tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50535427974137198032024-03-10T11:50:01.103-06:00Good Clean ReadsI've always wished that books had ratings like movies do. Here are my ratings for the books I'm reading.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-55527619999074140072015-04-11T19:49:00.002-06:002015-04-11T19:51:03.759-06:00Warning about The DUFF<img alt="The DUFF: Designated Ugly F..." height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1271108843s/6931356.jpg" width="132" /><br />
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I recently read <i>The DUFF</i> by Kody Keplinger since the movie is out and it looked like it could be interesting. Let me warn you that this is <b>not </b>a clean read. It also does not look like it's the same story that is being told in the movie. I'm concerned that a lot of teenage girls will pick this up to read it either before or after watching the movie. This book is full of sexual content. I really hope that real teenagers aren't having sex as much as the characters in this book do and I hope they don't have the same attitude towards it. The rating I would give for this book is a 5 for language, 5 for sexual content, and 1 for violence. I definitely would not want my teenage daughters reading this.</div>
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Rating: 5.1.5</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-49468834766026929032013-08-08T11:25:00.000-06:002013-08-12T09:56:31.612-06:00Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden<br />
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<a href="http://www.shadowmountain.com/blog-tours/longing-for-home-blog-tour/"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU8G8mfb8z5rvUQp6ZWDLyPESK0eJx18WuLl2h3DlVpkSbMrK2wzsd4SryY6FmeQoMPCk04drgilFypuiDwLngknChyphenhyphen3iPZ_91xysowLOO7XDqwJsG8EmctrJTI8vOD3SuXURuob7MacL/s640/blog+tour+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYQHu6902ik5NvUPZ0e7iFGksYW7sTU5_Zkg56Gr9yF6JvUW9SJa9_j2BOz09U16p65w2B3PusFEQhmYBs7OsJlikbcPDwXGn8UB3yg2rfJNS4rvdS8wZ4eebJXmoGSrIRjemEmJj-z-R/s1600/author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYQHu6902ik5NvUPZ0e7iFGksYW7sTU5_Zkg56Gr9yF6JvUW9SJa9_j2BOz09U16p65w2B3PusFEQhmYBs7OsJlikbcPDwXGn8UB3yg2rfJNS4rvdS8wZ4eebJXmoGSrIRjemEmJj-z-R/s200/author+photo.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah M. Eden</td></tr>
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I have the privilege of being a part of the Blog Tour for the new novel by Sarah M. Eden, <i>Longing for Home. </i>I've actually read several of her books in the last year. I haven't posted a review in a very long time as you know so I haven't reviewed any of her books on this blog but I have really enjoyed them. I have read <i>Seeking Persephone, Courting Miss Lancaster, Kiss of a Stranger, </i>and <i>Drops of Gold.</i> They have all been fun, clean Regency style romances that I have really enjoyed.<br />
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Sarah, (I'm going to call her by her first name because I think she's cool) has taken a little different approach with her latest book. This one is set in the Wyoming Territory in 1870 instead of Regency England. When I discovered this I have to say that I was a little disappointed because I would rather read a book set in Regency or Victorian England way more than I want to read a book set in the western frontier of the United States. I'm glad I gave this book a chance though because it was just as entertaining as Sarah's other books have been.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsKIP_YepTGwQt5upMX3VEyX4bNG7YWopGYrPI3ejpjC6I3RVq_HEl8ZUm2nkwH2rORCyCTbhtXg6utqFZ71kYw9C6-lMJUDN8Ud7kYjw_YqCsWQ1-3FQj9fRizIlB7Uxs2LdpiE1Odwc/s1600/Longing+for+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsKIP_YepTGwQt5upMX3VEyX4bNG7YWopGYrPI3ejpjC6I3RVq_HEl8ZUm2nkwH2rORCyCTbhtXg6utqFZ71kYw9C6-lMJUDN8Ud7kYjw_YqCsWQ1-3FQj9fRizIlB7Uxs2LdpiE1Odwc/s320/Longing+for+Home.jpg" width="213" /></a>Katie Macauley is a young woman from Ireland who ventures out west in hopes that the higher wages offered will help her get back to her family in Ireland and repay debts she feels she owes them. Upon reaching Hope Springs, Wyoming she finds that it won't be as easy as she had hoped. Faced with challenges in her new employment that bring up painful memories from her childhood and a community divided by prejudice and hate, Katie struggles in her new situation. Of course, there are a couple of handsome men to add confusion to the mix. This is called "A Proper Romance", after all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfGs4Bx8ZBCZ1tdKxPfC6NFr3spWfompNaL1qXuMQ7dVZsA_kdS8a6RbLw0OUkl1thIA3FeunLAFN5UfjzFDLYtjAe66j58iEifuP5UE6pbewD1WTFuwQCOcp9dxB0CTdJHiVBKnkIIUV/s1600/Proper+Romance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfGs4Bx8ZBCZ1tdKxPfC6NFr3spWfompNaL1qXuMQ7dVZsA_kdS8a6RbLw0OUkl1thIA3FeunLAFN5UfjzFDLYtjAe66j58iEifuP5UE6pbewD1WTFuwQCOcp9dxB0CTdJHiVBKnkIIUV/s200/Proper+Romance.jpg" width="200" /></a>I enjoyed this as well as Sarah's other books but I am hoping that she's working on a sequel because there are way too many loose ends to tie up. For those of you who are like me and enjoy a good, clean romance, look for Shadow Mountain Publishing's new branding "A Proper Romance" that you will find on some of their novels. I think it's a great idea and I look forward to reading more of these historical "proper" romances.<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-73044609227291363182012-05-27T20:25:00.000-06:002012-05-27T20:25:02.016-06:00The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben SherwoodGenre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance<br />
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Published: 2004, 277 pp. by Picador USA<br />
Source: Personal library<br />
Review: 3/5 stars<br />
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<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>It's hard to give a good brief description of this book without giving away too much. If you've seen the movie previews you know that Charlie St. Cloud can see and talk to is younger brother who is dead. I think I'll leave it at that to avoid any spoilers.<br />
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<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>We read this for my neighborhood book club. I liked the premise and the ideas the author, Ben Sherwood, put forth about what happens after we die. I really liked the relationship between Charlie and his brother, Sam. Their conversations were fun and witty and I enjoyed all the parts when they are together. I thought the romance part of the book wasn't as well developed but I still enjoyed it.<br />
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<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I liked this book and it kept me interested but I can't say I would recommend it to many people. There is a sex scene that isn't really graphic but is still descriptive enough that it made me a little uncomfortable. Not for teens.<br />
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<b>Rating</b>: 3.1.3 Unmarried, descriptive sexual relations and moderate profanity.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-57298363712154033582012-05-02T20:36:00.000-06:002012-05-02T20:36:07.619-06:00Edenbrooke by Julianne DonaldsonGenre: Romance, YA<br />
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Published: Mar. 2012 by Shadow Mountain, 240 pp.<br />
Source: ARC from publisher<br />
Review: 4.5/5 stars<br />
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<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>(From<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke"> goodreads.com</a>) <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.</i></span><br />
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<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>I have to admit that I read more than my share of romances as a teenager. Some were more than questionable in content and I'm ashamed that I ever read them. In search of cleaner fare, I discovered that there was this sub-genre of romance novels called Regency. The stories were set in Regency England (early 19th century) and were inspired by Jane Austen's works dealing with the noble and rich, the genteel but poor, gentleman and ladies, rakes and spinsters, the season, the<i> ton, </i>Almack's, London and Bath, manners and propriety. I loved Regency romances because they were usually clean, romantic, and I loved the world they transported me to. <br />
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I don't read Regencies much anymore with the exception of the <a href="http://goodcleanreads.blogspot.com/search/label/Georgette%20Heyer">Georgette Heyer</a> novels I've discovered in the last few years so when I got the chance to review <i>Edenbrooke</i>, I jumped on it. I loved it. There are a few silly or cheesy parts and it's fairly predictable but overall I still enjoyed every minute of reading it. The heroine is smart, witty, and completely unaware of her charms. The hero is very swoon worthy (one of my favorite leading men I've encountered in recent months.) My 12 year old daughter loved it too so maybe there's still hope that I can eventually introduce her to Jane Austen. (Right now she rolls her eyes when I mention<i> Pride and Prejudice</i>.)<br />
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<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, clean romance. Don't expect great literature, but you can expect to be entertained. <strong> </strong><br />
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<strong>Ratings: 2.2.1 </strong>As the subtitle says, this is a "proper romance." There is one part where a woman is threatened in a way that suggests a sexual assault but it's not explicit.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-17660017151414247322012-05-02T09:37:00.001-06:002012-05-02T09:37:38.697-06:00More ways to enter the giveawayHere is a list of all the blogs participating in Cami Checkett's giveaway. For better odds of winning go to the following blogs and enter there as well.<br />
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<li><a href="http://cautionredheadrunning.blogspot.com/2012/04/dead-running-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Caution: Redhead Running</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/2012/04/dead-running-blog-tour-huge-fitness.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Book Bug</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://ihaverun.blogspot.com/2012/04/things-i-love-thursday-good-read.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">I Have Run</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.runfastmommy.com/2012/04/so.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Secrets of a Running Mom</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://janetkayjensen.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-recommendation-dead-running-by.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Janet Jensen</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/04/fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheryls Book Nook</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/2012/04/incredible-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Rachelle Writes</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.royalpitatoias.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">If I Can't Convince You I'll At least Confuse You</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.23imaginaryfriends.blogspot.com/2012/04/dead-running-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Just Trying is for Little Girls</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://amberargyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/contest-for-dead-running.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amber Argyle</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/04/cami-checketts-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Socrates Book Reviews</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://diony-george.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-release-win-prizes.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Diony George</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://themissmaesite.blogspot.com/2012/04/cami-checketts-huge-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Miss Mae</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://lojwriting.blogspot.com/2012/04/cami-checketts-dead-running-fitness.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Lo Johnston Writing</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/dead-running-by-cami-checketts-celebration-and-huge-giveaway/"><span style="font-size: large;">Book Journey</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/2012/04/great-read-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Balanced Writer</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-release-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Pams Wild Rose Blog</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2012/04/completely-awesome-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com/2012/04/fitness-products-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Fitness for Mom</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://jillwillrun.com/2012/04/24/dead-running-giveaway-celebration/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Jill Will Run</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://goodcleanreads.blogspot.com/2012/04/giveaway-to-celebrate-release-of-cami.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Good Clean Reads</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://jennieyuen.blogspot.com/2012/04/huge-fitness-giveaway-in-celebrating.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.happy-healthy-successful.com/huge-fitness-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy, Healthy, Successful</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://rachelannnunes.blogspot.com/2012/04/fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Rachel Ann Nunes</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://momandmore.com/2012/04/cami-checketts-novel-dead-running-huge-fitness-giveaway-uscan-ends-518.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Mom and More</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.readingwithmonie.com/2012/04/review-dead-running-by-cami-checketts.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Reading with Monie</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com/2012/04/huge-fitness-giveaway.html" target="”_blank”"><span style="font-size: large;">Sarah's Blog of Fun</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2012/04/fitness-contest.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A Book Lover Forever</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://alwaystrainingtrio.blogspot.com/2012/04/awesomely-huge-fitness-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Always Training Trio</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://charitywrites.blogspot.com/2012/04/dead-running-and-huge-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Charity's Writing Journey</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/fitness-products-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Love. Pray. Read.</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.mydisneyhalf.blogspot.com/2012/04/dead-running-book-release-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Just Me and My Running Shoes</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.runningrachel.com/2012/04/24/huge-fitness-product-giveaway-party/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Running Rachel</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://princessruns.com/dead-running-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Princess Runs</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://larissamilano.com/2012/04/24/celebrating-the-release-of-dead-running-with-a-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Larissa Milano Fitness</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://raketermama.blogspot.com/2012/04/huge-fitness-giveaway-and-others.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Raketer Mama</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/2012/04/a-fun-fitness-gear-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hungry Runner Girl</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://makeitsimplesister.com/2012/04/24/what-tuesday-fitness-giveaway-yep-read-on/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Make it Simple Sister</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.bobbimccormick.com/?p=25410" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A Journey in the Shoes of a Foodie, Athlete & Wife</span></a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.sexymomsrunningclub.com/2012/04/were-celebrating-the-release-of-cami-checketts-novel-dead-running/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sexy Mom's Running Club</span></a></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tallmomontherun.com/2012/04/cami-checketts-giveaway.html">Tall Mom on the Run</a></span></li>
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-58835326422816116292012-04-26T21:19:00.000-06:002012-04-26T21:29:00.926-06:00Giveaway to Celebrate Release of Cami Checkett's Dead Running<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 38px;">We’re celebrating the release of Cami Checketts’ novel </span><span lang="en-US"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Running-ebook/dp/B007PJ70MA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334695772&sr=8-1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Dead Running</span></a> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">with a huge fitness giveaway</span>.<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 32px;">Prizes Include</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 32px;">:<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Experienced and beginner yoga packages from </span><a href="http://www.huggermugger.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Hugger Mugger</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Two </span><a href="http://mioglobal.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MIO Global</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Active Watches<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Three months online personal training from </span><a href="http://fitcorefitness.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Fitcore Fitness</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Three </span><a href="http://www.lebertfitness.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Lebert</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Stretch Straps<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Fitness Apparel from </span><a href="http://runningchics.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Running Chics</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">One pair of running shoes from </span><a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Altra Zero Drop</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ifrogz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">iFrogz</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Earbuds and Armbands<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Six month adult membership: </span><a href="http://www.smithfieldrecreation.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Smithfield Recreation Center</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">One month membership: </span><a href="http://www.crossfituac.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Crossfit UAC</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;">Autographed copy of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Running-ebook/dp/B007PJ70MA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334466424&sr=8-1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dead Running</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by Cami Checketts</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 28px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Win one of these amazing prizes simply by following this blog or liking my </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cami-Checketts/113772468658355" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Facebook </span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">page and leaving a comment below. Please visit each of our sponsors’ websites to learn more about their products and decide which one you’d like to win. While you’re at their site, like their page or follow their blog to show our gratitude for their donation to this fun blogfest. You can enter on as many different blogs as you like, a list of the participating blogs is featured at the end of this post.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Hugger Mugger Yoga </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Experienced</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;">and Beginner Y</span></span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-size: large;">oga Packages.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Value: $325.00<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://www.huggermugger.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hugger Mugger Website</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hugger Mugger on </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/huggermugger" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Facebook</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two MIO Global Active Watches<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 28px;">Value: $239.98<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://www.mioglobal.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">MIO’s Website</span></span></a></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sign up for </span></span><a href="http://mymio.mioglobal.com/mymio" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My MIO</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 28px;">Like MIO on </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MIOwatch" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Facebook</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MIO is the number one brand in strapless </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heart Rate </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">monitoring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with features like calorie management systems, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">all day steps counting,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">distance tracking, and fitness assessment tools.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pXnsVmdcjtaVwCVmDXhd23S3ZBAZStnH3R3f6EYeE6waO8FmojFN3xNXjeyZCEzDLfpP0bdE1Bc76wxjxBUCytM0eqxeZi7Isk49UjxiT7cFHN6az1BXrsoIoEPKuHLxlQp8nGxM_OU/s1600/fitcore-logo.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pXnsVmdcjtaVwCVmDXhd23S3ZBAZStnH3R3f6EYeE6waO8FmojFN3xNXjeyZCEzDLfpP0bdE1Bc76wxjxBUCytM0eqxeZi7Isk49UjxiT7cFHN6az1BXrsoIoEPKuHLxlQp8nGxM_OU/s1600/fitcore-logo.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pXnsVmdcjtaVwCVmDXhd23S3ZBAZStnH3R3f6EYeE6waO8FmojFN3xNXjeyZCEzDLfpP0bdE1Bc76wxjxBUCytM0eqxeZi7Isk49UjxiT7cFHN6az1BXrsoIoEPKuHLxlQp8nGxM_OU/s320/fitcore-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US">Three months online </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">fitness training<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Value: $150<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.fitcorefitness.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Fitcore Website</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -- <span lang="en-US">Fitcore on </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/FitCore-Fitness/104633256288745" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUH596IlotbHbpQF0h_36YBNEJfZyMWziacK_tRvksC_ZtjnWZuZ5JibAMFMEBfYG7KEMaRbSi3c3bzb2pnkLFPfMePZ8adtw95hPwd1UXKaXp9YGSErOmzQ6QXamrBoXUhpaVT2oR74E/s1600/logo_lf.png" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUH596IlotbHbpQF0h_36YBNEJfZyMWziacK_tRvksC_ZtjnWZuZ5JibAMFMEBfYG7KEMaRbSi3c3bzb2pnkLFPfMePZ8adtw95hPwd1UXKaXp9YGSErOmzQ6QXamrBoXUhpaVT2oR74E/s1600/logo_lf.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Three Lebert Stretch Straps<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Value: $48.49 each<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lebertfitness.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Lebert Fitness Website</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like Lebert Fitness on </span><a href="http://www.lebertfitness.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px;">Flexibility and mobility are two vital components of fitness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px;">The Lebert Stretch Strap™ is a simple, innovative tool that will</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px;">allow you to stretch more comfortably and hold that stretch longer!</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Two $50 Gift Certificates to spend on Running Chics </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">fitness apparel.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.runningchics.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Running Chics Website</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running Chics on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/runningchics" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether you're running a race or just running around town, you should feel comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And there's no reason you shouldn't look good, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We're Running Chics...just like you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and we know that fashion and performance can go hand-in-hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Altra Running Shoes - </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Value: $109.99<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Altra Zero Drop Website</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - <span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Altra Running on </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/altrarunning" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Altra Zero Drop Footwear features the world's first ever line of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">fully cushioned Zero Drop™ running shoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">designed to improve form and reduce initial impact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">iFrogz Armbands and Earbuds - </span><span lang="en-US">Value: $175.00<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ifrogz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">iFrogz Website</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - <span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">iFrogz on </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ifrogz" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">iFrogz is native to Cache Valley and offers awesome</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">accessories for your iPods, iPhones, and iPads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="en-US">Six month adult membership - </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Value: $157</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">...</span><br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-44687465562997495302012-04-14T21:33:00.000-06:002012-04-19T16:02:11.223-06:00I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1294544587l/9468234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1294544587l/9468234.jpg" width="213" /></a>Genre: YA, realistic fiction<br />
Published: May 2011, 285 pp. (Sourcebooks Fire)<br />
Source: Review copy from publisher<br />
Review: 4/5 stars<br />
<br />
<b>Brief Summary:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> <b> (</b>From goodreads.com)<i> </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?</i></span><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>I liked this book. If you remember, I thought Janet Gurtler's other book, <i>If I Tell</i>, was only so-so. I enjoyed this one much more. I've read other blogs comparing Gurtler to Sarah Dessen and I agree.<br />
<br />
What I liked about this book was the transformation of the relationships in this family as they deal with the fear and devastation of cancer. I didn't like some of the plot. There were just so many issues and so much going on. It felt a little contrived at times but I still enjoyed the book.<br />
<br />
<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I would recommend this to anyone who likes realistic fiction a la Sarah Dessen.<br />
<strong><br />Ratings: 2.1.2 </strong>Includes teenagers having sex but not described, moderate profanity including vain references to Deity.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-39785476347575980452012-04-02T16:23:00.002-06:002012-04-02T16:23:55.509-06:00Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309212489l/155712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309212489l/155712.jpg" width="203" /></a>Genre: Historical Fiction<br />
Published: Jan. 2002 by Berkley Trade (First published 1947), 320 pp.<br />
Source: Library<br />
Review: 5/5 stars<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>(From Goodreads.com) <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>A moving love story set in the Canadian wilderness, Mrs. Mike is a classic tale that has enchanted millions of readers worldwide. It brings the fierce, stunning landscape of the Great North to life-and tenderly evokes the love that blossoms between Sergeant Mike Flannigan and beautiful young Katherine Mary O'Fallon.</i></span><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>The reason I posted a review of <i><a href="http://goodcleanreads.blogspot.com/2012/03/these-is-my-words-by-nancy-e-turner.html">These Is My Words</a></i> recently was because I wanted to be able to compare it to <i>Mrs. Mike</i>. I loved this book. I read it several years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I really liked it then but my taste in books has changed a little over the last few years so I wasn't sure if I would like it as much this time around. It was just as good, if not better. To me,<i> Mrs. Mike</i> and <i>These Is My Words</i> are very similar in the following ways:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Both are told by a young female protagonist in first person</li>
<li>Similar historic time period (one set in late 1800's, the other in early 1900's)</li>
<li>Both protagonists absolutely adore their husbands</li>
<li>Each of them endure severe trials</li>
<li>Both married peace-keeping military men</li>
</ul>
<br />
Even though they are similar I much prefer <i>Mrs. Mike</i>. She seemed so much more real to me than Sarah Prine did. Maybe that's just because Katherine Flannigan <i>was </i>a real person but many fictional characters can seem very real. Katherine had flaws and I enjoyed watching her overcome them. Sarah was always just too perfect and too strong for every occasion. I also preferred Katherine and Sergeant Mike's relationship over Sarah and Captain Elliot's relationship.<br />
<br />
<i>Mrs. Mike</i> made me laugh out loud but also made me cry. That's a great combination in my book.<br />
<br />
<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I would recommend this book to all those who loved, or didn't love, <i>These Is My Words. </i>If you haven't read that book but you like a sweet romance and a historical book that will make you laugh and cry, then this is a great book for you. The best part, it's a clean read.<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>Ratings: 1.3.2 </strong>There is a some violence dealing with the dangers of frontier life, and there's also some profanity but fairly mild if I remember right.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-6679854718843060092012-03-21T15:25:00.000-06:002012-03-21T15:25:14.749-06:00These Is My Words by Nancy E Turner<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173947222l/348225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173947222l/348225.jpg" width="127" /></a>Genre: Historical Fiction<br />
Published: 1999 by ReganBooks, 384 pp.<br />
Source: Library<br />
Reason: Book club<br />
Review: 3/5 stars<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>Journal entries of Sarah Agnes Prine, a pioneer woman living the Arizona Territory from 1881-1901.<br />
<br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>I had heard so many people just rave about this book so I was expecting to love it. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. It may have been that I read it at the wrong time. I wasn't in the right state of mind for this particular novel. I felt that Sarah and her Captain were just too perfect. Lots of bad things happen to them and they sometimes get mad at each other but they always react perfectly. Sarah, especially, seems to always do everything right. I like a good, strong heroine but she was just too much so for me. I think I read it at a time when I wasn't feeling particularly good about myself or my marriage (as that happens from time to time) and they just annoyed me. Their relationship wasn't <i>real </i>to me--as real as a fictional relationship can be, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I know this is a much beloved book so I hope my bad attitude isn't offensive to anyone. The book was interesting and I wasn't about to put it down. I must say that I almost put it down at the very beginning because the grammar and spelling were terrible as this is supposed to be the journal of a young woman without much education. Fortunately, she quickly learns and the "mistakes" are much fewer in number.<br />
<br />
<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I would recommend this book to most adults but there are a couple of parts that are a bit disturbing. I have heard of some very selective readers being offended by these parts but most women I know who have read this book really liked it, despite these parts. Many young adults may also enjoy this book.<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTutjfZw6lhJyXJer5c2Dki-jXgpDD9vGHyKLCGCanFdDxl4QjRPqtfIt2wRGtQP_6VZomB1Ffhe6rtvAdWj7vW3V2MNCobCPSf9swVRKYlO5o6uuVbkgVjey3AfiXr6daporuu154AoX/s230/1Heinz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTutjfZw6lhJyXJer5c2Dki-jXgpDD9vGHyKLCGCanFdDxl4QjRPqtfIt2wRGtQP_6VZomB1Ffhe6rtvAdWj7vW3V2MNCobCPSf9swVRKYlO5o6uuVbkgVjey3AfiXr6daporuu154AoX/s1600/1Heinz.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See left side-bar for explanation</td></tr>
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<strong>Ratings: 3.3.2 </strong>The 3's are because of the occurrences of rape and attempted rape. There is some minor profanity as well.<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-18892407679950534082012-02-29T19:36:00.002-07:002012-02-29T19:36:58.944-07:00If I Tell by Janet Gurtler<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304190476l/10841337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304190476l/10841337.jpg" width="213" /></a>Genre: YA, realistic fiction<br />
Published: Oct. 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire, 244 pp.<br />
Source: Review copy from publisher<br />
Review: 2.5/5<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>Jaz hasn't had an easy life growing up in her small town, raised by her grandmother because her teenage mom wasn't really up to the task. Her father, whom she doesn't know and who wants nothing to do with her, is black, and her mother is white so she's always felt like she didn't fit in. Then one night she see's something she wishes she hadn't seen. If she tells anyone it could ruin her mom's happiness but knowing this secret is hurting her.<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>I'm probably going to sound like a huge jerk when I say this but I kind of thought Jaz was a big whiner. The story moves along pretty well and is interesting but there is so much angst and so many issues that I got a little annoyed. I'm not sure that I've ever read a book with a biracial protagonist so that part could have been interesting but she feels so sorry for herself that I had a hard time feeling bad for her. She does come around and I liked her better by the end.<br />
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This is just my opinion. I've read several other very positive reviews. It was interesting enough for me to finish and I really liked Jaz's love interest. <br />
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<strong>Recommendations: </strong>I wouldn't recommend this for young teens. There are some mature themes like teenage pregnancy and sex outside of marriage though there aren't any descriptions. <br />
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<strong>Ratings: 2.1.2 </strong>Includes sexual themes without explicit descriptions. Some language.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-51874812488284537512012-02-27T20:15:00.000-07:002012-02-28T16:42:26.997-07:00On the Fringe by Courtney King WalkerGenre: YA, Paranormal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd88P2Oxa5fKNCmlGqrMV_4qG3hz7rlcH4TgEvMabO-WyavQooitTGrK0IIIDm-72ff60wLUqh9sony1zXl5bRTAXvcHXX6cbIxBSHxSoVTmzOSgqa-tXOjplTWiavTuU0z_zohvRnoX7/s1600/Fringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd88P2Oxa5fKNCmlGqrMV_4qG3hz7rlcH4TgEvMabO-WyavQooitTGrK0IIIDm-72ff60wLUqh9sony1zXl5bRTAXvcHXX6cbIxBSHxSoVTmzOSgqa-tXOjplTWiavTuU0z_zohvRnoX7/s200/Fringe.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
Published: Oct. 2011, 272 pp.<br />
Source: Review request by author <br />
Review: 3.5/5 stars<br />
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<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>(From Goodreads) <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she's still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn't helping.</span></i></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Neither is thinking she sees Daniel's face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination...</i></span></div>
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>First of all, thank goodness for a YA stand-alone book! <br />
I liked this ghostly romance. I haven't read many books with ghosts but I thought this was an interesting take on the classic ghost story. The characters are likable, realistic and the romance is sweet. <br />
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<strong>Recommendations: </strong>What I like most about this book is that it's one that I can read and enjoy as well as my 12 year-old daughter whose new reading obsession is romance. Help me! :)<br />
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<strong>Ratings: 1.2.1 </strong>Includes some kissing scenes, there is some description of blood and violence, and very little profanity.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-17016330135993031842011-11-16T16:11:00.001-07:002011-11-16T19:11:38.563-07:00Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genre: Historical Fiction</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLNSvOdwzqiJjt6wBNwW_tZ4CAAgpCoVqga1RI0ju9xNp5yIMhkFMpUcOe05RjE9B2aIo5dCJDvw5XdXOKXCsBE2fPpVXj_F1yDXW5rMD0rvL_PvxGIbZSrg5nFmmJZs11yf_nAIafgno/s1600/Pope+Joan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLNSvOdwzqiJjt6wBNwW_tZ4CAAgpCoVqga1RI0ju9xNp5yIMhkFMpUcOe05RjE9B2aIo5dCJDvw5XdXOKXCsBE2fPpVXj_F1yDXW5rMD0rvL_PvxGIbZSrg5nFmmJZs11yf_nAIafgno/s320/Pope+Joan.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Published: 1996, Ballantine Books</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: Personal library</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Review: 4/5 stars</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Brief Summary: </strong>The legend of a woman named Joan who, disguised as a man, allegedly became Pope in the ninth century is brought to life in this novel by Donna Cross. As a very intelligent young woman she decides to dress as a boy in order to pursue her dream of learning and education that was completely denied to women during that time. Her superior intellect, drive, and compassion give her many opportunities and eventually lead her to the highest spiritual position on earth.</span><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>My Thoughts: </strong>This really is a fascinating book. I don't know for sure what to think about the truth of whether this woman existed but it is definitely a good story. I really enjoyed learning more about this time period. The utter brutality and injustice toward women that was described made me so mad, the corruption and politics discussed were very interesting, and the love story is heartfelt. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We read this for book club and everyone enjoyed it. It was fun to debate about whether or not she did exist and I think we agreed that where there's this much smoke there is probably fire. If you've read the book and the pages by the author at the back talking about her research you would have seen the picture of the chair. For most of us that was the most convincing piece of evidence that <i>something </i>happened to make them use that chair and declare the nominee a man. It was also quite funny. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Recommendations: </strong>I would recommend this book to most people I know. On the back of my copy there was a review that said, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">"</span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Pope Joan</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> has all the elements one wants in a historical drama–love, sex, violence, duplicity, and long-buried secrets. Cross has written an engaging book."</span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">–Los Angeles Times Book Review. </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">That made me a little nervous about reading it but the sexual content ended up being fairly mild. The violence was actually more offensive to me than the sexual content (but that's just my opinion). </span></span><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ratings:</strong> 2.4.2 Includes sexual relations between an unmarried couple but is not explicit. Violence includes child abuse, war type violence, sexual assault, and violent punishments. Profanity was fairly minimal.</span><br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-55967367798291098922011-11-04T11:55:00.001-06:002011-11-04T12:12:54.307-06:00To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi680UZ3_qJtybFgC7LTS1FeJR0MaNf3ZcY1wc2tHBoetuIt1IBOhpulzBsuxVfWT52kaYMeive_kAYt5o2za4s_PCymHlfJv-NrEfqGRfTd_m03wigGwfrjJaWQ4F-LpPQSVyrXGYXfl14/s1600/Sung+Underwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi680UZ3_qJtybFgC7LTS1FeJR0MaNf3ZcY1wc2tHBoetuIt1IBOhpulzBsuxVfWT52kaYMeive_kAYt5o2za4s_PCymHlfJv-NrEfqGRfTd_m03wigGwfrjJaWQ4F-LpPQSVyrXGYXfl14/s320/Sung+Underwater.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Genre: Literary Fiction<br />
Published: June 2011, 436 pg. <a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/publishing_little-brown-and-company.aspx">Little, Brown & Company</a><br />
Source: Review request by Publisher<br />
Review: 4/5 stars<br />
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<strong>Brief Summary: </strong>Judith Whitman is now in her 40's, married 20 years to a man she met at Stanford, has a teenage daughter and her dream career. When she suspects that her husband may be keeping a terrible secret from her, she begins to question whether this life that she's been leading is the path she should have taken. What would have happened if she hadn't left Nebraska and Willy Blunt?<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>This is a beautifully written novel that explores the longing for and wondering over the road not taken. I became emotionally attached to the story and shed a few tears at times. It was interesting because I didn't always like what Judith did or her motives in her life. She seemed to be cold towards her daughter and was disengaged as a mother, which I find disturbing. I did still sympathize with her, though, and I really liked and cared about her young love, Willy. As I read I found myself thinking about my own life and the decisions that I've made and being very grateful that I don't have huge regrets about the direction of my life.<br />
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Another thing I liked about this book was the references to classic literature. Judith and her English professor father often talk about their passion for reading. I added a couple more books to my to-be-read list while reading this.<br />
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<strong>Recommendations: </strong>Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book as a clean read. There are at least a dozen f-bombs so if that kind of language really bothers you I wouldn't recommend reading this one. There is also sexual content that I don't consider over-the-top but it is a significant part of the story. These are mature themes so this book is definitely not for teens. I did like the book but I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it to most people I know. Read at your own risk.<br />
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<strong>Ratings: 3.1.5</strong> I'm giving this book a 3 for sexual themes and descriptions, a 2 for violence, and a 5 for at least a dozen f-words--I stopped counting after about 6 but there were still several more--also includes many examples of taking the Lord's name in vain. Read at your own risk.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-5745877752599371452011-10-30T13:00:00.000-06:002011-11-02T20:56:44.421-06:00The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3HivhBBV0iQaiRtdzlXKK69_oapWnfaTAy9nMIq6wdI5otsCQBZjOiJQD-oN4bcmHfo0G7q7qN3-9JF8uzZDIzzDf7Oh247z1S3aItlLGSk9v0xO-mnQXY6VstBSsZ2BlPU13zCTboQq/s1600/Golden+Spiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3HivhBBV0iQaiRtdzlXKK69_oapWnfaTAy9nMIq6wdI5otsCQBZjOiJQD-oN4bcmHfo0G7q7qN3-9JF8uzZDIzzDf7Oh247z1S3aItlLGSk9v0xO-mnQXY6VstBSsZ2BlPU13zCTboQq/s320/Golden+Spiral.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Genre: YA, sci-fi/fantasy<br />
Published: May 2010<br />
Source: Publisher--<a href="http://www.shadowmountain.com/">Shadow Mountain</a><br />
Review: 3/5<br />
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<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> The story continues right where <a href="http://goodcleanreads.blogspot.com/2011/06/hourglass-door-by-lisa-mangum.html">Hourglass</a> leaves off. I'll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.<br />
<strong>My Thoughts: </strong>My reaction to the second installment of <i>The Hourglass Door</i> series is much like the first. It has an interesting premise, likable characters, plenty of romance (a little too much sometimes), and a thickening plot. I'm not the intended audience so the teenage romance gets pretty sappy at times. My 12 year-old daughter <i>loves </i>these books and has read them all at least 3 times. <br />
<strong>Recommendations: </strong>Great for those looking for a clean romance with fantasy elements set in a modern world.<br />
<strong>Ratings: </strong>2.2.1 There's plenty of kissing and affection, some violence, and mild (if any) profanity.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-22472366435774903982011-10-28T21:46:00.000-06:002011-10-28T21:46:19.518-06:00UpdatesAs you've probably noticed, I haven't blogged in months. It's not that I didn't want to or that I wasn't thinking about it, I just couldn't seem to make myself sit down and do it. I'd play with the design a little here and there and start a blog post but I'd always get distracted and wouldn't come back. <br />
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Tonight I sat down to finally post a review. I happened to look at my stats page and noticed there were about 5-6 times more hits on my blog yesterday than there normally are. I discovered that my blog had been mentioned and linked in an online article for <a href="http://www.ldsliving.com/story/66415-ae-utlimate-guide-finding-clean-books"><i>LDS Living</i></a>. How cool is that? If only I'd known then maybe I would have tried to make it look like I run a good blog. :) Anyway, thank you Kaela Worthen at <i>LDS Living</i> for the shout-out and, hopefully, a few of you who clicked over to my blog yesterday found something helpful<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
My plan is to be a more consistent blogger. You may not want to hold your breath waiting for that to happen but I'd like to think that I can give it a real shot.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-48394588423259156982011-10-28T20:39:00.001-06:002011-10-28T22:49:52.639-06:00Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzyl1c81cu863XoSO7Td1SHo8ZCieDy9aGjU7d-7MiuLXTrwJ2YNiNSAVMco7LKWketIskl7NXjUIBySp5y1-dS3P3g492zOk-HZ4hrztmH-2F9VOP6o9qESwl__2sOLl_JxNZhPKeLOY/s1600/Bath+Tangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzyl1c81cu863XoSO7Td1SHo8ZCieDy9aGjU7d-7MiuLXTrwJ2YNiNSAVMco7LKWketIskl7NXjUIBySp5y1-dS3P3g492zOk-HZ4hrztmH-2F9VOP6o9qESwl__2sOLl_JxNZhPKeLOY/s320/Bath+Tangle.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
Genre: Historical Fiction<br />
Published: Originally 1955, this edition--July 2011<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/">Sourcebooks</a> (publisher review request)<br />
Review: 3.5/5 stars<br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> Lady Serena is reunited with her former suitor, whom she jilted several years ago, when her father names him, the Marquis of Rotherham, her guardian in his will. Both Serena and the Marquis are hot-tempered and obstinate so quarrels ensue. In true Georgette Heyer fashion, witty-dialogue abounds. The romantic plot thickens as Serena becomes reacquainted with the man she had once loved when she was much younger, who had been sent packing by her father because he was not a good match for her.<br />
<strong>My Thoughts:</strong> Georgette Heyer does not disappoint. Even though <i>Bath Tangle</i> wasn't quite as charming as some of her other books, it still hits the spot when you're looking for that Regency Romance fix. The plot is pretty predictable but it doesn't really matter. Even though we know the destination, the journey is always fun. The hero and heroine are unfortunately not often together in this book but when they are in the same room, the sparks fly with heated arguments and sparring of words that Heyer is famous for.<br />
<strong>Recommendations:</strong> To all Austen and Regency fans. <br />
<strong>Ratings:</strong> 1.1.2 Pretty clean read with a smattering of mild profanity.<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-66361798964955642232011-07-12T23:12:00.001-06:002011-08-07T18:35:52.227-06:00The Third by Abel Keogh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJJK7a8kc2xVGcDHAwB3q2XhiLLhWqMpreI2sq3strkjnZ_25DcRDGlSBy3ImJ7xLu2ArB072g8pnJDXuoWPihPSY2jLd5uGjB-uAUZ3hZHP1E-koLRShVdNbHtm6f2kUzJ4oXXoY626y/s1600/Third.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJJK7a8kc2xVGcDHAwB3q2XhiLLhWqMpreI2sq3strkjnZ_25DcRDGlSBy3ImJ7xLu2ArB072g8pnJDXuoWPihPSY2jLd5uGjB-uAUZ3hZHP1E-koLRShVdNbHtm6f2kUzJ4oXXoY626y/s200/Third.jpg" width="134px" /></a></div>Genre: Dystopian<br />
Published: April 2011, 263 pp.<br />
Source: Review copy from publisher (Cedar Fort)<br />
Review: 3/5 stars<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> In the not too distant future, Ransom Lawe and his wife Teya struggle to make ends meet in a world where, due to global warming and other environmental disasters, food, energy, and...children are rationed. Families are allowed to have only two children and, as you may guess, Teya becomes pregnant with a third child. <br />
<strong>My Thoughts:</strong> <em>The Third</em> by Abel Keogh caught my attention from the very first chapter. The world he has created seems very possible and that makes it unnerving. It was refreshing for me to read a dystopian novel with adult main characters instead of teenagers. In ways I could relate more to the characters and what their lives are like since they are parents like me. However, in other ways I felt like I was never really invested in the characters and I didn't care about them very much. They seemed to make so many stupid decisions and mistakes that I got to the point that I wasn't very sympathetic. So, while I did enjoy and like the book, I think I would have liked it more if I could have liked the main characters more.<br />
<strong>Recommendations:</strong> I would recommend this book to any of you dystopian fans out there. It is especially nice to read a little dystopian that's not YA for a change.<br />
<strong>Ratings: 2.3.1 </strong>There is a scene in which a character is intending to rape someone. There is some violence in some scenes where a character is beaten up and there is a physical threat to a baby. I don't remember any profanity.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-19483520214855663942011-06-25T20:29:00.001-06:002011-07-01T08:48:38.540-06:00The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2aZi2tAZ_J8k07oE-KWNl6T-Tx7RQdlFTgrbOuhoe3ZfvSJmH7Dh1oWU41rmWXaNuB4G6vCojDex0gxqrQb9Hx6s-cWaXXsT19-GBoQvL2U1x2Vkhyggt61Mx-U9RicOHxfBmwTTHYMs/s1600/Hourglass+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2aZi2tAZ_J8k07oE-KWNl6T-Tx7RQdlFTgrbOuhoe3ZfvSJmH7Dh1oWU41rmWXaNuB4G6vCojDex0gxqrQb9Hx6s-cWaXXsT19-GBoQvL2U1x2Vkhyggt61Mx-U9RicOHxfBmwTTHYMs/s200/Hourglass+Door.jpg" width="133px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Romance</div>Published: May 2009, 400 pp, Shadow Mountain<br />
Source: Publisher<br />
Review: 3.5/5 stars<br />
<br />
<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> Abby's life is turned upside down when foreign exchange student, Dante, comes to school. Even though she has a boyfriend whom she's been best friends with since they were kids, Abby can't help being drawn to the new guy. Strange things happen when she's around him and she soon finds out why. <br />
<br />
<strong>My Thoughts:</strong> <em>The Hourglass Door </em>by Lisa Mangum is a fun read with plenty of romance, action, drama, and mystery. It has a very interesting premise that I don't want to really give away but time is involved and that always makes for a twisting, turning, surprising plot line. The teenager emotions were a little much at times but I'm sure a real teenager (not a 37 year-old, stay-at-home mom) would appreciate their authenticity. My daughter--11 going on 16--loved this book. Abby and Dante are likable and I can imagine a few book crushes on Dante might be formed while reading this book.<br />
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<strong>Recommendations:</strong> I think this book would appeal to anyone 12 and up looking for a clean romance.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ratings: 1.2.1 </strong>Plenty of kissing and affection but not really inappropriate. There is some violence--fisticuffs, etc. No profanity that I remember.<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-19657422253674737122011-06-10T14:38:00.001-06:002011-06-10T14:40:39.757-06:00My Daddy -- ebook for ipad and iphoneIn my last post I told you about <a href="http://www.talespring.com/books">TaleSpring</a> and their tool to make interactive and animated children's books for the ipad. I'd like to share one of the books that is now available on the App Store.<br />
<br />
<em>My Daddy, </em>written by Jason Izatt and David Pettit and illustrated by <a href="http://www.darrengygi.com/index.html">Darren Gygi</a>, is the perfect book for kids to give to their iphone and ipad toting dads this Father's Day. Dads and kids will love discovering together the surprises that a simple touch to the screen brings. Each page shows a father and son doing something together. If you touch the words, a boy's voice reads them to you. Explore each page to find the hidden buttons that reveal fun animations, sound effects, or other unexpected surprises. A few little mice appear in many of the pages and add humor to the sweet sentiments of a young boy spending time with his daddy. The illustrations are excellent and this ebook is a steal priced at just $1.99 in the App Store.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's a little preview from youtube:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3isVAA3u8Bo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Check it out on the App Store by clicking <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-daddy/id440781648?mt=8">here</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-43361874674877955472011-05-25T14:57:00.001-06:002011-05-25T14:59:34.812-06:00Have you ever considered writing a children's book?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzjfG2PkYrzJzP5XZMraAypK-XZOKHDMCjnSsuVZX88PvFVkDCCnHBbLI6Tw9k1Q3cj9kXAfsodkwTR40E5jrQ_md3mpq4TNl-ZXkBjmVgNC8Dkn8mZFxS6gpIR45uTlBCsWeHF6VvxDW/s1600/talespring-final-logo%255B1%255D.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzjfG2PkYrzJzP5XZMraAypK-XZOKHDMCjnSsuVZX88PvFVkDCCnHBbLI6Tw9k1Q3cj9kXAfsodkwTR40E5jrQ_md3mpq4TNl-ZXkBjmVgNC8Dkn8mZFxS6gpIR45uTlBCsWeHF6VvxDW/s200/talespring-final-logo%255B1%255D.PNG" t8="true" width="132px" /></a></div>I would guess that a large percentage of the readers of book blogs have at one time or other thought about writing a children's book. Am I right? Surely most book lovers have wondered what they would write about if they ever decided to put a pen to paper (or fingers to a keyboard) or have dreamt about their name appearing on the front cover of a book. Well, there's a new way to make that dream come true and it's provided by a company called <a href="http://www.talespring.com/">Talespring</a>. Using their online tool you can make your own interactive picture book that can be viewed on your computer or it can be published to the app store and viewed on an ipad or iphone.<br />
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Talespring was recently featured on the news and this clip gives a pretty good example of what can be done using Talespring's online tool for building children's books. <br />
<object style="height: 292px; width: 480px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nUqXFk0Rp1k?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nUqXFk0Rp1k?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="480" height="292"></object><br />
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Here's another video showing how the online tool can be used to create a page for a book. It may seem a little long but it's interesting to see how the animations of a page easily come together.<br />
<object style="height: 292px; width: 480px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GXtwbXpRM-U?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GXtwbXpRM-U?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="480" height="292"></object><br />
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In the interest of full disclosure I do feel like I should tell you that this is my husband's company. Even so, I think this is a really cool thing and I hope you'll check it out. Look for more information at <a href="http://www.talespring.com/">Talespring.com</a>.<br />
<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24qeDwSCh2M1P7iaFcxRAqjg6qoX7xtNZs9zYmj6b5AKrpBdMWaSjpmu3ZzIKV_QivT5keSujKLikMv6vomoHlh5TEPsaLBJ6pIqZ07Ov3KK8Bhg8_jLyH_juHWV4puyH0oa0GVti5Lp/s1600/signiture.png" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-15297033319285424692011-04-29T16:33:00.002-06:002011-04-29T16:47:15.010-06:00Matched by Ally Condie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmlp3fJXicmqsKG2J911G2Eu8zNI9pSzEGVs0Evqno-aaJH3813PKWYBWsAnT-0iBTNPxXq0f-NcdGZU4ilh9LL22s9FPS6tSqsg14iuE86Q1dhml6bxOqZ5zU1dJBWpnSqwdTSNHkq0x/s1600/Matched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmlp3fJXicmqsKG2J911G2Eu8zNI9pSzEGVs0Evqno-aaJH3813PKWYBWsAnT-0iBTNPxXq0f-NcdGZU4ilh9LL22s9FPS6tSqsg14iuE86Q1dhml6bxOqZ5zU1dJBWpnSqwdTSNHkq0x/s320/Matched.jpg" width="206px" /></a></div>Genre: YA, Dystopian, Local Author<br />
Published: Nov. 2010, 366 pp.<br />
Source: Personal Library<br />
Review: 4.5/5 stars<br />
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<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> Cassia Reyes lives in a world of no choices. The Society controls everything from the food the people eat and the clothes they wear, to the career they will have and whom they will marry. Cassia has never questioned this until, somehow, a mistake is made and she begins to question the way the Society controls her life.<br />
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<strong>My Thoughts:</strong> I loved this book. I've discussed it with two book clubs and a few people have agreed that it's a "watered down <em>Hunger Games</em>". While there are definitely similarities, I think that <em>Matched</em> has its own merits that make it worthy of all the hype surrounding it. I think the world Ally Condie has created is creepy and terrible in a much more subtle way than many other dystopian worlds. I like the quiet build-up of tension in the book. The love triangle is becoming a bit of a tired plot device for me but it still works here. I have lots of questions that I want answered in the next book and I'm looking forward to it.<br />
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<strong>Recommendations:</strong> This is a great book for those who liked the ideas behing Hunger Games but didn't like the violence. I think that kids as young as 11-12 could enjoy this one.<br />
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<strong>Ratings:</strong> 1.2.1 Includes kissing, references to violent actions by others, and no profanity that I can recall. (If there is any profanity it would be very mild).<br />
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<strong><em>Thanks for reading!</em></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-50135010644269376552011-04-26T15:47:00.005-06:002011-04-29T16:48:30.045-06:00Wither by Lauren DeStefano<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVkRMFA9O8NkY9-fprhAN3Li4FBb82T_4sU2HpEwTIA9OiKBxfipyLmhbBW_0XZu4MKvO0RLc-R8yWy3eb8jMVwWQmyccB4ffxQ-FwwKr2i5Gi09MH1-sMjtsqa128vgY9WWJXZ5CMuET/s1600/Wither.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600014215175660882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVkRMFA9O8NkY9-fprhAN3Li4FBb82T_4sU2HpEwTIA9OiKBxfipyLmhbBW_0XZu4MKvO0RLc-R8yWy3eb8jMVwWQmyccB4ffxQ-FwwKr2i5Gi09MH1-sMjtsqa128vgY9WWJXZ5CMuET/s320/Wither.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 221px;" /></a><br />
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<div>Genre: YA, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dystopian</span></div>Published: March 2011, 358 pp.<br />
Source: Library<br />
Review: 3.5/5 stars<br />
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<div>One of the latest in the YA <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dystopian</span> crazy, <em>Wither</em> by Lauren <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DeStefano</span> gives us yet another haunting tale of what could possibly go wrong if our society chooses a certain path. This time the issue is genetic engineering. What could happen if, at some point in the future, all babies were born genetically modified so they would be perfectly healthy and have long life spans? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Destefano</span> paints a grim picture of a generation of perfect people whose children and grandchildren die by their mid 20's.</div><br />
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<div>I enjoyed many parts of this book. The people and the relationships are good--complex and multi-faceted. I liked the story but I kept being pulled out of it by the logistical errors in the back story. I felt like the science was not there to back up what had happened in their world. I'm too much of a geek to let that stuff go. I really appreciate a book that makes sense and this one didn't always do that for me. Even so, it was a good story and I look forward to reading the next ones. Who knows, maybe some of the problems I had with things will be resolved or answered.</div><br />
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<div>Rating: 2.2.2 The book is about a polygamous marriage so there is some sex involved but it's behind closed doors and between married people, even if it is a strange situation. There are a few disturbing scenes that include blood or people who have died. Mild profanity.</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-2555634066360368482011-03-18T09:43:00.005-06:002011-03-18T10:07:38.369-06:00Epilepsy Awareness and Purple Day<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLbY3gxGX6rEUBiwQUIEqjpSk_ME7upfQbntGnO3-V2OJndeQPaVE7aRxhWFRslunCZEiO_sKp3HhEBbdvxhobFNjxCWuBr0NNHasiZU-ycl4WxEThw8WatamRXOY1Kpkut9N6IZwYDN6/s1600/Big+purple+day.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585447456533512722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLbY3gxGX6rEUBiwQUIEqjpSk_ME7upfQbntGnO3-V2OJndeQPaVE7aRxhWFRslunCZEiO_sKp3HhEBbdvxhobFNjxCWuBr0NNHasiZU-ycl4WxEThw8WatamRXOY1Kpkut9N6IZwYDN6/s320/Big+purple+day.png" /></a><br /><br /><div>Bookscoops is again hosting a challenge for Purple Day and I'm a excited to participate this year as well. Purple Day is March 26th and is a worldwide campaign to help raise awareness for those who are affected by epilepsy, or seizure disorders. Here's a little information that I'd like to share from the <a href="http://bookscoops.com/2011/03/07/purple-day-challenge-2011-supporting-epilepsy-awareness-around-the-world-on-march-26th/">Bookscoops post</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><blockquote><br /><p><br />"We wanted to raise awareness about epilepsy because it is the second most common reason people see a neurologist behind migraine. Epilepsy affects 50 million people world wide and about 3 million people living in the United States have epilepsy. More people have this condition than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined and every year more people will die of epilepsy than breast cancer. Unfortunately, a lot of myths and false ideas are still being perpetuated about epilepsy (such as it is a mental condition or that epilepsy is contagious). Some of these misconceptions have caused many people to become isolated and live in fear and shame that someone will find out about their condition and many people have faced discrimination based on their medical diagnosis."</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585451540313601970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfbcPxWiSXdbYfUKUB4ihFz4yNuBpYeLd_tRFlrZCS62ucyox-OlHBTv8gWihjEIt-B8lktpXYClMP5jFI1g2u-Dzac9Np-MT3m1QECru2otHsaWJxLt-9mkWlNPkE81l9W0vrqeGXPnM/s320/purple_day_reading_button_3.jpg" /><br /><p></p></blockquote></div></div><br />There are several ways to <a href="http://bookscoops.com/2011/03/07/purple-day-challenge-2011-supporting-epilepsy-awareness-around-the-world-on-march-26th/">participate</a> in the challenge and this is what I plan on doing.</div><br /><ol><br /><li>Wear purple on Purple Day and tell people why.</li><br /><li>Post a review of <em>When You Reach Me</em> by Rebecca Stead, which has a character with epilepsy.</li><br /><li>Post about our family's experience with epilepsy.</li><br /><li>Read and post a review of <em>The Brothers Karamozov</em> by Fyodor Dostoyevsky who is known to have had epilepsy. (Hopefully I can get this one done.)</li></ol><br /><p>I'll try to figure out some more things I can do but I'm already a little late in starting. The challenge ends March 27th but hopefully you too can do something to participate. There is a prize drawing for participants: two books, <em>When You Reach Me</em> and <em>The Day Glo Brothers</em> by Chris Barton.</p>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-16169701345229511112011-03-13T17:46:00.009-06:002011-03-14T21:01:39.909-06:00The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQF9Y_ToaDGSpoXQfP83bDA4nLDejzjb7FbUEoxGJxnlppaQgv8rb0QPJMGFytjPyAkBeT19Z8fsVEVgeMSmYnRnPKw65_Zv8kBOr7BQFhJsXQbMjsVk_2tVGS9AFa6-Rv6kcs_NDp_ww/s1600/1Heinz.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717845240801490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQF9Y_ToaDGSpoXQfP83bDA4nLDejzjb7FbUEoxGJxnlppaQgv8rb0QPJMGFytjPyAkBeT19Z8fsVEVgeMSmYnRnPKw65_Zv8kBOr7BQFhJsXQbMjsVk_2tVGS9AFa6-Rv6kcs_NDp_ww/s200/1Heinz.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKrbssMGyV4vG21dGX5jwpuZKWJRYy7L4Ljcj3uUdu2Tgw6QYzaiMySHlHTwEy4emEPwRaoOKD21rDffcINh6H-vRqknCIWcPd8w4kD0nxuK8NQHcgLFSUZS4pY3lDnJ1EPQsuFR6O7ev/s1600/13th+reality1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583716053201847922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKrbssMGyV4vG21dGX5jwpuZKWJRYy7L4Ljcj3uUdu2Tgw6QYzaiMySHlHTwEy4emEPwRaoOKD21rDffcINh6H-vRqknCIWcPd8w4kD0nxuK8NQHcgLFSUZS4pY3lDnJ1EPQsuFR6O7ev/s400/13th+reality1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Utah Author</div><div>Published: March 2003, 432 pp.</div><div>Read: Mar. 2009</div><div>Source: Own</div><div>Category: Heinz 57 (Look on sidebar for explanation)</div><div>Review: 4/5</div><br /><br /><div>I thought that my first "Heinz 57" review should be an easy one. As I looked through my lists, this one popped out at me. I read this one in March of 2009 because I had just met James Dashner at the first <a href="http://goodcleanreads.blogspot.com/2009/01/utah-book-bloggers-bash.html">Utah Book Bloggers Social </a>in February. My husband and I both found him very funny and interesting so we went right out to buy his book. My husband called first dibs, my daughter got it next and then finally I was able to read it.</div><div></div><div><em><br />The Journal of Curious Letters </em>tells the story of Tick Higginbottom and the strange letters he starts receiving, which contain riddles and puzzles to solve. He eventually learns about the existence of alternate realities, meets new friends, and has some adventures. </div><div></div><div><br />There are two main reasons I really liked this book. The first is that Tick's parents are loving, supportive, intelligent people. Tick actually goes to them with his problems instead of hiding things from them. Why is that kind of family relationship so uncommon in middle grade and YA fiction? I found it very refreshing from the usual depiction of families. The second reason I liked this book was the idea of alternate realities. Some of my favorite episodes of my favorite TV series, <em>Star Trek: The Next Generation</em> and <em>Stargate: SG-1</em> (yes, I'm a nerd), have to do with parallel universes or alternate realities. I love the one where Worf keeps popping in and out of different realities and then at the end thousands of <em>Enterprises</em> appear from parallel universes. I love the part with the crazy Riker who says something like, "You don't know what it's like back there...We won't go back!" There's a clip on youtube that I tried to embed but I couldn't get it to size down small enough so you'll have to link to it if you want to see it:</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YFR-wmgjc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YFR-wmgjc</a></div><div></div><br />Anyway, this was a fun book that we all enjoyed. <br /><br />Rating: 1.1.1 Clean read.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053542797413719803.post-51084313534624899992011-03-12T11:46:00.003-07:002011-03-12T12:06:45.670-07:00"Heinz 57" posts<div>Thursday morning I was out running (what a gorgeous day that was) and I was thinking about my blog. I was thinking about how behind I am in reviewing and how I still really want to review all those books but I don't remember them that well anymore, especially any potentially offensive material. The problem with giving ratings to books based on their content is that I can easily make mistakes if I don't remember the book very well. I've been wondering how I could classify this kind of review, which may not be completely accurate, so my readers can be a little forewarned. "Catch-up" reviews was a name I'd been thinking about for a while but I didn't really like it. So while I was running along thinking about "catch-up" my mind went to ketchup. From there it went to Heinz and then Heinz 57. I'm sure I have close to 57 books to review so I'm going to categorize them as "Heinz 57" posts. It may be pretty silly but I'm going with it.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583271695182803794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtXz9gBdZiBoyM-ye0kVPn-POpGEz0teuG6ZxQA5hNVtwjcwOEXQmx1J3mWshv4j0U0YXSRbp2n86T0CU7TAmSzAI4Lb7DbJbi3U9VzhAFRE3Sz7SbzP7IKTUCOLIn8tc5IaLcf5YaZ0C/s200/HEINZ1.jpg" /></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585721638280496666noreply@blogger.com5