Looking Forward to 2012

As the end of the year approaches, we all begin thinking about what our goals and aspirations will be for the upcoming year.  Some people make resolutions.  Some people simply set goals.  Others do neither and just go with the flow.  I am one of those that likes to set some goals, though a bit loosely to allow for some spontaneity throughout the year.  As I have been thinking about what to do with Tif Talks Books in 2012, I have come up with a few changes, but much will remain the same.  Let's take a look at just a few of the things on my mind for 2012 . . .

THE GOALS

Just like last year, I am going to keep things simple.  In fact, I am going to stick with the exact same goals:  increase my reading, writing, and exercising.  I want to read more and continue to add more diversity to my reading.  I plan to be writing more, not just here on the blog, but in general.  I will continue with my freelance writing via the Walrus Report, but also plan to finally expand on the many ideas in my story journals.  Last, but not least, I will continue to increase my exercise routine, to get in better shape, and lose this weight I've been wanting to get rid of for far too long!

THE CHALLENGES

I have decided to decrease my challenges this year even further than I did last year.  At this time, I have only signed up for five with the intent of adding one more later in the year for the RIP Challenge.  If there are any others that grab my attention, then I may add it to the list; however, I am content with my current challenges listed below:

• What's in a Name 5 Challenge
• 2012 Off the Shelf Challenge
• 2012 Audio Book Challenge
• 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
• 2012 Fairy Tale Challenge

I have decided not to participate in challenges of books that I am already reading, but rather books that I want to really focus on for the upcoming year.  I want to read more books on my TBR pile.  I want to get back into listening to audio books.  I want to increase my reading, particularly in regards to fairy tales and their retellings.  It's a bit different focus from previous years, but I am looking forward to the true challenge that this will provide me!

THE CHANGES

The changes that are coming are nothing you have not seen before.  I will be doing away with my Sunday Synopsis posts, but replacing them with Monday Maunder ones instead.  These will include thoughts on reading, writing, and on life in general.  I will be continuing and trying to increase my Literary Locals feature, highlighting all my local literary loves, from events to authors to bookstores and so much more.  Finally, I had mentioned a feature called Ramblings of a Night Writer a while back, focusing on conversations focused on writing and the process around it.  I am looking forward to increasing these posts for both readers and writers to be involved in, hopefully on a weekly basis.

There are a few changes, but overall, you can expect very similar posts and articles here at Tif Talks Books . . . chatter about books and the love for all things literary!  I look forward to being with you all for another year and look forward to our conversations together.  Best of luck to you in 2012!

Your turn!  What are you planning for 2012?  Any challenges, changes, or goals that you would like to share?

What's in a Name 5 Challenge

Every year I like to try a little something random in regards to challenges.  This year, I have decided to go with the popular What's in a Name 5 Challenge hosted by Beth Fish Reads.  When I read the categories that she has this year, I knew that I could have some fun with this one in conjunction with my other challenges and goals this year.

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Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories: 

1. A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley
2. A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas
3. A book with a creepy crawly in the title: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm
4. A book with a type of house in the title: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House
5. A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary
6. A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category. 


Other Things to Know 

• Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
• Books may overlap other challenges.
• Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
• Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed but encouraged.
• You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
• You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.

On January 1, I'll publish 7 posts, each with a Mr. Linky (one for each category and one for your wrap-up post), on this blog so you'll have a place post links to your reviews (bloggers) or leave comments (non-bloggers) as you finish up each category. You'll be able to find these posts during the year by clicking on the button in the sidebar. (I'll create those links on January 1.) 

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My list of reads meeting the following categories:

1. A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: 
2. A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: 
3. A book with a creepy crawly in the title: 
4. A book with a type of house in the title: 
5. A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: 
6. A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: 

2012 Audio Book Challenge

I participated in the Audio Book Challenge a couple of years ago with poor results, but have decided to try it again this year.  I have noticed over the past year and a half, my audios have decreased substantially.  I want to remedy that!  Hence, the reason for joining this challenge.  I want to get back into listening to books, the original form of storytelling.  My hope is for one audio a month, meaning the Going Steady level of listening to 12 books.

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Welcome to the Original Audio Book Challenge formerly hosted by Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings. This challenge is for Audio Book lovers as well as those who are brand new to them.

I’ve been listening to your feedback and I’m convinced that the 2012 challenge is going to be better than ever. There will still be targets for achievement, but I’m raising them a bit since many of our participants are avid audio book listeners.

Once again, there are four levels to the challenge

• Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
• Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
• Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
• Married-Listen to +++  Audio Books

*A big Thank You to fellow blogger and twitter buddy @dogearedcopy for her suggestions on the level names. 

There will be a monthly link up so that we can share what we’ve listened to and make suggestions to each other. Along with that monthly link up there will be a special monthly challenge so make sure you stop by each month!

Inspired by Beth Fish Reads and There’s A Book I’m going to be adding a feature (still unnamed) in which we get to know Audio Book Publishers. I’ll be asking them about what they’ve got coming up as well as about their back list titles and of course, the chance to win an Audio Book or two!

I’ll also be adding a feature in which we can get to know our fellow participants. If you are interested in appearing in this feature, please fill out the attached google form.

I hope I’ve enticed you to join in the 2012 Audio Book Challenge. I’m really looking forward to reading your reviews and experiences over the next year.

Official Challenge dates: 1/1/2012-12/31/2012

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The list of audios listened to this year is below:

2012 Off The Shelf Challenge

I am once again joining the Off The Shelf Challenge this year, hopefully with better results than last year.  My TBR shelves have gotten terribly out of hand and it is about time that I do something about it!  I am going to go with the same level as last year -- Making a Dint of 30 books -- with the hopes that I go above and beyond it (keeping my fingers crossed!).

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This is the second year running for Off The Shelf!, with last year being an overwhelming success (over 300 participants), and we hope this year it does just as well! There are some differences this time, thanks to a new year, new place, and some experience. Have a read below, if you have any questions ask away, and the most important part of it is to have fun!

What It’s All About

Do you love books? Do you love them so much your to be read list seems to keep growing, and growing, and growing? Is space on your bookshelf taken up with unread books? Is your eBook library burgeoning with unread stories? We’ve been there at BA and we still are!

This challenge is to read those books you own a copy of, print, digital, and audio, you have been meaning to read, but never gotten to. If you don’t own enough books for the challenge you can read your TBR list instead. And no, you do not need to get rid of your books afterwards, that’s completely your choice, this challenge is only to read them.

The Deets

• The Main Rule: Do not include books acquired during 2012, it defeats the purpose, read those books from before 2012 started!
  
• Running Dates: 1st of January – 31st of December 2012
• When Can I Sign Up: All the way up to the last two weeks of December!
• Crossover Genres: Anything! The name of the game is to turn those unread books into read ones.
• Mr Linky: To use the Mr Linky you’ll need to click on the graphic then enter your link. These will be updated and posted into this page every couple of weeks or so.
• Further Details: Crossover challenges are fine, you can change levels at any time, this is eBook, short story, and graphic novel friendly, and you don’t need a blog to join in (read further for details).

The How To

1. Choose Your Level:These are listed further down and you can change levels at any time.
2. Grab The Badge: Place it somewhere on your blog, profile, or in a signature where possible and link back (main page or this page, it’s up to you).
3. Sign Up Post: Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (only if allowed) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of books is optional).
4. Link Up: Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Mr Linky graphic and enter your link!
5. Blogless? Don’t worry, you can sign up with your social network profile (YouTube, Twitter, GoodReads, Shelfari included), just make sure you link to your review list, shelf, tweet, or category. If you don’t have any of those feel free to comment!

Afterwards

1. Your Reviews: Reviewing is optional! But if you do review we’d love for you to share them by submitting them on the Review Page (including social networks).
2. Finished: When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the Completion Post page!

Challenge Levels

1. Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
2. Trying – Choose 15 books to read
3. Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
4. On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
5. Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
6. Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
7. Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read

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Here is the list of books coming off the overflowing TBR shelves:

2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

After failing at the 100+ Reading Challenge multiple times, I have decided that it is time to rethink my goals for 2012.  When I saw the 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge, I knew that this was exactly what I was looking for and I am so excited to join in!  In 2011, I read 58 books.  I would like to reach 70 in 2012, so I am shooting for Breaking a Sweat Level of 11-15 more books. 

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What’s your reading goal for 2012? If it’s to read more books, then this is the reading challenge for you There were 227 readers who wanted to outdo themselves in 2011. Are you up for the challenge?

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012 (books read prior to 1/1/12 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2012 than you did in 2011. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you could track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Levels:

Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

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The following is the total list of books read in 2012:

2012 Fairy Tale Challenge

I will be participating in my own challenge, the 2012 Fairy Tale Challenge once again this year with the hopes of actually successfully completing it at the Happily Ever After Level of 12 selections!  The details are below with a list of books at the bottom of the post.

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I am so excited to announce that the Fairy Tale Challenge is returning for 2012!  For all those who love fairy tales, both in writing and on the screen, this is your opportunity to share your love with other fans.  Just as last year, we will have four different levels:

• Fairy (Level 1):  Read 1 original tale.  Read 1 modern tale.  Watch 1 film.  (Total of 3 selections.)
• Dwarf (Level 2):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in a total of 6 selections.
• Royal Prince or Princess (Level 3):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 9 total selections.
• Happily Ever After (Level 4):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 12 total selections.  

Here are a few other notes of importance:

• The challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
• Selections can include any age level or genre, from picture books and classics to young adult and even graphic novels.  Creativity is completely acceptable here!
• You do not need to determine your list of fairy tales.  Go with what moves you at the time!
• A blog is not required, but it is encouraged.  You are also welcome to keep track of your selections via GoodReads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, or simply the comment section.
• Reviews are not required, but are encouraged.  Other participants enjoy receiving recommendations!
• A Mr. Linky is below for sign-ups.  Another post will be made for adding your reviews.  Both direct links can be found on the left sidebar.
• You can overlap your choices with other challenges.

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Books read for this challenge:

2012 Fairy Tale Challenge: Review Links

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

This is the place for all 2012 Fairy Tale Challenge reviews and recommendations.  Please directly connect your review using a permalink and the following format:

Title of Tale (Name/Blog Name of Participant)

If you do not have a blog or social book network, you can use the comments section below for your list of reads or recommended reads.

Announcing the 2012 Fairy Tale Challenge!

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

I am so excited to announce that the Fairy Tale Challenge is returning for 2012!  For all those who love fairy tales, both in writing and on the screen, this is your opportunity to share your love with other fans.  Just as last year, we will have four different levels:

• Fairy (Level 1):  Read 1 original tale.  Read 1 modern tale.  Watch 1 film.  (Total of 3 selections.)
• Dwarf (Level 2):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in a total of 6 selections.
• Royal Prince or Princess (Level 3):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 9 total selections.
• Happily Ever After (Level 4):  Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 12 total selections.  

Here are a few other notes of importance:

• The challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
• Selections can include any age level or genre, from picture books and classics to young adult and even graphic novels.  Creativity is completely acceptable here!
• You do not need to determine your list of fairy tales.  Go with what moves you at the time!
• A blog is not required, but it is encouraged.  You are also welcome to keep track of your selections via GoodReads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, or simply the comment section.
• Reviews are not required, but are encouraged.  Other participants enjoy receiving recommendations!
• A Mr. Linky is below for sign-ups.  Another post will be made for adding your reviews.  Both direct links can be found on the left sidebar.
• You can overlap your choices with other challenges.

Where to go from here?

• Post about it on your blog, announcing which level you hope to achieve and linking back to this post.  Feel free to grab the beautiful button art (courtesy of my own special fairy friend)!
• Post your direct link to your announcement post in the Mr. Linky below.  If you have no blog, then post your profile to your social book network or announce in the comment section.
• Experience happily ever after in your choice of tales (or not, depending on the tale)!
• Come back and post your reviews under the Fairy Tale Challenge Reviews Mr. Linky.

Any questions, just leave them in the comments section or contact me directly using the link above. Happily ever reading! 

2011: A Year in Review

I cannot believe that tomorrow is the final day of 2011!  The time flew by so quickly and it is now that time to reflect on the year as a whole.  I'm going to break it down into three categories, with my personal favorite last:  The Goals, The Challenges, The Favorites.

THE GOALS

My goals at the beginning of the year was three-fold:  increase reading, writing, and exercising.

Reading:  In 2010, I read a total of 47 books.  In 2011, I read a total of 58 books.  I would definitely say that there has been improvement.  My reading has changed over the last year, reading more graphic novels than I ever have and I am excited to see what 2012 will bring!

Writing:  This past year, I wanted to stay more up-to-date on my reviews and simply spend more time writing in general.  I do believe that I have been keeping up my reviews overall, though you will see many reviews of my 2011 reads appearing in the first couple of months in 2012.  In addition, I was offered the opportunity to do a bit of freelance writing for a local publisher's website, creating my writing to grow in leaps and bounds!  There will definitely be more to come of this in 2012!

Exercising:  This is the one aspect of my overall goals that I feel that I failed miserably at in 2011.  I didn't exercise on a regular basis and will be working to do this in 2012.  I want to lose a bit of weight and be healthier overall, and exercise will be the key to this success!

Overall, two out of three isn't bad!  I will take it and will be looking forward to what 2012 will bring.  Be checking back tomorrow for the 2012 goals and changes coming to Tif Talks Books!

THE CHALLENGES

Over the years, I have come to love participating in challenges.  I participated in a number of challenges (nine to be exact) in 2011 and here is a quick recap of the results . . .

Dewey Decimal Challenge:  I had a goal to read a minimum of four non-fiction books throughout the year.  I read a total of five!  Challenge Result:  COMPLETE!  

2011 Fairy Tale Challenge:  This was my personal challenge for the year, hosted right here at Tif Talks Books.  My goal was to reach the Happily Ever After level of 12 books; however, I unfortunately only read five.  There was the option of also watching films, so I do have to wonder if my episodes of Grimm would have counted and helped to complete this challenge?!?  (I will be hosting this one again to redeem myself though!)  Challenge Result:  FAIL!  

100+ Reading Challenge of 2011:  I obviously was shooting for a minimum of 100 books read in 2011.  Sadly, I only read 58.  I did improve from last year, however, and with this in mind, I will be switching challenges this year to better accommodate my personal goals.  Challenge Result:  FAIL!

2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge:  I had hoped to read a total of 50 books for this challenge, but only made it halfway with 25 books.  I will not be participating in this challenge next year, but I will be continuing to read YA.  Challenge Result:  FAIL!

Take a Chance Challenge 3:  I tried my luck on this challenge again this year in the hopes for better results.  I set my expectations lower with the intention of only completing three of the challenges.  Sadly, I only completed one.  I think it is time that I admit that this challenge is not for me!  Challenge Result:  FAIL!

Young Readers Challenge:  I think that I have successfully completed this challenge every year that I have participated.  The goal was to read 12 books this year.  I read 17.  Since this does not seem to be a challenge for me, I will not be continuing with this in 2012.  Challenge Result:  COMPLETE!

Off the Shelf Challenge:  Due to my ridiculous stack of books on my TBR shelf, this was the perfect challenge for me and I had high hopes for it with a goal of reading a minimum of 30 books.  Unfortunately, I only read eight.  Since this little addiction of mine is a true problem, I will be participating in this one again next year with the hopes of having much better results!  Challenge Result:  FAIL!

2011 Graphic Novels Challenge:  I really wanted to read more graphic novels in 2011 and that I did!  I had set my goal at the intermediate level, wanting to read 3-10 novels.  I actually read 21!  I have decided not to participate in this challenge for 2012, but I will continue to read graphic novels.  I have completely fallen for them!  Challenge Result:  COMPLETE!

The Stephen King/Richard Bachman Challenge:  I have been participating in this perpetual challenge for a couple of years, but have decided to discontinue it at this time.  I will always read King, so I really do not need to be challenged to do so!

Overall, I successfully completed a total of three challenges, failed at five, and discontinued one.  I would have liked to have seen better results for some of these, but I'm not going to complain.  I only loosely participate in them anyways!!

THE FAVORITES

Last, but not least, we come to my favorite part of the Year in Review . . . my personal favorite reads of 2011!  This is always so difficult to decide, but alas, I must try to narrow it down at least a bit.  Without further ado, I present to you my personal five favorite reads of the year in alphabetical order by author last name . . .

Deadline by Mira Grant

Who knew that I would fall in love with a book about zombies?!?  Add some bloggers to the mix and a storyline that keeps those pages turning, and you have one of my favorite reads of the year.  I cannot wait to read the final installment of this trilogy in 2012!

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Love, love, love this story and I cannot wait for the sequel.  It has vampires, witches, action, and horror in an unique story that had me hooked from the first few pages!

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

Larson has once again hooked me with one of his narrative non-fiction tales, this time about the rise of Hitler in Nazi Germany.  His brilliant writing will have me picking up every book that he has ever written!

Blind Your Ponies by Stanley West Gordon

This book took me to a place that I could relate (as it is based in my home state) and reminded me of the beauty found in small towns all across the country.  It's a book that is more than just about a game of basketball, and one that I intend to re-read one day, even despite the number of pages!

Fables:  Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

I discovered this series this year and have only read the first two, but instantly fell in love.  It is a modern spin on one of my favorites:  fairy tales.  It has action, romance, beautiful artwork, and so much more!  I can't wait to read more of these in 2012!

Honorable Mention

Though this book did not make my top five for the year, I do believe that it still deserves a mention; hence, the Honorable Mention!  The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a witty book full of humor and literary connections that was so hard to put down.  Fforde is another that I will be exploring more in 2012!

Now it is your turn!  What were some of your highlights and favorites of 2011?  (Feel free to leave links in the comments for me to visit your lists!)

Blast From The Past: Christopher Pike

Back in the day of the angsty teen and pre-teen years, I was a fan of Christopher Pike.  I read any and every book by the author that I could get my hands on.  I have moved on to other authors in the years following and for a while, forgot about these beloved books.  This last spring, I came across some used copies of Pike's books and immediately picked them up.  I knew it was time to revisit these books from my childhood.  Over the last couple of months, I have read five of Pike's titles.  And now as an adult, here is what I think about them in mini-review form . . .

Gimme A Kiss
Jane Retton wants revenge.  Her diary goes viral at school and life becomes difficult . . . so difficult that she is willing to kill AND die to get even.

Gimme a Kiss was the first Pike I choose to dive into this time around and it did not disappoint.  It kept me wanting more, though it was a bit predictable.

The Last Vampire
Alisa Perne is believed to be the last vampire on Earth, but when she gets a call from private investigator, Mike Riley, she begins to question if she is correct.  Going undercover as a high school student to get to Riley's son, Alisa's life takes an unexpected turn and her enemy returns with an ultimatum.

The Last Vampire was probably my personal favorite of the bunch, maybe because I have a soft spot for the blood-sucking beasts.  The end is a cliff hanger, leaving me the desire to find the sequel.

Master of Murder
Marvin is a senior in high school and holds a secret that would shock his classmates . . . he also is the best-selling author of the books many are talking about.  What he doesn't realize is how much he is incorporating a hometown murder into his series.  When someone figures out the connection, Marvin may end up as the next victim.

Master of Murder is filled with lots of twists and turns, and the end left me with a creepy feeling (but maybe not why one would expect!).

Scavenger Hunt
The senior class is celebrating the upcoming graduation with a scavenger hunt.  The first group to complete the hunt wins a big prize.  Carl Timmons has gotten lucky to end up on the same team as the gorgeous new girl, Cessy.  However, the hunt leads him to more than just the usual hot spots around town, sending him on the hunt for his life.

Scavenger Hunt had so much potential.  I loved the concept.  I even enjoyed the love triangle.  But, the ending fell short of my expectations, ending with a fizzle.

See You Later
Mark has it made.  He just graduated from high school and he writes computer software to earn a modest living.  Then, he meets Becky and falls in love.  The problem is Becky already has a serious boyfriend.  With the help from his new friends, Mark may be able to change that relationship status.  The question is . . . If he does, how will it affect the future for more than just himself?

See You Later was another storyline that I liked.  The characters are easy to connect with, but the ending left me disappointed because of that connection.

Overall, Pike entertained me and did not disappoint.  I look forward to re-visiting more of his teen novels when I'm in the mood for a fun, quick read.  Unfortunately, today I would not rank them as my favorites.  Apparently with age, I have come to desire more.

Have you re-visited beloved authors from your past?  Do they still live up to your memories and expectations?

2011 Fairy Tale Challenge Wrap-Up

It is that time of year to be wrapping up the 2011 challenges, including the 2011 Fairy Tale Challenge hosted right here.  Despite my horrible hosting throughout this year for this challenge, you can still post your wrap-up posts and any last minute reviews that you may have for this challenge right here!  I considered hosting this challenge again (with better hosting skills the second time around!), but would love to hear what you think!  After you leave any links you may have (permalinks only please!), then post in the comments any and all feedback that you have for this challenge.  I want to know what you think and any ideas you may have for another round!



Are you interested in joining another Fairy Tale Challenge?  What other challenges will you be participating in for 2012?

Sunday Synopsis: December 18, 2011

One week from today will be Christmas!  Can you believe it?!?  Are you ready?!?  I finally finished my shopping today and now just have to wrap and do a bit of baking.  I cannot believe how fast time has flown by during 2011.  There is still so much happening in these last few weeks though and I can't wait to share all the bits of news as soon as I can!

Thankfully, this weekend was a productive weekend in so many ways!  One of those ways was in writing.  I sat down and wrote a number of reviews that I now need to get scheduled.  I have so many other things planned for the next couple of weeks that I will be scheduling many of these reviews in 2012!  This feels so good!  I am hoping to work ahead, particularly over this holiday break, and finally have the opportunity to sit down with one of my goals for 2012 ... more writing!  I won't give the other goals away quite yet, but they are coming soon!

As for the reading front, I have been picking up a few graphic novels to pass my time these days.  I just finished Fractured Fables and am starting Bad Island this evening.  I have a few more to get through from the library and then I will be diving back into the novels for the remainder of the year.  I have an extended period of time off this year for the holiday and really look forward to some great reading time!

That's all I have to report this week.  Tell me . . . Are you ready for the holidays (if you celebrate)?  What are reading during this busy time of year?

Walrus Report: Sweet Designs by Julia Usher

For all you foodies out there and wannabe bakers, I am so excited to share with you one of my latest event reports through Walrus Publishing!  This last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a demonstration and talk with author Julia Usher.  She is the brilliant and creative mind behind Cookie Swap:  Creative Treats to Share Throughout the Year and her latest release, Ultimate Cookies.  Be sure to click on over to see her edible art and hear just how the event went, complete with full intimate demonstration.  You do not want to miss this sweetness!

Deadline by Mira Grant

Not long ago, I read and reviewed Feed by Mira Grant.  Georgia and Shawn Mason's story has been on my mind and I could not help myself when I requested the sequel, Deadline from my local library.  I simply had to know where life was going next in the zombie apocalypse.

In Deadline, we follow Shawn's adventures, moving from an Irwin (reporting personal encounters with the living dead) to a more administrative role for the website the siblings built during the presidential campaign.  Just when he thinks life is beginning to get back to normal . . . well, as normal as life can get based upon the events at the end of Feed . . .another conspiracy falls into his lap and the team is on the hunt/run once again.  The extent of the conspiracy is completely unexpected for all involved, including the reader!

Deadline is one of those rare sequels that leaves you more satisfied than the first, but yet also leaves you hungering for so much more.  I have marked my calendar for the final installment of the Newsflesh Trilogy, Blackout, set to be released May 2012.  In the meantime, I must get my own copies of these books.  I feel a future re-read coming on!

Are you a fan of the zombie craze?  What other books would you recommend for the zombie fans?

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I know that you are receiving a multitude of requests these days with Christmas quickly approaching.  Life has been a bit hectic, but I just could not help myself in writing this letter to you.  It has been more than 20 years since I wrote my last letter and tonight, I write late into the night after a long day of work and finally getting two crabby children to fall asleep.  The thing is, with days like today, it is really a good book that allows me to escape and keeps me going the entire year.  Being able to sit in a comfy chair, turning the pages of a book filled with adventure, mystery, or wonder is something that can motivate me like no other.  So, tonight as I write this little letter to you, I want you to know that my little list of requests keeps on giving the whole year through.  It helps me to become a better mother, a more empathetic person in my everyday life, and it educates me more and more about the world I live in.  With a price tag that comes with just one of these books, the payback is truly endless!  Here are just a few ideas in no particular order:

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

1Q84 by Huraki Murakami

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde

Thank you so much for your bit of time and consideration!  I truly appreciate it and will be anxiously awaiting Christmas morning along with two not-so-crabby children!

With Warmest Wishes,
Tif :)

Sunday Synopsis: December 11, 2011

Once again it is Sunday night, and I sit here at the last minute writing my weekly wrap-up!  I always tell myself that I am not going to wait until the last minute, but for some reason . . . well, you get the idea!  With the holidays quickly approaching, my calendar is getting full with parties and last minute meetings and I really need to finish my shopping at some point in time!  Before you know it, 2012 will be here and I will be left wondering where another year has gone!

Speaking of time passing so quickly, I realized that I meant to post the winners of my Thankful Giveaway last week and never did!  All winners have now been notified and I am awaiting mailing information at this time.  Everyone has until Wednesday, December 14th to reply or I will "draw" another name.  For now, please join me in congratulating the following winners:

Anita

Carol 

Kimberly

Carrie

Kara

Not a lot of news on the reading front as I am currently in the middle of some reads and have not had much time to pick up a book these days.  I am hoping this will change over a long holiday break, but only time will tell (as usual).  We will be having an interesting change in our household coming up in a couple of short weeks, so my reading may or may not change.  I can't give you a lot of details at this time, but I cannot wait to share this fun news with you very soon!

That's all I've got on this late evening.  I'm off to attempt to read a bit before falling asleep.  Good luck with all your holiday parties, shopping trips, and reading!

Do you find yourself reading more or less around the holidays?  Do you switch up your reading during this time of year?

Walrus Report: A Night With Kim Edwards & Book Review

This week over at Walrus Publishing, I was writing all about Kim Edwards!  For those who do not know who Kim Edwards is, she is the author of the popular bestseller, The Memory Keeper's Daughter.  I read and reviewed this book a few years ago and still think about that book even to this day.  To have the opportunity to meet her and hear her speak was an amazing experience, and I recommend that you take a quick jaunt over read all about my experience.

When you are done with that little reading journey, you can continue with the Kim Edwards' theme by checking out my latest book review of her book, recently released in paperback, The Lake of Dreams.  I will leave you with a quick peak of the paperback novel.

Isn't it beautiful?!?

Monday Maunder: December 5, 2011

I missed my usual Sunday Synopsis post, so today I've decided to change things up with a little Monday Maunder.  What might maunder mean?  According to dictionary.com . . . 

maunder [mawn-der}] 

1.  to talk in a rambling, foolish, or meaningless way. 
2.  to move, go, or act in an aimless, confused manner:  He maundered through life without a single ambition.

As soon as I read this definition, I knew that this is really more of what I do in my weekly Sunday Synopsis post.  I ramble, often in foolish and maybe even meaningless ways.  I talk about my week in reading, writing, and life in general.  Sometimes it makes sense, and sometimes it makes sense to probably only myself.  I have instantly fallen for this word and may even consider moving this weekly post to Monday instead.  Afterall, I think I am maundering, not synopsisizing!  (Yes, I may even make up my own words from time to time!)

As the year is beginning to come to a close, I have really been thinking about what this site will look like in the new year.  The year 2011 has brought some unexpected and very pleasant opportunities my way and I believe another shift in my focus is coming.  I have not yet worked everything out, but this little maunder may be a peek into what is to come.  Then again, maybe not!  I will keep you all posted in the weeks to come and quit my rambling for now!

As for the reading front, I am currently finishing up the book The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards after seeing her at an event last week.  I actually have an article coming up via the Walrus Report later this week on that event, so be watching for it.  After this, I have a few more graphic novels to tackle from the library (I had to renew a couple!), a number of reviews to write from my completed books, and then I am considering finishing out my year with Maguire's land of Oz.  I have been avoiding the series beyond Wicked because I have simply loved it so much.  I have high expectations and have been worried that they will not live up.  After recently seeing Maguire in person, he has inspired me to return to one of my favorites and finish this series.  The question is . . . Can I do it before the year-end?

Well, enough maundering for the day!  Tell me . . . what words have you discovered lately that have tickled your fancy?  What are you currently reading this week?  Any other exciting news?

Guest Article: Introducing Gone Reading!

Today, I am excited to introduce Brad Wirz, found of GoneReading! He is here to chat with us about the history and purpose behind his non-profit organization and has shared some amazing photos to document his journey to get where he is today.  Please give him a warm welcome!

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Hello, my name is Brad Wirz and I’m the founder of a philanthropic organization called GoneReading. We market a line of gifts for readers and on our website (www.GoneReading.com) and donate 100% of our company’s profits to fund new library construction in the developing world.

How did GoneReading come to be? Allow me to explain…

I’m a guy who really loves to read. Books have always played a central role in my life, so much so that I simply cannot imagine a world without them. My latest book is practically always within arm’s reach.

In the spring of 2010, however, I learned just how lucky I’ve been to have books in my life. After arriving in rural Honduras for a week-long volunteer trip, I learned we would spend much of the time helping to build a library. The experience forever changed my life.

A few days of hard labor in the developing world can really get you thinking. We learned that the new library on which we worked would be the first of its kind for more than a hundred miles in any direction. Hundreds of villages, thousands of people in the area had no access to books at all up to that point. That simply blew my mind.

I later learned that close to one billion people live in the world today without books. Even if they learn to read as children, the skill is lost over time due to the lack of reading materials. As you can imagine, these are the poorest regions of the world.

Fortunately, when rural libraries are built in or near these villages, life changes for the better. I’ve seen it with my own eyes while traveling through India and Nepal earlier this year. People of all ages develop skills; they become confident and learn how to improve their own lives. They start saving-cooperatives and tiny businesses that thrive. Most important, they start to gain control over their lives and that of their children.

Following my trip to Honduras I quit my job, ending my 20-year, better-than-I-deserved career in corporate marketing. The result is GoneReading and our effort to use the power of commerce to fund radical change through the magic of reading.

As a book lover yourself, you can play a dramatic role by helping to create such libraries, and in turn creating cycles of prosperity in the poorest parts of the world. Check out our gifts for readers at www.GoneReading.com and treat your friends and family to a bookish gift that they’ll cherish forever.

Thanks for your time, and thanks to Tif Talks Books for helping us spread the word!

Bradley S. Wirz

Founder & CEO
Gone Reading International, LLC
brad.wirz@gonereading.com

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Don't forget to take a gander over at GoneReading.  You may just find the perfect gift for the readers in your life!  For example, I leave you with a design for a bag that I am adding to my Christmas wish list right now!