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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Recent Reading

Back in August I won a contest over at The Blabbermouth Blog. As a prize I won two books.

Seriously, nothing is better than winning books.



The first book is SKINK-- NO SURRENDER BY Carl Hiaasen.




I have to admit, the cover and title didn't do much for me.



I know we're not supposed to judge books by their cover, or title for that matter, but we all do. It's the first impression we get. I'm glad I didn't listen to my first impression though. I found this book to be engaging, fun, and well written. One of the things I liked most about this book is that while there are serious situations, and while people do get hurt, the author didn't feel the need to turn the characters into violent teenage action heroes. He could easily have made this book much more violent, we've all seen the trend, but he didn't feel the need to. I love that this book while it puts ordinary teenagers into an extraordinary situation, still keeps the characters as themselves, in a way that many teenagers would act.  Congrats to you, Carl Hiaasen. 



The other book I won is  SECOND SIGHT: AN EDITOR'S THOUGHTS ON WRITING, REVISING, AND PUBLISHING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS.






I'm only half way through this book but so far I'm finding a lot of useful information.  The highlighter has made an appearance. The blue one, which of course is only used for the best highlighting. 


What have you been reading lately?


13 comments:

  1. I read Sweetness #9 and was very impressed.

    I'm so happy to read that you're finding Second Sight helpful. And I'll have to look into the Hiaasen if you're recommending it.

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    1. I hadn't heard of that but it sounds like a good book.

      I went into Hiaasen with pretty low expectations so that might be why I liked it so much. It won't be on my list of re-read comfort books but It was a good book and I bet my son will love it in several years.

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    2. What is on your list of reread comfort books, out of curiosity?

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    3. Loaded question, I may save it for a blog post next week.

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  2. I just finished reading a really intriguing, engaging, fabulous book for MG readers, Up in the Air, by Ann Marie Meyers.

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    1. That sounds like a great book, too. I should have realized that asking this question was going to add to my TBR list.

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  3. You are correct, winning books ROCKS! I highly recommend The Husband's Secret. So good I hated for it to end. The Secrets of Lily Graves is pretty good, too. Just got Maze Runner today and can't wait to cuddle up with it.

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  4. Awesome. I love it when a book takes you by surprise. (Because it's good.) I'm 3 books behind on reviews, because I've been so stinkin busy. (Which means I need to review Forever Fredless, Tempest, & Seige and Storm.) Even when I'm not "reading," it seems like I'm polishing off two books a week. There are just so many wonderful reads out there!

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  5. I know, books are perfect prizes, aren't they? I'm reading 'Americanah' right now. Just started, but really liking it.

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  6. I love winning books! If you get a chance, could you share tips from the second one?

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  7. What fun! Winning books is a delight!

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  8. Nothing better than winning books that are spellbinders. Congratulations, Sara!

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  9. Manfaatkan waktu anda dengan beribadah, salah satunya dengan melakukanSholat Tahajjud

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