To Kill A Mockingbird Read-Along

Much to my own surprise, I've never read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I don't know how this escaped the attention of my honors high school literature teachers, but there you have it.

When I got wind that Adam was contemplating a re-read and perhaps a read-along, I jumped at the opportunity to fill in the gap in my classic lit experience.

The plan is to read the book in just 17 days, which sounds doable, but with a busy vacation upon me in just a few days, a 12 hour time difference between Asia and the US and uncertain Internet access, my participation will likely be limited. However, I've got some long flights ahead of me so I'll be toting my 50th Anniversary copy of To Kill A Mockingbird along in hopes of finishing it by the time I get back.

To join, visit the Master Post: To Kill A Mockingbird Read-Along over at Adam's. You can see the suggested reading schedule there, too.

Have you read this classic? 

Once Upon A Time VII

I'm still trying to find time to go through my Iceland pictures and put a nice post together--hoping to do so over the next couple of days. Life's been pretty busy around here lately, but everyone is happy and healthy so I cannot complain! I just need a couple of extra hours in the day, but can't we all!

I have managed to pull together this post on Carl's annual Once Upon A Time reading challenge in which I so enjoy participating. Carl who blogs at Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting the 7th annual Once Upon a Time reading and viewing event that encourages participants to explore fairy tales, folklore, fantasy and mythology in books and on the screen. This year marks my 4th year participating. Here are the details:

artwork by Melissa Nucera

Host: Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings

Link:  Once Upon a Time VII

http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/once-upon-a-time-vii

Time Frame: March 21 - June 21, 2013

Challenge: Various levels [see sign up post at Carl's site.]

Rules: Have fun, have fun, share and don't be freaked by the idea that this is a "reading challenge"--hence I used the word "event" above instead. You can join in by just committing to read ONE book from the themed categories.

artwork by Melissa Nucera

I'm going to do Quest the Third by reading five books from any combination of fairy tale, folklore, fantasy and mythology genres and read Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. Yes, this will be my third time attempting to actually read this play. I happen to know there is a graphic novel version somewhere out there..

Once again, we are graced with the beautifully enchanting artwork of artist Melissa Nucera which were used to make the banners for the Once Upon a Time event. Please visit Melissa Nucera at her shop This Years Girl to view and purchase her artwork.

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artwork by Carl Vess

There will also be a Read-Along of Neil Gaiman's fairy-tale novel, Stardust during the Once Upon a Time event. I bought a well worn copy of Stardust many years ago at a library used book sale and I have never read it. I'm so excited to finally have the push to read it. By the way, you do not need to sign up for the reading challenge in order to participate in the read-along. Come join us! It's a relatively short book.. I'm sure you can squeeze it in your reading schedule. Sign up HERE. Read-Along takes place April 1-17, 2013.

Stardust Read-Along image art copyright Carl Vess http://www.greenmanpress.com/



I hope to see you participating in the Once Upon A Time event or Stardust Read-Along or both!

The Winter Sea Group Read: PART II

I finally finished reading The Winter Sea the other day and am so excited to post this book discussion for the group read. My apologies for taking so long to read this book. It took me three weeks to read, but rest assured it was not a result of lack of interest, but a mere shortage of reading time that kept me from devouring it. If it wasn't for feeling guilty for holding up the book discussion, I would say that I'm rather glad it took me a while to finish this book, because it is one worth savoring. The Winter Sea is a well written, well paced, interesting work of fiction and wonderfully laced with romance.

The Winter Sea is often referred to as time travel historical fiction, but I consider it more of a clever blend of contemporary and historical fiction in one story. The story is told from two alternating perspectives. One is the first person point of view of Carrie McClelland, a successful Canadian writer of historical fiction who is writing a novel surrounding the events leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland in 1708 as the exiled James Stewart seeks to reclaim his crown. While visiting her agent and friend in Scotland, the ruins of Slains Castle call to Carrie and she fells compelled to rent a cottage in the area so that she can properly research and write her book. She rents a cottage from a local man, Jimmy Keith and befriends his two sons Stuart and Graham, falling romantically for the latter.

The other perspective is told from the third person, following a young woman named Sophia Paterson who arrives at Slains Castle in the early 1700s to stay with a distant relation, the Countess of Erroll and takes place over a couple of years surrounding the events of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1708. It is at Slains Castle where Sophia learns of the stirrings of a rebellion on behalf of James Stewart --James VIII of Scotland and III of England, to reclaim his crown. This is also where she meets and falls in love with Mr. John Moray, a man trusted by Queen Mary herself (the birth mother of James Stewart) closely embroiled in the rebellion. Their story is a heartbreaking one full of danger and secrecy, but also one of hope and survival.

Since the purpose of this post is to lead a group discussion of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, I am going to assume that everyone reading this has already read the book. If you have not read the book, be warned that there are spoilers in the remainder of this post as well as in the comments. If being spoiled is not you're thing, I suggest you click away and come back after you've read The Winter Sea. I hope you do, as it is worth reading.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! Read at your own risk.

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The main character of The Winter Sea, Carrie McClelland, is a writer of historical fiction. Throughout the book, it is as though we are looking over her shoulder witnessing how she conducts research, finds inspiration and writes as much as she could whenever her muse strikes. I loved this glimpse into the life of a writer and found it realistic and informative. Did you enjoy this aspect of the story as well? Any thoughts?

Many readers categorize The Winter Sea as time travel fiction. I'd rather say it is a clever and sophisticated meld of contemporary and historical fiction in one cohesive story. Kearsley uses the concept of genetic memory -- Carrie's ability to share some of the memories of her ancestors, to weave these two story lines together. Did the concept of genetic memory work for you in this story?

Kearsley's writing is beautiful -- richly descriptive without being the least bit excessive. The quality of the writing and even Kearsley's choice of words themselves, kept me captivated. Do you know someone who is so good at telling stories that their mere voice can lull you in and you feel as though you could listen to them talk about anything--even a trip to the grocery story or filing their taxes and you are fully absorbed in their story telling? That's what reading Kearsley's work is like. It flows so richly and naturally in your head that you just want it to go on and on. What is your opinion on Kearsley's story-telling voice?

There are many beautiful passages and memorable quotes in The Winter Sea. The following are among my favorites:

Colonel Graeme to Sophia [p.352 ebook]

'Aye,' he said, 'there is no sight so melancholy as the winter sea, for it does tell us we are truly at the ending of the year, and all its days are passed, its days of joy and sorrow that will never come again.'

Then a bit farther down the page, again spoken by Colonel Graeme to Sophia...

'For if there was no winter, we could never hope for spring.'

And later in the book among pages where my heart broke the most.. [p.451 ebook]

How did you tell a child who did not know you were her mother that you loved her, and that leaving her was all at once the bravest and the worst thing you had done in all your life, and that you'd miss her more than she would ever know?

But the heart break continues on the next page... [p.452 ebook]

[...] as surely as the wind and waves would shift the sands till next year's coastline bore no imprint of the one the year before, so too the passing days would reshape Anna's mind until Sophia was but forgotten.

Do you have any favorite quotes or passages from The Winter Sea?

Reading The Winter Sea is as much a historical lesson as it is a fictional novel. I am impressed by and appreciate the author's accurate (or very close to) portrayal of real-life historical persons in her story and her ability to weave a dramatic love story with the addition of a few fictitious characters used for romantic purposes. Who is to say that this love affair or something nearly similar didn't occur during this time.

However, the only thing that kept me from giving The Winter Sea a perfect rating is the elaborate cast of historical characters that I had such trouble keeping straight. I realize these characters were all necessary for this story--and most of them real people involved in the rebellion at the time, and I wouldn't have wanted the author to leave out a single person or detail, but unfortunately, I simply never felt confident of who was on the side of the Jacobites and who was loyal to Queen Anne. Then, if and when someone betrayed the cause, it took me a bit of time and sometimes back tracking in the story, to realize that's what happened because I forgot whose side they were on! Oye. Needless to say, it is my only complaint and likely my own shortcoming as I haven't read of anyone else struggling with this. Regarding the names, places and allegiances to the crown(s)-- did you get confused? Did it ever pull you out of the story as you were reading?

If there's anything else you'd like to add to the discussion, please do!

Thank you for participating in the group read of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. I hoped you enjoyed the book as much as I did. Don't forget that Kearsley's latest (next) novel, The Firebird, is a companion book to The Winter Sea and is another contemporary - historical blended story that tells the story of John Moray and Sophia's daughter, Anna. I'm so excited to read it! What about you?

Read more about The Firebird on the author's website HERE.

Release dates are as follows:
    January 28, 2013 UK
    May 7, 2013 CANADA
    June 1, 2013 USA

Also, be sure to check out these links:
Hilcia's Review of The Winter Sea

If you have a review or post about The Winter Sea on your blog, let me know and I'll add it to the list.

The Winter Sea Group Read: PART I

Are you reading The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley for the group read-along? Have you finished it yet? I know a few people are finished already. My apologies, but I'm afraid I won't be finished with the book in time for the final group discussion as originally scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, February 1. I hope you can all hold onto your thoughts for a few more days. I had an unexpectedly busy week this week, but I hope to finish the book over the weekend. Thank you in advance for your patience! However, I thought of few things that we can talk about in the meantime.

I'm currently about a third of the way through The Winter Sea and enjoying it very much. Kearsley's writing is wonderful--she truly has a natural story telling voice, don't you think? She's expressive, but in a gentle, natural way. Her writing is rich in a lovely succinct way--sophisticated but not at all pretentious. I love the Scottish setting of this book--I have such vivid images of the places and people, the latter of which come easily to life immediately upon their introduction.

What are your impressions of Ms. Kearsley's writing? Are you like me and feel as though you are whisked away to Scotland every time you sit down to read?

If I were asked which time period of this story I like better--Sophia's early 1700s or Carrie's present, I'm afraid I could not bear to choose. Since I am still within the first 200 pages of the book, I probably haven't gotten deep enough into Sophia's perspective to truly appreciate her story, but I do like her very, very much. In Carrie's part of the story, however, I'm enjoying the dynamics of her relationships with Jimmy Keith and his sons, Stuart and Graham. I readily admit that I simply adore the pull between Graham and Carrie. It is quite lovely.

Do you prefer one time period over the other? I know, I can't choose a favorite either.

Slains Castle
photograph credits: Colin Smith
Wikipedia Commons

The historical background of this book, which is crucial to the story, is a bit challenging for me to follow. A lot of fellows named James, if you ask me. ;) In all seriousness, though, history has never been one of my strong suits. It took me some time, and a bit of external reading, before I caught on to the gist of what's going on between Scotland and England, or rather between the Jacobites and the British monarchy in this time period. I'm not even sure if that's the correct way to refer to this piece of history. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Sophia basically gets caught up in the rising tensions of a Jacobite rebellion in which her "guardian"--the countess of Erroll in Slains castle, covertly (or perhaps not-so-covertly) supports. A rebellion the aim of which is to reinstate King James Stuart (King James VIII of Scotland or King James III of England) who is in exile in France as the rightful heir of the British throne. I think. I know it's more complicated than that, but I hope I have at least a basic understanding of the conflict. I encourage anyone who is reading or has read The Winter Sea to correct me and or elaborate on this piece of historical information. Or even if you are simply familiar with this part of history, please feel free to add anything!

Are you keeping up with the myriad of characters and their allegiances in the historical components of the story?

Stay tuned.. final discussion post of The Winter Sea to come! I hope you join us!

Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2013

I have one more reading challenge to share. This will be my third year participating in this challenge. In 2011, I read After the Quake, a collection of three short stories by Haruki Murakami. I enjoyed it, but thought it was too small of a sampling of Murakami's writing to truly decide if I was a fan of this popular Japanese author. So I signed up for the challenge again in 2012, intending to read Sputnik Sweetheart, but the closest I came was to borrow the book from the library on December 20th! Alas, here I am ready to give it another go in 2013.

Host: tanabata
Link: Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2013
Time Frame: January 1 - December 31, 2013
Challenge: Read one or more or all [sign up for different levels] of Haruki Murakami's books in 2013.

I am going to challenge myself to read one, but I'm hoping to read two. Sputnik Sweetheart and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, the latter chosen largely because I found a reader who is hosting a read-along later this year. I welcome the motivation to read this one with a group since it is a long one at 607 pages.

The No Stress, No Fuss, Read-Along of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami hosted by Ti who blogs at Book Chatter.

It will take place April 1 - May 5, 2013.

The twitter hash tag for the group read will be #winditup2013.

Visit the Read-Along sign up post at Ti's blog HERE for more info and to sign up!



Have you read any books by Haruki Murakami? Which is your favorite?


*** CHALLENGE COMPLETED JUNE 2013 ***

Books read to date:
1. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
2. Sputnik Sweetheart 

REMINDER: The Winter Sea Group Read

It's not too late to join our casual group read of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. Readers should be starting to read the book this week and be prepared to discuss the book on Friday, February 1, 2013 here on my blog. I suppose those of you who are fast readers can start January 30th or something. :p If I'm well organized and on schedule, I hope to include a discussion post on the first half of the book on Sunday, January 27, 2013 as well.

If you'd like to join us, visit The Winter Sea Group Read sign up post and link your blog with Mr.Linky widget at the bottom of the post and or let me know in the comment section there. As always, please feel free to stop by and join any of the discussion posts at any time. :)

I'm looking forward to reading The Winter Sea and chatting about it with you.

A Group Read of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Inspired by Leslie and Hilcia's wonderful reviews of Mariana by Susanna Kearsley and because several many commented and said they have always wanted to read a book by this author--or more books by this author, I've decided to host a very simple group read of Kearsley's The Winter Sea.

The Winter Sea is an historical time travel romance set on the shores of Scotland.

In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown.

Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors and starts to write.

But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory, making her the only living person who knows the truth-the ultimate betrayal-that happened all those years ago, and that knowledge comes very close to destroying her...



Hilcia's review of Mariana by Susanna Kearsley 
Leslie's review of Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

Leslie's review of The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
Brie's review of The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsely

I'm sure I could provide you with link after link of rave reviews of Ms. Kearsley's books, but why not find out for yourself and join us as we read The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley in the next few weeks. The book is about 527 pages and since I know so many of you fly through entire novels in just a couple of days, we'll keep this group read very simple. We'll start reading around the same time and have one day to discuss the book about two weeks after that to give some of us slow pokes some time to finish it. Of course, we can discuss the story during the reading period as we see fit.

In order to allow some time to spread the word and for everyone to get a hold of the book, let's start reading The Winter Sea together on or around January 21, chat about it as we go along and finish for a group discussion on February 4, 2013. For those of us on twitter, we can use the hash tag #WinterSea to discuss the book there.

If you'd like to join this group read of The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley--which I hope you do, link up your blog to the Mr.Linky below. You don't have to have a blog to join the group read. If you don't, just leave your name in the comments below.

I hope you join us!

REVIEW: Elemental Assassin Short Stories by Jennifer Estep

So I'm finally reading the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep thanks to the Read-Along that's going on, hosted by The Book Vixen and Smash Attack Reads, and I'm pretty darned excited about it. And I'm pretty darned proud of myself, too, because surprise, surprise I'm actually caught up with the group! We started the series back in October and are reading one full length novel per month. The plan to be caught up by the release of the eighth book in March 2013. This month we'll be reading the fourth book, Tangled Threads.

In addition to the full length novels, Jennifer Estep has written several Elemental Assassin online short stories that can be read on on her website at http://www.jenniferestep.com/excerpts-short-stories/. These stories are short stories, not novellas so they are short. I mean short. I'd say each one is at most 10 or 12 pages, but for fans of the series, they're pretty cool glimpses into various characters' pasts and or they show some aspect of the story from the point of view of characters aside from Gin Blanco. The novels are told from the first person point of view of Gin Blanco, the Elemental Assassin who is known as The Spider. I haven't reviewed the full length novels, although I'd like to. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on the Elemental Assassin online short stories.

CAUTION: There are some slight character and plot spoilers for the Elemental Assassin series in the remainder of this post. Read at your own risk!

Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, #1)
Review to come. (Maybe.)

"Poison" (Elemental Assassin, #0.5) This story takes place when Gin is a teenager, after she was taken in off the streets by her mentor and father figure, Finnegan Lane. Finn's son Fletcher is a few years older than Gin and highly resentful of her place in the Lane family. He's clearly jealous of his father's attention and affection for Gin. But Gin proves her loyalty and affection for the Lane family in this story. Poison is told from Fletcher's point of view.

A very short story, yet it accurately portrays some of Gin's strongest traits---loyalty, patience and calm lethality. I liked seeing how Gin was brought into the Lane family and thought Finn's reaction to her was very believable.

"Web of Deceit" (Elemental Assassin, #0.6)
Told from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the owner of a barbecue joint called The Pork Pit who rescues Gin off the streets when she was just a young girl. This short tells the story of Gin's very first assassination that Finn assigns her when she's just a teen.

Again, the reader gets an inside look at what Fletcher sees in Gin from a young age, including the ways in which Fletcher can use Gin in his line of work. And yes, as much as it shows that Fletcher cares for Gin, I don't think I'm inaccurate when I say he uses her.

"Spider's Bargain" (Elemental Assassin, #0.7)
This story takes place just before the first book in the series, Spider's Bite. It tells the story of Gin Blanco taking down a corrupt cop in Ashland, who turns out to have been the partner of Donovan Cain, the cop with whom Gin alliances in Spider's Bite.

Gin's cold lethality is sharp in this one--I have to say it's quite refreshing to read about a female assassin who is so brutally good at what she does that it's even a bit shocking once in a while.

"Web of Death" (Elemental Assassin, #1.5)
This short takes place right after Spider's Bite. Gin has retired from the assassin business, but when she discovers some men ganging up on a woman a few short miles from her new place, she can't help but respond to the situation and some heads roll. Literally.

This short was okay. It didn't necessarily reveal anything about Gin's character that the reader doesn't already know at this point. I think we all knew Gin wouldn't be able to stay retired from the assassin business for too long--she's bored running the Pork Pit! What it does show is that Gin does have a moral compass. One that points directly at the evil bastards who torment the people of Ashland and whom she has no qualms about eliminating whether she's being paid to or not. Clearly she's doing the world a service.

Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)
Review to come. (Maybe.)

"Wasted" (Elemental Assassin, #2.5)
This very short story can be found at the author's website. It's an Elemental Assassin series story that takes place between the events of Web of Lies [Book 2] and Venom [Book 3]. Wasted is told from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, Gin Blanco's foster brother. A beautiful female vampire suspiciously tarts frequenting the bank in which Finn works. Trouble follows, but nothing Finn can't handle. The story was rather flat, but it does reveal a little tidbit about Xavier, the part time cop and part time bouncer of the club Northern Aggression owned by Rosalyn Phillips.

Venom (Elemental Assassin, #3)
Review to come. (Maybe.)

"Tangled Dreams" (Elemental Assassin, #3.5)
This online short story takes place between the events of the third Elemental Assassin book, Venom, and the fourth, Tangled Threads and can be found on the author's website. Tangled Dreams is told from the point of view of the Devereaux sisters, Jo-Jo and Sophia. Gin comes stumbling to the Devereaux sister's house for healing, seriously injured after rescuing a woman and her young daughter from a gang of carjackers. This is a must read for fans of the Elemental Assassin series because it gives a fantastic look into the thoughts and feelings of the Devereaux sisters that hasn't quite yet been explored in the books. It also provides a little bit of insight into their past, particularly Sophia's which I must admit has me rather curious. I love the roles of Jo-Jo and Sophia in this series and I look forward to getting to know them even more in future books.

"Tangled Schemes" (Elemental Assassin, #3.6)
Another online short story from the Elemental Assassin series, this one is told from the point of view of Bria Coolidge, the new, straight laced cop on the Ashland police force. It takes place alongside the events of the first three books and ends around the same time that Venom, book three, ends. I liked learning what happened to Bria since the night her family was murdered by the Fire Elemental when she was just a young girl. We see that fateful night from her eyes and a little bit of how she lived her life afterwards. She learns about the possibility that her sister is still alive and she sets out to find her. The story also hints at a possible love interest for Bria. I hope it comes to fruition--I like the pairing!

Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4)
Reading this month!

"Spider's Nemesis" (Elemental Assassin, #4.5)
Taking place after the fourth book in the series, this online short story that can be found on the author's website and is told from the point of view of Mab Monroe, the nemesis Gin Blanco the assassin also known as The Spider. The story provides the background story for Mab's hatred of the Snow family that began when Mab Monroe and Eira Snow (Gin's mother) were just young girls. Readers also see the night of the confrontation between Mab and Eira which ultimately led to the murder of Eira and her oldest daughter and the destruction of the Snow home, which left Gin and Bria orphans. Sadly, Gin and Bria believed the other had also perished in the fire that night and only now as adults are they seeking each other.

I enjoyed learning more about the connection between Mab Monroe and the Snow family, but I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed that Mab's hatred of Eira Snow was based largely on Mab's innate evilness and drive for absolute power with a dab of jealousy mixed in. Basically I wanted to understand why Mab is so mean, greedy and destructive and was disappointed to learn that she was just essentially born and raised that way.

Visit Jennifer Estep at her website http://jenniferestep.com for more information about her books, including the Elemental Assassin series and these short stories.

Do you read this series?

What's your favorite urban fantasy series that stars a female protagonist?

Anna Karenina Read-Along: Part Two

Note: If you've already read Anna Karenina, please feel free to join in this Read-Along discussion. However, please refrain from discussing any particulars past Part Two of the novel at this point so as not to spoil anything for the first time readers. Thanks!

Part Two of Anna Karenina delves deeper into the novel's primary theme of family relations. The story arcs expand as relationships fall apart and others show signs of strengthening. Characters are further developed as they struggle with relationships with family, friends and lovers, as well as their own personal inner turmoils.

CAUTION: This is a Read-Along discussion post so you can expect spoilers from the first two parts of the novel. Read at your own risk!

Discussion questions for Part Two of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy:

1. Kitty's health has deteriorated as a result of her heartbreak and so she travels to a health spa in Germany with her parents in hopes of reviving her health. It is here that Kitty befriends the young woman Varenka whose actions and beliefs Kitty admires tremendously. What is it about Varenka that has Kitty so enamored? At one point Kitty says she will never marry. Why do you think she says this? 

2. Anna and Vronsky consummate their affair in this section. Do you think what they share is love? And if not, what do you think it is that they share? 

3. Tolstoy writes to great length and detail about the steeplechase. Did you get the sense that these passages foreshadow events among the characters? If so, what? 

4. What are your overall impressions of the book after reading Part Two? Are you enjoying the story? Do you like Tolstoy's writing? 

My responses to the discussion questions:

1. When Kitty sees Varenka tending to others, particularly those who are ill or less fortunate, simply out of the goodness of her heart, Kitty begins to realize that being a good, caring, charitable person provides a lot of purpose and even happiness to one's life. She soon realizes it can also backfire as it did in the case of the artist Petrov, but I still think she learned a valuable lesson from Varenka. I think Kitty's claim that she'll never marry is more a defense mechanism than anything else. It's her way of protecting herself from any future heartache or humiliation. Eventually, I hope she realizes she can have both in her life--happiness from being a good person to others and happiness in marriage.

2. I sadly don't think what Anna and Vronsky share is true love. They clearly share an undeniable attraction and passion for each other, but it mostly feels like they are using each other to fill a void in their lives, and quite unsuccessfully at that.

3. At first I was wondering why Tolstoy wrote so much detail about the steeplechase until I started to realize that Frou-Frou's [Vronsky's horse] behavior and temperament matched that of Anna regarding her relationship with Vronsky. Both want the ultimate prize--Frou-Frou to win the steeplechase and Anna to have a loving and passionate marriage--but both are also rather skittish and reckless. Ultimately, Vronsky makes a rash, careless move that brings down his horse in the steeplechase. I have the feeling he's going to do the same regarding Anna.

4. I'm still enjoying reading this book, but realizing it is definitely more a tragedy than it is a love story. I think all of the families and relationships are a mess and whose futures look rather glum. I do, however, have hope that Levin and Kitty will be the exception and their story will be one with a true happily ever after ending. We shall see.. there are still over 600 pages to go! Tolstoy's writing is exquisite, despite being rather long winded. He articulates characters' inner struggles and emotional tones very, very well, but sometimes I wish he'd just spit it out instead of describing these things in a long roundabout kind of way.

Next week: Part Three of Anna Karenina!

It's not too late to join us in the Read-Along. Fay from Blog A Book, Etc. and I are also moderating an Anna Karenina Read-Along Group on goodreads. Anyone is welcome to join at any time--just send a request to join on goodreads. We'd love your company!

Anna Karenina Read-Along: Part One

Note: If you've already read Anna Karenina, please feel free to join in this Read-Along discussion. However, please refrain from discussing anything past Part One of the novel at this point.

I am reading Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy! I took the plunge into this 838 page Russian classic and now that I've gotten my feet wet, there's no turning back. I'm completely submerged in this epic saga. I had no idea this was such a fascinating and dramatic ... historical chick lit novel! Come along and read it with me--it's pretty exciting so far.

There are numerous translations of Anna Karenina available to readers, including a few free versions that you can download to your e-reading device from amazon, barnes and noble and ibookstore, although I do not know how reliable those translations are. I chose to read the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. This translation was awarded the PEN/Book-Of-The-Month Club Translation Prize.

As well as being well recognized as an exceptional translated version of Tolstoy's original work, it has a few bonus features that I think are definitely noteworthy. For one, this version contains a list of the principal characters, including the numerous variations on every one's names, which is proving to be most helpful as Tolstoy uses them all at any given time. I admit I flip back to the character list quite frequently as I'm reading. This translation also includes a Notes section in the back of the book, upwards of 40-50 footnotes or explanations for various references throughout each chapter. Some of these notes are more helpful than others. More often than not, I feel as if I need notes for the notes, but I'm not worrying about understanding every little reference to outside literature or politics at this point. Someone more knowledgeable or passionate about history and the arts would likely benefit the most from these explanations. For the rest of us, not "getting" all of these details does not really detract from enjoying this piece of literature.

If your version of Anna Karenina does not have a character list or notes, there is a list of the primary characters and a summary for each of the eight parts of the novel on wikipedia. I suggest you read with absolute caution, however, because you may easily read major plot spoilers if you read the plot summaries! I accidentally read one last night on a book club page and am very disappointed to have read what I did. So please, be careful reading about the book around the internet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Karenina

Now let's discuss Part One of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

CAUTION: Since this is a Read-Along discussion post, you can expect spoilers from the designated section of the text. Read at your own risk!

Many book discussions of Anna Karenina begin with the very first line of the novel, so let's do the same.

"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

1. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

2. The story opens with the Oblonsky household in complete disarray as Dolly has discovered her husband, Prince Stepan "Stiva" Oblonsky had been having an affair with their young French governess. What are your first impressions of Stiva and Dolly? What do you think of the couple's quick reconciliation? Do you think Stiva got off the hook too easily?

3. Meanwhile, Oblonsky's childhood friend, the shy and awkward Konstantin Levin, "Kostya," arrives in Moscow from his country estate to propose to Dolly's youngest sister, Princess Katerina,"Kitty." What is your first impression of Levin and his friendship with Oblonsky?

4. Princess Katerina is being courted by both Levin and Count Vronsky. What do you think of Kitty's decisions regarding these two men?

5. What is your first impression of the title character, Anna Karenina? There is a strong magnetism between Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky from the first moment they meet. What is your first impression of these two characters?

6. What is your overall impression of the novel so far?

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If you are reading Anna Karenina along with me or even if you've read the book already, I encourage you to share your responses to any or all of the discussion questions on your own blog or in the comments below. Feel free to discuss anything else about Part One that interests you.

Here are my responses to the discussion questions:

1. "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." I disagree! How is happiness all the same for everyone, yet unhappiness so different? I think Tolstoy's statement is a huge generalization about both families and happiness. In my opinion, the only way "all happy families are alike" is in that they all have some degrees of unhappiness layered in there, too! Just as no one individual is perfect, neither are relationships, including the relationships among family members.

Of course, many families are happy, functional families full of love, companionship and support for one another, but everyone experiences varying degrees of bumps along the road of life--including our relationships with family members. That doesn't mean we want to abandon, betray or otherwise hurt our family members, but there are bound to be disagreements and hurdles along the way. However, how we deal with problems or instances of unhappiness in our families--with respect, patience and compromise, for example, is key to all of our overall happiness, I think. I'm curious to see how Tolstoy's characters deal with their familial problems and unhappiness. I imagine there will be varying degrees of success and disaster among the relationships.

2. I definitely think Dolly forgave Stiva all too quickly and easily for his affair. I don't trust Stiva when it comes to his promise of marriage to Dolly. He seems to believe he is entitled to mistresses and is way too non-chalant about his actions. I acknowledge that it was very common, if not expected, for married men to have mistresses, but it doesn't mean I have to accept it. Clearly not all of the wives found it acceptable either!

I would like to see both Dolly and Stiva make changes in their own behavior in order to improve the physical and emotional intimacy in their marriage, but I don't think anything is going to change. Dolly won't take any initiative to do so--partly because she doesn't know what or how to do that, and Stiva won't either simply because he doesn't think he has to! The only thing he did wrong was get caught!

3. I really like Levin so far. I feel a little sorry for him because he doesn't quite belong among the aristocracy of his friends in Moscow. He's a bit socially awkward, but he's intelligent and not ashamed of his ideals. I admire him for wanting to live life the way he wants--on his estate in the country wanting a home and family.

As far as the friendship between Levin and Stiva goes, I think their friendship is so long lasting merely because they were close family friends since childhood. If they didn't have that solid past of having grown up together, I don't think they'd be friends as adults since they seem too different. Stiva is more shallow and self-absorbed, a man who strives to keep up with the aristocrats of Moscow society, while Levin seeks the happiness that a wife and family can bring his life in the country and his ideals are his own, not whatever is simply the popular consensus at the moment.

4. Oh, Kitty. I like her! Like Levin, she seems the most genuine of characters so far. As it is, she is very young and therefore she relies on the guidance of her mother regarding important decisions about her social life--such as who to marry. She is more likely to make decisions based on what is expected of her rather than what her heart tells her. I think she would be very compatible with Levin and I was disappointed for both of them when she refused his marriage proposal, but I could see why everyone would think Vronsky would be a better match for her. It doesn't seem these characters necessarily marry for love, which I suppose was very common in this time period. When Kitty was cast aside by Vronsky for Anna Karenina, a married woman no less, I felt even more pity for Kitty. I hope she finds happiness in the future.

5. My first impression of Anna Karenina is that she is beautiful and alluring to just about everyone she meets--men and women. She comes across as complex and enigmatic, but I also find her rather sad and think maybe she is lonely or depressed. Her marriage lacks emotional intimacy and obviously the attraction she feels for Vronsky and he for her spells nothing but trouble for everyone. I don't trust him at all. Everything he has done so far is for purely selfish reasons.

6. I really enjoyed reading Part One and cannot wait to read more. I have to admit I didn't realize how juicy this story is! A lot of drama among family, friends and lovers. Who knew?

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It's not too late to join the Read-Along that Fay from Blog A Book, Etc. and I are hosting on our respective blogs and with an Anna Karenina Read-Along Group on goodreads. I assure you that Part One is a quick 100+ pages that you can read in just a day or two and hopefully you'll be as hooked as I am. We will be reading Part Two this week and discussing it next weekend. We'd love to have you join us!

An Anna Karenina Read-Along

Are you intimidated by reading the "classics"?  I am. Most classics are really long books, so I worry about ever finishing them. I worry that they're difficult to read and understand. What if I don't 'get' them? What if I think they're boring?

I recently watched the movie trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of Anna Karenina by Leo Toltoy [Thanks for the heads up, Brie!] and knew straight away that I wanted to see this film when it hits theaters in November. I was instantly swept away by the scenery, costumes and of course, the romantic drama. I had no idea! I admit I don't know very much about the time and place in which this story takes place, but I'm willing to learn!

Like any good bibliophile, however, I know I ought to read the book before seeing the film adaptation. I tweeted that I was considering reading Anna Karenina before the movie comes out and chatted with a few people about it. One of these people was Fay who blogs at Blog A Book Etc... Fay was having the same thoughts about Anna Karenina, so right away we thought of reading it together. We figure we can't be the only two readers interested in reading Anna Karenina but hesitant to dive in for one reason or another, so voilá! We're co-hosting an Anna Karenina Read-Along! Talk about commitment, right? [Fay is wonderfully enthusiastic.. ]

We would love it if you would join us as we read and chat about Anna Karenina between now and Dec. 22, 2012. The movie adaptation releases in theaters throughout the US on November 9, 2012. Not quite enough time to finish a read-along of the book before then, but let's get started and see how it goes.

Our suggested reading schedule below is based on the eight sections of the book, about 100 pages each. Of course, you are free to read at your own pace and join in on the discussion when you can, but if you do read ahead, we ask that you refrain from discussing anything in the book beyond what the schedule dictates in each weekly discussion post. It wouldn't be cool to spoil the reading experience for everyone else.

Part I     Oct 28-Nov 3
Part II    Nov 4-Nov 10
Part III   Nov 11 - Nov 17
Part IV   Nov 18 - Nov 24
Part V    Nov 25 - Dec 1
Part VI   Dec 2 - Dec 8
Part VII  Dec 8 - Dec 15
Part VIII Dec 16 - Dec 22

If you have a blog, it would be great if you could make an announcement post on your blog to help spread the word. Otherwise, feel free to join in by leaving a comment below and include any links to where we can find you--goodreads, twitter, etc.

Feel free to grab one of the Read-Along buttons Faye and I have created [we used PicMonkey.com] to post on your blog. We're still working out how we're going to host the weekly discussion posts, but we'll likely alternate weeks on our respective blogs.

AND.. .for those of you on goodreads, we have an Anna-Karenina Read-Along Group there, open to anyone. Did I mention Fay is enthusiastic? ;)

We hope you'll join us!

Follow along with us on twitter using the hashtag #AnnaKareninaRA

Have you read Anna Karenina?

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The book cover button:

<center> <a href="http://theromanticlife.blogspot.com/2012/10/an-anna-karenina-read-along.html"><img border="0" src=" https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6tXTFUUJ8I/UIYAaVIbFPI/AAAAAAAAHpU/XF9CwmM7v1c/s800/anna-karenina-PURPLE-150.jpg " /></a></center> The movie tie-in button: <center> <a href="http://blogabooketc.wordpress.com/"><img border="0" src=" https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h_5xVN0PgRY/UIYAaf-CF0I/AAAAAAAAHpY/FplT-T6sJLA/s800/annakareninareadalong150.jpg " /></a></center>

The Graveyard Book Read-Along: PART III

This is the final discussion post of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book [2008] Read-Along hosted by Carl from Stainless Steel Droppings as part of the fall R.I.P. VII reading event.

The Graveyard Book is a middle grade book about a young boy named Nobody 'Bod' Owens who is being raised by the ghosts who live in a graveyard after his parents and sister were brutally murdered in their home. The loving Mr. and Mrs. Owens are Bod's adoptive ghost parents and Silas, who is neither living nor dead, is Bod's guardian. Each chapter of book is a short tale of its own, showing important experiences in Bod's life that shape him into the young man he is becoming.

CAUTION: This is a read-along discussion, so expect some spoilers in the post and comments. Please read at your own risk!

Chapter Seven: Every Man Jack 
As suggested by the title of this chapter, this is the part of the story when Nobody Owens and the man named Jack finally come face to face after all these years since Jack murdered Bod's first family.

Bod's guardian Silas has been away for several weeks, much longer than he's ever been gone before which has everyone in the graveyard both concerned and annoyed. Bod is asking questions about the man who killed his family and it's clear he is angry and resentful towards this man who not only murdered his family but whose very existence has essentially imprisoned Bod to a life in the graveyard. As content that Bod is to live among his family of ghosts in the graveyard, he's getting restless being confined to the graveyard and longs to go out among the living.

The young girl named Scarlett whom Jack befriended years ago in the graveyard has moved back to the area. One day she takes the wrong bus home and finds herself at the gates of Bod's graveyard. Now young teens, Scarlett and Jack rekindle their friendship and are soon embroiled in a deceptive and nefarious plot involving the man named Jack. Fueled by his bitter anger at the men named Jack and through his fierce determination, bravery and resourcefulness, Bod overcomes his enemies once and for all. This battle against the Jacks has not come without a price, however, and the ending is a little bittersweet.

Chapter Eight: Leavings and Partings
In this final chapter, Bod prepares to leave the graveyard to live in the world of living. There are little telling signs indicating that Bod has outgrown his life in the graveyard, such as not being able to see as well in the dark anymore. Clearly the time has come for Nobody Owens to move on. He reminisces with his spirit friends about his life in the graveyard and has also learns more information regarding the Honour Guard and the group of men known as the Jacks of all Trades from Silas. Silas doesn't reveal too much, but it is enough for Bod for he knows he is safe in the world and that he may just see Silas again in the future. Bod says his final goodbyes and leaves the graveyard and starts his new life.

Despite The Graveyard Book's rather grim beginning involving the gruesome murders of an innocent family, the story is in actuality a lovely, albeit bittersweet, coming of age story of the smart and kind, young Nobody Owens. Bod has spent his young life treading the line between the worlds of the living and the dead. A life very different from that of a typical human boy, yet Bod has grown up to be a thoughtful, brave and generous soul who will most definitely live a good life among the living.

Thanks to Carl for hosting yet another great read-along! I can't wait to do another one.

The Graveyard Book Read-Along: PART II

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 
Chapters 4-6

This is the second discussion post and link up for the Read-Along of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book [2008] as part of the RIP VII reading event hosted by Carl at his blog Stainless Steel Droppings.

The Graveyard Book is a book about a young boy named Nobody 'Bod' Owens whose family was brutally murdered in their home, a fate that Nobody himself escaped as he toddled out of his house that night and into the Graveyard that would become his sanctuary. Nobody is being raised by the spirits of the dead who live in the cemetery--Mr. and Mrs. Owens are his adoptive parents and the many others are his friends, protectors and teachers. A mysterious being named Silas who is neither dead nor alive also lives in the Graveyard and is Bod's guardian. Being of firm body, Silas is able to go out into the world to retrieve food, clothing, books and other necessities for Bod. Each chapter tells a new tale from Bod's young life.

CAUTION: This is a read-along discussion, so expect some spoilers in the post and comments! Read at your own risk!

Chapter Four: The Witch's Headstone 
In this chapter, Bod learns about the graves just beyond the graveyard proper in Potter's Field where the suicides and witches are buried on unconsecrated grounds. Of course, Bod is driven to this area of the graveyard out of curiosity and meets the spirit of a young witch, Elizabeth 'Liza' Hempstock. She's rather sad that she has no headstone for her grave and even though he barely knows her, Bod sets out to try to get her one. He sneaks into town to sell a graveyard treasure in a pawn shop so he can have money to buy Liza a headstone, but he gets into some serious trouble with some men who know the man named Jack who murdered his first family.

This reading reveals a lot about Bod's character. He has grown to be compassionate boy who cares about people's feelings and feels strongly about doing what's right. Even though he's been warned about those who reside in Potter's Field, Bod looks at Eliza as a young girl who died and was buried there and deserves to be remembered and cared for, even if it is in death. I also admire Bod's determination and resourcefulness to get some money to buy Liza a headstone, but his limited knowledge of the real world outside the Graveyard is worrisome. I realize the Owneses and Silas saved Bod's life and have done right by him keeping him safe, provided for and educated to a degree as well. On the other hand, how long can they keep Bod from the real world? Is that the right thing to do? How and when are they expecting to let him go into the world of the living? It's really a tricky situation and I'm curious to know what Bod's future will entail.

Chapter Five: Danse Macabre 
This chapter opens with a tone of anticipation and excitement shrouded in mystery as the spirits in the Graveyard are busy going about their daily business singing about the dance of the Macabray, but no one is willing to tell Bod what's going on. One evening, Bod is lured into town by strange, enthralling music where the living have congregated, swaying and dancing to the music. At midnight, the spirits from the Graveyard come into town where the living and the dead dance together. Everyone is dancing except for Silas who is watching from the shadows. The next day the living have forgotten everything but the dead remember. They just refuse to talk about it.

It is in this chapter, I think, that Bod really starts to realize that he's very different from his friends and family in the Graveyard and that perhaps he belongs in the world of the living. He's naturally drawn to the world of living, but he also appreciates and recognizes the Graveyard as his home. I think he's torn about where he belongs. It would be nice if he could have the best of both worlds, but I have the feeling that's not going to be an option.

Interestingly, Bod also empathizes with Silas being in a similar position of belonging neither here nor there. When Bod realizes this, he wanted to hug Silas to comfort him and let him know he'd always be there for him. Yet he refrains.

"He could no more hug Silas than he could hold a moonbeam, not because his guardian was insubstantial, but because it would be wrong. There were people you could hug, and then there was Silas."

Heartbreaking!

Interlude: The Convocation
This is a very short section of the book in which we get a glimpse of some men at a private function--most likely priests, where a conversation between two men in particular takes place. A very disturbing conversation because one of the men is the man named Jack and we become very aware that he was supposed to kill Bod years ago and that he still must finish the job. The story behind the murder of Bod's family has just gotten more complicated than I had suspected. Is Bod really going to be able to find safety from these evil men anywhere?

Chapter Six: Nobody Owens' School Days 
Bod's parents and guardian are finally acknowledging that Bod wants and needs to go to school to not only be among his kind but also to learn the so many things that the spirits in the Graveyard are simply not capable of teaching. Bod goes to school where he is easily blends into the background so to speak. His teachers know him when he is in front of them, but can't seem to remember him any other time. The other students mostly ignore him. Until Bod does something to attract attention--he stands up to some bullies. He uses his Fading skills and his ability to instill Fear, but the bullies are set on revenge and set him up for some serious trouble with the police that may not dissipate this time.

This section was interesting for sure. Bod is really starting to assert himself--wanting to go to school, standing up to bullies, protecting the victims of the bullying and most heart-wrenching, revealing to Silas how important he really is to Bod. Silas is not just a guardian to Bod. He's a father figure and one whom Bod has grown to love. And if you ask me, the feeling is mutual. Bod and Silas are growing and learning through their relationship and it's quite touching. I'm starting to think that together they will find a way for Bod to live a full, safe and happy life.

I'm looking forward to finishing The Graveyard Book this week. I'm dying to know what the story is behind the man named Jack and his job to kill Bod. I also hope to find some answers about Silas and his role in the Graveyard. We learned Silas is a member of the Honour Guard--what is that? Of course of most importance, I want a happy ending to this book for Bod. Well, perhaps more like a new beginning.

The Graveyard Book Read-Along Part I

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 
Chapters 1-3

I am finally reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, thanks to the Read-Along hosted by Carl who blogs over at Stainless Steel Droppings during the R.I.P. VII reading event. I have had this book on my list for years. I remember Neil Gaiman was in NYC doing a public reading of The Graveyard Book on the day it was released and I wanted to attend, but just couldn't juggle it on a weekday evening. So much for regret, though, because I never even picked up the book after missing that event. I just never got around to it. Until now!

The Graveyard Book is a middle grade level book that, like all of Gaiman's work, can be enjoyed by readers of any age. Except maybe the very young--it is a bit morbid and frightening for the wee ones. The book is written in chapters, each chapter appears to be a little story of it's own, an episode in the life of a young boy named Nobody Owens whose family was brutally murdered in their home, a fate Nobody escaped as he toddled out of his house that night and into the Graveyard that would be his sanctuary.

CAUTION: This is a read-along discussion so expect some spoilers in the post and comments! Read at your own risk.

There was a hand in the darkness and it held a knife.

This is the first sentence of The Graveyard Book and it basically sets the tone for the first chapter. Grim--if not frightful and morbid! A bit shockingly so for what takes place on the very first pages of a middle grade book. I had to remind myself that many children easily identify fiction as just that--fiction and imaginary and are therefore not as bothered by something so alarming as the murder of an entire family save a young toddler as many adults may be. This is not to say that other children reading this story would not be traumatized, but hopefully that's not the case.

Chapter One: How Nobody Came to the Graveyard 
As the title implies, this chapter reveals how a little boy named Nobody came to the Graveyard. One night, while the little boy slept in his crib, he awoke to noises downstairs in his home. He climbs out of his crib, bumps down the stairs and when he notices the front door ajar, he slips out into the night just as any toddler would do given the chance to wander. Little does he know that the noises he heard was a man named Jack murdering his father, mother and sister.

The little boy is toddles up the hill and into the Graveyard near his home where he meets the very lovely and very dead Mrs. Owens and her husband Mr. Owens. They are smitten with the little boy and anticipate his family coming to find him, but when they realize the man named Jack is seeking the little boy with nefarious intentions, the Owens hide and protect the little boy. With the consent of all of the other dead living in the Graveyard, the Owens adopt the little boy whom they name Nobody Owens, or Bod for short. A curious man named Silas, who also lives in the Graveyard, agrees to be Bod's guardian. Silas is unique in that he neither dead nor alive, but he can leave the Graveyard and bring back food, clothing, books and other necessities for Nobody. And this is how Nobody's new life begins, a life restricted to safety of the Graveyard grounds.

I have to admit I was somewhat taken aback by the tragedy that unfolded in this first chapter of a middle grade chapter book. However, I have no qualms letting my middle school child read this book--or even the Hunger Games, so I'm not really sure why murder in a middle grade book surprised me. Perhaps because it was presented in such a nonchalant manner, but then again, that is one of Gaiman's strengths and his style. Gaiman can write even the most tragic, morbid scenarios into something that sort of feels natural and with an edge of dark humor. It's as if the narrator is completely neutral about the story being told and it's up to the reader to get upset, scared, angry or even find humor in the story. How does Gaiman do that? Anyway, I felt sad for Bod in this first chapter, but he seemed quite content with his new home and caregivers. He's too young and naive at this point to realize the tragedy that's become of his family and he just goes with the flow. That alleviates a lot of worry from any distraught readers, I think.

Chapter Two: The New Friend 
In this chapter, Bod befriends a young girl around his age named Scarlett who visits the Graveyard on a regular basis with her mother [the graveyard has also become a nature reserve over the years, so people do occasionally visit to walk the paths and sit on the benches.]. Bod and Scarlett become friends very easily, talking and exploring the Graveyard. At one point their curiosity gets the better of them and they end up getting into a bit of trouble exploring a particular crypt, and very sadly, their visits end. Scarlett says some very kind and meaningful things to Bod--things that I am glad someone said to him.

It was, perhaps, the first time Bod begins to think he's missing out on something not living in the world outside the Graveyard and again, I felt sad for Bod thinking he is longing for something out there, even if he doesn't quit know what it is. Perhaps this is merely a lesson of the proverbial "the grass is greener on the other side," and Bod has what he needs in the Graveyard as good as what any other child his age has, but I can't help but think Bod really needs human love and companionship. That's not to say his caregivers in the Graveyard don't truly care about him and even love him, but is it enough? Should he have more? I'm not sure.

Chapter Three: The Hounds of God 
Silas leaves the Graveyard for a while to take care of some important matters and his acquaintance Miss Lupescu has agreed to come to the Graveyard every day to keep an eye on Bod, bring him healthy meals and even tutor him. Bod hates it and feels lonely, dejected and even kind of angry that Silas left him.

One evening Bod is feeling particularly disgruntled and recklessly agrees to join a group of rambunctious spirits on an adventure outside the Graveyard. What Bod thought would be a fun time very quickly turns into an awful and dangerous nightmare. He relies on some important skills Miss Lupescu taught him which end up saving his life!

This was quite a thrilling chapter. The trouble Bod gets into is quite severe and Gaiman sure paints a horrid, detailed picture of what it might be like on the other side of a ghoul-gate. Bod learns quite a few valuable lessons in this chapter that hopefully young readers pick up on, too. Lessons such as do not talk to strangers; do not get into a car (or go through a ghoul-gate) with strangers; do your homework; eat your vegetables. Things like that.



I'm really enjoying The Graveyard Book and look forward to reading the next chapters. I'm curious to see what other lessons Bod learns, how he continues to handle living within the sanctuary of the Graveyard, does he yearn for human companionship? And really I want to know more about Silas. What kind of being is he? Where did he go and what did he learn when he left the Graveyard in Chapter three?

Did you like to read scary stories or watch scary movies when you were a kid? 

How about now that you're an adult?

I read some Stephen King novels as a teen and even watched my share of horror movies. My first scary movie was Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds that I watched by accident when on regular TV when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. Maybe it was an ABC Saturday Afternoon Movie [are you old enough to remember that feature?] or something but I remember being really scared and upset afterwards for a long time. That didn't stop me from watching more scary movies, though, and I did so for many years. However, I no longer like scary movies--definitely no horror and not even most thrillers. I will sometimes watch a psychological thriller at home on the sofa with my husband. Definitely not alone. I think it's because I've worry enough about real life nightmares happening in the world that I don't need to add fictional ones to my head!

Get bitten by 'The Spider' with The Elemental Assassin Series Read Along

The Book Vixen and Smash Attack Reads are hosting a Read Along of The Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. This urban fantasy series features a kick ass female assassin named Gin Blanco known by her street name "The Spider." I have been wanting to read this series for ages. Just ask nath. She loves this series and every time she posts a review of the next book, all my comments are the same--'I want/need/must read this series!' So I'm  finally going to do it. Thanks to a big ole kick in the butt from The Book Vixen and Smash Attack Reads. What better motivation than to have deadlines and cool book people with whom to chat about the books, right? So if you've always wanted to read this series or if you're simply curious, why not grab the first book and see what you think? I may only be 70something pages in the first book, but already Gin has got my attention and I'm feeling the intensity of this character and her world.

There are currently seven full length novels and several novellas out already. For the read along, we're going to read one novel per month starting with Spider's Bite this month and ending with Deadly Sting [ the 8th book which will be released March 26, 2013] in April.

Visit the announcement post HERE for more information about the read along including links to the books on amazon.

Do you read the Elemental Assassin Series by Jennifer Estep? 

What are your overall impressions of the series? 

Which book is your favorite so far?

PLEASE NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS. I'm allergic. ;)

R.I.P VII

This year marks the 7th annual R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril or R.I.P. reading event created and hosted by Carl V. of Stainless Steel Droppings. I have participated in Carl's springtime Once Upon a Time Challenge in the last three years {although I'm really terrible at writing and linking up reviews..}, but this year will be my first year participating in R.I.P.

The R.I.P. group reading event takes place from September 1 through October 31, 2012.

The purpose of R.I.P., and I quote, is to enjoy books and movies/television that would be classified (by you) as:

Mystery. 
Suspense. 
Thriller. 
Dark Fantasy. 
Gothic. 
Horror. 
Supernatural. 
Or anything sufficiently moody that shares a kinship with the above.

As usual, Carl has established very relaxed and fun rules for this challenge. Basically have fun reading and share your experience with others.

There are several levels of peril to which you can subject yourself. I'm going to do 'em all! Bahahahaha! Evil laughter turns to giggling. The ever ambitious reading challenge person am I.

Peril the First. This peril requires reading FOUR books that fit the loose classifying categories above. I like loose.

Peril the Short Story. Read some short stories that fit the challenge categories. I can do that.

Peril on the Screen. Watch something scary or eerie or dark during the challenge. I used to love watching scary movies up until a few years ago, but not anymore. My husband is always trying to get me to watch something spooky with him and I decline every time. I'm such a chicken. I will indulge him just this once. O_0

Peril of the Group Read. An October group read for The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. This book has been on my TBR list since it was published in 2008. It's about time I read it!

{There's also a September Group Read of The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters going on right now!}

Want to join R.I.P. ? You can join and just read ONE book or ONE short story or watch ONE scary thing on the screen. Come on! Let's get spooked! Let's get our hearts racing!

Check it out HERE.

Go ahead. . . I dare you!

I'd love to hear your book or movie recommendations for R.I.P.! 

The Neverwhere Read Along: PART III

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Chapter 13 - The End.

First a quick thanks to my Neverwhere friends who took the time to come by and read my discussion questions last week. Secondly, my apologies for not having gotten around to visiting all of your posts in return. I had a busy week that cut into my blogging time. It's a poor excuse, but it is mine. I promise to be better this week.

This entry concludes the three part read along hosted by Carl V. at Stainless Steel Droppings. Instead of discussion questions this week, Carl has invited readers to discuss their overall thoughts on the book and anything specific that stood out to them in the final section. To read other readers' concluding remarks on Neverwhere, visit this week's read along link-up at Stainless Steel Droppings.

CAUTION: THIS DISCUSSION CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS. 

I GIVE AWAY THE ENDING. 

 READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

As I mentioned in my Part I discussion post of Neverwhere, when I sat down to read this book for the read along, I was enjoying it so much that I couldn't put it down at the designated chapters and so I read the whole book before week one was even upon us. I highly recommend it. There was one thing that really bugged me in last third of the book that I felt never got explained or didn't quite make sense to me that I address in this post. Before that, however, I want to first mention all the scenes and elements that I loved about this section of the book.

Angel Islington. An angel! He It came across so calm and pure ... knowledgeable and powerful. And it was the bad guy! I was duped, people. I didn't consider Islington to be the villain and was a bit shocked to learn that Islington was in fact the one who hired Croup and Vandemar to kill Door's family and go after Door. Shocked and concerned for our band of friends who clearly thought the same as I did--that Islington would help Door find out who killed her family and why and help Richard get his life back in London Above. How would they ever survive his lair?

The Marquis de Carabas. By now we know he's not as shady a character as we feared in the beginning of the book. Yes, he's still very mysterious, but thankfully we've established he's trustworthy. I was immensely pleased to also learn in this last section of the book that he's very, very clever [he knew enough to give the box to Old Bailey earlier so that he could save his life!] and rather heroic. He doesn't give up on Door or Richard and he sees them through to the end. Thank you Marquis. :)

Hunter. Oh Hunter. I really felt sorry for her. Her drive to conquer the Beast was SO strong that it blinded her to the possibility that maybe there's more to life than being THE ONE. She was willing to pay any price to be the one to kill the Beast, including betraying innocent people who grew to be her friends! It was at least satisfying to know that she regretted her choices. I'm just sad she learned her lesson a little too late.

Door. Oddly I don't really have much to say about Door. She is a key character [pun intended!!] who really holds the story together and keeps it moving, and I liked her very much in this book. She's determined, independent, kind hearted and she knows when to ask for help. I would read another book about her if Gaiman ever wrote one.

Richard. Forever humble and loyal he's the nice guy who always finishes last and I wouldn't want him any other way. I want to say that Richard's journey in London Below with Door, de Carabas, Hunter, Anaesthesia and even Old Bailey changed him.. but I don't think change is the right word. He's still the same guy only now his eyes are open, he's a bit more confident [except perhaps where high heights are involved.. ], and I picture him standing a little bit taller than he used to. I also like to think that now when he smiles ... it just feels right.

My favorite scenes in this last section of reading were when Richard was absolutely terrified of crossing the plank to the Underside and Door and Hunter needed to coax him across the chasm. I don't know why this short scene stands out for me. Perhaps just because Richard's terror felt very real to me. I also liked the series of scenes after this in the Labyrinth--the Marquis saving Richard from Lamia, Hunter's betrayal is revealed, the face off with the Beast, Hunter's death scene and of course when Richard, the Marquis and Door survive Islington and his cronies! The best part, though, was the very last scene when Richard was pounding on the outline of a door he made in a brick wall and the Marquis opened it and casually asked, "Well? Are you coming?" And Richard went home to London Below. I just love a happy ending. :)

So what didn't I like? I got hung up on Islington's motives and actions in the last third of the book. Maybe I just missed something important, but from what I understand, Islington had been locked away in his vault because he is an angel who went bad, the height of his badness perhaps the fall of Atlantis. He wants to be freed and to do so he needs a key and an opener--someone who can use the key. Someone like Door and her family who have the very unique talent for opening any lock or door. Islington offered a deal to Door's father: if Door's father opened the door for Islington setting him free, he would help Door's father in his political efforts to unite London Below. Door's father refused and so Islington ordered him and his whole family killed. But why kill the entire family? Why kill the only people who could free him and give him what he so desperately wanted? This makes no sense to me.

The only thing I can think of is that Islington ordered Croup and Vandemar to hunt and kill Door's family and then Door [she wasn't home at the time of the murders] out of pure rage? You'd think an angel who has survived this long would have the patience and evil cunning to devise a plan that would force the hand of any member of Door's family after proving his ruthlessness by killing the father. Or at the start, why not kidnap the whole family as leverage and then make Door's father choose between his family's lives or setting Islington free?

In a desperate moment, Islington even tried to sway Door by suggesting he didn't kill her sister and had her hidden away somewhere [Was her body ever found at the murder scene?]. Why didn't he do that in the very first place and then use the sister to get Door to set him free? I'm thinking that would have put Door in an awfully tight spot and she might have just done anything to get her sister back. Instead he tries to have her killed then changes his mind when he thinks she could get the key?

What do you think? Did Islington's poor motivations and weak actions bother you at all? Am I over thinking this?

Overall a great story that would appeal to fans of urban style fantasy and humble quests. 4.5 out of 5 stars.


I'll be traveling to London this summer with my family and of course, using the tube. Rest assured I will be remember to "Mind the gap!" at every instance and will be looking for hidden doors, empty train cars and any signs of our friends. While in London Above I'll keep my eye out for a man dressed in feathers and keep my ears tuned for news on where I might find the Floating Market...