Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Time's list of the top 100

Time magazine has published a list of their top 100 non fiction books--not sure I agree with all their choices but that's the beauty of the blogosphere.....I can have my opinion too!

Time's top 100 non fiction books

Saturday, August 27, 2011

"You is kind, you is smart, you is important..."

Spent a lovely afternoon chilling in the movie theater trying to avoid this dreadful record heat.  And I got to watch a lovely movie--The Help.  I don't very often recommend the movie over the original novel but this one was done very well.  Even if you haven't read the novel, go see the movie.  It's a great story of a time period in our American history we aren't especially proud of, and it's a great story of friendship and helping each other.  This blog title is a quote from the movie;  honestly I didn't remember it being such a big line in the novel, but the line was a central theme of the movie.
So congrats Hollywood--you got this one right.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Reviews to be published!

I found out today that two of my recent reviews for SLJ will be published soon!!  My most recent one--which is actually printed here--You have Seven Messages and another one, Blood Wounds.  Both great YA books.  I received hard copies of the books in the mail today--that's my payment from SLJ--a printed copy of the book if they publish the review.  I'm more excitd to see the reviews in print!  A nice spark to help keep the mojo flowing......

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

great writing site

I found this site from Writer's Digest and don't want to lose track of it!  25 ways to improve your writing....

Writer's Digest article

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Beloit College Mindset list

I feel older every year when I see this list.  This is the world as incoming college freshmen know it.....

Beloit College Mindset list

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Ain't it funny how time slips away.....

okay not a good trait for a blogger....to miss posting!!!  The first weeks of school are so hectic I can't even think, let alone read!  I gotta' figure this problem out....

I have started a really good book called Switch--How to change things when change is hard.  So far it's pretty good--talks about not letting your emotions or your rational mind direct things but try and find a happy medium.  Also, one good point is to find what is working in a system and capitalize on those points to make changes rather than dwell on the negative.  So the good points are I love my blog!  and I need to set aside time every day to post to it.  Now just to figure out when that will be........

Next week should be better......she says hopefully, crossing fingers.............

Monday, August 8, 2011

You have Seven Messages

Grades 9-12

Luna’s mother has been gone a year now—killed suddenly when she stepped in front of a taxi. And while she and her brother Tile are still trying to understand their new life without their mother,  Luna comes across her mother’s cell phone and finds it contains seven unheard voice messages.  Luna listens to the messages one by one and while investigating the messages, she discovers secrets she never knew about her parents’ relationship, including a clandestine affair and impending divorce.    Her pain eases somewhat as her interest in photography, along with the gift of a camera from her father, sends her out into the city taking pictures and leads to her first gallery show. But with the growing understanding of the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death also comes a growing awareness of herself as an individual, not just the daughter of two famous people. She feels stirrings of a first love when she meets her neighbor Oliver, who helps with her investigation.  Oliver is dealing with issues of his own, from a domineering father to a former girlfriend who wants to disrupt Luna and Oliver’ new relationship.   A solo trip to Italy to visit her uncle and his companion give her the time and space she needs to resolve her feelings toward her father, Oliver and her new life without her mother, and Luna discovers sometimes the answers you want are not exactly the ones  you find but that’s okay.  Using the hook of the unheard phone messages ties the various story lines together nicely, and with mature plot situations, the story will appeal to older readers with its realistic portrayals of love in various relationships and the theme of learning one’s sense of self. 

submitted to SLJ Aug 8, 2011

Friday, August 5, 2011

QR codes

I just love QR codes--they are the coolest thing ever!  I just made myself a new business card for my blog using a QR code!  That's a quick way to direct people to my site!

Such fun....I am such a nerd.......

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Epub

So I learned something new.  I have never used an Epub format for digital materials.  I downloaded the Adobe program to my computer and presto!  I have two new books on my computer!  Now the downside is the books are on my computer....I can't move them to my Kindle.  But we all know Amazon's limitations with the Kindles.  And I still love mine....

Now to get to reading.....