Follow My Blog Friday - Changing Endings

Follow Friday is sponsored by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. And this week the Featured blogger on Parajunkee is Lisa Loves Literature Over on Alison Can Read the featured blogger is Once Upon a Prologue. This week's question is:

If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?

I do not think I really want to change an ending. I like the endings to be as the author sees them. It is not to say I am always happy with them, (for example Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer was settled way too easy peasey for my taste and Loser's Town by Daniel Depp felt like the ending was rushed). I like to write my own endings even when I like the ending just because I like to think about what would happen if it went this way or that way. I think the endings and imagining them in different ways is part of the fun of reading a book. Everyone sees differently - even an awesome book, (or series), is not going to end in a way that pleases everyone who reads it.

   

What is your answer? Leave me a comment with or let me know where to find it! Thanks for playing!


To help with Junior's IPad Challenge CLICK HERE

Seers Review

Seers by Heather Frost

Bonneville

Expected release date October 8, 2011

From Good Reads

For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

My Review

This was my first time reading a Guardians/Demon story. It made for a nice change. The story was an interesting one. I liked the plot and the realistic dynamic of teenage, “I like two boys”, drama.  

Kate is picking up the pieces of her life, trying to get back to normal, after the accident. Her and her sisters are now living with her grandparents. She is able to see people’s auras and know their feelings by the colors. That is until she meets Patrick, who has a silver aura. She also sees a boy no one else is seeing who has the same color aura. She is attracted to Patrick but has a boyfriend already and does not know what his aura means. Her best friend Lee tries to help her sort it out but is hampered by several factors; she does not see auras, does not know what to make of Kate seeing invisible people and when the invisible boy shows himself, Lee is attracted to him. Kate does not tell Lee that the guy she likes is the invisible boy. While Kate is trying to decide if she can trust Patrick she starts seeing people with black auras. Now Kate must make her choices, of who to trust and which guy will be her boyfriend.

As you can see this book is filled with intrigue, danger and romance. The author understands that the character is in an unbelievable situation and takes pains to give us insight into her thought patterns. I really liked that. It gave the character and the plot more creditability. The characters are likable and you are easily able to care about them. There were openings left at the ending that lead me to suspect Seers is the first book in a series. I found this book enjoyable enough that I look forward to that. I would recommend Seers as a good YA paranormal suspense/romance story.

I received this book from Net Galley. No compensation for review was offered or received. A review while appreciated was not mandatory.


To help with Junior's IPad Challenge CLICK HERE

Meet Susan Case author of Kindergarten

Meet Susan Case author of 

Kindergarten: Tattle-Tales, Tools,Tactics, Triumphs and Tasty Treats for Teachers and Parents 

About the book from the author:

Remember the innocent but goofy things you did as a kindergartner? Reminisce about your early years as you learn how to help your precious child become ready for school and have a successful kindergarten year.

Are you a kindergarten teacher who needs proven ideas and solutions for your classroom? This book is for parents and teachers of preschoolers and kindergartners. It will make you laugh and give you hundreds of ideas to help with behavior, reading, special education, science experiments, holiday celebrations, and recipes for Fun Fridays and for success.

Chapter One: Teacher Tattle Tales
Chapter Two: Celebrate the Holidays--Celebrate Life
Chapter Three: A Smooth Move to School
Chapter Four: Reading--the Greatest Gift of All
Chapter Five: Science--Survival Specials
Chapter Six: Discipline--Combat Duty or Common Sense Tactics?
Chapter Seven: The Special Education Experience
Chapter Eight: Silly Sanity Lists
Chapter Nine: Recipes for Fun Fridays
Chapter Ten: It's a Wonderful World, After All

Hello Susan. It is nice to have you with us today.  I have a few questions for you as I will be reviewing your book Kindergarten in the coming weeks.

First, Where did the idea for this book come from?

I kept a journal of funny things my students did, or teachers told me, but it wasn't enough for a book. My husband kept encouraging me to write about what parents and teachers would like to know. I thought of things that I needed help with such as behavior management, teaching reading, and special education. Of course, I had to include my favorite recipes with at least one for each letter of the alphabet to coincide with Fun Fridays.

The Alphabet Recipes sounds like a fun idea. I cannot wait to see it. I am already thinking of ways to incorporate that at home with Junior. That is a fabulous idea! Speaking of, where do you get your ideas?

I just look around at the things people do. If it makes me laugh, or cry, or inspires me in some way, I write it down. I love to surf the Internet for information, jokes and news. We live in the country and the Internet gives me a way to research and connect with others.

It sounds like you take things from life. Which, to me, makes the book easy for both parents and teachers to enjoy. Who do you believe should read your book?

This book is written for teachers and parents of kindergartners and preschoolers. It can also help homeschoolers because there are many creative ideas as well as resources. I’ve been told it is excellent for grandparents and also for college students who are studying early childhood development or to earn a teaching certificate.

The book sounds like it is going to be both fun and informative. What was your favorite chapter to write?

My favorite writing was adding the personal stories that touched me or other teachers. I hope they touch others as well to know that we live in a fascinating wonderful world full of positive actions. Perhaps the most inspiring chapter is “Everyday Heroes.”

Everyday Heroes sounds very inspiring and heartwarming.Have you considered writing in other genres?

I have been working on a book for pre-teens. I keep a folder of funny things that happen and hope to incorporate our country living into the plot. We have chickens and guineas and are surrounded by neighbors’ cows and horses. 

 A book for  pre-teens sounds very interesting. What about you? Who are your favorite authors? Are there any books you would recommend to either adults or children?

I am an avid reader of mysteries. I love fast-paced who-done-its. My favorite authors are David Baldacci, Lee Child, Brad Thor, and Joan Hess. I would recommend Jackie King’s book The Inconvenient Corpse as a cozy mystery. My favorite children’s authors are Jamie Lee Curtis, Laura Numeroff, Jan Brett, David Shannon and Mem Fox. I highly recommend Mem Fox’s book Reading Magic for adults. She is a master teacher of reading.

You sound like a fascinating person with a lot of experience in teaching.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a late bloomer. I studied Psychology as an undergraduate and earned a M.S. in Family and Child Development. I had my daughter when I was forty. She was born prematurely and developmentally delayed. I returned to school to earn certification in Special Education so that I could help her through her educational process. I taught Sp. Ed for several years and earned certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I taught Kindergarten for seven years and. retired early to homeschool Sarah during her last few years of school. She has a seizure disorder and needed more rest than attending public school allowed. She is MR and has autistic tendencies. My grandson was diagnosed as autistic but now PDD-ONS. So my interest in Special Education continues. Now I edit for my husband’s business, AWOC.COM Publishing, as well as write, blog and twitter.

Wow. You may consider yourself a late bloomer but you have had many experiences. Please tell us what you think  is the most important thing people should take with them after reading your book?

There is hope. If children know they love you, they can withstand your mistakes and encourage you to be a better person. Teaching and parenting is a grand adventure. Cherish children while you have the opportunity to help them grow into responsible, creative, happy people.

For those of of us who would like to keep up with you, could you please tell us the best ways to follow you.

Visit my blog http://kindergartenbasics.blogspot.com/ I have many free educational links for children, jokes and parent/teacher tips.

You can also follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/susancasetexas

Your website is a fun place to visit. I love checking in. I'm sure many of us will be stopping by. Thank you so much for stopping by to share with us your book, Kindergarten: Tattle-Tales, Tools, Tactics, Triumphs and Tasty Treats for Teachers and Parents

You may purchase her book at, (click on the link):
Barnes & Noble Print and Nook
Amazon Print and Kindle


Please leave a comment. We love hearing from you

CLICK THIS LINK FOR JUNIOR'S IPAD CHALLENGE

Booking Through Thursday - Stormy Weather

Booking Through Thursdays is hosted by Booking Through Thursdays!

This Week's Question : What’s your book with weather events? Hurricanes? Tornadoes? Blizzards? Real? Fiction? Doesn’t matter … weather comes up a lot in books, so there’s got to be a favorite somewhere, huh?


I love snow. So it should be blizzards but I am really having a hard time choosing. I really love all kinds of weather in a book. They all suggest adventure, suspense maybe terror. Hmm. I guess I will go with blizzards because two books came to mind as I read the question and they both deal with snow.

  

Oh no! I just thought, they both deal with cannibalism. Maybe I should choose tornadoes. 

If you would like to help us receive an IPad for Junior from The Puzzling Piece and help  spread Autism Awareness please  CLICK HERE

Please leave a comment. We love hearing from you.

Theme Thursday Holli Pflau, Rose Pressey

Theme Thursdays is a fun weekly event hosted by Reading Between Pages that will be open from one Thursday to the next. Anyone can participate in it. The rules are simple:

• A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
• Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
• Mention the author and the title of the book along with your post
• It is important that the theme is conveyed in the sentence (you don’t necessarily need to have the word)
  Ex: If the theme is KISS; your sentence can have “They kissed so gently” or “Their lips touched each other” or “The smooch was so passionate”

This will give us a wonderful opportunity to explore and understand different writing styles and descriptive approaches adopted by authors.

This week's theme:

School (Anything related to school - teachers, students, children, books, desks, boards, pens, etc)

Pure Gold Adventures with Six Rescued Golden Retrievers by Holli Pfau

Releasing October 2011

I received this book from the author with a request to review.  A promise of a good review was neither sought or given. I will not receive compensation for reviewing this book. 

*This book is an ARC. The snippet below may or may not appear in the final release. *

Page 18:

I turned forty and enrolled at California State University at Northridge. I committed to a two-year curriculum to earn a Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy. Twice the age of many other students,I was focused and driven. I completed hours of volunteer practicum experience in nursing homes, hospitals, a youth-at-risk program, a program for the developmentally delayed youngsters, an Alzheimer's care center and an eating disorder clinic. Whenever facilities were receptive, I took Nikki with me. And I began to observe miracles great and small.

My Haunted Family by Rose Pressey

Kindle Locations 607-611:

Once, while waiting for the school bus in front of the house, my brother was startled by a small snake that seemed to appear out of the blue. It slivered up and around the ankle of the little boy standing next to him. There were no trees located nearby, and the boys had just ambled up and were standing there when, as if out of nowhere, the snake appeared. They all screamed and ran away in fear.

Please leave me a comment letting me know where to find yours.


If you would like to help us receive an IPad for Junior from The Puzzling Piece and help  spread Autism Awareness Please CLICK HERE

WOW & WWW + IPad Challenge

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

   

  

Yes once again I am posting many books I want. Christmas is coming though so I have to make my desires subtly known, (ARE YOU READING THIS CHILDREN?).


1) Survivors A Novel of the Coming Collapse by James Wesley Rawles. Due out in October 2011. Set in America. Practically overnight the stock market has plummeted, hyperinflation has crippled commerce, and the fragile chains of supply and high-technology infrastructure have fallen. This book is about life after the fall. It doesn't look pretty. 
2) Double Dead by Chuck Wendig . Due out November 2011. I just love this one. A vampire who needs humans for food must protect them from zombies who just want their brains. Doesn't that just say, "Good f**king times!"
3) 1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber due out September 2011. It's the last book in the Cedar Cove Series. I almost want to cry. I love that series.
4) Trust Me, I'm Dr Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne. Due out October 2011. Do I really need to explain this one? If I do not get this  book I think what will happen will called justifiable. Every one of you kids know I love Ozzy. For years now him and Johnny Depp have shared my heart. Johnny doesn't have a book coming out so I better see this one. ( And somebody better coordinate so I don't get 6 of them - you may have noticed multiple books listed on Wednesdays. *Sorry everyone - my kids need instructions). 
5) Eternal Embrace by Jennifer Turner. Due out October 31, 2011. What better way to celebrate Halloween than with Jennifer Turner's third book in the Eternal Series? If you have not read this series get the first two books, ( Eternal Seduction and Eternal Hearts). I highly recommend them. 
And now Junior's picks, (he has obviously learned to pick more than one book from one of you other bloggers. Who was it?).
1) Guess How Much I Love You: Pop Up by Sam McBratney. Due out the end of September. Junior loves this book and now that it is coming out in pop up style he is psyched up. He claims it is the one book everyone should buy this year.
2) Amazing Pop Up Trucks by Robert Crowther. Due out this September also. Junior is super excited by this book. He loves trucks and this pop up book promises a truck with moving parts, descriptions of what it can do, real life photos, fact file of cool details and truck trivia behind flaps. He calls this one his dream book.

* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?* What do you think you’ll read next?

My Current Reads:

    

My Haunted Family by Rose Pressey was almost finished when my Kindle died. I am expecting it to get here today so a review is coming soon.

I have almost finished Pure Gold by Holli Pfau. Dog lovers you will love this one. Review coming. 

The Caretakers by Shauna Nosler and Wicked Autumn by G.M. Mallet I have just begun but am enjoying.

What I Just Finished:

  

Slow week for me. But school has begun.

Click to read review of The Bond Conqueror

Click to read review of Darwin's Children

What's Next?

   

So what are you waiting on? What are your three W's? Please leave a comment so we can find you. Remember if you don't do these meme's or you don't have a blog you can still play along. Just leave your answers in the comments. 

If you would like to help Junior on his IPad challenge by the Puzzling Piece, (Autism Awareness), Please Click Here.

We appreciate any help even if it is only tweeting the page it is on.  Thank you!

The Puzzling Piece

Hi Everyone! 


As you all may know I am raising my grandson who has autism. We are participating in the I Pad Challenge by http://www.thepuzzlingpiece.com. The Puzzling Piece was created to raise money to help children with Autism. If we can sell 60 items Junior will receive an IPad. 


The pieces for sale are:
  

  

If you would like to help please go to the website at http://www.thepuzzlingpiece.com/ and choose one of the above items. In the challengers name box please type Armando Rodriguez Jr. We really appreciate all your help.  This is an item we cannot afford but one that will help him immensely.

Here is a video made for The Puzzling Piece. Please watch and listen to the words of the song. 

I Pad Autism Challenge


IPad Autism Challenge with Armando "Junior" at 1:37 mark

Thank you all. We welcome your comments.