Traveling Through Books

Title: The Thief of Always Author: Clive Barker Read in: Mass media paperback Genre: Children's Fantasy/Horror One of my best friends (you know who you are) has been on me to read this book for a very, very long time. I finally did and am so glad! This book was first published in 1992; I'm not quite sure how I missed out on it as kid, but better late than never! I'm not sure how to explain this book. It is incredibly unique, as much of Barker's work tends to be. The main character is Harvey, a 10 year old boy is bored. Bored with life- school, chores, his toys, the weather. That is until he meets a strange man named Rictus. Rictus promises him a break from boredom and takes him to the Holiday House. The Holiday House is a child's dream: eat what you want, do what you want, all four seasons happen every day including the holidays that come with them. However, it isn't too long before Harvey realizes that something isn't right. That the Holiday Hou...

Title: The 100 (The Hundred Series #1) Author: Kass Morgan Read In: Kindle Genre: YA Sci-fi If you have watched the TV series based on these books, you know the basic premise. However, as usual, the TV show takes a lot of liberties and changed most everything except for character names and some basic motivations. The 100 is set approximately 3 centuries after a nuclear event makes earth uninhabitable. The only known survivors were on space colonies designed to escape Earth and keep the human race alive until the radiation levels lowered to a survivable level. Unable to get any conclusive data from their tests and with the space stations deteriorating, the council decides to send the 100 teens awaiting re-trial on their 18th birthdays to the surface to see if their data is correct and the surface is survivable. For obvious reasons, this idea is fraught with danger. Beginning with the fact that an entire group of teenagers is who have never even been out of a climate controll...

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Author: Mark Haddon Genre: Fiction Read In: Trade Paperpack This book has been on so many lists as a must-read, that it is almost embarrassing that it took me so long before I read it. In fact, I was sure that it was one of those books that had been over-hyped and was probably not that great. Until one of my friends, a friend whose reading tastes I respect, mentioned it was one of her favorite books. So I bought it; a year or so later, I actually read it. I wish I hadn't have waited so long. This book is great. The narrator is an autistic teen. It is so well done. I have an uncle, who I believe (though his exact diagnosis is unclear) is on the autism spectrum. Reading this book, at points, was exactly like talking to him. It is fantastic to read a book with such a unique perspective on the world and storytelling. The story itself is a little heart-wrenching, so read it with a box of tissues. I have not read anythin...

Title: Romancing the Inventor Author: Gail Carriger Genre: Steampunk Urban Fantasy Novella Read In: Nook ePub So, my fellow readers, I'm sure you know that this is a novella by Gail Carriger. If you've been following me long, you know that means I most likely adored it. You are correct. Carriger strikes again; she has yet to disappoint me with one of her pieces, novel, short story, or novella. This novella is a long-awaited story featuring Genevieve  Lefoux. Madam Lefoux is one of my favorite characters in The Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School Series, so it is extra nice to get yet another glimpse of her later in life- after the Parasol Protectorate Series has ended. In fact, many of the beloved characters from The Parasol Protectorate make an appearance, including Alexia and Conall. The protagonist of the story is a new character. This is a GBLTQ friendly story (obviously, since it focuses on Madame Lefoux). I liked this novella because I thought it much...

Title: Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter 1) Author: Thomas Harris Read in: Mass Market Paperback Genre:  Thriller Publisher: Berkley This is outside my usual genres. I am not really a thriller reader, in general. However, my book club is helping me to break my habits and re-explore little read by me genres. I chose this book, in all honesty, because I do have a thing for creepy serial killers. I can't tell you why, but their histories (not their deeds) fascinate me. It is for that reason that I love the Hannibal Lecter movies. They focus less on the actual crimes of serial killers but on the why. So, when my book club chose to read a spooky book for fall; I decided it was more than time for me to read the books to the movies I appreciate so much. As is almost always (excepting the case of maybe 3 books) the book was SO much better. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, well developed (both plot and characters), and it definitely keeps the reader turning the page. I...

Title: The Halloween Tree Author: Ray Bradbury Genre: Children's Adventure/ Mythology Publisher: Yearling Read in: Trade Paperback I have to admit I've only read Fahrenheit 451 of Bradbury's many, many works- that is until now. I actually enjoyed this book much more! While I appreciate Bradbury's classic; it has never really spoken to me. This book really has nothing to do with Fahrenheit 451 except for the author. I just wasn't sure what to expect. I really enjoyed this book. It's a story of a troop of boys on Halloween that go to their local haunted mansion. One boy gets kidknapped and the rest join a spirit guide through the many ages and traditions that make up Halloween to rescue him. The book is fun, educational, and one you can tear apart (if you want to). This is the perfect Halloween story for children and adults. It has spooky and heartwarming moments. Really, I recommend everyone read it for Halloween- or any time.

Book: Once Upon a Zombie: Book One: The Color of Fear Authors: Billy Phillips and Jenni Nissenson Read In: Nook ePub Genre: YA Zombie/Fairy Tale Publisher: Toon Studio, Inc I hate zombie books. It is simply a genre I've never really enjoyed. So when my book club chose Zombies as our theme a couple months ago- I was less than thrilled. I searched for the least zombie, fastest read I could find. I found it and was pleasantly surprised. This book was cute, not super original, but cute. It also sends a message that I wouldn't exactly want my teenage girl to read though it is paired with a message that is good. Let me explain. This book is set in our world and the world of Fairy Tales. The Fairy Tale world has been struck with a Zombie plague by the Queen of Hearts. The Royalty of the land are the only ones that, though zombified, have retained their own free will and personalities. They need the help of a mortal girl, who they lure in through graves. The Disney Pri...