Fiction book of the day: Goa

Goa by Kara Dalkey

This is the first book in a series called Blood of the Goddess. I've actually just started reading it but so far it is great. When I completely finish it I'll post my "official" review, aka how well I liked it when it was done.

Here's the description.

"Set in India in the 1500s, Goa is the first volume in a rich fantasy trilogy by the author of Eurayle. Thomas, a young English apothecary's apprentice, has been sent to collect rare herbs in Africa and India. During the his travels, he encounters an alchemist who has possession of a mysterious powder that can restore life to the dead." Description by goodreads.

                                                    

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Fiction book of the day: Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

You know the story. You've most likely seen the movie at least once (probably more).

However, I doubt you've read the book. There is something to reading a book, even after you have a movie memorized and could repeat it by heart. A book is always a little different, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. 

"Join the wonderful world of Oz. Here is the original book that started the wonderful series and inspired the famous movie, in which Dorothy Gale is whisked from Kansas to the magical land of Oz where--with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion--she sets off to find the illusive Wizard." Description by Goodreads.

                                        

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Nonfiction book of the day: On Writing

On Writing A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Everybody's heard of Stephen King. His novels either scared you silly, or the movies made from them, or you thought he was a lunatic and refused to read or watch anything to do with him. However, even if you don't like him you have to admit his writing skills are very good, especially to have gained so many avid readers. 

On Writing is his book geared towards writers. It is his advice on what to do, and not to do, and what he has done and what he wished he done.  Anyone out there who wants to be a writer, even if you don't want to write horror or even fiction, this is a book to read. It has information for anyone looking to write.

" "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." In 1999, Stephen King began to write about his craft -- and his life. By midyear, a widely reported accident jeopardized the survival of both. And in his months of recovery, the link between writing and living became more crucial than ever.
Rarely has a book on writing been so clear, so useful, and so revealing. "On Writing" begins with a mesmerizing account of King's childhood and his uncannily early focus on writing to tell a story. A series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, "Carrie, " will afford readers a fresh and often very funny perspective on the formation of a writer. King next turns to the basic tools of his trade -- how to sharpen and multiply them through use, and how the writer must always have them close at hand. He takes the reader through crucial aspects of the writer's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.
Serialized in the "New Yorker" to vivid acclaim, "On Writing" culminates with a profoundly moving account of how King's overwhelming need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life.
Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, "On Writing" will empower -- and entertain -- everyone who reads it." Description by Goodreads.

                                   

                                              

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Fiction book of the Day: Shabanu

Shabanu Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

This was a Newberry Honor Book, and an ALA best book for young adults.

"Life is both sweet and cruel to strong-willed young Shabanu, whose home is the windswept Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. The second daughter in a family with no sons, she’s been allowed freedoms forbidden to most Muslim girls. But when a tragic encounter with a wealthy and powerful landowner ruins the marriage plans of her older sister, Shabanu is called upon to sacrifice everything she’s dreamed of. Should she do what is necessary to uphold her family’s honor—or listen to the stirrings of her own heart?"  Description from Goodreads.

Read this book because it is about a girl in a different country, Pakistan. It was just as good as I hoped it would be. Not much I can tell you without giving you spoilers so if this sounds interesting to you, read it. :)

  

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Nonfiction Book of the Day: Dinosaurs

DK VISUAL Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs   Consultant Dougal Dixon

"With more than 1,000 full-color photographs, diagrams, charts, cutaway drawings, and detailed illustrations in each book, DK's Visual Encyclopedias cover everything you've ever wanted to know about animals, dinosaurs, and science." Description by Goodreads.

I got this a few years ago, mainly because I like dinosaurs and this looked like a good reference book. It was very useful in my classes when we were talking about prehistoric earth and the creatures that lived there. Don't let the title fool you, this book also has good pictures and information on other prehistoric creatures that lived during the ice age and other time periods. A good book for school, at home, or anyone interested in prehistoric creatures. 

                                          

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New setup- new schedule for this blog

Hi,

From now own, everyday, or most days I'm going to do 2 posts. One will be a nonfiction book or books of the day and the other will be fiction. I'll still do my genre posts probably once or twice a week.

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Hiking Backpacking Books 3 titles

Advanced Backpacking by Karen Berger  (A Trailside Series Guide)

I've read a handful of books about backpacking. This is one of the better ones. Advanced Backpacking has colorful photos throughout the book, and explains in detail about every topic you could think of about backpacking. The edition I have has a waterproof cover, but I'm not sure all editions are waterproof, so check if you get one.

"This book is for hikers who find themselves looking to see what's over the next ridge. It's for people who have wondered what it would be like to hike the Grand Canyon, backpack across cirques of alpine scree, live outdoors when the temperature plummets below zero, hike across foreign countries, or embark on the trip of a lifetime-a thru-hike of a 2,000 mile trail. Three sections make the information accessible and manageable. Part 1 covers the basics of expedition planning, including scheduling, route selection, and food and gear resupply. Part 2 examines the special gear and skills you need for a variety of situations, including rain, winter, high mountains, deserts, and foreign travel. Part 3 offers a wish-list of destinations with descriptions of hikes in every conceivable type of terrain and ecosystem, from saguaros to sequoias, from cactus to Krummholtz." Description comes from Goodreads.

                                           

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Anyone who has read Bill Bryson knows he has a way of bringing his happenings to life. He has his funny moments, but then his serious ones, too. What I liked most about this book was that it brought the attention to the reader of both the good and the bad about hiking the Appalachian Trail. 

" The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in)" Description comes from Goodreads.

                                           

The Backpacker's Bible Your Essential Guide to Round-The-World Travel by Suzanne King, Elaine Robertson

Another very good book on backpacking. This edition is not waterproof and I don't know of any that are, however this seems to go into more detail than Advanced Backpacking. So, it is a good addition to the reader's entourage at home. For the most part it uses terms the lay man can understand, only a couple times did I wonder what a word was. 

"Every year, thousands of people hit the backpacker trails for the adventure of a lifetime. Planning a trip is exciting—but it can be daunting, especially the first time. The Backpacker’s Bible will help you make your travels as hassle-free as possible. It’s packed with advice on everything you need to sort out before you set off, from planning your itinerary to packing your bags, organizing money to keeping in touch with home. There’s also useful information on working abroad, tips on how to be a good traveler, and valuable advice on staying safe and healthy. All this, plus an A-Z guide of contacts and climates for each country, hints on how to cope with coming home, and much, much more."

                                  

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Vampire Books 3 Titles

Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice

This is the first book of the The Vampire Chronicles series.

"Here are the confessions of a vampire. Hypnotic, shocking, and chillingly erotic, this is a novel of mesmerizing beauty and astonishing force—a story of danger and flight, of love and loss, of suspense and resolution, and of the extraordinary power of the senses. It is a novel only Anne Rice could write."  Description by Goodreads.

I like all of the Vampire Chronicles, and this is my favorite. It is the first and if you want to read the rest you have to read this first. If you have ever seen the movie, don't let it stop you from reading this.

Dracula In Love by Karen Essex

" From the shadowy banks of the river Thames to the wild and windswept Yorkshire coast, Dracula’s eternal muse, Mina Murray, vividly recounts the intimate details of what really transpired between her and the Count—the joys and terrors of a passionate affair that has linked them through the centuries, and her rebellion against her own frightening preternatural powers.
Mina’s version of this gothic vampire tale is a visceral journey into Victorian England’s dimly lit bedrooms, mist-filled cemeteries, and asylum chambers, revealing the dark secrets and mysteries locked within. Time falls away as she is swept into a mythical journey far beyond mortal comprehension, where she must finally make the decision she has been avoiding for almost a millennium. 
Bram Stoker’s classic novel offered one side of the story, in which Mina had no past and bore no responsibility for the unfolding events. Now, for the first time, the truth of Mina’s personal voyage, and of vampirism itself, is revealed. What this flesh and blood woman has to say is more sensual, more devious, and more enthralling than the Victorians could have expressed or perhaps even have imagined."  Description by Goodreads.

This is a nice version of Dracula, told through Mina's point of view. It shows many aspects of the story which aren't mentioned in the original, and many parts of the culture at that time are made more apparent. 

 

Companions of the Night by Vivian Van Velde

I read this book when I was in 7th grade and thought it would be a teenage romance novel, based on the title. What I got was a story about kidnapping, minor torture, car trips, and vampires. And a nut case who thinks he should destroy all of the vampire kind. An amazing book which I practically have memorized by now.

" When Kerry’s little brother forgets his stuffed bear at the laundry, Kerry ventures out at 11:00 p.m. to retrieve it for him. The laundry is deserted and kind of spooky, and while she’s there three men burst in, dragging a bound and bloodied young man they insist is a vampire. Kerry helps him escape, only to be caught up in a desperate game between vampire hunters and their prey." Description from Goodreads.

If you like vampire novels with some action, but not Bruce Willis crazy, and some romance but not Twilight than this is a good read.

 

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Classics 2 books

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
"The most popular pirate story ever written in English, featuring one of literature’s most beloved “bad guys,” Treasure Island has been happily devoured by several generations of boys—and girls—and grownups. Its unforgettable characters include: young Jim Hawkins, who finds himself owner of a map to Treasure Island, where the fabled pirate booty is buried; honest Captain Smollett, heroic Dr. Livesey, and the good-hearted but obtuse Squire Trelawney, who help Jim on his quest for the treasure; the frightening Blind Pew, double-dealing Israel Hands, and seemingly mad Ben Gunn, buccaneers of varying shades of menace; and, of course, garrulous, affable, ambiguous Long John Silver, who is one moment a friendly, laughing, one-legged sea-cook . . .and the next a dangerous pirate leader!
The unexpected and complex relationship that develops between Silver and Jim helps transform what seems at first to be a simple, rip-roaring adventure story into a deeply moving study of a boy’s growth into manhood, as he learns hard lessons about friendship, loyalty, courage and honor—and the uncertain meaning of good and evil."    Description from Goodreads.

I was required for school to read this in the fourth grade. I thought I'd hate it and called it a "boys" book. I was wrong. I enjoyed the book, and to this day it remains a classic that I think all children, and adults should read. If nothing else, it teaches the reader that people can change, and that there is more than meets the eye about things and people.

                                       

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
"In this harrowing tale of good and evil, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his secret, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde."  Description by Goodreads.

Everyone knows the story of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde but I don't know many people who have actually read the book. Of course you know who the characters are, and in general what happens, but do you know the story?   I read this as a simple summer read and it was very Robert Louis Stevensony (yes it is a word... in my dictionary)    He has a way of writing all his own, and all of his books have a feel you can't duplicate. 
                                         

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Fairy Tale Retellings 3 titles

Ok, first I should say that I LOVE retellings of fairy tales. There are many I like, and or love, and these are only three of them. I'll warn you, there will be more in the future.

Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
"Meet the Beast -- before there was Beauty Orasmyn is the prince of Persia and heir to the throne. His religion fills his heart and his mind, and he strives for the knowledge and leadership his father demonstrates. But on the day of the Feast of Sacrifices, Orasmyn makes a foolish choice that results in a fairy's wretched punishment: he is turned into a beast, a curse to be undone only by the love of a woman.
Thus begins Orasmyn's journey through the exotic Middle East and sensuous France as he struggles to learn the way of the beast, while also preserving the mind of the man. This is the story of his search, not only for a woman courageous enough to love him, but also for his own redemption."
Description from Goodreads.

I like this telling of Beauty and the Beast because as both the title and description make clear, it is about the beast. It is about him before He meets Her and falls in love. It also takes place in the middle east, which is a nice change of pace given most take place in England or France (which this does venture in).   I don't like giving spoilers, cause I figure the reader likes to find things out for herself. If you like fantasy, fairy tales this is a very good book.
                                                            

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
" All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep-a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her."     Description from Goodreads.
Ok, I read this book a couple years ago so I can't remember many of the details. I do remember that I liked it. I obviously didn't love it or I would be able to remember more about it. It is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and a good one. Like Beast, if you like the classical fairy tales this should be one you like.     
                                                                 






                                                      

Last but not least there is Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper
"On her sixteenth birthday, Beauty, daughter of Philip, Duke of Montfort, Westfaire and Ylles, sidesteps the sleeping curse placed upon her by her wicked aunt, the fairy Carabosse -- only to be kidnapped by voyeurs from another time and place, far from the picturesque castle in 14th century England. Captivating, uncompromising and unforgettable, Beauty will carve its own unique place in the hearts and minds of readers."
A definitely unique take on Sleeping Beauty.  I liked this one, mainly because of how the plot developed and the ways the writer allowed for the characters to solve their problems. Meaning, a lot of things happen you do not expect.                                    
                                                         
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Fantasy: 3 titles

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pulman

       This is the first book in his series called His Dark Materials. The books take place in a parallel universe, where your soul walks beside you as a daemon. The main character Lyra is a young girl who wants to save her friends, and understand the olythieometer (I think I spelled that wrong).  All the books in the series are amazing but this starts it all out. 

A good book for young adults, or even adults.

  

 

Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist

       This is the first book in the series Conclave of Shadows. I have not read the other books but I flat love this one. 

"Evil has come to a distant land high among the snow-capped mountains of Midkemia, as an exterminating army wearing the colors of the Duke of Olasko razes village after village, slaughtering men, women, and children without mercy. And when the carnage is done, only one survivor remains: a young boy named Kieli. A youth no longer, there is now but one road for him to travel: the path of vengeance. And he will not be alone. Under the tutelage of the rescuers who discovered him, Kieli will be molded into a sure and pitiless weapon. And he will accept the destiny that has been chosen for him ... as Talon of the Silver Hawk.

But the prey he so earnestly stalks is hunting him as well. And Talon must swear allegiance to a shadowy cause that already binds his mysterious benefactors -- or his mission, his honor,and his life will be lost forever."    The description is from Amazon.

 

The last book is Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. I've read his other series called The Sight and loved it, before I read this. I figured I wouldn't like it cause it is about elk, and I am more of a wolf person but I still gave it a shot.    To say I like this book is an understatement. I know I've read it four times since the first. 

"Young buck Rannoch was born on the night his father was murdered and into a herd of deer where hunger for power has gradually whittled away at all that is true and good. He knows he must escape to survive. Chased by stags, with their fearsome antlers sharpened for the kill, he begins a treacherous journey into the unknown, and ahead of him lies a shocking and formidable search for truth and goodwill in the shadow of the Great Mountain. One day he will have to return to his home and face his destiny among the deer to fulfill the prophecy that has persistently given them hope: that one day a fawn will be born with the mark of an oak leaf on his forehead and that fawn's courage will lead all the deer to freedom. Filled with passion and a darkness that gradually, through Rannoch's courage in the face of adversity, lifts to reveal an overwhelming feeling of light, Fire Bringer is a tremendous, spirited story that takes the reader deep into the hearts and minds of its characters as they fight for their right to live in peace."  The description comes from Goodreads.
If you like the Warriors series, Guardians of Gahoole, even the Incredible Journey this should be a book you like.

Good Day and Good Reading