My Recent Treasure!!!

Recently, we have been trying to hit the garage/yard sale circuit to find a few household items at a better price than what you could find in the stores. I have never really been a big garage/yard sale fan, but have come to discover that I can get books in really good condition for a very, very cheap price (and a definite perk for someone with a biblio-addiction!). Well, a couple of weeks ago, I officially decided that I am going to be hitting them much more often! I found a treasure that I continue to be excited about even today and probably will be for many days, weeks, years to come!!

I came upon an estate sale with a few older books sitting on a table outside. I went over to check them out and discovered these three books . . .

In case you cannot tell from the picture, they are Volumes 7, 8, & 10 of The Works of Edgar Allen Poe, published 1902. When complete, it is a ten volume set. Anyways, I was so stinkin' excited!!!! I LOVE Poe!! I decided to take my chances and take them inside to find out how much they were asking for them. To my surprise, I found them for $1 each, for a total of $3!!! I immediately paid the woman in case she changed her mind! How could I pass up that deal? Honestly, I have no idea what they are really worth, but in my eyes, they are priceless. I have them sitting on a special shelf in my living room. Now, if only I could find the remaining 7 volumes!! Until then, I will continue to admire my current treasure!!

"Why I Blog"

The "Why I Blog" posts have been popping up all over the place for quite a while now. And, now I am finally getting around to writing mine! I saw this actual meme over at We Be Reading and knew this was exactly what I wanted to share! So enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts or links with me about "Why U Blog"!

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Everyone's favorite English teacher, Laura, at State of Denmark is collecting data for a project and has created this meme --

1. How long have you been blogging?
My first review was posted on May 10, 2007, so just a little over two years.

2. Why did you start blogging?
My original purpose behind my blog remains the same even today . . . to review the books I read. I love to talk books even if it is with myself at times! Ha, ha!!

3. What have you found to be the benefits of blogging?
For me, the largest benefit that I have found is the community of fellow book bloggers! At first, I did not know that there was this huge amazing community, but finally tapped into it about a year ago and have not looked back. Of course, other benefits have been a thorough record of the books that I have read the last couple of years, the conversations that have been created within the community, and a few free review copies!

4. How many times a week do you post an entry?
I try to post an average of 3-4 posts a week. Obviously there are more posts some weeks and less than that during others . . . and then there was that month and a half without any posts because I was moving! I can definitely tell you that this is going to be one of my goals the rest of this year and next is to be a more consistent poster and up the posts to 5 a week.

5. How many different blogs do you read on a regular basis?
I actually subscribe to 98 blogs in Google Reader and check it multiple times a day for updates. About half of these are book blogs, wheras the other half are friends and craft-type blogs. There are many other blogs that I will check at random intervals and often discover new book blogs weekly to add to my subscription list.

6. Do you comment on other people’s blogs?
I do! I comment regularly on my personal favorite blogs, but do want to increase my comments so others know that I do check their blogs . . . you know, support my fellow bloggers!

7. Do you keep track of how many visitors you have? Is so, are you satisfied with your numbers?
I do have a StatCounter and receive monthly reports via email on my blog numbers (though I also try to check my numbers throughout the month as well). I also regularly check my number of subscribers and followers. Unfortunately, I am not satisfied with my numbers and wish that I had more regular readers! I guess that will be another goal of mine!

8. Do you ever regret a post that you wrote?
Nope! I pride myself on the honesty of my reviews!

9. Do you think your audience has a true sense of who you are based on your blog?
I do! How I review books, the books I read, my "Personal Commentary" posts . . . I think all of it gives people a peek into who I really am as a person.

10. Do you blog under your real name?
Not my full name, but definitely my preferred name. I do have some issues with releasing too much personal information because I do believe that there are some portions of my life that need to remain private, especially in the online world.

11. Are there topics that you would never blog about?
I feel that I am pretty out there with my topics and have yet to come across a topic that I will not blog about.

12. What is the theme/topic of your blog?
My theme is all things books . . . book reviews, literacy tips and topics, my opinions on the book world, etc.

13. Do you have more than one blog? If so, why?
I'm a bit of a blog addict! I actually have THREE blogs that I regularly update, but am an author a many other ones as well. What are my regular blogs? . . . (1) Tif Talks Books, of course (2) Our Medical Lives (basically a journal that my husband and I author about our lives through medical school and beyond) (3) my private personal blog for close friends and family . . . Each of these blogs have a completely different purpose and audience; therefore, I see no reason at all whatsoever to combine them. I will say though that my book blog is my favorite of the three to maintain!!

If you would like to participate, post this meme on your blog and put your link in the comments on State of Denmark's post.

Andy and the Lion by James Daugherty

**Young Readers Challenge**

Andy goes to the library to get a book about lions. He reads all about them and next thing you know, he meets and befriends one. They have a little adventure and the next day, Andy returns the book to the library!!

The thing that I like about this book is actually the story itself. I love that it is a story about how stories can bring the reader adventures and open up their imagination. Just think about a creative child and what kind of stories they can create simply by reading a book about lions or penguins or dinosaurs. Reading CAN be so much fun!!

Andy and the Lion is a 1939 Caldecott Honor Book. For me, the illustrations were just okay. I did not find them completely outstanding, but they were not bad either. Here’s the thing . . . as I am reading all the Caldecott books that I can find, I am discovering that the art in books back in the earlier days is different from the modern day illustrations. I do not think that the art is better for more recent books, just different. Art has come a long way and I have been exposed more to the modern art in children’s books. And, that is why I think that the art in Daugherty’s work is just okay for me. I’m thinking it may be a generational thing, but . . . I will get back to you on my conclusion after I read the other books from that year!

Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola

**Young Readers Challenge**

Strega Nona is an old tale that has been retold and illustrated by an old-time favorite, Tomie de Paola. That alone should give readers an idea that it is going to be good!! However, if de Paola behind the book is not enough, then to know that it was a 1976 Caldecott Honor Book may just intrigue you a little more!!

Who or what is Strega Nona? Strega Nona (which means “Grandma Witch”) is the title character and just so happens to have the magic touch. She decides to hire Big Anthony to help her out a little bit, but he discovers her magic pot. While she is away one day, Anthony attempts to give the pot a try himself despite the warnings from Strega Nona. He gets into a heap of trouble. How will he ever get out of it?!?!

I was so lucky to be able to get a copy of this book on CD and was able to expose my son to his very first audio reading!! It was so much fun to be able to read it together and then see him wanting to listen to it and turn the pages all by himself! And, for days, we talked about pasta, pasta, pasta!! I personally loved the story and the illustrations. Now, to find a copy for my own collection because my son can't stop talking about all the pasta!!

Poe Fridays: Playing Catch-Up!

It has been such a long time since I have posted for Poe Fridays, but I have still been reading the infamous author along with the host, Kristen over at We Be Reading!! Now that I have at least a little more time on my hands, I have decided that I have GOT to get caught up on all my reviews and have decided to start with dear ol' Poe!! Please bear with me as I post all my Poe catch-up at once!!

(Special format note: I have linked the title of the poems and stories to a copy of the work. Links to Kristen's original posts can be found at the bottom of my individual reviews.)

The Fall of the House of Usher

One of the most famous tales, The Fall of the House of Usher, reminds me so much of modern horror films. From being buried alive to a house being alive, I see many parallels with such films as Amityville Horror, Stir of Echoes, Rose Red, and so many more. What fascinates me personally about Poe is not his fascination with all things death, but his ability to capture not only his fear of it, but that of many others.

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to teach a class on the evolution of horror films. The horror film genre really began as early as the late 1800's, but the horrors that Poe speaks of in his tales do not appear until the mid-1900's. Isn't it amazing that Poe captures these horrors more than a century before? Despite his morbidity, he was rather ahead of his time!!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

Lenore

Lenore is yet another poem of a lost loved one . . . of one that died at a young age. For me, this one really does not leave me with one feeling or another. In fact, I'm pretty much indifferent and have nothing more to say!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Sphinx

The short story, The Sphinx is not one that I have read before and therefore, was not familiar with it or what to expect. As Kristen states in her original post, it is a bit anticlimatic; however, I also find it a bit humorous. One often only thinks of death and tragedy when it comes to Poe . . . BUT this one demonstrates that Poe may just have had a lighter side to him that came out every now and then! I guess it all depends on how you look at it!! :)

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Cask of Amontillado

Poe and his revenge!! The Cask of Amontillado is another tale of revenge. However, revenge of what? The narrator only says, that Fortunato, ventured upon insult." So, I'm left wondering . . . what insult is so bad that the man is punished with such an end? An end that Fortunato even believes to be a joke until the final "closure"? And, with such talk of revenge, it makes me wonder if this parallels some of Poe's personal desires that were dreamt, but never acted upon. Hmmm . . .

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Oval Portrait

The Oval Portrait is a very short story of a man that happens upon a beautiful, life-like portrait of a young woman. It also just so happens that a book is sitting on the night stand next to him with an explanation of the artwork in his room. I think that it is a very powerful story; one that definitely packs a punch! The moral that I am taking away from it . . . Don't take the beauty of life for granted!!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Murders in the Rue Morgue

Poe's short tale of The Murders in the Rue Morgue marks the beginnings of the detective tales that are so popular today. Dupin, Poe's created detective, uses process of elimination to solve the tragic deaths of Madame and Mademoiselle L'Espanaye. With such pieces as a locked door, no means of escape, and witnesses that have differing statements, the reader keeps on guessing as to the perpetrator of the crime. What kind of animal does the murderer have to be to commit such a horrific crime?

As a side note . . . a couple of months ago, I participated in my first ever mystery dinner. The night was filled with so many elements from Poe's suspenseful tale . . . a locked door, secret passages, hidden exits, and evidence slowly disclosed throughout the evening. It was such a fun-filled, suspenseful night that I cannot wait for another just like it! I never realized until now that we should all be thankful to Poe for evenings such as these!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

Three Sundays in a Week

I believe that this short was meant to actually be more humorous than what I took it for! For me, it was just okay; however, I will say, Poe had a way with words on this one. Just look at how he describes the uncle . . .

"He was a little, pursy, pompous, passionate semicircular somebody, with a red nose, a thick scull, [sic] a long purse, and a strong sense of his own consequence. With the best heart in the world, he contrived, through a predominant whim of contradiction, to earn for himself, among those who only knew him superficially, the character of a curmudgeon."

And, there is much more!!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

Why the Little Frenchman Wears His Hand in a Sling

This short story was very difficult to read!! According to Kristen's post, it was written in an Irish brogue, making it many times barely even decipherable. However, I did find that if you attempted to read it aloud, it was a little easier to understand than just reading it silently to yourself. I guess hearing the words helped me to figure out what they were meant to be when I could not distinguish them thru the writing!! Anyways, once I figured this out and finished the story, I had a smile on my face and a laugh in my belly!! It was truly a funny tale!! A very nice change for Poe!!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

To One in Paradise

To One in Paradise is a short poem with yet another one of Poe's favorite themes, love and loss. Though Poe writes about the topic of losing a loved one often (and not surprising considering his own personal circumstances), I personally find this one to be one that stands out. Though it centers around the narrator's grief, the words that Poe chose to describe the grief are absolutely beautiful. I just love the way this one reads . . . so much so that I read it quite a few times before actually sitting down to share my thoughts. This is my personal favorite stanza:

And all my days are trances, / And all my nightly dreams / Are where thy dark eye glances, / And where they footstep gleams -- / In what ethereal dances / By what eternal streams!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

To My Mother

From the title of this poem, I automatically assume Poe is writing in honor of his mother; however, after reading it, I immediately discover he was actually writing about his mother-in-law, the mother of the woman he "loved so dearly." Poe never really knew his own mother, so he decided that the mother of the love of his life was "dearer than the mother [he] knew." It's really a very nice ode.

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Forest Reverie

When I first read The Forest Reverie, I thought that it seemed so atypical of Poe; however, then I realized just how talented this man truly was. Though he is most well-known for his macabre writing, he also had a beautiful side to him (e.g., To My Mother), a humorous side (e.g., Why the Little Frenchman Wears His Hand in a Sling), and of course, a mysterious side (e.g., The Murders in the Rue Morgue) as well. I'm beginning to see the many sides of this author and can only just imagine how complicated a person he must have been beyond the infamous dark side.

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Assignation

This short story reminded me so much of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Two people are madly in love, but cannot be together except in death. For me, this short was just okay. I had a hard time getting into the story because of the very detailed descriptions of the material objects . . . something that I don't really see how to do with the rest of the story. My attention just kept reverting to my many unpacked boxes!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

Diddling

To Diddling, all I can say is . . . . Hmmmmm . . . How does Poe know so much about diddling?!?! :)

Oh, and for those like me who had no idea what diddling was . . . verb. -- to cheat; swindle; hoax (according to dictionary.com). Though I eventually figured out what it meant, it really would have been helpful to know BEFORE I read it!!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

The Island of the Fay

The Island of the Fay is yet another short story by Poe, yet a much more fanciful one. Poe ponders nature . . . "a whole whose form (that of the sphere) is the most perfect and most inclusive of all; whose path is among associate planets; whose meek handmaiden is the moon, whose mediate sovereign is the sun . . ." Isn't that just so beautifully written?

By the end, Poe then turns to the life of the Fay (i.e., fairy) . . . how he witnesses her life. "She stood erect . . . her attitude seemed indicative of joy." However, the joy turns to sorrow after passing through the shade. As he ponders, Poe watches the Fay's life pass through the darkness until he "beheld her magical figure no more."

For me, it only makes me ponder how much this story seems to parallel Poe's. Did he start out full of joy, but lost hope through all the darkness of his life?

When all is said and done, I really liked this one!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

An Enigma

An Enigma is just that . . . a mystery to me!! I honestly just don't get this one! Anyone care to shed some light on it for me?!?!

Click here for Kristen's original post.

That's it FINALLY!! Stay tuned . . . more book reviews to come! In the meantime, the next selection for Poe Fridays is The Gold Bug. See you again soon!

I've Fallen to the Pressure!!

I have finally fallen to the pressure of Twitter!! I opened my account this evening and have already "tweeted"! Is this even the correct terminology? I don't even know!

Check it out here.

Please be patient as I learn the ropes! In the meantime, are you on Twitter? Do you have any suggestions for me? Please share!

eBook or eNot?

I have always considered myself old-fashioned in many ways. I still use checks in paying my bills and I love to write letters (literally) and send them via snail mail. However, I recently decided to attempt to expand my horizons and go a little more technological in my book reading. I "picked" up my first eBook!! At first, I was very excited to go outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself. However, then I began feeling a little skepticism. I already felt that I spent too much time in front of a computer screen. I found myself often losing my place. It was close to impossible for me to cuddle up with the book for a little "lite" reading. I discovered that the time that I often spent reading a few paragraphs or pages while out running errands or sitting in the car waiting for my husband were just down-right boring as I waited for him to return, sometimes watching people, sometimes listening to my kids whine in the backseat, sometimes flipping through the radio stations trying to find just the right song to listen to as I waited. I usually just drown it all out and get lost for a few minutes in my current adventure. As time passed, I discovered that I was just unable to get into the book because it did not come with me as easily in an electronic format. To put it quite simply, it just didn't come with me period. Usually, I carry a book with me everywhere I go. I just tuck it right into my handbag. I can't do that with an eBook. I know that there is equipment out there that is more portable, but my skepticism remains. In addition, I'm cheap!! I just don't find it worth the investment! And, when I can finally create my own personalized home library, where will all the eBooks go? They will not fill the shelves and create the desired atmosphere as shelves upon shelves filled with books will.

I have come to a conclusion . . . I guess I'm still old-fashioned in regards to my reading habits! I need to have that book held in my hands. I love the feel of it, the turning of the pages, the smell of adventures to come. I feel bad though . . . it's the VERY FIRST book that I have not been able to finish and I simply just don't think I ever will . . . unless it comes in printed format. So, for now, I remain an eNot.

What about you?

Check These Out!!!

As I am going through my Google Reader from all the great news and posts that I missed while I was traveling, I have come across some great links that I wanted to share with you!! Please keep in mind that when I say I had to get caught up, I am talking just shy of 1000 new posts between my friends' blogs as well as my favorite book blogs!! Wow!! That took me a while!! So, you know that these particular links have got to be good if I am singling them out from all that!!

Literacy Lava: The Hottest Summer Read!!
This eZine (featured over at Share a Story - Shape a Future, among other sites) has some great tips and practical articles for reading to your child and promoting literacy in general. Every parent, teacher, librarian, caregiver, etc. will want to check it out! Thank you to Susan over at The Book Chook for such a great idea!!

Jantsen's Gift Website Launched
A while back, I posted a review for the book, Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope & Aimee Molloy. A new website has been launched for the book. You can find such information as how you can help, book club information, further discussions and much more. Don't forget to check it out when you get the chance!

Book Burning?
Stephanie over at Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic recently posted about another book censorship issue up in Wisconsin. A great debate has taken hold on her blog about book burning and censorship . . . always a lively discussion!! Whenever I see this topic come up, I always get a horrible feeling in my stomach. In fact, a couple of years ago, I wrote a post in reaction to an article (link no longer working) in which a small independent bookstore going out of business was unable to get rid of their books, even for free, and decided to burn his stock of books (click here for my reaction). Of all people, I was sickened even more to know a fellow bookie did this! I also have had conversations with past classes that I have taught at the post secondary level regarding the banning of books (the Harry Potter series to be specific). In the end, it comes down to this for me: NO ONE has the write to decide for others what s/he can read or not read. Books are a form of speech and are therefore, covered by the first amendment. Instead of telling your child, acquaintances, etc. that they CANNOT read the book, why don't you read the book and open up a discussion about the issues that it raises . . . why you don't agree with them, how they disagree with your beliefs, etc. Afterall, in the end, won't this create a stronger faith in your beliefs? When it comes down to it, all the ruckus that one is making about censoring and burning is really only going to create more interest in the book. Seems a bit counter-intuitive to me!!

That's it for now! I'm working on a bunch of reviews and hope to be posting them all very soon! Oh, and did I mention that I've got another GIVEAWAY coming soon?!?! You will not want to miss it!!

Lemonade Award!!!

I am so excited to announce that I received my first award ever while I was on my little hiatus!! I am so stinkin' excited!!

The rules for the award:

1. Put the Lemonade Award on your blog or post.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
3. Link to your nominees within your post. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
4. Link to the person who gave you your award.

I have every intention of spreading the love of this award! I have so many different book blogs that I read and love, but here is who I would like to pass the award on to (in no particular order):

1. A Patchwork of Books
2. Becky's Book Reviews
3. J. Kaye's Book Blog
4. Jen Robinson's Book Page
5. My Friend Amy
6. Reading Adventures
7. Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic
8. The Book Chook
9. We Be Reading
10. Young Readers

I think that each of these blogs is not only inspiring, but also very supportive of their fellow book bloggers. I love their spunk, dedication, and support, even for those that may not even know me! I do believe that some of you have already received the award, so I guess this is just another confirmation that your blog is appreciated!

Thanks to Jessica over at The Curious Reader for the award!!

I'm Baaaaaaack!!!!!

Wow!!!! It has been too long!! I have been talking about a big move coming up, but so much more has happened since my last post, I thought that I would give a quick overview to sum up the last couple of months.

MOVE #1

Yep, we have move #1 that took place at the end of April. We moved across

4

states to begin our next life adventure. The reason I say #1 is because we did not have a house to move into quite yet. We moved everything into a couple of storage units and moved onto our many adventures. In the meantime, we stayed in hotels and with our gracious friends, the B's!

BIG WEEKEND

We headed back to a small town in the Midwest for my amazing hubby's graduation from medical school!!! As we were pulling into the south end of town, however, the north end of town was being ravaged by a tornado! Many locals, medical students, and others associated with the medical school were directly affected by the tornado, leaving many homeless. On the positive side, the school moved on with all graduation activities and it ended up being a great weekend . . . to watch my hubby's big milestone AND to see the community come together to help all those in need!

HITTING THE ROAD
After the "Big Weekend", we then hit the road to visit family and friends, some of our favorite spots, and to do a little celebrating!! We traveled through
8
states to hit our many destinations, but it was completely worth it!!

Here are just a few of our highlights:

I got to visit one of my all-time favorite bookstores!! Auntie's Bookstore is located in Spokane, Washington and is a must-see if you are in the area! Nothing beats an independent bookstore when you have such great and welcoming employees and when you have the selection of both new and used books that they have! (Okay, I may be a bit biased on this one!!!)

Once we were with family, we also could not pass up a good time to celebrate my husband's amazing accomplishment . . . graduating from medical school!!! One step down, another to go . . . and, the rumor is that it is much harder this time around! Yikes!!

Also, since we were with family, we decided to throw my daughter a little early 1st birthday bash!! It was so much fun to watch her dig into her cake and watch her suck every last bit off of her fingers!!

And, the last big bash . . . my grandparent's 50th Anniversary party that I helped to plan long distance. Though we had a few last minute cancellations, we had a great turnout and my grandparent's had such a great time!! It's not very often anymore that a couple make it this long in marriage, so I'm so proud of them and thankful that they are my grandparents!!

We could not leave the West without seeing a few of my personal childhood favorite hot spots!!

Yellowstone National Park: Canyon

Yellowstone National Park: Firehole Swimming Hole

Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs

Memorial Falls

Whew!!! What an adventure!!! After all this, we then hit the road again to travel back through

8

states . . . this time driving straight through to get home. With two kids, that ended up being a total of approximately

27

hours on the road before arriving back at our new city we now call home.

BOUGHT A HOUSE
We crashed for a good night's sleep before doing our final walk-through and closing on our home over the next couple of days!! We are now officially home-owner's for the first time . . . and it's about time!!! :) And, we can't be more excited about that first-time home-buyer's credit!! :)

MOVE #2
We then had to move all of stuff out of storage and into our new home. Unfortunately, our new house was left quite a mess and we wanted to do a little painting before we started to move things in. So, this is what our little garage looked like for the first week!!

Things are getting better though!! We have completed our painting. Cleaning is just about done. We finally got our bed up and we slept in it for the first time in

45

days!! That was the best feeling of everything!!! We can now see a large portion of the floor in the garage. We can almost see the full garage door from the inside. We are making progress!!! I have yet to unpack any of my books, which is making it difficult to call our new place "home" quite yet. BUT, we are getting there!! In the end, that is what matters!

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In the meantime, I am going to be making some changes that will debut very soon on this here blog! The first thing is a list on my sidebar of my upcoming reviews. It is my hope that it will be simply temporary as I get caught up on all my books to review! Other changes I will announce as I launch them and clean up the site a bit. BUT, bare with me as I continue to get settled!!

See you all back very soon! And, HAPPY READING!!