Tuesday, Quote it Time

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
"I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice--not because of the voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany."



This is the first line from one of my favorite books of all time! It was so memorable that I named my cat after Owen Meany. If you have never read this book, please put it on your TBR list and read it. You will be happy you did!!


Do you have a favorite first line in a book? Do you have a quote from one of your favorite books you would like to share? I love quotes and would love to hear some of yours. Have a great Tuesday!!

Wisteria



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Mailbox Monday- April 6, 2009

This picture was taken in 1899 of a mail carrier on a rural route. I thought it was funny to read that they carried a whistle to let owners know they had mail since many people lived some distance away. The carrier gave them a "heads up". They were paid $400 per year with the horse, however tolls and ferry crossings were extra.

From:http://www.bentonnews.net/Archive/jan/Jan08.htm





In my mailbox this week I received







1) The Shipwreck of a Nation, by Nennhaus
2) Jantsen's Gift, Pam Cope
3) After You're Gone, Jeffrey Lent
4) The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, Katherine Howe
5) The Whittaker Family Reunion, Shirley A. Roe
6) The Glenn Miller Conspiracy, Hunton Downs
7) A Lucky Child, Thomas Buegenthal
8) Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
9) Dracula, Bram Stoker

I'm so grateful for all the reading and that I have Spring from teaching in 3 days.
Yippee!!!!

Yup I Won the Zombie Chicken Award!!

I have been awarded this cute and twisted award by my friend Desert Rose from Desert Rose Booklogue.

Now for the explanation of this prestigious Zombie Chicken Award which means:

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

So to avoid the wrath of the Zombie Chickens I am bestowing this award to the following outstanding blogs:

1. Musings on a Bookish Kitty

2. Write for a Reader

3. The Bookworm

4. Bookgirl's Nightstand

5. The Burton Review

Congratulations to all those receiving the Zombie Chicken Award including Desert Rose Booklogue. Thank you DR for sending it to me.

Sunday Salon-Ready for the Dewey Marathon?

It's that time again for the Dewey 24 Hour Read-A-Thon. For me this will start at 8:AM on April 18th. Am I crazy?




No, just love to read and be with blogger friends that share the same idea of fun. I'll admit to having an eccentric and loving personality. But crazy? Only about books and reading whenever I can. I saw a lot of my blogger friends have already joined up so I know we will have fun writing on our blogs with updates.





Hannah, Ana and Trish define the role of a reader:

What is the role of a Reader?

People who sign up to be readers are committing to reading books, posting updates in their blogs, participating in mini-challenges when they choose to, and, if they need breaks, visiting the blogs of other readers and encouraging them. The most hardcore among us will stay up the entire 24 hours and do nothing but read and update, even going so far as to skip showering and eat meals while reading. However, not all of us are that hardcore, and it’s OK for you to customize this read-a-thon to meet your needs. All I ask is that you be honest in your updates, and that’s about the only rule for readers.

Updating for Readers: This should be individually customized. If you want to spend 5 or 10 minutes updating each hour or every 3 hours, that’s great. If you want to update whenever you feel like you need a break from reading, that’s great, too. If you want to just read and read for 24 hours straight and then write one big update, that’s also great. You do what works for you, OK?

Another Challenge-Book Binge

Yes, I'm accepting a new challenge! I think this one will be fun.





This is hosted by "It's Not All Mary Poppins, so if you would like to accept another challenge, visit her site.




"Here are the “rules”:

1. For the month of April, keep track of the books you read.

2. On May 1, post your list on your blog.

Easy, no? You can write a review or reader response if you wish, but a list of titles and authors is also perfectly acceptable.

Three other points:

1. You may include books you re-read, so long as you re-read them in between April 1 and 30.

2. You may also include books you start but don’t finish, just note the page at which you gave it up. Something like, “Quit, page 47 of 322″.

3. Children’s books must be at least 125 pages long to be counted. (Books you read to your children, if they are at least 125 pages, would also count.)

Review-Hangman Blind by Cassandra Clark

HANGMAN BLIND
by Cassandra Clark,
Minotaur Books, 2008,
$24.95/C$27.95,pb,320pp,
978-0-312-53730-2






In the year 1382, England emerges from violent religious rebellion into precarious peace. It is during this time, Hildegard, recently widowed, and financially wealthy, becomes a Cistercian nun at the Abbey of Meaux. Her grief is deep and her husband’s death a mystery. It is here she discovers her life’s purpose: to set up a priory to help care for the sick, poor and homeless. Even though the countryside is unsafe, she undertakes an uncertain journey to Castle Hutton in York to ask the Abbot of Meaux for assistance. On the way she stumbles upon the gruesome sight of five hanging eviscerated corpses. Later, she discovers a slaughtered young boy and can’t help but wonder if the two incidents are connected.


Arriving at Castle Hutton, Hildegard reports her findings to Lord Roger. Murder follows her inside when during a celebration feast Lord Roger tumbles over into his plate of food. Assumed poisoned, his apparent death sets up a game of deception and intrigue to catch a killer. Hildegard the key crime investigator faces deceit, evil, lust, greed, and her own divergent feelings.


A debut author with raw nerve, Cassandra Clark places Hildegard, an independent women of means in an unheard of role during this age. This courageous nun is an anachronism I can only describe as CSI meets the 14th century. Hangman Blind, the first book in the Clark’s series, will delight historical crime fans who enjoy constant plot twists with clever subterfuge.


Wisteria Leigh

Wednesday's Child-Author Nick Butterworth

I recently received books from the Independent Publishers Group that included three written by the extremely creative author and illustrator Nick Butterworth. As a media specialist in an elementary school my knowledge of children's literature is keen, but this author was new to me. Here is a short bio from the Harper Collins UK website:



Nick Butterworth is the author of many internationally acclaimed children’s books including ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘QPootle5’, ‘Tiger’ and ‘The Whisperer’ which won the Gold Award at the Nestle Book Awards. He is best known for his stories about Percy the Park Keeper. Nick has also presented children’s stories on television, created a cartoon strip for The Sunday Express Magazine and worked for major graphic design consultancies. He has two grown-up children, and lives with his wife in Suffolk.

Tiger........................................

By Nick Butterworth, Illustrated by Nick Butterworth
New edition
9780007257720
$10.95
Paperback, including CD

Tiger is a small kitten who thinks he is a big tiger. This is an adorable picture book for ages 4-7. Butterworth's illustrations will draw young readers to this book. What little child doesn't like kittens and tigers, the perfect combination. There is an accompanying CD which is comprised of a Read Aloud version with sound effects, a poem, and a Read Along to help in differentiated instructions. Very cute and cuddly book.

Thud....................................................

By Nick Butterworth, Illustrated by Nick Butterworth
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins UK (April 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0006646468
ISBN-13: 978-0006646464

A great tale to use to teach diversity and acceptance. Basil the young bush baby had no sleep one night because he was disturbed by an ugly beast who appeared out of nowhere. Then when he woke up he was afraid of a loud sounding thud, thud, thud he guessed was from a huge monster. Basil asks and gets help from many friend and the ending will surprise you. Great details and expressive faces will keep kids starring as you turn each page. The illustrations are somewhat reminiscent of Maurice Sendak in Where the Wild Things Are. However, where Sendak's book often frightened children, Butterworth creates a huggable menagerie of friends that children will eagerly embrace.

Q Pootle 5..........................................

By Nick Butterworth, Illustrated by Nick Butterworth
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages with poster
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Re-Isaue, Pub. Date: 05.01.09
ISBN-13: 978-000717235-1

On the way to a moon party Q Pootle 5 ends up on Earth with a broken rocket booster.
His first earthling is a frog who unfortunately can't help him. What will it take for Q Pootle 5 to blast off again? He really doesn't want to stay on Earth. The text is simple with easy to read print and vocabulary that is appropriate for the age. Dear Q Pootle 5 is an originally sweet and non-threatening creature. Butterworth's expressive faces are humorous with attention to crafting each with a human persona. No doubt you will hear, "Please, can you read it again?"

Tuesday, Quote it Time

From the book The Recovery of Ecstasy:

I breathe-and it means, I love
I love---and it means, I live.
(Vladimir Vysotsky, Ballad of Love)

The Recovery of Ecstasy, by Sandy Krolick, Ph.D.

The Recovery of Ecstasy: Notebooks from Siberia
by Sandy Krolick, Ph.D.
Book Surge Publishing
February 2009, 162p.
978-1439227367

As I read this book I was spellbound at times thinking the author was telepathic, since often something he said would have such personal relevance. His words reached out and touched my own life and further, the impact of this book on my thinking has been a personal journey of discovery. I am so grateful I met the ebullient author Dr. Sandy Krolick. Through his writing and subsequent email conversations I realized he has a spark of energy that is infectious. I hope after reading this review you will place The Recovery of Ecstasy on the top of your TBR pile. It is a gift from a talented author. Wisteria

REVIEW

The Recovery of Ecstasy is phenomenally empowering: empowering if you engage with it through introspective reflection on your own life; empowering when it succeeds in awakening your own meta-cognitions as you read. It is empowering if you remain receptive to the multi-layered journey of self-discovery offered here by Sandy Krolick. In part, the book attempts to answer the question, “What is the meaning of life?” As a result of Sandy’s personal pilgrimage, the book looks at this question from three distinct perspectives - historically, philosophically and introspectively - through a series of anecdotal Tetrads (Chapters) that are both entertaining and contemplative. In the preface, the author asks the reader to join him on a journey of self-discovery when he writes,

“My intention is that the reader examine his or her own direction in life and ask comparable questions of his or her own personal journey-how to live, and to what end!”

The book is, in key respects, a contrast between the cultures and philosophies of the people of Siberia and America. For example, there is a marked difference in what constitutes the experience of time among Siberians. Where they are more focused on the present and not obsessively planning the future, Americans plan everything from vacations to play dates, from after-school recreation to dinner parties and other appointments with calendars, personal planners and any of the latest trendy tools to ‘keep us’ organized. Krolick makes the point that Americans are not really free because they are constantly over-scheduled, ‘on-the-clock’, and tied to their plans; this in itself prevents an experience of true freedom. How often is an impromptu disruption to your routine a cause for total panic and a rush to reshuffle the schedule?

Sandy Krolick’s journey helped him realize his own key to living a life of ecstasy. Whatever you discover on your own journey from reading The Recovery of Ecstasy, I guarantee you will not regret the ride. Sandy Krolick has insight and a genuine love of life that is evident on every page; and he has the gift to communicate it passionately. This is a positive journey that examines the treadmill we are on, and will force you to question how much faster you want to go? Or, to take a phrase from the book, maybe it is time to consider “a new path in the midst of the confusion and helter-skelter of modern civilized life?” Instead of planning your retirement or your next vacation, perhaps find some time to read The Recovery of Ecstasy so that you won’t miss living life!

Highly Recommended.

Wisteria Leigh

Mailbox Monday March 30, 2009

A lucky week for me in my mailbox...



1)Two Brothers, Jones
2)Lace Makers of Glenmara by, heather Barbieri
3)The Contractor, Charles Holdefer
4)The Free Negress Elisabeth, by Cynthia Macleod
5)Eight Hours for What We Will, by Rosenweig
6)Stones Fall, Ian Pears
7)Shanghai Girls, Lisa See
8)Four Freedoms, John Crowley
9)Mysterious Magical Circus Family and Kids, R. Hawk Starkey
10)Crazy for the Storm, Norman Ollestad
11)Don't Bargain with the Devil, Sabrina Jeffries

Sunday Salon-Review-Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow

Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow
by James Rollins
Harper Collins
9780061473791
April 28, 2009,416 pages





James Rollins, writer and New York Times best selling author of adult books has written a young adult book of extraordinary excitement on every page. I read it this weekend in one day, a quick read although about 400 pages. It is his pacing and clever combination of writing action to drive the text. You can't stop, he won't let you. Anyway, if you have a 5th grader, middle school student who likes adventure, with some fantasy. Maybe a Macguiver meets Indiana Jones then this book is for him/her.

Review:

Jake Ransom and his older sister Kady receive a mysterious invitation to an opening exhibit of Mayan Treasures at The British Museum in London. Three years ago their parents disappeared on an archeology exhibition. Jake, having a penchant for studies and strong desire to follow in his parent’s footsteps is thrilled. Kady, diva and social butterfly is reluctant to go, but ultimately agrees when she realizes cameras will be everywhere. How could she possibly miss this fashion and social opportunity.

Unfortunately their trip to London takes them farther than they expected as they find themselves in another place. It’s definitely not London as they immediately face a carnivorous dinosaur. Ultimately they meet the inhabitants who are people from multiple ancient civilizations all living together in a place called Calypso.

Rollins has set the scene for the perfect action adventure story for middle grade students. They are lost in a strange place. They are alone are among strangers. They
are immediately faced with their first life or death challenge.

Your heart will beat with the cadence of his poetic prose. Fast moving drama pushes you forward with a driving beat through his use of lyrical text. Rollins is a master of momentum and tension. A barrage of sound effects will come alive as you are compelled to turn each page no just reading but hearing the story.

Students will beg to stay up late to read this book and it will fly off the library shelves. Let’s hope the sequel is not far behind. This well written series will fill the holes in many library collections. Rollins is a natural fit for the young adult fantasy adventure drama.

Wisteria Leigh
New Milford, CT

Review-Salem Witch Judge, by Eve LaPlante

SALEM WITCH JUDGE: The Life and Repentance of Samuel Sewall, Eve LaPlante, Harper One, 2008,$14.95/C$16.25, pb, 352pp. 978-0-06-085960-2








In 1692 Samuel Sewall, 44, was one of the nine judges presiding over the Salem Witch Trials. Eve Laplante, a direct descendent of Sewall, states her purpose in writing this biography was to uncover the truths and restore Sewall to the hero she believes he was.
Her bibliography shows extensive research including Sewall’s daily journals. He was devoutly religious and struggled with his sense of right versus wrong during and after the trial. After five years he was compelled to repent for his role in condemning twenty witches to death by hanging based on spectral evidence.
Sewall was the only judge to ever take any responsibility. His admission was just the beginning of what would be a lifetime of self-mortification and praying to God for his restoration to good grace. Sewall spent his life working for the rights of women, blacks and Native Americans. His actions demonstrated his courageous nature and sense of morality. His relationship with God that would be the most important part of his life.
LaPlante tells her history in a fluid narrative style. This is a gripping account of a conflicted man; an essential biography for understanding the allure of the Salem Witch Trials.


Wisteria Leigh