A Beautiful Tribute

I know this is a book blog, but because it is my personal space, I decided to do something a little different today.

Michael Jackson's This is It is now out and I am not at all shocked by the fact that it's sold out in most places. As a child, I was in awe of Michael's creative genius. I mean how many artists premiere their videos in front of millions of people on a major television network? I don't know that anyone else has or ever will touch the lives of as many people through their smile, music, dancing, and showmanship. In all honesty, if not for Michael Jackson, some of our favorite stars may not have been inspired to take the stage. But of course, celebs aren't the only ones who were affected by this one man.

I heard about this amazing video and had to share it with my readers because I was so inspired by it. Although it looks like a stage full of young men, it's only one guy singing! And man, is he talented? On top of that, he's a Yale student! The two men responsible for this--Sam Tsui (the singer) and Kurt Hugo (the producer) have some bright futures ahead of them! The music is phenomenal and the video editing is brilliant!

This tribute to a timeless artist touched my heart, and I hope it moves you as well. Enjoy!

Oh My! I Can't Believe It!

I can't believe I missed a monumental event--my one year blogoversary! As of last Thursday, I have been blogging about books for one year!

For me, it is totally unbelievable because I lack "stick-with-it-ness" (I think I just made up a new word)--meaning I find new hobbies all the time, but don't ever stick with any of them for very long. Just goes to show how much I adore the book blogging community.

I began my blog with this review of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (which in my eyes is still one of the best written YA novels of all time). And 190 posts later, I am still here!

So thank you all for a wonderful 1st year. I look forward to many more!

Princess Bookie's Mini Challenge

As I posted earlier, Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting the contest of all contests--and there is still time to enter!

In addition, Cindy is hosting a mini challenge/surprise contest.

The topic:

Name your 8 favorite things (not all books either LOL)

My Top 8

1. My fiance (He's the world's greatest!)

2. The rest of my family (My two wonderful parents and little sister)

3. The color yellow (it always makes me smile :D)

4. Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

5. Oreo Cookies (sensing a pattern here???)

6. The CW (How can you not love 90210, One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries?)

7. Cheesy pop music (Think 80s music, N'Sync, LFO, Britney Spears!)

8. Books, of course!!!!!!!!

Your turn! Be sure to head here to join in the challenge.

Contests Galore!!!

Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting a massive load of contests in honor of the 24 hour read-a-thon!

She is giving away some of the most sought after YA novels including The Naughty List (squee!!!), Captivate, a signed copy of Hate List, Twenty Boy Summer, and a 4 ARC bundle that includes The Dark Divine, Bleeding Violet, Voices of Dragons, and The Unwritten Rule (which I absolutely must have because I love Elizabeth Scott's novels and Tenner books), plus tons of other AMAZING books!!!

If you're feeling lucky, join in the fun here! All contests end tonight at 11:59 PM, so hurry!

*Another* Another Faust Contest Announcement

*Another* Another Faust Contest

Hi everyone. Dina and I are about to kick off a month-long tour for our book, Another Faust, and we want to do it by announcing a contest! We are looking for the most promising writers out there (that’s YOU). And then we want to showcase their work, so that all of the Internet can bask in their awesome writing might (and, you know, give them prizes).

HERE’S HOW IT GOES.

We want you to write your own short story, re-imagining of the Faustian Bargain. (For inspiration, check out Bedazzled, Simpsons “Tree House of Horrors IV,” and The Little Mermaid). It can be about anything you like (but let’s keep it PG-13, and under 3,000 words), and it’s open to everyone.

All you have to do is send your entry to dviergutz@gmail.com before January 31.

Rules and details can be found here:

http://www.danielanddina.com/site/2009/10/writing-contest-create-another-another-faust/

Make sure to read them so you don’t get DQed!

And the winner gets all kinds of sweetness:

A signed copy of Another Faust

A handwritten deleted scene

A featured article & interview on our site

An author’s galley of the sequel Another Pan

Though we’ll feature the top five on our site for comments, the judging WON’T happen by popular vote (so basically, we don't care which contestant has the most friends). Dina and I will personally read them.

So, spread the word! Tweet, retweet, forward, thread, spread, embed this post.

Good luck!

D&D

Unraveling by Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman

Unraveling

Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman

Delacorte

Published July 8, 2008

Source: Borrowed from Library

Summary: Amanda Himmelfarb lives a far from perfect life. She never quite measures up to the expectations of her mother--The Captain. She is the target of popular girl Courtney "Fakey Flakey". And her year long crush, Paul, is far from Prince Charming. So when Rick, Courtney's boyfriend, offers Amanda a deal that is sure to make her popular, will Amanda be able to resist or will she have to suffer the consequences?

Review: Since reading a starred review of Unraveling in Publishers Weekly, I have been dying to get my hands on this book. While I found the book to be entertaining, it fell short of my expectations.

I was far from impressed by the character development. Very simply put, Amanda lacked depth. While I was hoping Amanda would eventually become a strong, independent young woman, she remained spineless throughout the novel. Being a static character, she never quite mustered up enough courage to stand up for herself, but in the end it showed an accurate portrayal of a typical teenaged girl.

In addition, while this book was full of bright moments which made me laugh, it had its equal share of moments that fell flat. I was not consistently immersed in the book until the last 60 pages or so, and I wanted to give up on it a few times. I am glad I stuck it out because the resolution left me satisfied.

Perhaps the best thing about Unraveling was its format. Rather than just your typical prose, this novel consisted of emails and fortunes from fortune cookies (Amanda collects them). In addition, each altercation between Amanda and her mother was given a clever name, such as Commotion at the Ocean, Slayed over Grades, and Butting Heads over Threads. Finally, Amanda's poems (written by Gabrielle Biederman) breathed life into this book. These beautifully written pieces gave us insight as to whom Amanda truly was.

While this book had its flaws, it provided an authentic look into the life of a teenager and is worth a read.

Score: 6-Good, enjoyable, but not great

Special Note: This book contains mature content that may be better suited for older readers.

Hold Still Contest

Hold Still is officially released as of today!

From Amazon:

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

Sounds amazing, right?

To celebrate the release of Hold Still, Penguin Young Readers Group will provide an ARC to one lucky reader! The contest will be open to residents of the United States and Canada and will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, October 30.

There are 4 ways to be entered in the contest.

+1 leave a comment with your email address

+1 follow or become a follower

+1 link to this contest on your blog (leave the link)

+1 watch & comment on one of the two trailers below

Also, on October 28th at 7p.m. PST, Nina will be doing an author event at

Borders in San Francisco. The event will be streamed live here.

For more information on Hold Still or Nina LaCour, be sure to check out Nina's

website.

Girl in the Arena-I Had to Share This!

Some of you may have already seen this video, but I had to share this with those who had not yet viewed the trailer.

This trailer is genius! No kidding, after watching this, I bought a copy!

For more information on Girl in the Arena, check out the website of Lise Haines.

In My Mailbox (October 18)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi and was created by Alea.

Sorry guys, no pictures this week.

Purchased (I love educator appreciation week!)

Broken China by Lori Aurelia Williams

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Bad Apple by Laura Ruby

Beautiful by Amy Reed

Viola in Reel Life (signed) by Adriana Trigiani

The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

Ex-Mas by Kate Brian

Swoon by Nina Malkin

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Borrowed from the Library

Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma

The Amanda Project: Invisible I by Stella Lennon

How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan

The Poison Apples by Lily Archer

The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Riot by Walter Dean Myers

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Upcoming Book Signing at Borders

I am so excited to announce an upcoming book signing of author Wendy Raven McNair. Wendy is the author of the YA fantasy Asleep.

When: Saturday, October 17 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: Borders at The Avenue East Cobb

4475 Roswell Road in Marietta, GA

Summary (from Wendy's website): Adisa Summers doesn't know her boyfriend, Micah Alexander, can fly. These two African American teens come from loving families. However, things are not always as they appear. Micah's parents never touch him though they have the normal parent-child physical interaction with his younger brother. And does the birth certificate Adisa finds, listing strangers as her parents and Valenté as her last name, really belong to her?

Micah's odd emotionless behavior, rigid posture, and vacant eyes are a mystery sending mixed messages to Adisa. When a flash of lightning sends a tree crashing down on her, Adisa is shocked to see Micah actually flying to her rescue!

In an instant, Adisa is in his arms, looking up at the sky over his shoulder as they fly parallel to the ground. She sees the tree descending fast, bearing down on them and Micah suddenly shifts, shielding her completely with his body. As the tree explodes against Micah's back, Adisa feels him shudder with the impact and the air fills with wood chips and sawdust. Miraculously, they aren't smashed into the ground. They safely continue flying, the wind rushing around them as they weave past tree trunks.

After this dramatic rescue, Micah finally begins to open up to Adisa about his secret life as a superbeing and she discovers another shocking secret. Micah burns for her--literally as well as figuratively.

Adisa's journey to unravel these family mysteries requires a strength and maturity she is forced to grow into as her love for Micah is repeatedly challenged. In the end, she is confronted with the ultimate question. Is she truly a super being, asleep to her powers for so many years?

Asleep (a Young Adult novel) is a superhero teen love story, set in modern day Atlanta, filled with thrills, romance, and suspense.

If that summary thrills you as much as it did me, please join Wendy at Borders this Saturday!

For more information about Wendy or Asleep, be sure to check out Wendy's website.

I'm Back!

After a long hiatus, I am so excited to be back!

For the past two weeks, I have been very ill and unable to complete many daily tasks--including reading and blogging. But for the first time in over two weeks, I am feeling like myself and so eager to be back in the blogosphere. It may take me a week or so to get back in the swing of things, but I will have some posts scheduled shortly and I look forward to talking with you all again!

Until then, I need to announce the two winners of the Defining Twilight contest. And the lucky ladies are...

Lilibeth and Arielle (of B.A.M. Book Reviews)

Ladies, please email me your addresses and I will send you a copy of Defining Twilight!

If you did not win this time, no worries, I will be having another contest soon.

Oh, it's so good to be back! :)

In My Mailbox (October 3)

I decided that I will only feature books I purchase or borrow from the library in my IMM posts.

During the last few weeks, I have gone overboard on book purchases, which means I probably won't be buying many more this month.

Purchased:

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Are U 4 Real? by Sara Kadefors

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Troy High by Shana Norris

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Exit Here. by Jason Myers

Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra

Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay

Things Are Gonna Get Ugly by Hillary Homzie

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

My Life as a Rhombus by Varian Johnson

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Fashionista (Bradford Novel) by Micol Ostow

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde

And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman

Second Skin by Jessica Wollman

Bliss by Lauren Myracle

Burned by Ellen Hopkins

6X: The Uncensored Confessions by Nina Malkin ($1.00!)

Oh Baby! by Randi Reisfeld & H.B. Gilmour ($1.00!)

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

I also borrowed the following books from my local library:

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

Possessions by Nancy Holder

Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Thank you to Kristi for hosting In My Mailbox, which was created by Alea!

Defining Twilight Contest

Preparing for upcoming standardized tests? Looking to improve your vocabulary?

Brian Leaf has given me two copies of Defining Twilight to give away to two lucky readers!

To be entered, simply leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.

+1: Comment on my Defining Twilight review.

+2: Post or tweet about this contest (sidebar is acceptable). In a separate comment, leave a link to your message.

This contest will end on Thursday, October 8 at 11:59 EST and is only open to those with a US mailing address (P.O. Box is okay).

Good luck!

Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf

Defining Twilight: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT

Brian Leaf, M.A.

Wiley Publishing

July 14, 2009

Summary (from Amazon): Can you resist the allure of Edward’s myriad charms—his ocher eyes and tousled hair, the cadence of his speech, his chiseled alabaster skin, and his gratuitous charm? Will you hunt surreptitiously and tolerate the ceaseless deluge in Forks to evade the sun and uphold the facade? Join Edward and Bella as you learn more than 600 vocabulary words to improve your score on the *SAT, ACT^®, GED^®, and SSAT^® exams!

Review: I am not a Twilight fan (I haven't read the series, nor have I seen the movie). In fact, the Twilight craze drives me bonkers. I feel it is overexposed and, frankly, annoying. But my disapproval of Twilight fandom did not stop me from accepting the opportunity to review Defining Twilight--and it's one decision I am glad I made!

When this workbook came on the scene, many eyes rolled (mine included), but with or without the Twilight name, this book is a useful resource. I am not a student preparing for a standardized test; however, I am a person who enjoys learning new words and seeks opportunities to expand my vocabulary.

The strategies implemented in Defining Twilight are simply great vocabulary improvement strategies. In each section, eight words are chosen and readers use context clues, synonyms, analogies, and sentence completions to comprehend and apply the meanings of unfamiliar terms. Through its use of higher order thinking processes, this resource allows readers to think critically and creatively acquire new vocabulary.

I highly recommend Defining Twilight to students and anyone who wants to build his/her vocabulary. This study aid is enjoyable, practical and takes the anxiety out of vocabulary preparation.

CSN Luggage Review

As I reported previously, I received a generous offer from Luggage.com, a CSN store.

I chose the Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry-on Suitcase featured below.

The luggage was delivered to my front doorstep very quickly. Because I was so excited about its arrival, I do not have any photos of the packaging. Trust me when I say it was packaged very neatly and securely. The piece was protected and arrived free of any damage.

One of the things I love about this piece of luggage is its compact size. This bag is appropriate for weekend travel and is not at all bulky. Even though it is small, the height of the handle is perfect for me. I am 5'5" and believe a taller person could easily wheel this bag around without having to slouch. I would have preferred a sturdier handle; however as this is a small bag, it is strong enough for carrying lightweight items, such as clothing, a laptop, etc.

This bag comes with multiple compartments. This makes for easy organization and storage.

One of my reasons for choosing this bag was its many compartments. While I love the main compartment and the mesh pockets, I could do without the clear panels. I like the idea of easily viewing the contents of the luggage, however the plastic/vinyl is not at all flexible. I will probably forgo using those panels, and with so many other pockets, I probably would never have to use them all anyway.

The Travelon Carry-on Suitcase also came with a full size tote bag (perfect for carrying around books) and two removable make-up pouches!

I am thrilled with this gorgeous suitcase and its multiple extras. If you pack moderately, it holds enough space for carrying items for a weekend getaway (saving you from paying those expensive airline luggage fees) and allows for easy organization of items. I am very pleased with the service Luggage.com provides and would highly recommend the company to anyone considering the purchase of luggage, a laptop bag, a backpack, or other travel accessories!

Thank you so much to Tyler of CSN stores for allowing me this wonderful opportunity!

BBAW Reading Habits Meme

This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week and I am having so much fun! For today's meme I couldn't choose just one, so I'm going to cheat a little and answer three.

And now, my crazy reading habits...

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of

writing in books horrify you?

Write in a book? Are you serious? For me, books are sacred and the only words that should appear in that space are the words of the author. I am very particular about my books and like for them to appear brand new (though I can accept the yellowing of the pages). That means, no writing, no creases, no doggy-eared pages, no Cheetos stains. Is that weird?

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

Absolutely not! As a teacher, I try to stress the importance of using context clues. And I have to practice what I preach. Luckily, I have a pretty good vocabulary (though I don't always use it) and I've gotten pretty good at figuring out the meanings of words I don't know.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?

Though I haven't said much about the author on the blog, I am always recommending Walter Dean Myers. He is such a wonderful author. I remember reading Motown and Didi when I was in fifth grade and I thought it was the best novel ever written. Since then, I've been hooked.

And I stated I hadn't really mentioned him much on this space. But get ready, I have a month dedicated to Walter Dean Myers coming up (probably in the winter, I need to reread some titles and dig through my mother's house for all the older books)!

BBAW Interview with Bingo

As part of BBAW's blogger interviews, I had the extreme pleasure of being matched up with Karen a.k.a "Bingo" of Bookin' with "Bingo". I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know her, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us on her wonderful blog! And now...presenting KAREN!!!

When and why did you start your blog?

BOOKIN' WITH BINGO was "born" in January of 2009. My passion has always been reading and writing and so a blog was a place for both. I never knew what blogging was before but decided with trial and much error to give it a chance. Not only did I have a place for my reviews that I had been doing for about a year but I could have fun and make people happy giving away books.

I love the name of your blog, what inspired the title?
"Bingo" is a family nickname that came about because my Goddaughter couldn't pronounce my real family nickname of "Biggo" and she always said Bingo and so some family started calling me that. I liked the alliteration with the letter B so at first it was going to be "Bingo's Book Blog".

Of all the books you've reviewed, which has been your favorite?
That's like asking me to pick my favorite child (maybe that's why I only have one child). I guess THE WINDS OF TARA is special because it is the sequel to my favorite book GONE WITH THE WIND and it was so hard to even get a copy having to go through Australia to get one due to copyright laws in America (from the Margaret Mitchell society). I also loved THE EDUCATION OF AN AMERICAN DREAMER because I could relate it to my dad. But I think my favorite book that I read and reviewed for my blog so far THE LEISURE SEEKER by Michael Zadoorian--just loved the book!

Aside from blogging, what are your hobbies?

You mean people have time for hobbies and still blog? I, of course, love reading and writing and working on my "great American novel". I love football....especially college (my alma mater is Florida State and I am a crazy Seminole fan) and the Dallas Cowboys and I have been as one for over 30 years! I also love traveling and Las Vegas is my #1 destination for fun.

You have tons of awesome giveaways, what do you find most rewarding about hosting contests?
That's easy. Giving people books makes them so happy and I get to do it for free for the most part and that brings me great joy. I also like being really goofy in making up my entry comments (and I love reading each and every one).

Where do you envision your blog one year from now?
I hope to manage my time better and commit to fewer things so I have more time for just reading. I would like to do fewer giveaways and be able to write more in my posts even though I love making people happy with giveaways, it does take a lot of work and time to do it. I probably have at least 5 giveaways per week and I need to cut back and allow myself more time for my writing.

Thank you, Shalonda and BBAW, for the opportunity to do this. It has been great fun and I look forward to all of the BBAW activities. This also has allowed me to discover another great blog in SHALONDA'S BLOG...today I became a follower and got to "meet" her sister in an interview---how clever is that?!

Thank you so much, Karen for being my partner! I had so much fun working with you.

Bookin' with "Bingo" is an eclectic and fun blog for book lovers of all ages, so be sure to check it out. And seriously, how can you resist this adorable face?!?!? (Yes, that's Karen as a child!)

The Comeback by Marlene Perez

The Comeback

Marlene Perez

Point

Published August 1, 2009

Summary: Sophie Donnelly is the IT girl at her school. That is until the new girl Angie steals everything that makes Sophie popular--her boyfriend, her friends, and the lead in the school musical. Sophie will stop at nothing to get revenge from Angie and take back what is hers, but will she go too far?

Review: The Comeback was a very cute novel and packed a pretty heavy punch. This book was full of drama, fun characters, hilarious charades, and romance!

From the first page, Marlene Perez had me hooked. Even though Sophie seemed to be a drama queen and a brat, I found something sincere about her. She was funny and a bit of a perfectionist. Her desire to become a better person showed that she was not just a pretty face who felt a need to be popular.

The other main characters, like Monet (Sophie's best friend) and Dev (Monet's brother) were also very believable. And because of the authenticity of the characters, the plot was well developed and held my interest. Even though the entire novel was quite predictable, the story flowed and all the loose ends were tied in the conclusion.

The only issue I had with The Comeback was the name-dropping of irrelevant characters. There were too many unimportant characters who made quick appearances and were never discussed again. It would have been easier to follow if the characters had not been acknowledged or were just mentioned as "a boy from my biology class", rather than given a whole name. This was just a minor setback and did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel.

While this book won't wow you, it is worth a read. And since it is less than 200 pages long, The Comeback makes for a quick, pleasurable read.

Rating: 7-Good, enjoyable, but not great

In My Mailbox (September 13)

This week, I did not receive any books for review or visit the library, which I am totally fine with because I did purchase a few books that I've been wanting to read! And I LOVE buying books--it's an addiction!

The Sky Always Hears Me, and the Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Sixteen-year-old Morgan lives in a hick town in the middle of Nebraska. College is two years away. Her mom was killed in a car accident when she was three, her dad drinks, and her stepmom is a non-entity. Her boyfriend Derek is boring and her coworker Rob has a very cute butt that she can't stop staring at. Then there's the kiss she shared with her classmate Tessa...

But when Morgan discovers that the one person in the world she trusted most has kept a devastating secret from her, Morgan must redefine her life and herself.

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

Set in Elizabethan England, this novel tells of 16-year-old Kat, who has grown up in a country cottage under the care of a foster mother. After her death, Kat goes to London in hopes of learning her parents’ identities. There she is taken under the wing of Queen Elizabeth I, and soon a rumor swirls through court that Kat’s mother is the queen herself. The mystery of Kat’s past is intertwined with the always-involving question of whether her heart lies with one of the handsome rogues at court or with a young farmer back home. Interspersed with Kat’s first-person narration are passages from a secret journal, written years before.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Identical teen twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne share a picture-perfect California life that is rank with dark, dangerous secrets under its surface. Their mother, who is running for Congress, leaves them at home with their father, a district court judge who is addicted to liquor and OxyContin. Daddy regularly molests Kaeleigh, using her as a stand-in for his absentee wife, and controls every aspect of her life. Raeanne sees every detail and reacts to her father's favoritism by acting out sexually and getting high on pot whenever possible. Written in free verse from alternating viewpoints, Identical tells the twins' story in intimate and often-graphic detail. Hopkins packs in multiple issues including eating disorders, drug abuse, date rape, alcoholism, sexual abuse, and self-mutilation as she examines a family that "puts the dys in dysfunction."

Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino

For anyone who's seen Walt Disney's Snow White, you'll know that the Wicked Queen is one evil woman! After all, it's not everyone who wants to cut out their teenage step-daughter's heart and have it delivered back in a locked keepsake box. (And even if this sort of thing is a common urge, we don't know many people who have acted upon it.)

Now, for the first time, we'll examine the life of the Wicked Queen and find out just what it is that makes her so nasty. Here's a hint: the creepy-looking man in the magic mirror is not just some random spooky visage-and he just might have something to do with the Queen's wicked ways!

For my birthday, I also received a Borders gift card and some really nice bookmarks from my sister. Thanks, Kesha, I can't wait to spend the gift card!

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi and was created by Alea. I can't wait to see what was in everyone else's mailbox (or if you're like me, came straight from your wallet)!

*Blogger does not seem to want to update my Decatur Book Festival photos, so I am trying to put together a Movie Maker project. Hopefully, I will have it up sometime this week. Cross your fingers for me, I haven't used MM for a couple of years!