Category Archives: Uncategorized

Top Ten Covers I Would Change

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Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & the Bookish.  It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely ladies over there give us book bloggers wonderful and fun topics to create our lists!  Check out what others have posted by going over there! http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com

This week’s topic is-

Top Ten Covers I would Redesign

This was a challenge for me.  I really don’t pay THAT much attention to covers that I don’t like.  I have been known to pick up a book because I DO like the cover, but I usually don’t mind a bad one.  I did however find a few that I didn’t care for.  Here they are-

52031.  She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb

I just think this is weird.  Why is half of her face floating above the water?  A bit too “Dahli” for me.

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2.  Carrie by Stephen King

It might be in German-but WTF??

127990583.  Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

I know- looks like a cool cover- fun, beachy, friends.  Totally fine until you know that the story is about a terrible car accidents that rips the lives of four teenagers apart.  Not exactly what the cover conveys?

2360934.  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

All I see is the Lion- wearing glasses?  Why is he wearing glasses??

2274435.  Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

It’s just weird.

6.  The Same Cover-Different Books

Why use the same idea for different books?  They’re not sequels, so why?

7.  Movie Version Covers

I do not want to picture these people.  I want to come up with my own picture in my head- exception to this rule was Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn.  And Orlando Bloom as Legolas.

What covers do you wish you could change?

The Shining- (or how I scared myself to death)

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The Shining

by Stephen King

published by

Anchor Books

1977

Summary

Danny was only five years old but in the words of old Mr Halloran he was a ‘shiner’, aglow with psychic voltage. When his father became caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grew frighteningly out of control.

As winter closed in and blizzards cut them off, the hotel seemed to develop a life of its own. It was meant to be empty, but who was the lady in Room 217, and who were the masked guests going up and down in the elevator? And why did the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive?

Somewhere, somehow there was an evil force in the hotel – and that too had begun to shine.. (from Goodreads)

My Review

I have previously admitted on this blog that I am the World’s Biggest Wimp!  I am.  This began when I was about 6-7 years old.  My two older (read evil) sisters and lots of cousins had gone to see The Amityville Horror. 165px-Amityville_poster When they came home, we had a big sleepover in the living room, where my sister -the middle, and more evil of the two- proceeded to describe the entire movie to my young self.  From that point on, I have tried to watch horror movies, but wind up scaring myself so badly that I can’t sleep.  This has continued on into adulthood, and is the reason I don’t read horror novels, and have never read Stephen King.

I have seen movies based on his books, which I honestly found creepy, but not terrifying.  I watched Carrie, Cujo (I actually felt bad for the dog), and Christine- meh.  I LOVED LOVED LOVED Misery, Stand by Me, and The Shawshank Redemption.  So I was familiar with his work-sort of.  And I will admit-I saw The Shining numerous times, always a little creeped out, but very amused with Jack Nicholson’s acting.

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So, after turning the corner in age, I decided to try new things, and reading a King novel was one of them.  I was going to read The Stand, since it was highly recommended to me, but when I saw the size of it, I got real nervous and put it back.  I figured I would start with The Shining, since I knew the story and might not get that scared.  WRONG.

I admit it did help a bit, but I was pretty scared.  As I have said, I wouldn’t read it when I was home alone- or late at night.  All of the sudden, I kept all the lights on, and made my chocolate lab lay in the bathroom while I showered.  Because I was scared.

But what an amazing book!

I would have put it down (wimp) if the writing wasn’t so wonderful, and the story so compelling.

And I thought I knew the story from the film. No, no, no I did not.  There was so much more background and foreshadowing.  And the end!!  I looked at my husband, very pleased with myself and said “It ends differently than the movie.”  When he asked how, I told him to read it (he has voluntarily read maybe 3 books in the 20+ years I have known him).

So, I am not going to sum up the book- most people have either read it, saw the movie, or think they know what it is about.  All I can say is it is if you haven’t read it, it is so much better than you think it is.  Go out and get it and read it!  But not alone.  Or in the dark.  If I can do it, you certainly can.

So, what King book should I read next???

Bookish ( & Not So Bookish) Thoughts

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Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1.  After having “house guests” who stayed for almost 2 1/2 years, we finally have the spare bedroom empty.  Almost immediately, I had hubby move a nice big desk and my computer-which had been jammed into the living room- into the empty room, and take a big cozy chair and ottoman from the basement and put it into the living room.  Now I have an AMAZINGLY wonderful reading spot, and an awesome office. More importunely, there is no guest room.

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2.  I just read an article on Book Riot about DNF’ing.  I have been realizing that ever since I started reviewing books on this blog- especially since I have been getting books from all over the place- this has become an issue for me.  And one I ma not proud of.  I used to pick my books very carefully, and I usually didn’t stop reading any of them.  It really bothers me when I read a review of a book I DNFed, and the reviewer really liked it.  I have an awful feeling that I just didn’t stick with it long enough.  On the other hand, there are SO many books out there-why stick with one that isn’t working for you?

3.  My son got hit first term grades.  He got a B- in Mandarin 3.  I gave him a talking to, the whole time thinking- damn, I bet that s#@t is hard!!  Sometimes not saying what you are really thinking is hard.  Take for example this evening.  My lovely 13 yr old doesn’t have school tomorrow, so her and her friends are making plans to hang out at one of their homes.  At night.  Doesn’t she realize that means I can’t have wine until she gets home???  Can’t she drive yet????

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4.  I finished The Shining (WOO HOO) and I loved it so much that when I saw Doctor Sleep in the no reserve shelf at the library the next day I grabbed it.  I am 3/4 of the way done and I am loving it- but I have to admit I am not as scared as I was with the first!  I think I need to take a break from King for a book or two though- I wont walk into a room with out the dog with me. And as you can see, he’s not much of a guard dog.  (should have named him Doctor Sleep)  Any suggestions though for my next King?

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5.  I want to start my holiday shopping soon- honestly I just wish I was done with it already.  Another little fun fact they dont tell you before you walk down the aisle- you will now have to shop for at least twice as many people.  And he will not help- even when he says he will.  Do I hear a bah, humbug?

6.  I have never taken part in World Book Night, and I was considering doing it this year. There are some good looking books- The Weird Sisters (great book), Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Where’d You Go, Bernadette?– and some great YA- Code Name Verity, The Bridge to Terebithia, and The Perks of Being a WallflowerThe Perks of Being a Wallflower. Some of them are in large print, and I know of lots of women whose eyes are starting to go.  But the YA’s make me slightly uneasy- hanging around at some sports practices, trying to give things away to pre-teens.  People in my town would probably call the cops on me.

7.  It is a very warm and rainy day here.  Perfect to curl up in my new reading spot and relax all day.  On the other hand, I haven’t cleaned the house in over a week- a house with 2 labradors and 2 teens-gross.  Clean it is.

8.  I looked at the 10 day forecast for NJ- we will actually have snow next week.  What the f*#k is wrong with the weather lately???  Did I mention it is 65 degrees today?

9.  I might have to get my own Kindle after all(shudder).  I had been borrowing my daughter’s, but when Allegiant came out, she made a big stink about how I had “taken hers over with ALL my books”. (did I get the tone across?)  So, I said of course it is yours, I have plenty of books to read- I downloaded Allegiant and off she went.  A WEEK AGO.  What takes that long??  Read the damn book already.  Now she is making noise about “giving” her kindle to me-and getting a better one for Christmas.  My goodness.

my very first GIVEAWAY! 2 signed copies of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

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Ok, I have never done this before, so be patient with me please.

I have two signed (in an adorable hieroglyphic) copies of Matthew Quick’s new novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.

Simply comment below and I will pick two luck winners (in the U.S. only-sorry!)

Good Luck and I hope you really enjoy the book!

Kerri

Summary

In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I’m sorry I couldn’t be more than I was—that I couldn’t stick around—and that what’s going to happen today isn’t their fault.

Today is Leonard Peacock’s birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather’s P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school’s class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.  (From Goodreads)

Bookish (& Not So Bookish) Thoughts

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Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.  Let’s give it a whirl!

1.  I think I am a little too excited to see Catching Fire.  I offered to take my daughter and all her friends, with the stipulation that I am staying to watch the movie with them-not cool when you are 13 years old.

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2.  Everyday my son comes home from school, gets a snack (usually what a normal person would consider a whole meal), and puts on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmer.  It is disgusting.  How can anyone eat while watching that??  Maybe I should try to eat all my meals with that on in front of me- finally lose those last 5 lbs that have been clinging to me.

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3.  One year ago Sandy came barreling through here- and we STILL have huge portions of the gigantic trees that fell along the perimeter of the yard.  I know hubby is busy, but a whole year??

4.  I started reading The Shining this week.  My very first King novel.  WHY WHY WHY did I begin it a few days before Halloween???  I am the biggest wimp ever, so what the hell was I thinking?  I keep the light on in the house- all of them, even the garage light.  Don’t get me wrong- I am loving the book and will probably run out and get another of his- but it is freaking me out a bit.  I won’t read it when I am alone in the house- the dogs are here, but I don’t think they would wake up if a dead lady from the bath tub comes to get me.  They wont hear her over their own snoring.

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5.  I finally hit the 4 mile mark in my running (I am old and pathetic- just started running again after 30+ years of not).  I celebrated with a $100,00 bar.  Now I need to run 10 miles.

6.  My daughter is so excited to finally have Halloween this year, as it has been cancelled the past two- Snowtober in 2011 and Sandy in 2012- and of course it is raining.  Can’t catch a break.  It’s not the same trick or treating  with an umbrella.

7.  I think I might finally take the plunge in the next few weeks and join The Classics Club.  I have been thinking of doing it for a while and I think I need to just jump in.

8.  I am a bad mother.  My daughter was in the living room, studying on the computer while hubby and I watched the World Series.  Just to screw with her, I put on A Nightmare on Elm Street (she is my daughter-a total wimp).  She ran out of the room so fast, the chair she was sitting on went flying.  I laughed.  Bad mother.

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I think this is supposed to be a list of 10- but that;s all I got.  Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!!

Makeover!!

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Turn the Page Reviews has gotten a make over!

I was in a bit of a slump- the temps are dropping, it is cold and rainy today, no more warm weather and magical days….

Rain, Rainy weather

Rain, Rainy weather (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I needed to do something to boost spirits.  I have had my eye on a nice shiny new theme (read “premium”), but wasn’t sure if I loved it, or if I wanted to wait and think more about switching over to WordPress.org……

Anyway, I found myself eyeing a box of hair color at the market,

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Description unavailable (Photo credit: dno1967b)

then picking up a GORGEOUS pair of Steve Madden boots-they were like butter….

Steven by Steve Madden Intyce Boots

Steven by Steve Madden Intyce Boots (Photo credit: actionhero)

and I realized for my sanity-and wallet- I had better come up with another change I could make-

Hence the San Kloud Theme!!

(it was this or the Cheer Theme- which I loved, but it has elves and Christmas trees- and it still October-though I might change it again next month)

So leave a comment and let me know what you think!

 

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

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It’s Monday!  What are you reading?  is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey  where we discuss what we have been up to lately, and what we are looking forward to in the coming week.  Stop over there and see what other bloggers have posted!

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

This is what has been going on here-

Last week, I posted:

Top Ten Books I was “forced” to read

Before I Met You- a review

reblogged Blogger Made of Awesome from Traveling with T

I finished reading-

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead

He’s Gone by Deb Caletti

I am currently reading-

Please Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

(having a hard time getting into it- hate when that happens!)

I am planning to read next-

I am not really sure, as I have over a dozen books- real and ebooks, for review and for pleasure- to choose from.

Here are a few that I have- can anyone suggest which I should read next???

The Paris Architect

The Shining

The Wedding Gift

Astor Place

Teatime for Fireflies

The Savage Garden

What are you reading?

Please leave a comment-I love hearing from you!

September Wrap Up!

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I CAN NOT believe September is coming to a close!!!  It has been a pretty busy month for me, but as I look at the calendar, I am realizing that October is going to be a crazy busy month too!

So, what has been going on here?

On the blog, I have posted the following-

Top Ten Tuesdays:

Books That Should Be Taught in School

Books That Should Be Made Into Movies

Books To Read This Fall

Favorite Sequels 

Other Posts-

Bloggiesta

The Book Thief Read Along Part 1 and Part 2 

The A to Z Survey

My Favorite Banned Books

Reviews

Beautiful Day

Amity & Sorrow

The Husband’s Secret

I know- not so many books this month.  I found that I started quite a few that I couldn’t get into, and put them aside for another time.

In my actual life-

I started to run (after about 20 + years) and decided to sign up for my first 5K ever.  I chose to run the Tunnel to Towers run, which is in memory of a good friend of mine who died in 9/11-Stephen Siller.  He was a fireman who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel-in full gear- to the Trade Center when he heard what happened.  He was last seen in the South Tower.  His family created the T2T to honor him, and every year they hold a run that follows his footsteps.  This was the first year I ever ran- and I can tell you it was one of the most AMAZING experiences I have ever had- and one of the hardest.  I was also very lucky to make some new friends- here’s a shout out to those awesome Firefighters from Gerritsen Beach and Queens!!

Here are some pics from that day!

Start Line!!
30.000 people waiting to run!
Entering the Tunnel
Finish Line! The View of the new Freedom Tower was amazing.
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