  :) 

Have a terrific week everyone!

Theme Thursday: Location

Theme Thursdays is a fun weekly event, hosted by Reading Between Pages that will be open from one Thursday to the next. Anyone can participate in it. The rules are simple:

• A theme will be posted each week (on Thursdays)
• Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
• Mention the author and the title of the book along with your post
• It is important that the theme is conveyed in the sentence (you don’t necessarily need to have the word)
  Ex: If the theme is KISS; your sentence can have “They kissed so gently” or “Their lips touched each other” or “The smooch was so passionate”

 This week's theme is LOCATION

"At eight o'clock on Thursday evening, Harry left Gryffindor Tower for the History of Magic classroom.  It was dark and empty when he arrived, but he lit the lamps with his wand and had waited only five minutes when Professor Lupin turned up, carrying a large packing case, which he heaved onto Professor Binn's desk." ~ page 175, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 

This is a re-read for me as I participate in the Harry Potter Read Along hosted by Giraffe Days.  At this point in the story, Harry has recovered from being attacked by a Dementor on the Quidditch field and a big game is ahead, one that could finally bring championship for the Gryffindor team.  Concerned about another possible attack and the horrible effects Harry experiences when faced with a Dementor, Harry has sought the aid of Professor Lupin, teacher of Defence Against the Dark Arts, to teach him how to ward them off.  It is at this point in the story that Harry goes to the History of Magic classroom to learn from the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry has ever known.

"Usually Zee would abandon the boat at one of the public wharves that lined Salem's waterfront.  Often it was the one at the Willows, the first wharf you came to when you entered the harbor.  But when the cops started looking for her, she began to leave the  boats in other, less obvious places.  Sometimes she would jump someone else's mooring.  Or she would leave a boat in one of the slips at Derby Wharf, which made it easy to get away, since she lived so close." ~ page 2, The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

This situation provides some background into the character of Zee, the main character of the novel.  She was a teenager at the time and troubled.  Her mother had committed suicide after fighting for several years against bipolar disease, and Zee had watched her die.  With this troubled vision in her mind and an otherwise occupied and mostly absent father, Zee began to act out, pirating boats to sail to the island where her mother had a house.  This was Zee's destination.  Did it make her feel closer to her mother?  Did she discover secrets there?  Did Zee find peace there?  You have to read The Map of True Places to follow Zee's story as it moves beyond the teenage years to those of adulthood where she finds herself engaged, unhappy, seeking insight, and trying to come to terms with the status of her life.  A fascinating read.  I am on page 142/412 now.  

Location is essential in building the plot of any story.  It not only creates a place to be, to envision as you read, but it helps to set the tone of the novel.  


Please share your link to your answer for this week's Theme Thursday in a comment below or tell me in your comments if you don't have a blog.  I wait in anticipation.....What's your location? 

Anticipate This

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly event hosted  HERE.  This week's discussion is based on anticipation.

What’s the last book you were really EXCITED to read?  And, were you excited about it in advance? Or did the excitement bloom while you were reading it?  Are there any books you’re excited about right NOW?

The last book I was super excited to read, other than the amazing books in this coming IMM (wait til you see my IMM on Monday!), was Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda.  I received it as a birthday gift from a dear friend who wanted a copy for herself but settled for borrowing it from me when both I and my daughter had read it.  There had been so much blogger buzz about the book that when I opened the package I am sure the grin was assurance enough of a gift well selected!!  And, yes, the book surpassed all the hype!

Without giving away too much ahead of Monday's post, I am excited about several  new books I received both last week and this week so far.  It's just amazing!  Hint:  something about a little black dress, children in a special home, numbers, and relationships. 

PS  Shilpi Somaya Gowda participated in a Good Reads discussion today with her fans.  She is writing her second novel which she anticipates to be published in one year.   

Jeffrey Archer's New Release Contest -Contest Closed

Enter now for a chance to win his recently released novel
 ONLY TIME WILL TELL. 
 click here 

Two lucky winners will receive a copy direct from the publisher!  Enter now!  Open to US and Canada.  (my apologies to my international friends)


Enter by using the link in red above.  Only entries posted on the original posting, as indicated by the link, will be entered.  
Entrants must include an email address so I may contact the winner.


Contest now closed.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? August 1

August 1st.  Already?!!  Summer is just flying by, though it hasn't felt much like summer here in Edmonton.  It's been cool, only one day near 30 Celsius (that's 86 F) so far, and rainy.  But on the bright side, it's a new month, new reads ahead and the weather of June and July made for great reading time!  ;)

So, on to

hosted by Sheila at Book Journey

Last week was phenomenal with one contest ending, one current and another just starting!  I was approached by St. Martin's Press to host a giveaway of TWO copies of bestselling author Jeffrey Archer's new novel, Only Time Will Tell!!  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the giveaway post, including your email address.  That's it!  Simple right?  So go visit here to enter!  It's not necessary to enter, but if you follow my blog, you'll make me ever so happy!  :) Contest ends August 15th and the prizes will be mailed directly from the publisher!

Now for one of my favourite memoirs ever,  this exciting contest is for a wonderfully entertaining book, Reflections of a Successful Wallflower by Andrea Michaels.  Enter here.  All you have to do is follow by blog with GFC and leave your email in the comments.  Andrea will mail an autographed copy to the winner of this contest which runs until August 21, 2011.  (Sheila, I think you'll like this one!)

What I finished last week:

Last week I reviewed the following books and you may access the reviews by clicking on the titles:

Shut Up and Stay Married by Yisroel Roll. 

Buddy's Tail by K. Anne Russell.

Story of Moses by Jennifer Talbot Ross.

This week I am reading:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (for the Harry Potter Readalong hosted at Giraffe Days)

The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry.  I'm a little slow finishing this novel.  Not that it is boring, actually I am quite enjoying it, but it is somewhat lengthy at over 400 pages and Harry Potter stole my attention.  Sorry but, well, I'll be back to it soon.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova.  Lent to me by a wonderful friend, Ruth.  I am starting this one today!!  I've read so many incredible reviews about Still Alice that I simply can't wait!

What am I reading next?

Next, is True Believer by Nicholas Sparks for the Nicholas Sparks reading challenge. It lost out last week in the decision between it and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  It's turn is next.  Really....

It's your turn.  It's Monday, What Are You Reading?  

Please comment below with a link to your post and do be sure to enter the contests!