Frankly, I was pretty disappointed in this book; however, I have not read the original 39 Clues series (I’ve since read the first). I thought this was it, but after a few pages it became obvious I had missed something. There were lots of references to prior adventures and a search for the ingredients of […]
The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, book one), by Rick Riordan, 2008, Book Review
I enjoyed this story. I can’t say I loved it, and part of that reason may be because I listened to it on CD with my boys over a two-week period instead of reading it alone in a couple of days. But it also left me feeling a little gypped. Titles from today’s commercial fiction […]
The Hunger Games Movie
I saw the Hunger Games movie last night, and I have to admit I was pretty impressed. It was a very faithful rendering of the book. I only noticed minor changes that had very little effect on the total outcome. I was especially impressed with Josh Hutcherson’s portrayal of Peeta, and I thought Jennifer Lawrence […]
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865, Book Review
I have never much cared for Alice in Wonderland. Before today, I had never read the book, only seen parts of the Disney movie. But since Alice features in the book I am currently writing, I had to take the plunge. And I found that I still don’t care for Alice. Before the Victorian era, […]
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, by D. Robert Pease, 2011, Book Review
One thousand plus years into the future of our solar system, Earth has been destroyed. People now live on Mars and Venus, fly around in the coolest space ships, and utilize amazing technology (like holopads, personal flying thermsuits, chef-bots that speak with French accents, and neuro implants). They’ve even perfected time travel. But, unfortunately, all […]
The Squeaky Award
To show my appreciation for excellent and squeaky clean children’s literature, I’ve designed my own blog award to bestow on those books I happen to find extra special. To qualify for the Squeaky Award, a book needs to meet the following criteria: 1. I have to really, really like the story, because, well, you know, this […]
Indie Endeavors, Part 10: Marketing – Building a Platform
This is my last post in this series! But I’ve decided to make Indie Publishing a category on my blog and add to it often. If you missed any posts in this original series, here are all the others… Part 1: My Eight-Year Journey Part 2: Tradtional vs. Self-Publishing Part 3: A Word About Editing […]
Socks, by Beverly Cleary, 1973, Book Review
Socks is written in true Beverly Cleary style. The cat for whom the book is named was the Bricker’s only pet, pampered, loved and a little spoiled. But his mistress’ comfortable lap began to shrink, and then one day Mr. and Mrs. Bricker brought home a new pet. One that wailed and smelled funny and stole […]
The Black Cauldron (Chronicles of Prydain, 2) by Lloyd Alexander, 1965
The wonderful group of companions that overcame danger and evil in book one of the Chronicles of Prydain return for a second bold adventure in The Black Cauldron. This time, Taran is called away by Prince Gwydion on a quest to seize the cauldron that belongs to the evil Lord Arawn. Within this vessel the […]
Indie Endeavors, Part 9: Blurbs
Next week my how-to series will wrap up! But I’ve decided to make Indie Publishing a category on my blog. I’ll add to it often. In the meantime, check out all my posts in this series… Part 1: My Eight-Year Journey Part 2: Tradtional vs. Self-Publishing Part 3: A Word About Editing Part 4: Cover […]