E-Books Lined Up And Ready To Read

I've got quite a few e-books to read, so I thought I'd list what's up for me the next few weeks:

And after these, I have quite a few ARCs in book form to also read and review.  I'm a busy girl!  Have a great week reading.  I'll be posting reviews as I finish the books.  I am reading Home to Woefield right now, and I love it!  It's hilarious.  




I haven't figured out how to get all my pictures looking neat and tidy, so bear with me.  

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E-Books Lined Up And Ready To Read

This Week is E-Galley Week & Sad Bookstore News

I found a fabulous website called netgalley.com that lets you request ARCs from publishers that are in ebook format.  Then you download them to your ereader, and you have 60 days to read them.  Publishers request that you review them and mention netgalley in your review.  


I have six (!) e-galley books on my NOOKColor, thanks to netgalley.com.  I am so excited to have another way to read upcoming titles that interest me, and they are free.  I am a happy happy girl.  I'll be working my way through these e-galleys this week and probably the next week, too.  So watch for reviews on them.  I also have ARCS in good 'ol book format waiting for me to pick them up, too.  I really have no need at all to buy a book for quite some time.  The rest of February is dedicated to enjoying all of these books.  Then I'll get back to the books  I've got stacked around my living room.  Seriously, I managed to get them all on the  shelves a few months ago, and now I have more stacks on the floor.  


In sad news, Borders Books is probably filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy soon.  I work at Barnes and Noble, and Borders has been our competition long before Amazon came along.  But I am very sad when any bookstore closes.  It means that many more people either aren't reading, or won't read.  From what little I know, it seems like Borders fell prey to some ill timing and too many switches in management.  I am blessed to be working for a company that has looked forward into the world of books and made steps to stay active and remain a crucial  part of bookselling.  There really is nothing like stepping into a bookstore, whether it's an independent, used, or superstore.  It's still a store dedicated to the love of books, and is staffed by people who are there because they love books.  It's that simple.  Clicking a mouse and buying on the internet does not have the same feeling and will never replace a bookstore.  Yes, it is convenient, but I've always felt a trip to the bookstore was a special treat.  We must support our local businesses, even if they are a national company.  They employ local workers, who spend their money in the community.  Without them, our communities suffer.   


Now, you may wonder, why am I getting free books?  Well, it makes me a better bookseller.  I simply cannot buy every book I want, even with a generous employee discount.  Customers expect us to know about every book that's out, every book that's coming out, and to have a PhD in every subject known to man.  I cannot do that, but I can read as much as possible, and have many suggestions for people.  I can share books I love, and be happy when people return telling me how much they enjoyed a book I suggested.  I still spend the majority of my money after bills and food on books.  They will always be something that I will spend my money on, and without a bit of guilt.  


So remember to support your local bookstores, wherever they are.  

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This Week is E-Galley Week & Sad Bookstore News

Repost: A Discovery of Witches: Read It!

I read an ARC of this book way back in November, and I've been babbling on about it since.  Yesterday, it finally went on sale at bookstores across the US.  I'm reposting my review from November to remind you to read it!




Here's my review from BarnesandNoble.com.  I can't wait for this to be released  in February, so I can tell everyone about it!  Go to Deborah's website for more information on  Discovery of Witches.




Posted 11/23/10: This book is just flat out awesome. Sometimes when you pick up a book, within the first few pages you know you're holding something special in your hands. This is one of those books. It is unlike any paranormal novel I've ever read. It's a smart, sophisticated tale of Diana Bishop, the last in a long line of powerful Bishop witches, and Matthew Clairmont, a vampire who has lived 1500 years. It takes place in Oxford, England. Diana is an American professor who's in Oxford researching ancient alchemy books when she calls up Ashmole 782, a manuscript that possibly holds the secrets to the origins of four species: humans, daemons, vampires, and witches. Diana's magical abilities unlock the spell keeping Ashmole 782 from all of those who desperately want it. She quickly sends it away, and the race is on between witches, daemons, and vampires to control Diana and find the manuscript again. Matthew is also after the manuscript, but his growing feelings for Diana soon begin to eclipse his need for the ancient manuscript. And he is the only one who can protect Diana. This book is written for an adult audience--wine, alchemy, genetics, and the world of the supernatural all combine to put you on the edge of your seat. The novel is long--almost 600 pages, but the story flows along quite nicely, building into an incredible ending. Can Diana tap into her powerful magical abilities in time to save herself and Matthew? Can a vampire and witch break an ancient taboo and be together? Will Ashmole 782 give the answers everyone has been waiting centuries to find? You must grab this, sit down, and begin reading this immediately when it comes out in February 2011. It is amazing! And, best of all, it's the first in a trilogy.






Here's a review from NPR.  I have to say, I didn't find Diana quite as annoying as this review did, but I agree wholeheartedly on the rest of it:

The Surprising Charms Of 'A Discovery Of Witches'

February 9, 2011 Share

View and comment on NPR.org

"Not enough cackling." That's what I tweeted about 25 pages into A Discovery of Witches, the fantasy romance that became the number one bestseller in hardcover fiction yesterday before it was even officially released, thanks to terrific buzz and humongous presales. Not only did the cackle shortage suggest a certain humorlessness, but something about A Discovery of Witches seemed contrived. Even cynical. For Pete's sake, it's a book about a witch who falls in love with a vampire ... while uncovering radical secrets that a small, conservative cabal is determined to protect. What, other than cynicism, could draw such a book out of a respected academic who studies the history of science and medicine? I darkly suspected author Deborah Harkness of just following through on the dinner-party game of ginning up ideas for zeitgeist-button pushing bestsellers. "Let's see ... a unicorn in a Depression-era traveling circus run by a vampire!" "Oooh, how about a vampire who's chased by members of a secret Catholic cult through Italy, India and Bali, learning valuable life lessons along the way?" "Nooo, a politically incorrect vampire who was horribly abused as a child rescues a lovable vegan Labrador from Swedish Nazi sympathizers!") This book seemed like that. That the witch and vampire are really into doing yoga? Did not help. A Discovery Of Witches is certainly annoying at the beginning. "What got me away from Madison was my intellect," heroine Diana Bishop smugly pronounces. Her amazing intellect is aided by "a prodigious, photographic memory." That's not all she has going for her, either: Bishop is a Yale professor spending a year at Oxford. She's described as an "extraordinary" actress and a disciplined athlete, and she's constantly rowing or jogging. You sort of want to kick her. But against all odds, A Discovery of Witches becomes increasingly charming as it goes along. There's a fine story here, centered on Bishop's discovery of a manuscript that promises to unleash all sorts of magical mayhem. Harkness tucks in bright plot twists and details based on her studies of the history of science and of really, really good wine. It's a shrewdly written romp and a satisfying snow-day read for those of us who heartily enjoyed the likes of Anne Rice and Marion Zimmer Bradley. By the book's rousing end, I didn't even miss the cackling. In fact, I was impatient for the sequel. Copyright 2011 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

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Repost: A Discovery of Witches: Read It!

Random Reads Monday

I had a hard choice to make this morning:  pick a book off the shelves for my Random Read this week, or stick to the two I'm already reading this week.  Three in one week is a bit ambitious for me.  But, what the heck, I'll give it a shot!


So with that much reading for this week, I picked a young reader book that looks like a lot of fun:  

This is the paperback cover of The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester.  I like the cover art for the hardcover version instead:

Anyway, I can see the publisher wanted to make it appeal visually to kids, so they changed the cover.  It happens.  This is about Piper, who comes from a very conservative family, and discovers she can fly.  This will just not do, so she's sent away to a special school which may have nefarious designs on Piper and the other talented kids she meets there.


Have a great reading week!  

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Random Reads Monday

The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

If you've never heard of Kate Mosse, I'm here to tell you to read her!  Labyrinth, her first novel, knocked me over, it was so fantastic.  Historical fiction at it's absolute best.  I was ready to pack my bags and journey to France pronto.  It has since, and will always, remain one of my favorite  reads.  Ever.  Do yourself a favor and find a copy. 

Here's her latest book.  It was published in England a while ago, but has finally made it over to the U.S.  It also takes place in France.  This is my quickie review from Goodreads:

A story about a young man, Freddie, who is lost in the grief of losing his brother George during World War 1. His search for peace leads him to a small village in France, where, on a cold winter's night, he meets Fabrissa. Is she real? A ghost? How will she help him overcome his grief? 

This is a great tale. I love Kate Mosse and her use of actual historical events during the Middle Ages in France. What happened then still haunts the people, villages, and mountains. It's a quick read, but very thoughtful. 

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The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Here's my review from Goodreads:



Major Pettigrew is a 68 year old widower who lives in the same village he grew up in, and in the same cottage he shared with his wife.  He's at a bit of a crossroads when his younger brother dies, and he starts to reexamine his life and realizes he is lonely, bored, and a bit frustrated at the world and it's lack of manners.  He meets Mrs. Ali, the local shopkeeper, who stirs in Major Pettigrew an interest in finding love again.

This is a very sweet book, and Major Pettigrew is a stitch.  The slow romance between him and Mrs. Ali is the major thread through this novel, as each struggles against village gossip and their  ignorance of Mrs. Ali's Pakistan background, and family that wants to interfere.  A perfect book for Mom, Grandma, and anyone who loves reading about small English villages and the characters that inhabit them.  

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Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

My Reading Friends

I am thrilled my blogging friends are reading.  I know everyone has busy lives; kids, work, and all the stuff  that makes life a bit hectic.  Yet they still have time to sit down, relax, and open a book.  I am lucky--I can sit down and read pretty much whenever I want.  I don't have to worry about a husband, or kids.  If the house is messy--oh well.  I'll get to it later.  The only thing that gets me on the exercise bike at the gym is knowing I can read for 30 minutes while I pedal.  


So while checking out my blogging friends this morning, two talked about books.  Bravo, C-Joy for coming on the 100 book journey with me! She's a full time teacher, a mom and wife, and someone who loves to craft and cook.  We've had many a bottle of wine along with bread and cheese, and share a similar taste in books.  I know I can suggest titles to her, and her to me.  And, she's got a Nookcolor, so we have another way to read!  And guess what?  We met on the first day of work in our  bookstore, and have been friends from that first day over 16 years ago.  So books are definitely a big part of our lives.


My friend Diane Denmark is another very busy, very organized lady who also likes to read.  I know C-Joy has recommended books to her, too.  In between decluttering her home, planning menus, and having a lot of fun with her girlfriends running and enjoying life, she likes to read, too.  Yeah!  Check out her blog.  She's great fun and has a wonderful sense of humor.


And for everyone else who follows this blog, thank you!  It's always so much fun to hear what everyone is reading, what they thought, and what we can suggest to each other for the next reading experience.   Hop on board the Reading Challenge train!  You don't have to read 100 books; just make reading a focus for your year.  You'll be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

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My Reading Friends