page bound

what i read in may

2011-06-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

what i read in may by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

May seems to have been my month where all the books I'd requested at FVRL of top "must reads" for teens came in. Doing some research for ordering for work next year. Plus, good literature is good literature and I'm always on the hunt for new favorites. About 1/2 the titles were actual paper copies and the other 1/2 were digital books I read on my Kobo.

In May, nine were nice:

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
Matched by Ally Condie
Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot
The Ragamuffins by Anna King
River Secrets by Shannon Hale
A Tailor-made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
The Twilight Saga : the Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer

what i read in april

2011-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

what i read in april by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

April was not my month of reading . . .

. . . it was my month of conferences (notice the plural)

. . . it was my month of researching online and reading a lot of blogs and other online content

. . . it was my month of joining twitter [s_penner]

But my happy little piles of books are still waiting for me, calling my name. Perhaps in May their unknown stories and tidbits of curiousities will win out and I will answer.

As for April, this is the list of books that I devoured in my spare moments:

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Sidney & Norman : A Tale Of Two Pigs by Phil Vischer
Smarter Clicking : School Technology Policies That Work! by Christopher Wells
The Social Media Survival Guide : Strategies, Tactics, And Tools For Succeeding In The Social Web by Deltina Hay
Tears Of The Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

what i read in march

2011-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

what i read in march by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

Hmm, I read more than I realized this month . . . once I see the list compiled. Add to that about 100 emails a day, random articles in magazines and newspapers, blog posts, basically anything written that crosses my path and you've got an idea of the state of my curiosity. Here is my list of books (both paper and eInk) that I've wallowed in this past month:

The Advent Calendar by Steven Croft
Beastly by Alex Flinn
A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking by Ali Edwards
A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking with Patterned Paper by Ali Edwards
Fairytale by Cyn Batog
Flip, Spin & Play: Creating Interactive Scrapbook Pages by Memory Makers
A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes
Google Apps for Dummies by Dan Gookin
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Idealware Social Media Decision Guide by Idealware
Incredible iPhone Apps for Dummies by Bob LeVitus
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Stuck in the Middle by Jill Eileen Smith
The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
Sword in the Stars by Wayne Thomas Batson
Sunrise by Grace Livingston Hill
Twitter: Tips, Tricks, and Tweets by Paul McFedries
The Twitter Book by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein
What the Great Ate: a Curious History of Food and Fame by Matthew Jacob and Mark Jacob

school libraries

2011-03-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

hello school by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

"What a school thinks about its library

is a measure of what it thinks about education."

--- Harold Howe, former U.S. Commissioner of Education

what i read in february

2011-02-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

what i read in february by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

Once again my choices of the month are dictated by books I'm previewing for work, books that I was personally curious about, and books I'm re-reading out of devotion. Some I am glad to add to my "books I've read" list, and at least one I rather wish I hadn't read. Without further ado . . . here is my list of books (both paper and eInk)that I've read this past month:

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Cleopatra : a Life by Stacy Schiff
Dreadnought by Cherie Priest
Eros, Philia, Agape (Adobe Digital Editions sample) by Rachel Swirsky
Escape from the Carnivale : a Neverland Island Book by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
Forever in Blue : the Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Girls in Pants : the Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick
Teach Yourself Visually Excel 2010 by Paul McFedries
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Wicked : the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

what i read in january

2011-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

what i read in january by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

I've decided that I will keep track of what I read from month to month this year. I've always meant to do this; so with a new year comes a new effort. Of course, in addition to the list below, I also read magazines, newspapers, emails . . . the product sales pitch on the back of shampoo bottles; basically whatever lays before me. I read for the sake of reading, of my own curiosity, as an occupational "hazard" (I am a Secondary School Librarian), and for pleasure.

Sometimes I'll read something by an author and be so charmed that I go on a reading binge and consume all material I can find by that author; hence the large number of books this month by Carola Dunn.

And of course I have several books on-the-go as I type, which I will add to February's list.

So then, here are my literary wanderings of January; some pages I had never seen before, and others it was a joy to revisit.

Amelia Bedelia Helps Out by Peggy Parish
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Christmas in the Country by Carola Dunn
The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
The Frog Earl by Carola Dunn
From the Secret Place in my Heart by Robin Jones Gunn
Gunpowder Plot by Carola Dunn
The Hobbitt by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Improper Governess by Carola Dunn
Intertwined by Gena Showalter
Kobe eReader User Guide
Lady in the Briars by Carola Dunn
Miss Hartwell's Dilemma by Carola Dunn
Miss Jacobson's Journey by Carola Dunn
My Dearest Valentine by Carola Dunn
My Lord Winter by Carola Dunn
The Mystery of Mary by Grace Livingston Hill
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The Search by Grace Livingston Hill
The Sign of the Twisted Candle by Carola Dunn
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
A Voice in the Wilderness by Grace Livingston Hill

away in a manger

2010-12-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little "Bah! Humbug!"? Wanting to refocus your heart this holiday season? Wallow in the wonder of Christ's birth. Robert J. Morgan, author and pastor, writes one short story each year to share with his church. The Nativity Collection includes six of these stories. These tales are infused with hope, humor, and heart warming moments, thankfully without the schmaltz often found in "inspirational" literature. I found myself thinking of the characters and the truths of Christ's Christmas story beyond my time spent in the pages of this book. I'd definitely recommend picking up a copy or two and passing it on.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

missing you

2010-12-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

"You know you've read a good book

when you turn the last page

and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."

-- Paul Sweeney

the best moments

2010-11-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

and i quote by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

the quote reads. . . "and I Quote . . . The best moments in reading are when you come across something -- a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things -- that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out and taken yours."

hug a librarian

2010-10-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

‎"I'm of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved."
-- Barbara Kingsolver, novelist

make a difference

2010-09-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Max Lucado speaks from the heart in his newest work "Out Live Your Life: You Were Made To Make A Difference." Lucado expertly weaves biblical and contemporary examples of peoples response to those in need. There are many tangible suggestions of how to get involved and make a difference to the desperate and despairing around us; tackling the overwhelming needs that surround us. Each chapter begins and ends with a verse, in a sense creating book ends for the words of exhortation in between. This book not only covers why we should live our lives to make a difference, but also to whom, and how. I found myself pondering the truths shared and humbled by the challenges these insights represent. I also appreciate that 100% of the sales from this book are being donated to help those in need through organizations such as World Vision. It's a win-win situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

epic page-turner

2010-09-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

"The Skin Map", a Bright Empires Novel, by Stephen R. Lawhead is a hold-your-breath beginning to a new series. This novel mixes ancient history, time travel, alternate realities, mystery, physics, and fantasy, to create a story so compelling that I find myself recommending it to any who will listen.
The unlikely Kit Livingstone finds himself in the center of a life threatening race to find the Skin Map; a map of symbols tattooed onto the abdomen of a brave explorer. These symbols hold the mystery of ley line travel, pathways to other worlds, and not merely British legend. As all good epic stories include, evil plots to destroy good and unexpected twists and turns maintain a heart-pounding pace. The only disappointment I felt was that I have to wait until the fall of 2011 for the next installment of the Bright Empires series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

sing, sing a song

2010-08-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have looked for years.
Hunted about.
And then one day I found it.
I was thrilled!
So I ordered it.
And waited and waited for the post to deliver.
Today there was a little flat package.
Oh joy . . . could it be?!
It is!
My treasure.
My very own copy.
My "Song of the Highlands" by Sharon Gillenwater.
The hunt is over.
Now the re-reading can begin.
Anytime I choose.
I can wander the highlands of Scotland.
Hold my breath during the daring rescue.
Watch love unfold.
Hear of God's faithfulness.
Reach for a Kleenex (or two).
Then smile, because the book is mine.

Big A . . . little a . . . what begins with Aa?

2010-08-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Peggy Parish's character, Amelia Bedelia, has always made me laugh. As a child I was intrigued and amused by Amelia Bedelia making sponge cake using actual sponges and a variety of other literal blunders and misunderstandings. I am partial to the copies illustrated by Lynn Sweat, for sentimental reasons, and many of Amelia Bedelia's adventures have a permanent home on my bookshelf. As far as I am concerned, the Amelia Bedelia books are a staple of childhood literature. Guaranteed to cause smiling and giggling.

the berinfell prophecies continue

2010-08-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper team up once again to continue the fast pace plot of Curse of the Spider King, in book two of the Berinfell Prophecies, Venom and Song. We join the seven royal Elf lords once again as they train to battle the Spider King. Their friendships grow stronger as they question who they can really trust and continue to come to grips with the new roles thrust upon them. Will their gifts mature in time? Will they all survive what is to come? Will their enemies be defeated? Will they save the Elven race, or will their people be destroyed? This novel starts the reader off with heart pounding plot lines and keeps up the pace throughout the whole book. The ending provides just as many questions as it does answers and leaves the reader crying out for book three of this series. This is a well written fantasy that will appeal to a larger audience than just the young adults it is targeting. A definite must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

i heart books

2010-08-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of POLYVORE? It's a great site for letting your creative juices flow, and to be inspired by others.
I just created a group that I would love all you book lovers to join; it's called "i heart books".
To join Polyvore, begin by selecting "Register" in the top right hand corner of the site's homepage. Once you have filled in the required information and are logged in, select the "Profile" option along the top of the page. Next, scroll down on your profile page looking along the right hand side for the "Group" link. Beside this is a link called "Join groups"; select this one. In the search box on the top left of the screen, type in the group name "i heart books". Once the search results are available, select the link to this group.
Voila! Now you can create sets and add them here so we can share our creative thoughts around everything bookish.
I can't wait to see what you post!

book buddy

2010-07-25T02:22:00.001-07:00

"To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one."
---Chinese Saying

someone once said . . .

2010-06-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

"writing is the inking of our thinking"

shhhh . . . it's a secret

2010-06-13T15:19:00.001-07:00

"A Summer Secret" by Kathleen Fuller is the first book in The Mysteries of Middlefield series. This story follows the summer adventures of thirteen-year-old Mary Beth who is the oldest child of an Amish family. The beliefs and lifestyle of the Amish are explored with compassion and insight. The details of the mystery Mary Beth finds herself plunged into are woven throughout the pages, causing the reader to be curious right from the first page. This is largely a coming of age story where Mary Beth must makes choices based on what she values, is entrusted with increased responsibilities, and learns to view her family and those she cares about in a new light. The characters vivid are charming and I found myself cheering them on. The story wraps up in a heartwarming way, with no disappointments. I am curious to see what mysteries book number 2 of this series holds.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

lose yourself

2010-06-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

just a little something i made on POLYVORE

i wonder . . .

2010-05-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Tim Downs' newest novel "Wonders Never Cease" was my introduction to this author. It is not a forensic suspense novel as are many of his other renown works. The majority of the story is told by, and revolves around the character Kemp McAvoy. His main priority is attaining wealth and stature; schemes and lies swirl around all his doings. He is so thoroughly unlikable that I found it challenging to care enough to find out what happened to him next. Kemp plots a get-rich-quick scheme that involves impersonating an angel. Parallel to this story line is the young daughter of Kemp's girlfriend who has seen angels, but has met with mixed reactions to her "gift". The reader is left drawing conclusions on what an angel's role is, as well as consequences to unbelief. The ending, though somewhat predictable, wraps everything up nicely and closes on a note of wonder. Although this isn't a book I would read again, Tim Downs does have a unique style of writing and it makes me curious if I would like one of his other books better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

peculiar treasures

2010-04-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

My teen years were spent reading and re-reading the Christy Miller Series & the College Years trilogy by Robin Jones Gunn. The characters captivated me; the way their relationship with God grew and changed throughout the series. Imagine my joy as I perused Amazon and discovered the soon-to-be published "Peculiar Treasures", the beginning of the Katie Weldon Series. I eagerly awaited for each addition to this trilogy, thrilled to be back in the world of Christy and Katie once again. It was like sitting down to tea with a friend you haven't talked with for a while. Comfortable. Good for the heart. Reminiscent. A joy. The Katie Weldon series picks up where the College Years series ends but from the perspective of Katie. This week I came across the set of all 3 books, on sale at my local Christian book store. I snatched them off the shelf smiling to myself; they are books I can't NOT own. They are friends I will visit with over a cup of tea time and time again.

a conversation with God

2010-03-29T13:21:00.000-07:00


Buy		Read

I was so intrigued by the idea of author Larry Crabb in writing “66 Love Letters”, was excited to get my hands on a copy, and captivated by what I read. I have always thought of the Bible as God’s love letter to us and appreciated the relational and nitty gritty way that Crabb summarized the truths God has revealed in His love letter to us. The book has short chapters, one for each book of the bible, and is further organized into 7 parts; providing an overall view and quick glimpse at God’s plan for mankind. The more I poked around this book, the more brilliant the organization of it proved to be. Although the chapters are brief, they encourage the reader to delve into God’s word and ponder what they find; I found Crabb’s writing to convey Biblical truths. I appreciate the honesty and sincerity that is woven throughout these pages; it does not come across as a know-all or absolute in knowledge. It reads more like a diary of the musings and wisdom of a fellow follower. 66 Love Letters has a permanent spot on my book shelf and I have already recommended it to many others. It is definitely worth obtaining a copy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

so true

2010-02-07T01:07:00.000-08:00

"You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me."
-- C. S. Lewis

once upon a time . . .

2010-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

. . . there was a little girl who loved to read. Who used to play with her sister that they were at a library and she was a librarian checking out books. Books were her constant companion as she grew. Now that little girl is all grown up and has become a real librarian. She still loves to read. She is planning on sharing her thoughts with you about the books she's read, what she enjoyed, what she wished she hadn't read, quotes that stick with her, and the joy of stories and information found within pages bound together.