Cyber Series

As I was reviewing my list of posts during Bloggiesta, I discovered this post that I had almost completely finished, but never published.  Not sure why . . . here it is now for your pleasure!

----------------------------

Over the last week, I have been compiling favorite series from people across the globe using Twitter and Facebook.  I was really curious to see if there were certain series that really stood out or if there were such a multitude of them that it was hard to narrow down the ultimate favorites.  Based upon all entries, four picks were mentioned multiple times.  The one at the top of the list is definitely no surprise!

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

And, the other three picks actually kinda surprised me a bit!  Take a peek yourself . . .

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

And, I cannot help but post ALL of the runner-ups!

• Midnight Breed Series Lara Adrian
• Lords of Satyr Series by Elizabeth Amber
• The Three Investigators Series by Robert Arthur and Alfred Hitchcock
• Shifters Unbound by Jennifer Ashley
• The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
• The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
• Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
• Agatha Raisin by MC Beaton
• Hamish Macbeth by MC Beaton
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series by Ann Brashares
• Alpha and Omega Series by Patricia Briggs
• Graceling and Fire (Companions) by Kristin Cashore
• Cassandra Palmer Series by Karen Chance
• Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini
• The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
• Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer
• The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
• The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
• Joe Pike Series by Robert Crais
• The Books of Pellinor by Alison Croggon
• The Undead Series by Mary Janice Davidson
• The Last Apprentice Series by Joseph Delaney
• Young Wizards by Diane Duane
• The Stephanie Plum Books by Janet Evanovich
• Nathaniel Cade Series by Christopher Farnsworth
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• The Thomas Lynley/Barbara Havers Series by Elisabeth George
• Black Ops Series by Cindy Gerard
• Harper Connelly Series by Charlaine Harris
• Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris
• All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
• Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
• Vampire Series by Linda Howard and Linda Jones
• The Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones
• Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
• Frankenstein Series by Dean Koontz
• Arcane Society Series by Jayne Ann Krentz
• Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
• A Wrinkle in Time Quintet by Madeline L’Engle
• The Giver Trilogy by Lois Lowry
• The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
• Sylph Series by L J McDonald
• Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
• Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning
• MacKayla Lane Series by Karen Marie Moning
• The Internet Girls Series by Lauren Myracle
• Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness
• Michael Bennett Series by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Discworld by Terry Pratchett
• Arcane Society Series by Amanda Quick
• Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
• Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison
• Septimus Heap by Angie Sage
• The Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore (within the Legend of the Drizzt series)
• Lords of the Underworld Series by Gena Showalter
• Marked Souls Series by Jessa Slade
• Strange Angels Series by Lili St. Crow
• Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater
• The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
• Sammy Keyes by Wendelin Van Draanen
• Darkyn Series by Lynn Viehl

Which series have you read?  Any missing from the list that you would recommend?

Sunday Synopsis: January 30, 2011

I cannot believe how fast 2011 is flying by already; afterall, tomorrow is the last day of January!  But, that also means that Tuesday marks the beginning of February and the kick-off of Tales to Tomes Online Book Club hosted by the one and only!!  I am so excited to read our first selection, Room by Emma Donaghue.  The word around the blogosphere is that it is good!

Speaking of the book club, I was asked by a few different people to share what books I would like to read for the group based upon what I already have on my shelves.  I literally have at least one hundred books on my physical TBR, so narrowing it down is a difficult task.  However, I was able to pull something together and I have listed a sort of top ten list for you!  In no particular order, the top ten list of books (with links to descriptions) that I would include as options for Tales to Tomes:

1.  Matched by Ally Condie

2.  Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

3.  The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

4.  The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan

5.  Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones

6.  Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

7.  Little Bee by Chris Cleave

8.  Magyk by Angie Sage

9.  Anything by Joe Hill

10.  Anything by Jodi Picoult











What do you think of this list?  Would you add anything else?  (All books entered by February 10th will be put to vote for our March selection!)

Attention: Fairy Tale Fans!

Illustration by Ludwig Richter  (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

For those that have not gathered my love for fairy tales, then let me refresh your memory . . . . I love fairy tales!  I loved them when I was a child and recently rediscovered them in my elder years.  In fact, I just wrapped up a weekly fairy tale feature known as Fairy Tale Fridays and am currently hosting the Fairy Tale Challenge.  I love fairy tales, and I want to share some great resources with you to feed your own personal fairy tale love or maybe help in you discovering that hidden love, especially with the children in your lives!

Susan of The Book Chook has started a little series of fairy tales.  She started it off with Introducing Kids to Fairy Tales Online (1), highlighting fairy tales on YouTube and activities that can be used to follow-up the videos.  Last week, she posted again with Fairy Tales Online and a Fairy Tale Party.  This time, she shares a multitude of fairy tale links, including sites with stories, printables, and more.  Susan even goes so far to share some fun ideas for throwing a fairy tale party! 

Speaking of printables, I also discovered through Brimful Curiosities, Scholastic Mini-Books - Free Printables.  A multitude of printables were highlighted, including a whole list of favorite fairy tales for children!

If you are looking for a site that has some of the classic tales, you need to check out one of my favorite sites, SurLaLune Fairy Tales.  Not only do I refer to this site for some classics, but you may also find a few versions with a modern spin as well!

Last, but not least, let's visit Jen Robinson's Book Page and her post, Three Very Different Fairy Tale/Fable Retellings:  A Booklights Reissue.  Jen shares some recommendations for some recent re-tellings of old favorites.  I know that I have added them to my list!

Do you know of some great sites or articles dealing with fairy tales?  

WISH LIST: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Description (Google Books):  

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

Recommended by:  

The Eclectic Reader
Novel Novice
Squeaky Books
Becky's Book Reviews
Alexia's Books and Such
GreenBeanTeenQueen

Special Notes:  I have been eyeing this book for a while now, but just recently saw the preview for the upcoming movie.  Yep, gotta read this before the movie is released because it looks good!!  Take a look for yourself . . . 

Tales to Tomes: An Online Book Club

I am so excited to announce a new feature . . . 

I have been tossing this idea around for quite a while now and have finally decided to give it a shot thanks to some encouragement from fellow bloggers and Facebook friends.  Launching on February 1st, Tales to Tomes will begin an online discussion of one book a month.  We will be able to discuss the book in a variety of formats, to accommodate book lovers in a variety of ways.  The selections will be chosen by those who participate.  Participants can choose to join in chats one month and not another.  We may read short tales or chunksters, young adult or classics.  It is all up to you!

THE DETAILS

A new book selection will be announced at the beginning of each month.  For convenience purposes, the February selection has been chosen by myself thanks to recent conversations on this site!

As a participant, you will read that book at any time during that month.  You can feel free to chime in with conversation, reactions, etc. as you read or as a whole at the end of the month.  Conversations and discussions will take place in three different places:

1. Facebook Page:  A new discussion (check the tabs) will be posted at the beginning of the month.  Feel free to comment here briefly or in length.  The only thing I ask is to indicate spoilers in respect of readers that may not be as far as you in the book.  
2. Twitter:  If you want to chat using 140 characters or less, this may be the best option for you!  Using the hashtag #tales2tomes, you can chat with other participants.  If you intend to participate in this way, send me a shoutout @tiftalksbooks.  If enough interest is generated, I will create a group you can subscribe to for convenience!
3. On The Blog:  At the end of every month, I will post my personal review on the book along with a Mr. Linky for you to share the permalink to your own review.  We can share additional thoughts via comments, too!

Feel free to participate in any or all of these modes.  Feel free to read the book at the beginning of the month or spread it throughout.  The joy of Tales to Tomes is that it is flexible and anyone can join in at any time!

CHOOSING THE BOOKS

As I said above, all of our reads will be chosen by those who want to participate.  You send me a book that you would like to have considered, and those suggested will be voted on.  If there is a tie, both books will be read (in separate months, of course).  I will keep a running list throughout the year and will post the books up for vote as a poll link on my left sidebar.  As soon as books are chosen for a month, I will post an announcement post (approximately the middle of the month prior to reading).

Since we will begin "meeting" in February, I have selected the first book we will be discussing.  Drumroll please . . .

Room by Emma Donaghue

HOMEWORK

Let me know your book recommendations, including title and author.  You can reach me via email (tiftalksbooks at gmail dot com), Facebook, and Twitter.

Make sure you have a copy of the book we will be reading and discussing in February!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Do you hope or plan to join in?  Want to start suggesting future titles now?

Sunday Synopsis: January 23, 2011

Since I have really been updating you all through my Bloggiesta posts this weekend, I am going to just share with you a list of posts here at Tif Talks Books this week . . .

• What's In a Name?
• Added Matched to my Wish List
• Fairy Tale Fridays:  Happily Ever After
• Bloggiesta:  Ready, Set, Go
• Bloggiesta Update
• Bloggiesta Wrap-Up

What can you expect this week?  The biggest news is the announcement of my online book chat, Tales to Tomes!  Be sure to check that out first thing on Monday morning!!  I am also hoping to get a post up detailing my son's first author event as well as some fun fairy tale links!

And, last but not least, I am still reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.  I really need to get reading this one because my book club for it is coming up quickly!

What are you reading this week?  Any big reading plans?

Bloggiesta Wrap-Up

It has been an interesting weekend!  I was able to get some work done on the blog, but not near enough that I would have liked.  I always love the Bloggiesta weekend though and cannot wait for the next one!

I am going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point!  The reason?  Remember when I mentioned in my previous posts that I was also dealing with sick kids this weekend?  Well, those sick kids ended up getting me sick!  I ended up with a head cold, but also a wonderful infection of the eye!  Oh joy!  Needless to say, today has been a bust because it simply hurts too much to look at the computer screen for too long!

Let's take a look at what I did get done though!  (Gotta look at the positive in life, right?!?)  Here's my original list:

• Update the Index
• Catch up on Wish List books
• Update review links (links to other blogs I follow that have reviewed the same books as myself!)
• Update blogging calendar with anticipated posts
• Write the multitude of reviews that I need to catch up on and schedule
• Develop and write discussion posts to be scheduled (only got one completely done, but do have a list of ideas)
• Stay caught up on reading blogs through the weekend (currently at 251) and comment (Completely caught up and commented on too many to keep track of the count!)
• Catch up on emails and any related tasks associated with them
• Try to participate in at least two mini challenges over the weekend (Participated in Setting Goals, Organize Thy Books!, and Best Practices on Organizing and Staying on Top of Your Email.  Hope to go back and read and participate in more when I get the chance though!)
• Post two Bloggiesta update posts (Saturday and Sunday)
• Read!!  (I can count this one, can't I?!?  I am a BOOK blog!)  (I didn't get as much in as I would have liked thanks to my eyes though!)

Of the eleven items, I was able to cross off six and a half of them!  Not too shabby!  Of course, the big tasks I didn't even touch.  I will give myself a little slap on the wrist for that and just move on!  :)

Here's a quick summary of the time breakdown, too:

• Friday: Approximately 2 hours
• Saturday:  Approximately 5 hours
• Sunday:  A measly 3 hours

Total: Approximately 10 hours

Again, not too shabby!  

Overall, it was a pretty productive weekend and I really have no complaints!  

Good-bye Bloggiesta!  Looking forward to our next date in approximately 6 months!

Bloggiesta Update

We are now into Day 2 of Bloggiesta and it is time I share an update with you all on how it is going for me!  I'm going to keep it short and sweet because I am tired and just want to go to bed with a book!

How long have I been working?

Yesterday (Friday), I spent approximately 2 hours on tasks.
Today, I am going to go with a conservative number of about 5 hours. (It would be more, but I was distracted with movies!)

Total Estimated Hours:  7

What have I accomplished?

I don't feel like there has been much accomplished, but let's take a look at a breakdown!

• Started updating blog calendar
• 1 post written and scheduled
• Read and commented on a number of blog posts (Reader currently stands at 134)
• All necessary emails responded to at this time, with a few important emails finally written and sent
• Spent an hour chatting with planning peeps for Armchair BEA (yep, it's coming back!)
• Posting this update (1 of 2)
• Read very, very little . . . maybe 10-20 pages

Much of the work has been done behind the scenes, so you may not notice it; however, once I see this list and realize what I did accomplish (particularly with sick kids!), I am pretty darn happy!  And, I've still got one more day to work on my list!

Until tomorrow . . . Ole!  

Bloggiesta: Ready, Set, Go!

I am so excited to announce that I am finally joining in on Bloggiesta!  Woohoo!!

It has been a long, long day at work, in which I came home with the intent of taking my son to his basketball game.  We did get to the gym, but did not allow him to play and ended up coming home early due to unstoppable coughing.  We ate dinner and got the kids to bed.  Shortly after, I then had to clean up a bed because said son was sick!  Now that I have finally gotten the child down again (in clean bedding) and the house appears to be quiet (at least for now!), I thought I would get my goals written out and attempt to begin tackling this list with Pedro!

Who's Pedro?  Pedro is the mascot for Bloggiesta and his name is an acronym for the following . . .

Plan

Edit 

Develop

Review 

Organize

Basically, it will be a weekend of blog maintenance for me!  I am really excited about catching up on the many tasks, getting some posts scheduled, and maybe doing a challenge here and there along the way.  Time will only tell what the next two days will bring me!

What are the goals?  Here is a very long list of tasks in no particular order that I would like to work on . . .

• Update the Index
• Catch up on Wish List books
• Update review links (links to other blogs I follow that have reviewed the same books as myself!)
• Update blogging calendar with anticipated posts
• Write the multitude of reviews that I need to catch up on and schedule
• Develop and write discussion posts to be scheduled
• Stay caught up on reading blogs through the weekend (currently at 251) and comment
• Catch up on emails and any related tasks associated with them
• Try to participate in at least two mini challenges over the weekend
• Post two Bloggiesta update posts (Saturday and Sunday)
• Read!!  (I can count this one, can't I?!?  I am a BOOK blog!)

Okay, that's more than enough and I know that I will not finish everything.  BUT, if I could knock a couple of things off this list, I will be one happy blogger!

Ready, Set, Go and I will be back tomorrow . . . 

Are you participating in Bloggiesta?  What's your #1 goal?  Any must-do mini challenges?

Fairy Tale Fridays: Happily Ever After

On January 22, 2010, I announced a new feature on Tif Talks Books known as Fairy Tale Fridays thanks to a little inspiration from John Connolly and his novel, The Book of Lost Things.  It was the start to a weekly visit with fairy tales from my childhood to tales from around the world as well as little known tales from the well-known storytellers.  Fairy Tale Fridays has been quite the ride, but it is now time for me to say goodbye.  Let's take a stroll through the tales we visited during the past year . . .

January 29, 2010:  Hansel and Gretel by The Brothers Grimm

February 5, 2010:  Rumpelstiltskin by The Brothers Grimm

February 12, 2010:  The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen

February 19, 2010:  The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen

February 26, 2010:  The Monkey and the Camel by Aesop

March 5, 2010:  Cinderella by The Brothers Grimm (featuring Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal:  A Worldwide Cinderella by Paul Fleischman)

March 12, 2010:  Your Childhood Favorite -- Stone Soup

March 19, 2010:  Rapunzel by The Brothers Grimm

March 26, 2010:  The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

April 2, 2010:  The Goose with the Golden Eggs by Aesop

April 9, 2010:  Little Red-Cap (Little Red Riding Hood) by The Brothers Grimm

April 16, 2010:  A New, Modern Tale --  Rapunzel's Revenge & Calamity Jack by Shannon & Dean Hale

April 23, 2010:  The Butterfly by Hans Christian Andersen

April 30, 2010:  One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes by The Brothers Grimm

May 7, 2010:  The Three Bears by Robert Southey

May 14, 2010:  The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Various

May 21, 2010:  The Philosopher's Stone by Hans Christian Andersen

May 28, 2010:  The Twelve Brothers by The Brothers Grimm

June 4, 2010:  Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola

June 11, 2010:  The Boy Who Cried Wolf by Aesop

June 18, 2010:  A Japanese Tale -- Peach Boy (Momotaro)

June 25, 2010:  A Latin American Tale -- The Mother of the Jungle

July 9, 2010:  An American Tale -- Johnny Appleseed (Rainbow Walker)

July 16, 2010:  An African Tale -- The Lion, the Hare, and the Hyena

July 23, 2010:  An Indian Tale -- The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal

July 30, 2010:  A Korean Tale -- The Story Bag

August 6, 2010:  A Danish Tale -- The Twin Brothers

August 13, 2010:  A Tibetan Tale -- Chunda's Wisdom Quest

August 20, 2010:  A Russian Tale -- The Snow Maiden

August 27, 2010:  My Choice -- The Goose Girl by The Brothers Grimm

September 3, 2010:  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

September 10, 2010:  Fairy Tale Flick -- Alice in Wonderland (2010)

September 17, 2010:  The Three Army Surgeons by The Brothers Grimm

September 24, 2010:  A New, Modern Tale -- The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

October 1, 2010:  The Bremen-Town Musicians by The Brothers Grimm

October 8, 2010:  The Invisible One and The Rough-Faced Girl -- A Native American Tale

October 15, 2010:  The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen

October 22, 2010:  The Old Gravestone by Hans Christian Andersen

October 29, 2010:  The Juniper Tree by The Brothers Grimm

November 5, 2010:  Fairy Tale Food & Fun

November 12, 2010:  The Tale of the Three Brothers from The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

November 19, 2010:  The Ear of Corn by The Brothers Grimm

December 3, 2010:  Snow White and Rose Red by The Brothers Grimm

December 10, 2010:  The Snowman by Hans Christian Andersen

December 17, 2010:  The Elves by The Brothers Grimm

December 24, 2010:  The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen

December 31, 2010:  Thumbling by The Brothers Grimm

January 7, 2011:  The Ice Maiden by Hans Christian Andersen

January 14, 2011:  My Choice -- Tangled (Disney)


Whew!  What an amazing year!  I discovered that I love the modern version of many tales (i.e., Rapunzel's Revenge and The Goose Girl).  I was shocked at how violent many of the original tales were.  The endings were often not happily ever afters and definitely not appropriate for the younger crowd.  Religious undertones were not uncommon, particularly in Andersen's tales.  And, Grimm's tales were often simply grim!  All in all, it was a great year!

Though I will be saying good-bye to Fairy Tale Fridays, I am not saying good-bye to fairy tales in general.  I have started the Fairy Tale Challenge and hope to explore at least one tale a month, if not more.  I encourage you to join me!  And, if you are interested in continuing with Fairy Tale Fridays, the loyal participant of the meme, Carol's Notebook will be carrying on the tradition.  Feel free to join her and share in the fairy tale love!

Leaving you happily ever after!

What was your favorite tale of the year?  What was your favorite memory?

WISH LIST: Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

Description (Google Books):  

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Recommended by:  

Book Hooked Blog

Jenn's Bookshelves

Novel Novice

A Patchwork of Books

Galleysmith

And many, many more!

Special Notes:  I was lucky to have received this one for Christmas and cannot wait to read it!

What's In A Name?

Last fall, I was chatting with Tracy from Addicted to Books about Harry Potter.  The topic arose about the name from the British version of the first in the series (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) and that used here in the States (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).  Why was the name changed, particularly when the original name has greater meaning, particularly in its influences, than the latter?

VS

According to Wikipedia on this very question, the American publisher (Scholastic) felt that it would be easier to market Sorcerer!  Who would want to read about a Philosopher's stone?!?  Despite the fact that Rowling was not keen on this idea, the decision was still made and sales soared.  We will never know if the series would be as much of a success if they had stuck with the original title or not.  At this point in time, I also have to wonder if it matters.  It's like playing the "what-if" game!  The fact still remains, however, that the original title was there for a reason . . . one that I discovered even more so this past year while hosting Fairy Tale Fridays, particularly the week we examined The Philosopher's Stone!

However, it does get me to thinking . . . how often is a name changed for marketing purposes?  We all are aware of the controversies surrounding cover art for the purposes of marketing, but what about titles as well, especially those that may have more of an underlying meaning?

Do any other titles come to mind you are aware that have been changed based on publication location?  What are your thoughts on a name change?

Sunday Synopsis: January 16, 2010

It has been an eventful week, with the highlight being the big party for my son's birthday!  Sadly, because of this craziness, I have not had a chance to read that much this week.  I've been focusing on planning the details, making cupcakes, decorating our house, and really just hanging out with the family.  The end result . . . pure fun!!  It was a blast for the birthday boy, the guests, and the adults.  Despite my little nap, I'm still exhausted tonight though!  Thankfully, it's been a low key night with just a little Golden Globe action!

This week, we've got some big things happening!  I've got students coming back to the university on Tuesday, so my days will be jam-packed with lots of student time . . . the reason I really do love my job!  BUT, the most exciting piece of my week will be taking place tomorrow night.  I am taking my son to his first ever author event!!!!  He is very, very excited!!  We will be seeing Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, the authors of the ever-popular Magic Tree House series!  Originally, I did not think this was going to be possible, but all things seem to be falling in place and I am now bound and determined that we will be going.  It has been far too long since I have been to a reading and I cannot pass up the opportunity to get my son excited even more about books!

In other news, this is what I posted this week in a nutshell:

• A (Non)Review of Only in New York, Darling! by Virginie Sommet
• A peek at where I stand on the Top 100 Children's Books
• An update (or two) to my Wish List
• My last selection of Fairy Tale Fridays with a look at the latest Disney tale, Tangled

This week, I've got a few things already planned, including a discussion post about book titles and wrapping up the Fairy Tale Fridays feature from this last year.  I'm hoping to get a few more articles written, including a special announcement, but we will see what gets done.  Afterall, Bloggiesta is coming up on Friday!!!  I've got high hopes, but don't anticipate a lot of results until late in the week!

Will you be participating in Bloggiesta?  Any other big plans this week?

Fairy Tale Fridays: My Choice!

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe 

It is our last Fairy Tale Fridays, and we are going to end with a fairy tale of our choice!  I really debated about what my final selection was going to be and after much thought, decided to go with a modern take on a well-known fairy tale.  I also decided to change things up a bit and go with a movie instead.  In case you have not yet guessed what this selection is, let's just get it out in the open . . . Tangled!

Tangled is the newest Disney film to hit theaters, and features the well-known princess with lots of locks . . . Rapunzel!  I was lucky to get an afternoon with some one-on-one time with my son a few weeks ago and we decided to see this movie for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, the time was right!  We were planning on doing a little shopping following the movie, so I wanted to see a shorter movie and did not want to wait too long just hanging out at the theater.  Secondly, I simply was interested in the film, especially with all the recent reads of fairy tales this past year.  I was in the mood.  And, last but not least, I was curious to see how the actor Zachary Levi (aka "Chuck") was going to pull off his animated character!

I did enter the theater concerned that my son was going to think that this was too much a "girl" movie.  He recently turned six and has really been commenting on boy toys versus girl toys.  I thought that this would spill over into a movie centered around a princess.  I can honestly say that the topic did not come up once!  Whether he was completely satisfied because he liked the movie or because he was content with his popcorn, I cannot say.  I do believe that it was a combination of the two!!

Knowing the original story, I was curious to see how Disney would add their own personal twist to the story.  Many of the main characters were still a part of the film, including Rapunzel, Mother Gothel, and the prince.  New characters were added though, including a very heroic horse and some rebellious souls.  In addition, there was a number of scenes added to the theatrical version that were not a part of the Grimm version.  I'm talking about the wayward ways of the prince, the weaponry carried by Rapunzel (a frying pan!), and the special powers that Rapunzel's hair holds.  Then again, the Disney version also did not have the desertion, the bearing of twins all alone, and the eyes poked out by thorns!

In the end, I thought Tangled was a nice balance of the classic tale with a new spin.  I liked the balance of princess theme with action in the film.  I liked that they gave the girl a bit of power and persuasion, an inner strength despite being locked in a tower all her life!  I do not believe that it ranks at the top of my favorite Disney films, but it is one of the better princess films that I have seen in long time.  Afterall, I like a princess that can stand her own ground!

What tale did you choose this week . . . . classic or modern?

Next Week:  One week from today, on January 21st, I will be posting my wrap-up post for Fairy Tale Fridays.  When I began the feature, I had only planned on doing it for one year.  Though I am ending my hosting duties of Fairy Tale Fridays here at Tif Talks Books, I am not abandoning fairy tales in general.  I still plan to read fairy tales and even began the Fairy Tale Challenge.  I hope that you will continue the adventures with me in 2011!

WISH LIST: Room by Emma Donaghue

Room by Emma Donaghue

Description (Google Books):  

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

Recommended by:  

An Adventure in Reading

Bookalicious

Bookhounds

BookNAround

Girls Gone Reading

Jenn's Bookshelves

Laura's Reviews

Medieval Bookworm 

One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

Special Notes:  I received this book for Christmas and can't wait to read it!