Fractured Fables by Various Authors

Fractured Fables is a graphic novel featuring a wide array of our most beloved fairy tales, only with a modern spin.  This compilation of 31 tales includes the minds of Ted McKeever, Bill Morrison, Jim Valentino, and on of my recent favorites, Doug TenNapel.  The tales range from spin-offs of classic tales, such as Rumplestilskin, The Little Mermaid, and Alice in Wonderland to different interpretations of the nursery rhymes many of us grew up with like Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Starlight, Starbright.  Illustrations incorporated a full array of color to the simple contrast of black and white.

My personal favorite piece of the compilation was The Secret Princess Society written by Marie Cruz and illustrated by Whilce Portacio.  The tale follows Filipino sisters, Mimi and Meg through the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  For me, it has the right mix of the original classic, modern cultural twist, magic, and positive message for the targeted audience.

As a whole, I found the book enjoyable, particularly for the tale mentioned above; however, there were a number of tales that I simply did not care fore.  With a compilation so diverse, the reader is bound to find a few priceless gems among this chest of tales, but there may also be a few you would prefer to leave behind.  It will all depend on your personal tastes and your preferences in fairy tales.

What do you tend to prefer in fairy tale retellings?

Monday Maunder: January 30, 2012

Can you believe it is already the end of January?  Where has the time gone?!?  Of course, you would never be able to tell that it is the end of January considering that I took a lovely walk outside today on my lunch without a coat!!  I'm not going to complain!  I love it!  Anyways, let's get to the random ramblings . . .

ON READING

I really have very little to report here that is anything different from last week.  I am STILL reading The Count of Monte Cristo, listening to Wintergirls, and enjoying Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with my son (which he has summed up in one word -- awesome!).  Instead, I have decided to focus on a quick update on my challenges!

1. 2012 Audio Book Challenge  (0 of 12)
2. 2012 Fairy Tale Challenge  (0 of 12)
3. 2012 Off The Shelf Challenge  (1 of 30)
4. 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge (1 of 70)
5. What's In A Name Challenge 5  (0 of 6)

I started out on a good run at the beginning of the year, but according to my Goodreads Challenge, I am already behind on my overall goal for the year (70 books).  The dear Count is taking a toll, so I really need to get with it and get it done!

ON WRITING

This last week was a better writing week then the one before.  I did finish a couple of freelance pieces which I will be posting later this week, focusing on the author events that I mentioned last week -- Andrea Cremer and Thrity Umrigar.  I have been doing a lot of thinking on some ideas though, so does that count?!?

ON LIFE

I do not have a lot to report here either this week.  It was pretty much the usual routine stuff.  However, I will say that I did finally step on the scale this morning and over the last two weeks, I have lost 6 pounds!!  I am very excited about that number so far, and I hope that it continues to grow!

Your Turn:  Tell me how your week went and if you have anything exciting on tap for this upcoming week!  Or, tell me that I am not the only one that seems to be taking forever on a chunkster of a book!

{RNW} Readers Weigh In

Ramblings of a Night Writer continues after one week off!  Last week was simply too hectic for me and life interrupted the writing in my neck of the woods.  I am slowly getting back on the horse this week on multiple levels, including {RNW}!  Last week, I had the opportunity to attend two very different author events, featuring Andrea Cremer and Thrity Umrigar.  Both were fascinating for very different reasons.  Then, earlier this week I was chatting with a friend about books, and a similar topic came up that was mentioned briefly in last week's events.  It really got me thinking about writing from a reader's perspective and wondering what a potential audience loves to read in books.  So today, I turn to all my fabulous readers to share your thoughts!

Tell Me:  What is it that hooks you to a book?  Is is well established characters?  Characters that you can relate to on multiple levels?  Or, is it the plot?  Does the story have to have tension to be a success in the reader's eyes?  Or, is it a fine balance of both?

As for me, I have come to truly love character development.  I have found myself reading a horrid book simply because I want to know what happens to a character that I have discovered some sort of connection with.  My case in point:  Anna Karenina!  I love to explore a character, his strengths and particularly, his flaws that make him that much more real to me.  Sometimes I care about the plot.  Sometimes tension can be important.  BUT, I find myself more invested if there is a character that stirs a strong emotion in me or feels familiar.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most delectable underdog stories of all time.  It follows the story of Charlie, a young boy that lives in poverty.  Every day, he walks past Willy Wonka's factory smelling the sweetness in the air and dreaming of what could be.  When he chances upon a priceless golden ticket to visit the factory that has been reclusive for years, he has the experience of a lifetime that could forever change his life.

Dahl's imagination takes the reader into scenes that leaves one hungering for more.  Who wouldn't want to drink from a chocolate river fed by a chocolate waterfall?  Can you imagine a diet plan that consists of full course meals ingested via one stick of gum?  Any young child (and maybe a few adults like myself!) would like lick-able wall paper!  Have I convinced you yet just how yummy this tale is?!?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my household's favorite reads!  My son requests this book on a regular basis and I happily oblige. Every.  Single.  Time!

Have you sampled Dahl's classic?  What would be one of your favorite treats from the tale?

Fables #2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham

Not long ago, I discovered the first in the Fables series, Legends of Exile.  In Willingham's creation, the characters from our favorite fairy tales are exiled from their home lands to our's.  In the second installment, Animal Farm, we follow Snow White and Rose Red to the property that houses the non-human Fables.  Their routine visit turns into a fight for their lives and they must choose which side they will decide to fight for.

Willingham has once again awed me with his talent and creativity.  I am hooked on this world the author has drawn to life, the interpretation of the classic characters in our modern world, and the amazing illustrations that accompany the story.  I cannot wait to read the next installment!

WARNING:  This is a graphic novel meant for an older audience!

Have you stepped into the land of the Fables?  If so, who would you rank as your favorite character(s)?

Monday Maunder: January 23, 2012

According to dictionary.com, Monday is the second day of the week, but the first work day.  I have always really considered it the first day of the week.  I like to end on relaxation, then start the week off with a bang; however, it often starts out with me waking up on the wrong side of the bed and grumbling that I would rather stay home reading!  Even when I was a stay-at-home mom, I still had this experience on Monday mornings.  What really is the issue with this day that it is so ingrained in our brains that Mondays are horrible, mundane, or simply manic?  I have never understood it, but it continues over and over and over again.  And for that reason, I am going to leave you with a bit of "Manic Monday" by the fabulous Bangles . . . let it play over and over and over again in your mind, since I now have it playing in mine thanks to this random maunder!

ON READING

My reading stack is the same as last week:  The Count of Monte Cristo, audiobook of Wintergirls, and reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with my son. This will be the week that I complete at least one of these books, if not two!  I have more time for reading this week, so I'm really hoping to get through some of these amazing books, especially the one that weighs the same amount as my car!

On another reading front, I attended two amazing author events this last week:  Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade and Thrity Umrigar, author of the new release The World We Found.  The two events were much different, but each left me inspired in different ways and I cannot wait to dive into both of these books.

ON WRITING

Writing was once again a complete failure this week.  With an event every night this last week, I did not have a lot of time for anything to be quite honest.  My evenings are back to being free this week and I look forward to writing ahead on the blog as well as getting a few personal projects done as well, including coverage of the two events mentioned above.

ON LIFE

Life has really not been that interesting beyond the usual book-ish chatter.  I completed the first week of my new meal plan and do believe that I can count that as a success.  Where I used to drink three to four regular sodas a day, I have now moved to one Pepsi Max (0 calories) a day!  I did decrease my carbs, which was very difficult, but I am overall feeling good about my current plan.  The plan this week is to ease back into a regular exercise routine, even if it may be walking on my lunch breaks.  As for the pounds shed ... I do not know!  I have yet to step on a scale and probably will not for a couple more weeks!

That's it for me!  Tell me ... What's on your mind for this Manic Monday?!?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Interpreted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young

Many of us know the story featuring the beloved Dorothy and her companions, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.  When L. Frank Baum created the world of Oz, he also created a classic that will last for ages.  Spinoffs, including my personal favorite Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, are not uncommon and neither are devoted fans.  Eric Shanower is one of these fans, bringing out his love of the original story with the help of artist, Skottie Young in graphic novel form thanks to Marvel Classics.

When I saw this graphic novel at the library, I knew I had to bring it home and take a peek.  My peek revealed a tale that was true to the original, though the visuals did not completely match my own imagination.  Some character interpretations I absolutely loved; case in point was the Cowardly Lion.  One in particular left me unsettled:  the Scarecrow.  The others grew on me and the overall illustrations kept me staring at the pages long after reading the words printed on them.

Despite the difference in views, I still enjoyed this novel and the perspective presented by a true fan of Oz.  If you are one of these fans, you may enjoy getting lost in Shanower and Young's version, too!

What are some of your favorite interpretations or retellings of Baum's Oz?

Walrus Report: Quatrain by Sharon Shinn

Time for another check in with the Walrus!  Earlier this week, I reviewed Quatrain by Sharon Shinn over at Walrus Publishing.  This short story compilation is filled with angels, alternate worlds, princesses, and mystics, and serves as a quick introduction to Shinn's novels.  This first book of the year for me was a great way to start off the year.  You will not want to miss clicking over to read more, including which story was one of the favorites to write by the author!

Have you ever read Shinn before?  Would you recommend the next Shinn title for this new fan?

Monday Maunder: January 16, 2012

For today's Monday Maunder, we go straight to business . . .

ON READING

I am still reading The Count of Monte Cristo as I type this.  In fact, I am currently on page 1026 of 1462 pages. I am really enjoying this story, but I must tell you that the story is VERY detailed and I cannot wait to see how the story ends. Hopefully, by the time I maunder next week, this book will be complete!

I am also still listening to Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  I am about half-way through this one and all I can say is this author has an amazing way of writing!  She describes things in such an unique, yet beautiful way, even despite the topic.

Lastly, my son is loving Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone!  We are almost at the end of Chapter 3, but he is requesting to read this book every chance we get.  I love that he is asking questions, that I can give him a bit of hints of what is to come, and every conversation is accompanied by a twinkle in his eyes.  I only hope that it continues!

ON WRITING

This week, writing has been horrid!  I am not even going to go into further detail!

ON LIFE

Life has been busy this week, but in the little free time that I did have, I spent my time playing Words with Friends!  Being a lover of words, I have become addicted to this game!  It is so much fun!!  BUT, I do need to find a way to spend more time writing my own words instead of just playing them!

On another note, I also have signed up with some friends to do a Biggest Loser Challenge.  Today was my first day on my new menu plan, and it has already proven to be difficult.  I don't like to go drastic, so I am just working on cutting back on the soda and carbs (less breads and pastas) and increasing the greens.  I will also phase in an increased workout schedule (somewhere).  I'm not sure how it is going to go, but I do know that I'm ready to get rid of this baby weight and more!

What are you reading this week?  Did you have better luck in writing?  How about life in general?

{RNW}: Ideas & Inspiration

Welcome to another week of {RNW} ... Ramblings of a Night Writer!  Today, I would like to chat ideas and inspiration; in particular, where do your ideas and inspiration come from?  Are you inspired by another wizard of words?  Do you clip newspapers?  Do you collect pictures?  Do you keep an idea journal?

When I originally began exploring writing as a hobby, I really stuck to poetry and most of it was driven from emotion.  I would be angry, depressed, lonely, or moved in some way that words were my way of working through it all.  When I began writing here at Tif Talks Books, I did it to connect to others that would understand my love of books and the written word, but the writing continued to be cathartic for me during some difficult years.  In the past few years, story ideas, characters, and scenes began popping into my mind.  I began writing these ideas down in an idea journal.  These ideas would appear while playing with my children, while brushing my teeth in the morning, or on the ride to work.  I found my one idea journal was not always handy in these situations, so I began placing idea journals in random places around my home and carrying one with me.  I have begun sketching character traits, pasting newspaper clippings, adding pictures, and maybe even adding a few doodles here and there.  My ideas continue to grow.  I have begun connecting some of the ideas, but some still remain separate waiting to be built upon or connected someplace else.  And now, begins the task of actually putting all those ideas into words on a page and ultimately, I finished product ... but that discussion is for another day!

Tell Me:  Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?  Where do you keep them all in check?  Do you have any special tips or tricks behind the ideas and inspiration?

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

During the month of October, I had the pleasure of reading one my childhood classics with my son:  Bunnicula.  For those who are not familiar with the story, allow me to give you a brief synopsis:

Harold the dog and Chester the cat live comfortably with the Monroe family until a new furry member is introduced:  a rabbit with peculiar habits.  Chester begins suspecting that there is more than meets the eye with this quiet animal, particularly when the vegetables start showing up white and juiceless!  The feline is determined to expose the rabbit's secret, while Harold debates where his loyalties lie.

Bunnicula is a charming tale, perfect for the season of spooky for the younger crowd.  My son enjoyed the tale as evident by his pictures of rabbits that include fangs!  We recently discovered that Bunnicula's tale continues in a number of sequels, and they have already been added to our list of books to read together.

Have you read Bunnicula?  How about the sequels?

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Anya is not happy with her life.  She's embarrassed of her family, would rather ignore her heritage, and feels like she does not fit in no matter how hard she tries.  Then, she falls down a well, meets a new ghostly friend, and her world really gets weird.

Anya is a character reflective of many teens, worrying about how to conform but yet trying to also discover who she really is.  When she meets Emily in the well, Anya's life becomes more complicated, but in the end also becomes more clear.

Brosgol's debut graphic novel delivers bold illustrations, a likable character that teens (and even adults!) can relate to, and a story with a good message for those who read it.  I look forward to seeing what the author will bring us next.

Have you met Anya's ghost?  What were your thoughts?

Monday Maunder: January 9, 2012

It's Monday, which means time for a bit of maundering!  I'm tired, so this one may be a bit more maundering than even the norm here!

ON READING

I decided to go with finishing The Count of Monte Cristo this week.  I really have not yet had a lot of time to read, so it is taking me a bit to get back into it.  Considering this book was started a little over a year ago, I am a bit surprised at how interested I still am in the characters, wondering just how the fates will end up for each.  I have avoided the movie all these years because I didn't want to spoil this one until I read it for myself and 2012 will be the year I do it!

I did start reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with my son this last weekend!  I promised him a while ago that when he turned seven, we would read these books together.  He has kept me to his promise!!

I also started listening to Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson today on my walk.  This one seems like it is going to be one interesting read and I'm not even that far into it!  Good excuse to get out and exercise for a bit to get more reading time in!

Last, but not least, I am just curious if anyone would be up for a group read of Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare or Wicked by Gregory Maguire.  I'm hoping to dive into these in February and one of my fave book buddies (Hey Kristen!) mentioned reading these together.  Would anyone want to possibly join us?

ON WRITING

This last week, I posted my first official post in the {RNW} or Ramblings of a Night Writer series, and received a great response!  I wanted to know how people made time for writing.  If they wrote every single day or if they went with a different plan.  Though I did spend time writing five days last week (unfortunately, almost all for this site), I have not felt like I have discovered my own method quite yet.  I really liked the idea of spending my busy weekdays of more mapping, pondering, and taking notes with the weekends where the story began taking form through words.  I also appreciated this link, talking about writing for five minutes every single day.  I think I am going to be doing a bit of trial and error to find the way that best suits me!  I will keep you posted!  In the meantime, you can check back here later this week for another topic on writing!

ON LIFE

This last week, life returned to the normal routine of work and school with a couple of highlights for the week: my son's first basketball game and his birthday party!  In the former, I was the proud mama, cheering loud for my boy, especially after he scored his first basket of the season!  In the latter, I was pleasantly surprised at the success a bit of bowling and a package of Pop Rocks could be with a bunch of first graders!!  The simple things in life bring me great pleasure!

What are you reading this week?  What have been your highlights?

{RNW} Making Time For Writing

{RNW} is Ramblings of a Night Writer, the new feature that I will hopefully be posting on a regular basis addressing the topics of writing.  These topics will vary each and every time and may be relevant for all sorts of writers ... fiction, feature, bloggers, readers, etc.  I have made it a goal this year to really focus on my writing, both on the blog and off, and I really have a lot to learn!  I want to chat with other writers.  I want to discuss writing from a writer's perspective AND from a reader's perspective.  Some posts may be true ramblings, others will be strongly discussion-based, and others may be actual tips and tricks that I discover along the way.  I hope you enjoy and come along for the ride!

For the very first {RNW} post of the year, I really want to talk about finding the time to write.  Over this past year, I have been given the advice by a multitude of people, including bestselling authors to write every single day.  This writing may only be 15 minutes at a time.  It may be publisher-worthy, but it also could just be free-writing, journaling, etc.  As I have tried to write every single night this week, I have succeeded. However, I am not getting much sleep and am already feeling myself beginning to drag.  I wonder ... Will I be able to sustain this schedule for any length of time?  Or, will I completely fizzle out next week?  I do work full-time, raise two very active children with heavy schedules, do a bit of freelance on the side, and am still trying to fit in a regular exercise routine.  Will I fail before I even have the chance to begin?

Tell Me:  Do you write every single day?  Did you ease yourself into a schedule or dive straight in?  What are your tips for (daily) writing?

Leaping Beauty by Gregory Maguire

Many people know Gregory Maguire for his bestseller, Wicked:  The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.  However, he has so many more stories out there, and not just for adults.  Leaping Beauty is a collection of shorts for the younger crowd, written after his above mentioned bestseller.  He wrote the eight stories in eight days, all with a twisted fairy tale spin.

Maguire takes the classic tales that we grew up with, changes the characters to the most unexpected animals, and adds a bit of humor that leaves the reader entertained and eager to read more.  My personal favorite tale was "Hamster and Gerbil," in honor of "Hansel and Gretel."  The title characters are adopted by beaver parents, but the mother passes on.  The father marries an evil skunk and immediately plans to get rid of the children.  Instead of a candy-covered home, the children find . . .

"The house had walls made out of dog biscuits.  Cunning little paths around it were strewn with hamster and gerbil food.  The roof was made of a scrumptious fresh lettuce leaf, and the chimney was made of a big hollow steak bone.  Out of the chimney came the delicious smell of hot stewing kitty friskies, in flavors of chicken, liver, and fish."  (p. 50-51)

Any hamster or gerbil would be tempted by this and any reader would be entertained.  Maguire explores more tales in just the same way . . . creative, amusing, and at times, a tad bit sarcastic.  From a circus-dreaming chimp to a walrus that takes on the role of a wolf and three chickens that fill the shoes of bears, Maguire brings the familiar into the new tales but does not always end them in the same way.

Fans of fairy tales, lovers of animal stories, and those who simply need a good laugh, I recommend picking up Leaping Beauty.  Personally, I am on the hunt for an audio version narrated by the author himself in addition to my own personal copy.  If you have ever seen the author in person, you would know the value of finding this personalized narration that caused him to continuously laugh out loud!

What animals can you envision in your favorite fairy tale?

Persepolis & Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi

I have repeatedly read positive reviews for Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis and I have repeatedly checked the two books out from the library to read them.  Unfortunately, many times the due date sped towards me and I did not have the opportunity to dive into this unique memoir . . . until recently!

Persepolis:  The Story of a Childhood is Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Tehran in the mid-1970's until the late 1980's.  She paints her life literally on the pages in graphic novel form and opened my eyes to an evolution of a country that I have only seen portrayed through American media during a much different time.  Through Satrapi's eyes, we see the lives of the Iranian people before and after the veil.  We see the people on the streets and behind closed doors, both with and without the veil.  We vicariously live through a child's eyes as we innocently witness revolts and tragedies . . . but, as an adult with children, the fear slowly begins to creep into the heart and for me, I realized just how brave the entire Satrapi family was in the decisions they made.

In Persepolis 2:  The Story of a Return, Satrapi shares her story from the late 1980's and into the 1990's; in other words, the tumultuous teen years.  During the years when a child begins to become who they will be as an adult, the author finds herself on her own in unfamiliar territory with no one to turn to or look up to.  She is left to find herself alone.  And, she finally discovers who she is through unimaginatively difficult ways and by eventually returning to her home in Tehran.

Satrapi shares her story with us and it becomes much more than just a graphic novel or memoir.  It becomes a personalized history.  It gives the reader a true peek into a country and its people, both the good and the not-so-good.  It is the prime example of a book that can open our eyes to the world by a simple turn of a page.

All I can say is WOW!

Were you wow'd by Satrapi's work?  What other books have that "wow" factor for you?

Monday Maunder: January 2, 2012

Happy New Year!  

Welcome to the new Monday Maunder feature, where I chat about the latest on my reading, writing, and life!  It will have a very similar feel to the Sunday Synopsis, but the name fits my ramblings just a bit better.  I hope you enjoy the change and I look forward to chatting with you in the comments!

ON READING

My first read of the year I have already completed and absolutely adored it!  It was Quatrain by Sharon Shinn and the review will be coming up via the Walrus Report hopefully later this week.  It was filled with lots of fantasy goodness, but I will not tell you the rest of my thoughts right now.  I don't want to spoil the fun!

I can't decide what to pick up next.  I still have not finished The Count of Monte Cristo that I actually picked up this time last year.  I am feeling it is time to dive back into this one and finally complete this chunkster.  Then again, I also have a number of other books that I have sitting on my shelves that I want to read, with a re-read of Wicked at the top of the list in order to read the entire series from Gregory Maguire's land of Oz.  Decisions, decisions, decisions!

ON WRITING

It is only Day 2 of 2012, so I really do not have a lot to chat about in regards to writing this week.  In future posts, I will share with you possible word counts, links to possible freelance articles that I write and do not devote a whole post to, and my ultimate challenge in exploring the world of fiction and poetry that I create.

One thing I do want to mention that I have not yet is my piece over at Walrus Publishing called The Perfect Tree.  On Christmas Eve, I shared one of my favorite memories of the holidays.  Even though the holiday has passed, I invite you to wander on over and venture into the mountains of Montana as I reflect on finding that perfect tree in my younger years.

ON LIFE

I have yet to share our exciting news about the latest addition to our family!  Lily Harper joined our family on Friday, December 23rd at the ripe young age of 10 weeks.  She is a Boston Terrier/Beagle mix, or what is fondly referred to as a Boggle.  Can you imagine a better little puppy for a lover of words?!?  Her name has literary significance as well.  Can you guess where my inspiration came from?

In other life news, I received wonderful book-ish gifts for Christmas!  Here are the two that I am most excited for, though I did a bit of shopping to add to my stash as well!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

I cannot wait to dive into these two books!

My maundering must now come to a close!  How is 2012 treating you thus far?  What is on your reading agenda this week?