Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg

by Carol7 Comments
Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg I read this during the Read-a-Thon because I needed a Z title for the A-Z challenge. To be honest, I should have read it with Amber instead of on my own. I think I would have enjoyed it more that way. When I'm reading kids books aloud with her, I try to read it in an interesting way, which in turn makes it more exciting. Also, she's great about pointing out the details in the illustrations, that I usually rush right past. This is a sequel to Jumanji, but really covers little new ground. This time the game has a space theme, with robots and meteors and changes in gravity. The two brothers who play go from disliking each other to realizing they need to work together. At the end, thanks to some time travel, everything goes back to the way it was, but the brother has a different, more positive, attitude. I felt like it was...
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Teaser Tuesday

by Carol10 Comments
Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from...that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given. Please avoid spoilers! My teaser: "Stick with me," Trevor said, nodding firmly. "I've got lots to teach the three of you." -pg 14, ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes—Year 1 by Susan Helen Gottfried Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Play along. My copy was provided by the author for review....
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Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman

by Carol11 Comments
Flesh and Fire: Book One of The Vineart War by Laura Anne Gilman I may have mentioned before that I love "food fiction," stories that incorporate food or wine as a major part of the plot. Usually, those seem to be cozy mysteries or romances, which was why I was thrilled with the opportunity to review Flesh and Fire, a fantasy novel where magic and wine are intertwined. It sounded different, but definitely like something I would enjoy. In the Vin Lands, only Vinearts make wine. They grow the grapes, press them and create both vin ordinaire and spellwines, wines that heal, change weather, make fire, and so on. However, something evil is happening in the lands; out of season illnesses are destroying vines, giant sea monsters are killing sailors, and at least one Vineart has disappeared. Who or what is causing this? One Vineart, Malech, and his student/slave, Jerzy, are determined to find out. The world Gilman has created is fascinating. Each of...
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Winners!

by Carol5 Comments
Congratulations to the winners of Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish edited by Shana Liebman. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. jacque Debbie W. J.T. Oldfield from Bibliofreak Cassondra Jessica from Vent I'll be e-mailing all the winners. I just need your mailing addresses to pass on to the publisher. Update: One of my winners was lucky enough to win this book somewhere, so I have a new winner. Ryan from Wordsmithonia ...
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Game Night Wish – Masters Gallery

by Carol4 Comments
Today is an "I wish we had..." post. This just caught my eye while I was browsing on-line. It looks like a good game for our family, and a great way to introduce Amber to some beautiful artwork by the masters. Masters Gallery Designer: Reiner Knizia Manufacturer: FRED Distribution Year: 2009 Players: 2 - 5 Time: 20 - 30 minutes Ages: 8 and up The cards in this game feature 30 of the most beautiful pieces of art ever created by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Degas and Vermeer. Players use these cards to establish the relative value of each artist's body of work. Unique mechanics and ingenious design make the game play unpredictable, different and fun every time. Revel in the beauty of old masters art, while enjoying the intriguing game of Masters Gallery. (Funagain Games)...
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