Fiction Book of the Day: Bunnicula

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

I read this book dozens of times when I was growing up. My school library might have well as let me buy it how often it was checked out to me. It is technically a children's book, but I bet young adults would like it, too as the story is very interesting.

"Before it's too late, Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household -- a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits...and fangs!"   Description by Goodreads

 

 Good Day and Good Reading

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.

                                        

                                              Good Day and Good Reading

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. :)

  

Good Day and Good Reading

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.

 

Good Day and Good Reading

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.                                    
                                                         
Good Day and Good Reading

Vlademir Tod Chronicles

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, written by Heather Brewer.

I started reading this series after I bought one from the school's book fair. I was hooked after the very first. Since then, I've read each of them, and I would rather not give any "spoilers". 

If you like vampire books, but don't want excessive romance or violence it is a good series. I liked the way the plot developed and how the characters changed. 

Here is the description of the first book

"Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school. Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a vampire killer."    The description comes from Amazon.

If you like the first one I promise the next ones will not disappoint. 

Good Day and Good Reading.