Saturday Snapshot

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce @ AT Home With Books.

Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

CLICK on Photos to Enlarge

(not that this tongue needs to be enlarged)

Petite Lily (age 8) and the longest tongue ever:)

This is the sweetest cat ever - I want to clone her.

Literary Giveaway Blog Hop

The Literary Giveaway Blog Hop hosted by Leeswammes’ Blog, runs from Saturday, October 15th through  Wednesday, October 19th. More than (50) bloggers are participating, each participant will be giving away some literary selections in the process.

If you are a new visitor to my blog, I'd describe it as a mixture of book reviews: generally, literary or contemporary fiction, with some non fiction, with an occasional review of a childrens book I may find delightful.  I also like to showcase soon to be released books that appeal to me and, I've been known to post occasional photos I take, hoping that some readers might enjoy a change from just books now and then.

For first time visitors, I hope you will become regular visitors after today. If you are an old friend, THANK YOU, as you all make blogging worthwhile. I LOVE COMMENTS, and while I do like to respond to comments via email, for some reason, not everyone's comments link back to an email :( I still haven't figured that one out, but I'm with blogger so I know at least some of you understand).

THE GIVEAWAY

• 1st Prize - You select (1) Literary Fiction Title from Amazon.Com ( $20 max)
• 2nd Prize - New Trade Softcover - The White Woman on the Green Bicycle; Monique Roffey

 (about the book)

A beautifully written, unforgettable novel of a troubled marriage, set against the lush landscape and political turmoil of Trinidad
Monique Roffey's Orange Prize-shortlisted novel is a gripping portrait of postcolonialism that stands among great works by Caribbean writers like Jamaica Kincaid and Andrea Levy.


When George and Sabine Harwood arrive in Trinidad from England, George is immediately seduced by the beguiling island, while Sabine feels isolated, heat-fatigued, and ill-at-ease. As they adapt to new circumstances, their marriage endures for better or worse, despite growing political unrest and racial tensions that affect their daily lives. But when George finds a cache of letters that Sabine has hidden from him, the discovery sets off a devastating series of consequences as other secrets begin to emerge.

 

DETAILS for a Chance to Win

• Open to US and International residents
• If you are new to my blog and have never commented here before today, you MUST become a follower to be entered in giveaways.
• One entry per person  - just leave a comment with a way to contact you if you win
• You Need not have a blog to enter
• GOOD LUCK to EVERYONE who gets entered
• Winners will be selected after 8PM on the East coast on Wednesday - October 19th
•  THANKS so much for stopping by. I hope you stop by again sometime.
• Now I'm off to visit your blog.

BLOG HOP and GIVEAWAY PARTICIPANTS 

1. Leeswammes
2. Devouring Texts
3. The Book Whisperer
4. Seaside Book Nook
5. The Scarlet Letter (US only)
6. Rikki’s Teleidoscope
7. Bibliosue
8. Curled Up With a Good Book and a Cup of Tea
9. The Book Diva’s Reads
10. Gaskella
11. Lucybird’s Book Blog
12. Kim’s Bookish Place
13. The Book Garden
14. Under My Apple Tree
15. Helen Smith
16. Sam Still Reading
17. Nishita’s Rants and Raves
18. Ephemeral Digest
19. Bookworm with a View
20. The Parrish Lantern
21. Dolce Bellezza
22. Lena Sledge Blog
23. Book Clutter
24. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (US only)
25. The Blue Bookcase
26. Book Journey (US only)
27. The House of the Seven Tails (US only)
28. In One Eye, Out the Other (US only)
29. Read, Write & Live
30. Fresh Ink Books

31. Living, Learning, and Loving Life (US only)
32. Bibliophile By the Sea
33. Laurie Here Reading & Writing Reviews
34. Amy’s Book World (US only)
35. Teadevotee
36. Joy’s Book Blog
37. Word Crushes (US only)
38. Thinking About Loud!
39. Kinna Reads
40. Sweeping Me
41. Minding Spot (US only)
42. Babies, Books, and Signs (US only)
43. Lisa Beth Darling
44. Tony’s Reading List
45. SusieBookworm (US only)
46. Tell Me A Story
47. Close Encounters with the Night Kind
48. Nerfreader
49. Mevrouw Kinderboek (Netherlands, Belgium only)
50. Boekblogger (Netherlands only)
51. In Spring it is the Dawn
52. No Page Left Behind
53. Elle Lit

 

Why I LOVE My Kindle and Free Kindle Library Books

One year ago if anyone were to say if I tried reading books using a Kindle, I wouldn't care if I ever read a print book again, I would have said, "NO WAY".  But guess what happened, just (1) year later.  I LOVE my Kindle, and if I could afford to exchange all 600 of my paper books for eBooks, I'd do it in a heartbeat, to carry my whole library with me 24/7. 

To me it's easier on the eyes, easier on my hands which sometime get numb holding hardcover books, and I can highlight quotes, make notes with relative ease, and I only have to charge it about every 4 weeks.  Right now I have about 200 books on my Kindle, but I can have as many as 3,500 - an attainable dream - knowing me! Seriously, I'm pretty selective with what I download. I don't download books just because they are free. It has to sound like something I'd really want to read. Recently, I joined NetGalley and love the ability to preview some soon to be released titles, even though the format can often be a bit funky at times.

But, a new amazing discovery now has me hooked.  In Massachusetts, if you have a public library card for any library in the state, you can get a Boston Public Library Digital Library Card number.  The selection of Kindle-ready eBooks is amazing and the process couldn't be more simple.  I can create a wish list, place holds, and when the item is available, I have (5) days to check it out and the (14) days to read the book.  They even send you an email (3) days before the download is due to expire so that you can speed up your reading for that download. Popular new books often have multiple copies, and although there might be a wait list, it goes pretty quickly, and there are so many other great books to choose from that you'll always be able to find something good to download.

Have you tried Kindle eBooks from your library? What did you think?  If you haven't tried free Kindle Library books available in your state, maybe it's time to check it out, and save yourself a lot of money in the process.

FREE KINDLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS

(Info from Amazon Website)

Check Out a Public Library Book for Kindle

You can borrow Kindle books from your local library's website, and, with the click of a button, have them delivered to your Kindle device or free reading app.
Instructions:

1. Visit the website of a U.S. library that offers digital services from OverDrive.
2. Check out a Kindle book (library card required).
3. Click on "Get for Kindle." You will then be directed to Amazon.com to redeem your public library loan. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account -- or create a new account -- if you're not already logged in.
4. Choose to read the book on your Kindle device, free reading app, or Kindle Cloud Reader.

Note: Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB. Both Mac and Windows users can manage Kindle content through a USB connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this book not available for Kindle from my local library?

Availability of books and length of loan will vary by library. We recommend you check with your local library for more information regarding the availability of public library books for Kindle.

Will I be notified before my public library book loan expires?

Yes. Three days before the end of the loan period, we will send a courtesy reminder e-mail about the loan expiration. Once the loan period has ended, an additional e-mail notification will be sent. Availability of books and length of loan are determined by your local library.

How do I view the status of my loan?

You can view the status of a public library book for Kindle from the Manage Your Kindle page. Click on the "+" symbol next to any title to view more details about any book that you've borrowed including the expiration date.
You can also access all of the materials that you currently have checked out on your library's OverDrive-powered website. Within your library's digital site, look for links to My Account, My Bookshelf, or something similar.

What happens to my notes and highlights after a loan expires?

You can always access their notes and highlights through kindle.amazon.com, even after a book expires. And if you check a book out again, or purchase it from Amazon.com all of your notes and highlights will appear in the book as before the loan expired.

Are public library books for Kindle available internationally?

At this time, public library books for Kindle are only available at U.S. libraries.

What Kindle devices can I read public library books on?

You can read borrowed Kindle books on any generation Kindle device or all free Kindle apps, as well as in your web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If you are trying to send a library book to a Kindle device and you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you can load your library book via USB instead.

How do I send library books to my Kindle device or reading app?
Once a public library book has been redeemed, you can send it to any registered Kindle device or reading app from the Manage Your Kindle page. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device.
Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB. 

Darkness, My Old Friend; Lisa Unger

Title: Darkness, My Old Friend 
Author:  Lisa Unger

Publication Year: 2011

Publisher: Random House Audio

Edition: audio book 

Reader: Nancy Linari ( very good)

Source: Library 

Date Completed: 10/10/2011

Setting: New York

Rating: 4/5

Recommend: yes

Having enjoyed all of Lisa Unger's earlier books, I was anxious to return to The Hollows, after reading her last book Fragile.  It would be good to read Fragile first, but not absolutely required.

The Hollows is a sleep rural town full of secrets.  Willow Graves, age fifteen, and her mystery writer mother, Bethany have relocated from Manhattan to The Hollows after her parent's divorce.  Willow has a hard time adjusting to life here; she just doesn't seem to fit in.  She likes to fabricate stories to make herself seem more interesting, and she gets in with the wrong crowd as well.  Despite her behavior, I felt sorry for Willow, as high school is difficult enough without beating to a different drummer, as was the case with Willow.  Early on, one day Willow decides to leave school early, and while cutting through some woods, she sees a man digging a massive hole, with what looks to be a huge bag near by.  He spots Willow when her cell phone begins to ring. Startled she drops the phone and runs all the way home. He however, has he phone ----

Jones Cooper is recently retired from the Hollows Police Department. He moonlights doing odd jobs for neighbors and watching their homes while they are away.  He's encouraged to do some PI work, and eventually agrees to help look into the disappearance of a woman year's earlier at the request of her adult son.

Eloise Montgomery, lost her husband and son in a car crash and nearly died herself. She survives, but  when she recovers she finds she has psychic abilities, which are both a blessing and a curse.  She teams with Jones to try and solve the disappearance.

There are a few lesser characters as well, but the commonality for everyone in this novel seems to be the fact that each person has a dark secret from their past or "darkness" in the present which they need to confront.  There was a lot going on in this mystery / psychological thriller.  The setting created by Unger seemed ideal for this particular story, and although the story wasn't perfect, I remained anxious throughout to see how the story would end.  I liked this novel, it held my interest, but I thought the ending was a bit predictable.  The reader Nancy Linari, did a terrific job. 

Have you read this one or other novels by Lisa Unger?  What did you think?

The House of Tomorrow; Peter Bognanni

Title: The House of Tomorrow
Author: Peter Bognanni

Publication Year: 2010

Publisher: Penguin

Edition: eBook

Source: Library Kindle Download

Location: Iowa

Date Completed: 10/5/2011 

Rating: 4/5

Recommend: yes 

Sixteen year old Sebastian Prendergast is not your typical teen.  He's been an orphan since both of his parents died in a plane crash when he was just six years old.  Sebastian has lead a sheltered life ever since, living in a geodistic dome in Iowa with his elderly and somewhat eccentric Nana Josephine.  His Nana does not believe in  public school education; she thinks its "myopic and wrong".  As a result, he is home schooled by Nana using the teachings of a futuristic 20th century philosopher.  Nana believes its up to Sebastian to save humanity.

To supplement Nana's pension income they give tours of their dome, and run a little gift shop inside as well. One day while the two are giving a tour, to the Whitcomb family (mother and teenage son), Nana suffers a stroke and is hospitalized. The Whitcomb's bring Sebastian out from his bubble dome and into their home. It is here that Sebastian experiences a new kind of family. Janice,is  a newly separated mother; she has a teenage somewhat misunderstood, brat of a daughter, Meredith. She also has a son, Jared about Sebastian's age. He has medical issues and problems of his own. It is here that Sebastian gets to experience some of the things teens at that age face: smoking, rock music, the opposite sex. A fun coming of age novel.

This debut author did a terrific job creating a believable character in Sebastian. His depictions of situations and the boys reactions to the outside world seemed accurate and appropriate.  In some ways he even reminded me of the boy in A Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night Time, even though Sebastian was not autistic. This novel is laugh out loud funny at times, as Jared and his sister are not your ideal role models by any means. Somewhat social misfits themselves, they too long for acceptance and friendship.  Even though at times I felt sad for some of the characters in this novel, ultimately, the story left me hopeful, and wondering if a sequel might be someday in the works.

A few other blogger reviews for this novel can be found here: Booklady's Blog; Book Chatter and The Crowded Leaf.

Waiting on Wednesday - I Hadn't Understood; Diego de Silva

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating! Want to participate? Post your own WOW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. Here's my pick (I think it sounds awesome):

I Hadn't Understood; Diego de Silva

Europa Editions - February 28, 2012

(description)

Malinconico is a Neapolitan lawyer without a single case. He goes through the motions every day, leaving for the office punctually, shuffling papers when he gets to the studio he shares with a group of un-gainfully employed professionals like him. His personal life is a shambles: his wife has left him, his two teenage children are rife with adolescent angst and busy screwing their lives up royally. And his professional life, as noted, is nonexistent.

But one day a miracle occurs. Indeed, two! The first is that he is assigned a case. And not any old case! He has been named the defense attorney for a member of the Neapolitan underground, Mimmo the Burzone. The second miracle bears the name Alessandra Persiana-the most beautiful woman to ever grace the Neapolitan courthouses -who, it appears, has fallen in love with Malinconico.

However, the real miracle for readers in this rollicking novel is the hilarious and eccentric voice of Vincenzio Malinconico. The novel orbits around the bizarre and irresistible mind of Malinconico, a mind that pauses to contemplate every aspect of the life he sees before him, the life he has lived, his memories and his future; a voice that seduces, entertains, and moves the reader from the first page to the last.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros

Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book I decided to read based on the opening paragraph (s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

This week's selection is a Europa Edition by an author I enjoyed previously, Elena Ferrante.

The Days of Abandonment; Elena Ferrante

"One April afternoon, right after lunch, my husband announced that he wanted to leave me.  He did it while we were clearing the table;  the children were quarreling as usual in the next room, the dog was dreaming, growling beside the radiator.  He told me that he was confused, that he was having terrible moments of weariness, of dissatisfaction, perhaps of cowardice.  He talked for a long time about our fifteen years of marriage, about the children, and he admitted he had nothing to reproach with us, neither them nor me,  He was composed, as always, apart from an extravagant gesture of his right hand when he explained to me, with a childish frown, that soft voices, a sort of whispering, were urging him elsewhere.  Then he assumed the blame for everything that was happening and closed the front door carefully behind him, leaving me turned to stone beside the sink."

Would you continue reading this one based on the opening paragraph? (I want to kick him in the butt already...LOL)