ALPHABETICAL INDEX

This is the site where you can find the index of all my book reviews featured over here at Tif Talks Books! Simply click on one of the letters below to find a complete listing of both authors (by last name) and titles of your selection.

If you have reviewed one of the books on my list, please let me know! Simply visit the review of question and leave a comment with the link. Not only do I love to hear what other's have to say, but I will also post your link directly into my review as well!

Thanks for visiting and happy reading!!

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Discussion Topics

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Anthologies

Literary Locals: March 2009

It's once again that time to highlight our local authors!!! Unfortunately, I have just not done much reviewing lately, so I personally do not have anything to really post about this month. I anticipate only things to get crazier this next month, but I am having high hopes of actually getting some reviews done, especially in the next couple of weeks!! Maybe I will have more than one to highlight in April!

Have you reviewed one of your local authors' books? If so, post it here and spread the love of your locals!!

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Support your local authors and post a review through the comment section (either via a link or directly embedded). As reviews are posted, I will update this post to reflect your local author highlights as well!

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Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

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Bachman, Richard . . . Blaze

Boynton, Sandra . . . Barnyard Dance

Boynton, Sandra . . . Horns to Toes and In Between

Boynton, Sandra . . . Moo, Baa, La La La

Boynton, Sandra . . . Snuggle Puppy

Brown, Dan . . . Angels & Demons

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Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Blaze by Richard Bachman

Blindness by Jose Saramago

Vampire Giveaway!!

Like vampires? How about the topic of the supernatural? Well, if so, I have got a giveaway for you!! J. Kaye over at J. Kaye's Book Blog is having a the book, Once Bitten by Kalayna Price. It is an advanced reader's copy of Price's debut novel and is receiving rave reviews. If you are interested in entering, click here. You know I did!!

On a personal note . . . my life has been a whirlwind since the last time I posted! We have finally found out where we are moving to and are now rushing to find an affordable home that we can move into in a little over a month. We head to our new area next weekend to actually view the homes. I've got a HUGE stack of books to review, many of which I have to keep renewing through my local library!! I hope to get caught up on many of these within the next week and just schedule posts to last during this busy time. We will see how it all goes. Wish me luck . . . :)

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

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Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

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The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (Collector's Pop-Up Version) by Stephen King

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Haddon, Mark . . . The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Horns to Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton

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King, Stephen . . . The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (Collector's Pop-Up Version)

Koontz, Dean . . . Odd Thomas

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Life of Pi by Yann Martel

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Maguire, Gregory . . . Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Martel, Yann . . . Life of Pi

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Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton

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Share a Story-Shape a Future: Technology and Reading

Day 5 . . . Share a Story-Shape a Future: Technology and Reading - What the Future Holds

I often wonder and worry about the future of books and literacy; however, this excerpt from the Share a Story-Shape a Future tour has made me feel much better about it! When it comes down to it, I get a little scared about not having a book in my hands when I read. I truly appreciate the book with all five of my senses. Let me demonstrate . . .

1. Touch: For me, nothing beats the the feeling of a book in my hands! I love to be able to flip open a book, to turn the pages, to feel the imprint of the word and artwork on the covers and pages.
2. Sight: As I mentioned before, I do not feel completely at home without the pictures on my walls and the books on my shelves. To see the many books sitting on my shelves, I feel a sense of pride, a sense of ownership, and quite simply, passion! And, when you are reading one of those really, really long books, it is so good to see just how far you are getting through it!
3. Sound: Have you ever noticed the sound of a page turning in a book? Try it sometime! Find yourself a secluded area with complete silence. Pick up a good book, start reading, and listen for that sound yourself! Ahhhhh!!!
4. Smell: I LOVE the smell of books. Some people have mentioned to me that books oftentimes smell dusty and musty. To me, the smell reminds me of adventure!!
5. Taste: No I do not lick my books!!!! I mean an indirect taste here!! When I sit down to read a book, I oftentimes will have one of my favorite beverages sitting right next me and I have associated these tastes with the joy and pleasure of reading and ultimate relaxation. Are you wondering what they are? For those curious minds . . . hot chocolate in the winter and lemonade in the summer!

So, when I think of the future of the books, I worry that all five of my senses are going to be missing out! However, now that I have read the guest posts, I now have a better understanding of where books and literacy are headed! I'm always up for a good read in the car on a road trip . . . but it is rather difficult when you are driving!! (No worries, I don't actually read when I am driving!) Audiobooks are the perfect answer and is something that I already take advantage of. I'm still a bit old-fashioned and am not familiar with much of the other options (e-books, podcasts, etc.), but I am willing to give them a try. In fact, I have my first e-book that I'm about to begin later this week! But to be quite honest, nothing will beat curling up in an overstuffed chair in front of the fire with a good book in hand . . . at least for me!!

Anyways . . . check out all the great posts at the link above. And, for one final reminder (for this is the last day of tour), I will post my personal favorites below.

Guest Posts:

• Technology and Reading - What the Future Holds by E at Elizabeth O. Dulemba: A great introduction to the topic with a multitude of great links. Which option are you most likely to try?

Resources:

• E's Resource List at Elizabeth O. Dulemba: A great technological list! Plus, just a side note . . . my local librarian just opened my eyes to TumbleBooks this very afternoon!! VERY cool and I cannot wait to try it out with my son!!!
• FREE Coloring Pages at Elizabeth O. Dulemba

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

Another Giveaway!!

J. Kaye over at J. Kaye's Book Blog is having another giveaway, but this time it is a book with a twist!! Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman is a regular ol' book, but it has the added dimension of a video component online to get the full story! Click on the link via the book title and read some advanced reviews of it! Are you as intrigued by it as I am? If so, don't forget to enter to win a FREE copy!!

Share a Story-Shape a Future: Visiting the Library

Day Four . . . Share a Story-Shape a Future: A Visit to the Library

I LOVE going to the library! It is such a wonderful feeling for me to be surrounded by so many books!! I take my kids to the library every week. We make a point to check out books each and every week, but also check out videos and audio books as well. We also participate in as many of the activities as possible . . . weekly storytimes, lapsits, themed storytimes, etc. and I cannot forget to mention my personal favorite of the library used book sales. I am sure to find a treasure every time! The last couple of years we have been so blessed to have an amazing library near us. I just hope that our next move will take us to a location with one that is just as great! I don't know what we would do without our local library!!

Anyways, moving on to this event . . .

Guest Posts: Again, I am just highlighting my personal favorites with short comments. I highly encourage you to visit the actual post linked above for more great information! You may just find yourself in the midst of a virtual tour of libraries around the world!!

• From Cozy to Cool - Library Spaces for Everyone by Eva M. at Eva's Book Addiction: This is a very cool post about how children's sections in libraries have evolved over the years. I personally believe that this also applies to our book areas at home. Have you created a book area for your child? If not, it's a must for everyone!!

Resources:

• ABC Storytime by MotherReader: MotherReader provides storytime ideas, including book suggestions, fingerplays, and rhymes . . . all based on letters of the alphabet! It's still a work in progress, but definitely one you will want to follow!

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

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Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Share a Story-Shape a Future: Reading Aloud

Day 3 . . . Share a Story-Shape a Future: Reading Aloud - It's Fun, It's Easy

Another great topic for Day 3!! My personal favorites are highlighted below.

Guest Posts: Once again, these are just my own personal favorites, but I recommend that you visit the original post by clicking the link above.

• How to Read Aloud and Wow Your Audience by Susan at The Book Chook: I loved Susan's ideas of bringing the books alive when reading aloud!! Her ideas are great, but I loved this passage the best . . . "The best way to read aloud is Your Way. Observe other people doing it, experiment on your kids (who'll think whatever you do is great!), borrow ideas from Mem Fox, President Obama or even The Book Chook, and practise every day from the moment your babies are born. You'll develop your own style of reading aloud, and I guarantee your kids will love it."
• Fourteen Fantastic Hints on Reading Aloud by Mem Fox, Queen of Read Aloud highlighted at The Book Chook: Short, too the point, and beautifully written!
• Reading to Bea: Suspenseful thrillers with a hopeful twist by KWG at Get Off the Ground: Very cute twist and creative writing!! Coming from a dad, this is a must read!!

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

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Paolini, Christopher . . . Eldest

Paolini, Christopher . . . Eragon

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Share a Story-Shape a Future: Selecting Reading Material

Day 2 . . . Share a Story-Shape a Future: Selecting Reading Material

Guests Posts: Once again, I highly recommend that you check out the entire guest roll over at the original post; however, here is a few of my favorite thoughts from the day.

• Eeny, Meeny, Miney, May: Which Book Do I Choose Today? by Valerie at The Almost Librarian: Valerie provides a wonderful list of recommended reads for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Besides this list, I loved her recommendation to "keep a running list of favorite books or authors" to take with you to the library or bookstore. "This cuts down on the stress during the scenario where you're standing nearauthor letter "K" while your two year old iscreating a flood under the water fountain and your four year old is pulling down every Thomas the Tank Engine video on the shelf - you need a few books, you need them right this very second and all of a sudden you cannot recall a single author that you like." Seriously, has Valerie seen me at the library before?!?! :)
• Read-alikes and Book Lists by Sarah at The Reading Zone: Have you ever read a book, loved it, and wanted to read something along the same lines? This is the link for you!!! Sarah provides some great links for young adult/teen titles in particular and provides some recommendations of her own. This is one you will want to bookmark and refer to often!

Resources:

• Helping Kids Choose Books: Select books according to how your child will use them.
• ReadKiddoRead: Ever popular author James Patterson and his mission to make kids readers for life. Includes book lists for a variety of age ranges.
• 20 Ways to Incorporate Literacy Into Your Own Kids' Lives: Check out Valerie's ideas and then feel free to read a couple of my personal past posts about Sorting and Roaming Around the Known.

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

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Share a Story-Shape a Future: Raising Readers

Day One . . . Share a Story-Shape a Future: Raising Readers

Guest Posts: I really recommend reading each of the posts made for this topic (see the link above); however, I am highlighting here some of my personal favorites as well as some selected quotes from the guests!

• It Starts With Raising Readers by Terry Doherty at The Reading Tub: "And so it is with books. To see themselves as readers, kids want to look “just like everybody else.” If they see readers only as people who wear wire-rimmed glasses and sweater vests — and they wouldn’t be caught dead in a sweater vest — then they can’t see themselves as readers."
• Finding Time at Home by Tricia Stohr-Hunt at The Miss Rumphius Effect: I really cannot narrow down this post or just comment on one quote because she has so many great and practical ideas of how to incorporate reading aloud to our children at home. This is a MUST READ for ALL parents!!

Resources: Great documents to print and pin up on your refrigerator for easy reference and reminders!!

• Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy
• Reading Tips
• What Children Like In Books
• Doctor Recommended Reading Lists (includes recommendations for ages 0-12 as well as summer reading lists, winter gift ideas, and titles that deal with the ever-increasing need of economic hardship)

And, last but definitely not least, I want to refer everyone to Jen Robinson's "A Public Information Campaign for Read-Aloud." How best do you think we all can spread the word about the importance of reading aloud to our children? Read what Jen has to say and share your ideas!

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

Where Did The Week Go?!?!

I woke up yesterday morning and could not believe that it was already Friday. I had high hopes of posting so much stuff this last week, particularly considering that this was the BIG week for Share a Story - Shape a Future! Unfortunately, life got away from me and I am just now getting around to reading all the amazing posts over there. As I peruse them and come across the ones that really intrigue me, I will highlight them here. So, be looking for some great resources for reading to your child!!!!!!

In the meantime, here is a glimpse into what I have been up to lately!!

BEFORE

AFTER

That's right . . . packing, particularly my books!!! My shelves are not even close to completely bare, but I am definitely making progess. We are about to move once again! And, since we never just move across town, but usually across the country or at least to a different state, it is always such a task . . . and one that I do not look forward to! I never quite feel at home when my pictures are no longer on the walls and my books on their shelves!! In fact, I really think that this is the big reason why I have been feeling so out-of-sorts these days!! Or, it could just be that we are scheduled to move in a little more than six weeks and we do not yet know where we are moving to!!!!! We find out this Thursday the 19th and that day cannot come quick enough!! We will know if we will be adding state #5 to our list of places we have lived soon enough!!

Please bear with me during this crazy time in my life. I will continue to write reviews, peruse my favorite book blogs, and share any additional rantings and ravings on all things books; however, I may tend to get more sporadic. Just know that I am still here, still reading, still writing, and still loving books!! :)

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Rowling, J.K. . . . Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Rowling, J.K. . . . Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Ruiz Zafon, Carlos . . . The Shadow of the Wind

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Saramago, Jose . . . Blindness

Simmons, Rachel . . . Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

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The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

Within the book group that I participate in, we all get to contribute ideas to our reading list and then vote on them. This is one of the books that I had recommended and was very excited that it was selected! When I had originally did some reading about the book a while back, it was getting rave reviews. To me, it sounded fascinating!!

Well, it came time to read it and at first, I did not know what to think. I was having a hard time getting into the story. It started out very slow. I did not know if it was because I was personally in a bit of reading slump or not. When my group finally got together to chat about it, I discovered that I was not the only one that felt it was slow-going to begin with. However, now that I am finished with the book, that is probably the only negative thing that I have to say about it . . . it is slow starting out! Once you get into the story, particularly once David meets Roland, things really begin to pick up and it was hard to put down after that!! And, the ending . . . so worth the wait! It was AMAZING!! In fact, I will be adding this book to my list of all-time favorites!!

In The Book of Lost Things, Connolly puts a unique twist on all of our favorite fables and fairy tales. The tales were not the ones that we probably all grew up on. They were the original tales! (How many of you actually know the original tales? They tend to be darker than the Disney versions for sure!!) Anyways, for those interested, here is a quick synopsis from the back cover . . .

High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own -- populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things.

This book was absolutely fascinating and equally enjoyable! I found it interesting that there was a recurring theme of women being the evil doers in the story (it all makes sense really considering the role of Rose!). It's interesting to see that Browning has influenced another author (in addition to Stephen King in his Dark Tower series) to write about Roland's life. It tended to be gruesome in many parts, but it was an intriguing gruesome (if that doesn't sound too morbid!). And, the ending was not your happy endings like in our modern fairy tales . . . more like some of the originals maybe? . . . but it was one that was more realistic and genuine than any of the recent books that I have. And, I will even admit publicly that I shed a few tears!

My copy of this book contains a huge section at the back of the book that is an analysis of how each fable fits into David's story. I would almost go so far to say that I enjoyed this part just as much as the story itself!! It was so intriguing to be able to read some of the original tales, the origins of the tales, and Connolly's thoughts on them. If you have the opportunity to check out this version, I highly recommend it! It was fascinating to read what stories have fascinated and inspired the author and it really got me to thinking about which of these tales have the same effect on me. I have a book that has been sitting on my shelf by the Brothers Grimm. Maybe I will start reviewing and looking at more of these stories here! I learned so much and the author has inspired me to go back and read them.

In the meantime, which fables or fairy tales have inspired or fascinated you? For me, I think it was probably Hansel and Gretel. Why? I think it demonstrated just how smart and resilient children can be even in the most dire situations!

Anyways, I want to end with a quote from Connolly in an interview he did about this book. It just makes so much sense to me and I love, love, love it!!

"I think the act of reading imbues the reader with a sensitivity toward the outside world that people who don't read can sometimes lack. I know it seems like a contradiction in terms; after all, reading is such a solitary, internalizing act that it appears to represent a disengagement from day-to-day life. But reading, and particularly the reading of fiction, encourages us to view the world in new and challenging ways. I have always believed that fiction acts as a prism, taking the reality of our existence and breaking it down into its constituent parts, allowing us to see it in a completely different form. It allows us to inhabit the consciousness of another, which is a precursor to empathy, and empathy is, for me, one of the marks of a decent human being."

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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

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ARC Giveaway!!

J. Kaye over at J. Kaye's Book Blog is giving away an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Heart of Ice by Gregg Olsen. If you would like to get in on the action, click here to get the details on how to sign up!

Poe Fridays: Angel of the Odd

Poe Fridays (click here for this week's original post) is hosted by Kristen over at We Be Reading.

Throughout this little meme, I am discovering how much Poe I have NOT read before!! Angel of the Odd was another selection that was new to me. If you have not read this short story or need a refresher, click here.

This short story was truly odd! In fact, I personally thought that it was probably the oddest one yet. I have no problems with odd or weird or even morbid like many of his stories are, but this one was just a bit much for me! I had a hard time getting the story, period! I assume that the narrator was just hallucinating from too much to drink, but to me the hallucinations were just not believeable. Then again, maybe the story was a bit autobiographical, especially considering Poe's habits. Did this story really come from one of his own experiences?!?! Who knows!!

Next week: The Fall of the House of Usher

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Barkis by Clare Turlay Newberry

Barkis is a cute little story about a little boy named James who receives a puppy for his ninth birthday. The puppy spurs up some sibling rivalry with his sister, Nell Jean. Will they be able to work things out in the end? Topics such as sharing, responsibility, and forgiveness are lessons to be learned in this book. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention two other key characters . . . Barkis, of course, is the puppy and Edward is Nell Jean's cat.

Clare Turlay Newberry has received many honors for her books and illustrations. She has an amazing talent of drawing cats and dogs in particular. In fact, many of her books have been considered for the Caldecott Medal, including this very title being her first! Though she has never received the Medal itself, her continuous recognition is evidence of her talent.

Barkis is a 1939 Caldecott Honor Book.

Board Books Giveaway!!

Becky over at Young Readers is doing yet another giveaway of two board books! These books look seriously cute!! I love the design and bright colors of the covers alone!! Anyways, for more information and to enter, click here.

Ocean Animals Book Giveaway!!

It's another giveaway!!! Becky over at Becky's Book Reviews is hosting a great children's book giveaway focused on ocean animals!! To read more about it and enter, click here.

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Zafon, Carlos Ruiz . . . The Shadow of the Wind

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Discussion Topics

Poe Fridays: Never Bet The Devil Your Head

Poe Fridays: Never Bet The Devil Your Head hosted by Kristen over at We Be Reading

This week's selection, Never Bet The Devil Your Head: A Tale With A Moral, was rather amusing to read, but very morbid at the same time! If you have not read this short story or need a refresher, click here.

So, why amusing? I believe Poe decided to be a bit sarcastic with this story! At the beginning, he addresses those readers who believe that his stories do not have a moral to them. Well, he decides to be a little more literal and put the moral right out there for all of us in this story! A bit over the edge, but Poe was never shy about that!

Now, why morbid? I don't want to give away the ending, but just be careful who and what you decide to put out on the table!! :)

Next week: The Angel of the Odd, yet another short story that I have not read.

Share a Story - Shape a Future

Share a Story - Shape a Future is a week-long blog event coming up in March that is "an opportunity to share ideas, encourage each other, and spread the word about children's literacy." A multitude of bloggers that are passionate about reading, sharing the love of reading, and promoting literacy among our young have developed this event and I cannot wait to see what they have to offer. The schedule of events looks VERY promising and I encourage all of you to head on over to check out their site and follow their progress! I think we will all find at least one useful piece of information from this event that we will be able to put into practice in our own lives!

Here's a summary of the topics to be highlighted March 9-13, 2009. For the detailed schedule, click here.

• Day 1: Raising Readers
• Day 2: Selecting Reading Material
• Day 3: Reading Aloud - It's Fun, It's Easy
• Day 4: A Visit to the Library
• Day 5: Technology and Reading - What the Future Holds

Check it out!!

Share a Story-Shape a Future image created by Elizabeth O. Dulemba