Bookish Deals (6)

Happy Saturday, everyone! Welcome to today's biweekly edition of Bookish Deals where I (Julia) try to scour the internet to find you guys an array of deals to fit in with any budget!





Soulless by Gail Carriger - $1.99
AZ | BN

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire - and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

This one is a book we love! Jessi has reviewed it (5 stars) and I personally have this marked as a 4/5 stars on Goodreads which is a big thing for me. It's the first in a series but can be read as a stand alone. 

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - $2.99
AZ | BN

Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters. The letters are all addressed to "My dear and unfortunate successor," and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history.

The letters provide links to one of the darkest powers that humanity has ever known - and to a centuries-long quest to find the source of that darkness and wipe it out. It is a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula. Now one young woman must decide whether to take up this quest herself - to follow her father in a hunt that nearly brought him to ruin years ago, when he was a vibrant young scholar and her mother was still alive.

What does the legend of Vlad the Impaler have to do with the modern world? Is it possible that the Dracula of myth truly existed - and that he has lived on, century after century, pursuing his own unknowable ends? The answer to these questions cross time and borders, as first the father and then the daughter search for clues, from dusty Ivy League libraries to Istanbul, Budapest, and the depths of Eastern Europe. In city after city, in monasteries and archives, in letters and in secret conversations, the horrible truth emerges about Vlad the Impaler's dark reign - and about a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive down through the ages.

Parsing obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions - and evading the unknown adversaries who will go to any lengths to conceal and protect Vlad's ancient powers - one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil.

This is another one we've reviewed. Kelly gave it a 3.5 stars. Personally, I couldn't get through the book because of the jumping from past to present. It was like jumping books almost. So your mileage may vary. 



The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker - $1.99
AZ

In this empowering book, Gavin de Becker, the man Oprah Winfrey calls the US's leading expert on violent behaviour, shows you how to spot even subtle signs of danger - before it's too late. Shattering the myth that most violent acts are unpredictable, de Becker, whose clients include top Hollywood stars and government agencies, offers specific ways to protect yourself and those you love, including: how to act when approached by a stranger; when you should fear someone close to you; what to do if you are being stalked; how to uncover the source of anonymous threats or phone calls; the biggest mistake you can make with a threatening person; and more. Learn to spot the danger signals others miss. It might just save your life.

I read Gift of Fear a few years ago and I thought it was a really interesting book. I should probably read it again because it is really hard to trust your instincts sometimes, but usually they serve us well. Deal only at Amazon. 

Seasonal Reading Habits

Fall brings pretty leaves!

Here in New England the cooler fall temperatures have arrived. Sadly, the days of open windows and warm days are gone until spring.  For me, the colder it is outside the more time I spend inside reading (or catching up on TV shows).  What can I say, I hate the cold weather.  When there's snow on the ground I only leave the house when I absolutely have to.  Winter is definitely when I make the biggest dent in my TBR list.  Curled up with a hot beverage, lounging in sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt and getting lost in a story.  Sounds pretty good to me.



Sometimes the snow can be pretty!

During the warm summer months my reading tends to taper off a bit. I try to savor the warm weather because it never feels like it sticks around long enough.  I know a lot of people read while at the beach or sitting poolside but I get distracted too easily and can never concentrate on my book for long!

 What season do you typically find yourself reading the most?



In Which Julia Tries to Move Her Library

The dreaded moving time has come for me, dear readers. Why is it dreaded? Well, I am quite in love with getting my own place. Decorating for Christmas? Already planning it. But the question that ever haunted my dreams...

How do you move hundred of books to a new house?

Seriously. Books weigh more than anything put together. I am pretty sure even furniture weighs less than a box of books (weight distribution I would think would make it feel lighter). Anyway, I have an extensive library and I went through the ringer trying to get it to my townhouse.

My Attempts
I ruled out boxes, because those get heavy fast. I thought about randomly mixing them in with other things I had to pack, but there is just too many. How about taking over a little at a time? A daunting task. So what did I do?


The Solution

I put them in a suitcase! I shoved them in two rows deep vertically so that when the suitcase was standing up nothing would move. Luckily I have a lot of the same sized books. After that I put a flat row on top (what you can see) and put the snappy things on it.

This thing weighed a TON! I pushed it around mostly, but when we had to get it up stairs it took two of us.

The ones that didn't fit were taken in another smaller rollable case seen above, and the rest are either a)still at my parents house or b)in random boxes. Good times.

The good news is that my eBook library is considerably easier to move than my real library.

Step 1: Place in purse
Step 2: DONE!

Well, dear readers, how have you solved the moving crisis? Did you give away your books? Discuss!!

Paula gets to go see The Unchained Tour

Hey All! So I'm actually pretty behind writing this post. I saw the Unchained Tour last month and I'm only now getting a chance to properly assess just how awesome it was.

I will admit- I had never heard of the Unchained Tour before last month. One evening I was getting ready for bed and my friend texted me something along the lines of "OH MY GOD NEIL GAIMAN IS GOING TO BE IN _(city close to me)_ NEXT WEEK!" and I replied with something along the lines of "ARE YOU #)49#*0293 KIDDING ME" So I quickly researched what it was all about and discovered something awesome. The Unchained Tour is promoting getting back to story telling roots, keeping close to small communities, and remembering to enjoy the moment you are in.

It went a little something like this. There were 5 or 6 "raconteurs" during the evening who got up on stage and shared a story about themselves. Some were heartbreaking, some were funny, most were both. The tickets were sold by local bookstores, the posters were made by local printshops, and it was held in a small theater (there was seriously no such thing as a bad seat there). They also kindly asked that no pictures or recordings were taken. Not for any official reasons like "no recording can be sold!" but more the idea being that we all need take a moment to put away our phones. We need to stop "being connected" and start actually connecting with those right next to us.

Anywayyyy- The show was amazing all throughout. It reminded me a lot of going to see a live performance of This American Life. The first half was filled with multiple stories and music and audience participation. Then after an intermission, the lead raconteur introduced Neil Gaiman. I rather enjoyed his introduction too... it went a little something like "So you all know who is up next, and I just need you all to calm down for a second. He is no cooler than you guys. Yes he's done some stuff. BUT GUESS WHAT SO HAVE YOU." Which I really enjoyed both for the understatement of it all, and that it reminded the whole audience that everyone there was pretty awesome. And honestly, I wasn't really able to calm down - there were definitely tears of joy on my face when he walked out on stage.... Ooops.

Neil told the story of how he knew he wanted to be a writer. It was a long story that involved him telling a dirty joke when he was in elementary school when he didn't understand the full meaning behind it. It lead to him almost getting expelled and his mother crying. And the story ended in him shouting the effbomb in the auditorium repeatedly. The moral of the story being he knew he wanted to be a writer once he had discovered the power that words had over others. It was wonderful (which is an understatement).

Because it wasn't a reading in the traditional sense he didn't come out and sign books, because it wasn't all about him that evening. But honestly, it didn't matter to me- I think a book signing would have defeated the purpose of The Unchained Tour because it really was all about connecting as individuals rather than fangirling over a famous writer. All in all it was a perfect evening. If you all ever have a chance to see it (or anything similar to it) I highly recommend going.

Hope all is well!

Book tour: "Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow," a novel of Marie Antoinette

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey

Reviewed as a part of Historical Fiction Book Tours

Twitter event hashtag: #DaysofSplendorVirtualTour

In August of last year, I was able to review an absolutely wonderful book about an intriguing historical figure in Becoming Marie Antoinette (read the review here). Today, I get to continue the story with its sequel, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow!

We left off in Becoming Marie Antoinette with Marie and Louis just ascending to the French throne as young, inexperienced teenagers. The book ended with hopes of a glorious future for the young couple, as well as the entire country. The second book picks up right where we left off, and Marie is relishing in her new role as Queen. She throws parties that last for days at a time with no rest, never wears the same outfit twice, designs elaborate wigs, and gambles thousands and thousands of dollars at a time. However, in time, she is forced to grow up with the threat of civil unrest and war looming. I loved how the American Revolution and the things Benjamin Franklin said gave an eerie light to the future of France. The irony is pointed out that France assisted a bunch of peasants in overthrowing their own monarchy, when the same thing would happen to them in a few years time.

The few hinderances I had with the book are forgiveable, or they just may be simply me. I found the first part of the book, where Marie is still very young (in her late teens/early twenties), to be quite slow. She was just a naive, frivolous girl, and it was a bit dull to read about her constant partying and gambling. Once she became a mother, settled down some, and we first feel the rumbles of the Revolution, I become MUCH more interested. Also, I wasn't sold on Count Axel von Fersen. I still don't know why he was so alluring to Marie, except for his complete adoration of her and kind  personality....but two books into the trilogy, and I still feel that we don't really know who he is. Another problem I had may just be ignorance on my part, but I kept getting all of Marie's maids, sister-in-laws, and close friends mixed up because their names were all so, well, French. So many Maries, Thereses, and Mademoiselles! 

I really liked the way Louis was portrayed. We get a much deeper, mature, and tragic view of him than what we saw previously in Becoming Marie Antoinette. The descriptions of clothes, palaces, and food are all simply divine! Juliet Grey did a wonderful job in ending the book on a note where we know everything is about to change for the royal family and the country, but we are still left with a slight glimmer of hope. I can't WAIT to read the final installment of the trilogy, The Last October Sky, where, as we all know, everything will end. 4 stars!

Top Ten Tuesday Rewind With Jamie!!

 For the future TTT schedule, go here!

 I decided to go with Top Ten Favorite Books I've Read Since I Started Blogging

 

When I first started blogging at the end of June 2010 I wasn't much of a YA reader. Mostly because I thought YA books = only teens should read them. Slowly but surely I learned that this was not true and I've been trying to catch up on all the great YA books out there -- a task that is truly daunting and never ending but AWESOME. Here's a few of the books that have been my favorites (read: I probably recommend and push on people ALL THE TIME) since I've started blogging!



I cheated a little bit but that's to be expected, yes?

1. If I Stay/Where She Went by Gayle Forman: Both of these books elicited ALL OF THE EMOTIONS from me for different reasons. Mia & Adam are just two really fabulous characters you'll care about immensely. (my review of If I Stay & Where She Went)

2. Anna and the French Kiss & Lola & The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: I will read ANYTHING Stephanie Perkins puts out. She writes the kind of fun contemporary YA I love! I'm so happy Steph from Steph Su Reads MADE me read Anna and the French Kiss despite how wary I was of it because of the cover. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I will be a Stephanie Perkins card carrying fangirl for LIFE. (my review of Anna and the French Kiss & Lola and the Boy Next Door)

3. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins: I read The Hunger Games very early in my blogging life. The first week actually. I had seen the series on Goodreads for so long and bought THG but then once I saw how crazy the blogging world was about these books I just HAD to start it. Thoroughly enjoyed and devoured! (my review of The Hunger Games & Catching Fire/Mockingjay)

4. Under The Never Sky/Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi:This dystopian series was a surprise to me! I didn't expect it to love it as much as I did. Under the Never Sky started out slow for me but soon picked up and LOVED it. Through The Ever Night just solidified it. Cannot WAIT until the next installment. Such a good dystopian read! (my review of Under The Never Sky)

5. Paper Towns & Looking For Alaska by John Green: JOHN. GREEN. How did I live without reading his books for all my life? Next up is The Fault In Our Stars. They are just the kind of smart, quirky reads I love! (my review of Paper Towns & Looking For Alaska)

6. Sloppy Firsts & Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty:Jessica Darling! One of my top characters of all times! I just love how hilarious these books are and how REAL they are. They just seem to ring true to my teen experience. All of the angst. All of the FEEELINGS. Very authentic. Fun to reminisce. I still need to FINISH THIS GLORIOUS SERIES. (my review of Sloppy Firsts & Second Helpings)

7. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard: You know I have this insatiable travel bug so naturally this novel appealed to me but I didn't realize how much I'd really LOVE this one! (my review of Wanderlove)

8. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson: Beautifully,beautifully written! Such a touching story. I felt all the feelings. (my review of The Sky is Everywhere)

9. Between Shades Of Gray by Ruta Sepytus: If you love historical fiction, I HIGHLY recommend this. Even if you aren't a YA reader. I listened to this on audio and sobbed on a mini road trip. Wow. Just wow. (My review of Between Shades Of Gray)

10. The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandunna: This was a more recent read for me -- a new release! I read this in the span of a whole car ride (in which I miraculously got over my car sickness) and just LOVED it. It had lots of feelings but subtly so! ( my review of The Lost Girl)

Honorable Mentions: Wither/Fever by Lauren DeStefano, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Movies you might not have known were books, part 2: Children's edition

Everyone seemed to enjoy my last post on movies you didn't know were books, so I thought I'd do another one. This time, I'm focusing on the children's movies. Some of these you might have known about, but I know one in particular blew my mind when I found out it was a book first. That book is

1. Mrs. Doubtfire based on Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine

Who knew Mrs. Doubtfire was a book, and by Anne Fine no less? When I saw this at the library I work at, I was floored.

2. Shrek, based on Shrek! by William Steig

The book is pretty different from the movie, I have to say, but I still love William Steig. I'm pretty sure the only similarity is that it's about an ogre named Shrek who goes to look for a wife. Though the ending isn't as happily-ever-after as DreamWorks decided it should be. Still, I like both.

3. The Great Mouse Detective, based on Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus

Who remembers this movie? Ah, the good old days. I kind of feel like I have to read this book now. Look at the delightful cover!

4. Jumanji, based on Jumanji by Chris van Allsburg

This one is probably much better known as a Newbery-award winning book, but some people still might not know. Again, the book is pretty different (alas, no Robin Williams character, who I just realized is making a few appearances on this post's list), but both are very enjoyable.

5. Fly Away Home, based on Father Goose: One Man, a Gaggle of Geese, and Their Real Life Incredible Journey South by Bill Lishman

I guess they figured no kid would want to see a movie about a guy who wanted to see what would happen if he tried to lead some Canada geese south, so they threw in Anna Paquin and made the geese orphans. Check out Lishman's Wikipedia article here, which kind of explains what he was trying to do.

6. Homeward Bound, based on The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Okay, okay, I know most everyone knows this is a book, but I figured I'd throw it on there for the hell of it. This movie has a pretty great soundtrack, by the way. Oh hey, one cool thing I just noticed in writing this post is the family that owns the pets are called the Burnfords, which is the name of the author. Also, look—it was a Disney movie in 1963 too.

There you have it, folks. Any that I missed? I love having my mind blown by stuff like this, so don't hold back.