As the sun plummeted into the horizon...

I am really into descriptive writing lately.  It makes the characters and the story become more realistic, and more interesting when the picture is already painted for me. While it doesn't leave much to the imagination, it takes a great deal of skill to do it correctly.

It is something that I hope I can one day achieve as a writer, and what better way to hone the skill then to immerse yourself into it ? Although I haven't had much time to read over the last couple of weeks, I keep finding books that just call for my attention. "lit," by Mary Karr is one such book. Karr, a daughter of alcoholics, depicts her own descent into alcoholism and recovery in her memoir.

Barnes & Nobles, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lit/Mary-Karr/e/9780060596996/?cds2Pid=35042, has a feature that allows members to read the first few chapters of books online before the decide if they want to buy it or not. I was memorized by Karr's book. She is an amazing writer and VERY descriptive. I really suggest that you give this one a try, and I think it is really something special. Once again, I've found another book to add to my Goodreads account.....

And the Winner is ........

See if you know when these authors won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.....

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Gobble, Gobble !

Happy Turkey Day !! Hope everyone is and will have safe travels. Thankfully, my family and I don't have far to go for all of us to gather around the table ( we all live within 15 minutes of each other).

I am really excited for this Thanksgiving in particular. Normally my grandmother does all of the cooking and all of my aunts and my mom pitch in. But this year, I'm going to make a green bean casserole ( I can't cook, so this is big).

For those of you who are doing the same or tackling the big feast on their own, I've looked around for the top ten Thanksgiving cookbooks. Tara's Kitchen Online Blog, http://taraskitchenonline.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/top-10-thanksgiving-cookbooks/, had the most diverse list of cookbooks, providing new and old recipes and secrets to make the perfect turkey. Check them out, and have a great holiday !

1. Thanksgiving: Festive Recipes for the Holiday Table
2. Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America’s Favorite Holiday
3. The Thanksgiving Table: Recipes and Ideas to Create Your Own Holiday Tradition
4. How to Cook a Turkey: *And All the Other Trimmings
5. Betty Crocker Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
6. How To Cook a Cheap and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner
7. Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving Recipes and History, from Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie
8. Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
9. How to Cook the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
10. Thanksgiving Recipes – A Wonderful Collection of Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes!

Beat the Black Friday Rush...

It's that time of year again, Black Friday. The early morning sales and the ridiculously long lines. Well, if you're like me and don't want to wait, or wake up for that matter, than you should check out Barnes & Nobles pre-Black Friday and Black Friday sales.

Everything from nook accessories to books and movies and more are up to 45 % off. And the best part, you don't have to wake up at 5 a.m., or even leave you house to take advantage of these deals. Check out Barnes & Nobles to shop from over 1,000 gift ideas! You can even get a free $10 e-card when you spend a $100 or more. That could be one free book for your nook, so check it out, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/holiday-gifts/index.asp.

What's the Difference....

For quite some time, I have been stumped by the separation of paperbacks and hard cover books. So I am going to pose a question here : Why is it that sites have compiled lists of the best selling paperbacks and the best selling hard covers ? Essentially, its the same book . The only real differences are the texture of the pages and the cover. And the only real benefits are that they offer consumers differences in prices.

So why then do sites and book stores compile two different lists ? If it is selling well in either category, or both, it is still a best selling book. Why does it need to be a best selling paperback or a best selling hard cover? Does separating the two into these categories sway consumers to buy in one way or another?

Another issues that stumps me is that the bestselling hardbacks and the best selling paperbacks lists rarely ever have the same books. Take for example Barnes & Nobles bestselling list for today, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Bestseller-Books/379001057/. The first on the top ten for hard covers is George W. Bush's, "Decision Points." While the number one selling book on the paperback's list is "Heaven is for Real," by Todd Burpo.

Maybe I'm the only one who notices, or really cares, but I'm interested to find out the reasons....

It's Cheap...

In keeping with a theme, I wanted to offer some other ideas for acquiring books on a budget. Like everyone else, at this time of the year all of my money is wrapped up in Christmas gifts. And like everyone else, or it is possible its just me, my reading list keeps getting longer.

While I love my nook, buying or renting an e-book can get pricey. And while most paperbacks are pretty cheap, I don't have the room to store the books I buy. So I've come up with a nifty little strategy. Whenever I stumble upon books at a garage sale or thrift store, I buy them ( I make sure I'm interested in them first).

Then when I'm through reading them, I either sell them at another garage sale or donate them. Buying books this way is ridiculously cheap; I've never paid more than $5 for a book. And when I'm done, I essentially get my money back. Plus making a donation to Goodwill or the Salvation Army never hurts.

Most of the time, the books are like new, and it's a great way to save money.  Also, some books stores have an exchange program, I believe Half Price Books is one of the stores, where you can exchange old books for other ones or store credit, http://www.halfpricebooks.com/. So if you have any old books lying around, give it a try.

Be a Borrower...

While I love to read, keeping up with the latest literature can be pretty expensive. Books and e-books start at $15 and work their way up, especially if they are a new release. And although there is always the choice of your local library, there can be a hefty waiting list for the books you want.

So I recommend an old, but forgotten idea; borrow a book. My aunt and I exchange books all the time, and in doing so we expose one another to all types of genres as well as keeping the costs down. Exchanging books also offers us a conversation stater, and most of the time we create our own little book club. In doing so, our exchanges have provided us with a common bond and have made us much closer.

My only word of advice when letting others borrow your books is to make sure that you and the person you are lending the books to have an understanding. There is nothing worse than lending a book out and having it returned to you in shambles.

So the next time your looking for a new read, ask around. You may be surprised at what you can kind in the process.

Some Like it Under the Kitchen Table....

I asked some of my fellow students where they enjoying reading. Check it out !

The new nookcolor !

I've been avoiding this post for awhile, so I must apologize. My reasons are simple, I'm jealous and torn. As you know, I got a nook for my birthday in July. I love it, and have had little complaints about it. WELL, several weeks ago Barnes & Nobles introduced the nookcolor.

When I first heard about it, I thought that it would basically be the same thing, except that everything would be in color. Silly me ! It is  a completely new beast.  It actually reminds me of the iPad, which is where I am torn. In my opinion, the nookcolor doesn't do nearly as much as the iPad. Yet those that are reviewing the nookcolor say its now the iPad's biggest competitor.  Personally, I'd rather have the iPad than the nookcolor, but I will admit it is pretty awesome. Crave did a pretty nice write up and really offers a great overview, http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20020747-1.html.

  Here are some of the aspects provided by Crave:

• 7-inch VividView color touch screen (1,024x600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi; more than 16 million colors)
• 8.1 inches by 5 inches by .48 inches (HWD)
• 15.8 ounces
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Runs on Android 2.1 (upgradeable to 2.2 in 2011)
• 8GB of built-in memory, plus microSD expansion slot for adding more memory
• Supports PDF and ePub files, as well Word, Excel, and PowerPoint using built-in Quickoffice software
• Image files supported: JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP files (use personal photos for wallpaper)
• Video playback via Android Media Player
• Sealed-in battery delivers eight hours of continuous reading time
• Pandora preloaded
• Web browser (no Flash support in Android 2.1 but will be added in 2.2)
• No Android Market, but Barnes & Noble will sell some apps through its own store
• Integrated social-networking and LendMe apps
• Price: $249
• Available in Barnes & Noble stores, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Books-A-Million

 To interact with the nookcolor and to learn more, visit Barnes&Nobles at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/index.asp?cm_sp=Gateway-_-NOOKcolor-_-Explore%20Now%20Btn&cds2Pid=30919.

Barnes & Nobles, more to Offer than just Books !

As you know, I really utilize the Barnes & Nobles web site, and for good reasons. They have so much to offer including reviews, top books, e-books,  and interviews with authors just to name a few. One of my favorite aspects of Barnes & Nobles is their facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/barnesandnoble.

They offer special features like discounts on books or accessories, exclusive videos and interviews and conversation starters. I make sure to check out the page at least once a day, and today I found something new ! Every month they compile a list of the top selling books and offer discounts to online buyers. I think I mentioned this before, but the discounts are new.  As I was looking at  November's list, I noticed they also complied a list of the "hour's" top selling books. Each hour they update the page with their most popular books.

From what I can tell, their  lists are pretty diverse, and each link takes you to the book's individual page where you can learn more about the author or purchase the book ( if you buy online you get a discount).  I suggest checking it out, if nothing more can you see if the book interests. For today's lists, and others, visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Books-Fiction-Nonfiction-Must-Reads/379002364/?cds2Pid=30121.

 In the meantime,  November 12th 2 o'clock bestsellers are...

1. Decision Points
   by George W. Bush
2. The Ugly Truth (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #5)
   by Jeff Kinney
3. The Confession
   by John Grisham
4. Autobiography of Mark Twain
   by Mark Twain
5. Elf on the Shelf
   by Carol V. Aebersold
6. Full Dark, No Stars
   by Stephen King
7. Hell's Corner (Camel Club Series #5)
   by David Baldacci
8. Cleopatra
   by Stacy Schiff
9. Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?
   by Ina Garten
10. The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Series #1)
    by Rick Riordan

Book-Based Films, Why must you Upset Me ?

When I started this blog, I set some goals for myself. One of those goals was to turn this blog into something useful for my audience. In other words, I promised myself I wouldn't rant. However, there is a "subject" that I can no longer ignore. I HATE when books are turned into movies !!!

About 70 % of the time, the movie is interpreted completely different from the book. The characters may be the same, but too many things are changed or tweaked. Take, for example, "The Lords of The Rings." While I LOVED the movies, I felt that there were too many things missing.  Maybe it was the fact that I am just a really big nerd, but regardless I felt like things were almost incomplete. I realize that there is only so long that people are willing to sit in a theater. But, wouldn't you rather sit there an extra half an hour than walk away feeling disappointed?

Others complain about the Twilight movies, but I can't comment because I refuse to both read the books or see the movies ( I know weird right ? But I feel like I need to put my foot down somewhere.) 

I do have to admit though that there are some books that are translated to the T. The bug that got this little bitch-fest started is the quickly approaching premier of the final installments of the Harry Potter books. I think the producers and directors have done a great job so far. However, I am a bit annoyed that they are breaking the final book into two films. I am SICK of waiting for this to finish. Not the mention the fact that I am a little tired of contributing to J.K. Rowling millions.

Plus, if whoever wrote this money globber doesn't do Dumbledore's death justice, I'll flip ! To get tickets or to see movie times visit, http://www.fandango.com/.

My hope for future book-based productions, is that producer/writers respect the original score, and attempt to do the book some justice. Most books that are translated to film are best sellers, so in my opinion they've already done the hard part, getting people interested.

So there is my rant, but I must ask, were do you stand on book-based films?

Fellow Students Weigh in, Which Trilogies and Series are your Favorite?

I was updating my Goodreads account, when I noticed I've been stuck on trilogies or series lately. I've finally progressed on the Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series, which Barnes & Nobles is now taking orders for the holidays, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Books-Thrillers-Stieg-Larsson-Millennium-Trilogy/379002100/?cds2Pid=16743&linkid=1621110.

 But after reviewing my little list, I was wondering what the more popular trilogies or series are? 

I checked my sites to see if any lists were available, and was surprised to learn that there was not. So I asked around and complied a list for myself. I am not going to rate these, because everyone has their own opinions and I have not personally read many of these.


"Harry Potter," by J.K. Rowling
"Lords of the Rings," by J.R.R. Tolkien
" Millennium Series," by Stieg Larsson
"Twilight," by Stephenie Meyer
"Game of Thrones," by George R.R. Martin
"Gemma Doyle Trilog," by Libba Bray
"Dune," by Frank Herbert
"Sandman,"by Neil Gaiman
"The Golden Compass," by Philip Pullman
"The Chronicles of Narnia," by C.S. Lewis

The ones that I have read, like "Harry Potter" and "Lords of the Rings," I've enjoyed. The others, like "The Golden Compass," I've considered children's books. However, after listening to some of my fellow students explain, they seem like they are worth giving a try.

For  full reviews on any of these books visit, http://www.goodreads.com/.

Memoirs, To Read or Not Read ?

I want to pose a question here. How many of you are interested in "famous" memoirs? I've tried to read a couple in the past, and just had to put them down. I felt like I was choking the contents down. The only one that I can say I've enjoyed was, "I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility," by Trisha Meili. Maybe it was the fact that she, herself, was not famous. The incident in which she was involved is what spotlighted her.

 Regardless, it was an amazing book focusing on the power of hope and how, after a horrible incident, you can rebuild your life. I was addicted to the pages, and Meili underlying meaning. If you are ever looking for something to put your life in perspective, read it, http://www.brainline.org/content/2008/08/i-am-central-park-jogger-story-hope-and-possibility.html.

Meili wrote the book to clear up the numerous misconception about her life and the incident. However, others who try to do the same seem to fail. President Bush's memoir is set to be released next Tuesday. The New York Times has several reviews up, http://papercuts.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/bushnixon/. I am not sure if I'll pick up or another memoir.

Motion Sickness ? Try Books on Tape !

taken from getty images

With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will soon be traveling home or visiting relatives. However, passing the time on those long rides can  prove to be a problem. If your computer has a long battery life or if you have access to an outlet, you  can pass the time search the web or creeping on facebook. The same can be done if you have an iPad or a smart phone.

But if you don't have to a computer or other technologies, what can you do? I suggest reading. Nothing passes the time like getting lost in a book. Throw your favorite book into your bag or take along your e-reader. But if you are like me, and get sick in the car, what other options do you have?

Many people forget about books on tape. Some people find them inconvenient or impersonal. Others find them to be a great way to multitask. However you feel about them, I suggest giving them a try. I recently tired a book on tape and was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed it.

Plus, they are fairly easy to get your hands on. You can rent one from your local library or university library and pop it in as you drive along. You can even rent/buy them from iTunes and download it to your library. I think downloading them gives you more options and you can listen to the book at your own pace. Plus, if you constantly take your iPod along, you can "read" whenever you have some free time !

To download iTunes or to see what's new visit, http://www.apple.com/itunes/ .

Hate Reading your Textbooks? Try one of these Tips !

One of the requirements, for the majority of my classes and I'm sure yours, is to read the assigned textbooks. I make sure to do this religiously, as to not to fall behind.  ( I'm a nerd, I know). But sometimes the material is just so boring.

When I was assigned to read a variety of material for my Media Ethics class, I assumed I would be uninterested and bored, forcing myself to take it all in. However, I was surprised to learn it was the opposite, especially the book I choose for a report, " The Paperboy," by Pete Dexter. I can't put the thing down.

Luckily the book  and the material circles around subjects I enjoy, journalism and the those that are wrongly convicted of a crime. But for fellow classmates who do not enjoy the selection of books or material, what can they do to make reading them more interesting ?

In my opinion, you have to be open to a book regardless if it is a textbook or a novel. I agree that the material either grabs you or it doesn't, but you do have to give it a try. If that doesn't work, try one of these tips to help you out. They work for both textbooks or assigned novels.

TEN TIPS FOR READING TEXTBOOKS- from the University of Arizona studentaffairs.arizona.edu/thinktank

1. Get it right away.
Don’t put off buying textbooks until the day before your first test! Cramming at the last moment is difficult, particularly in science courses!

2. Plan a reading schedule and stick to it.
Spreading out your reading time over the course of the term will make your actual reading more productive. Plan to read one chapter a night, for example, and you'll find you have less work to do for tests and exams.

3. Survey the book.
Glance over the textbook's chapter headings, subtitles, and charts or graphs which sum up and clarify main points before you start a complete reading.

4. Mark it up.
Simply reading the text will not help you really absorb the information it provides. Underline or highlight important facts, figures and phrases, and write your own comments and questions in the margins.

5. Take notes.
Yes, you took notes from class lectures. Now take notes from the textbook itself. It means a bit more homework, but you'll find it pays off come exam time! Or when you have to write a paper !

6. Read and reread.
Does this sound repetitive to you? Well, it is, and that's the whole point! Repetition, one of the most useful--at least used-- ways to get the most out of your text. Read text thoroughly and actively (highlight and take notes) and then skim read the text several times to get an overall sense of the main ideas without having to read every single line again.

7. Ask it questions.
Think of questions you have for the text and read it to answer those questions. This kind of interactive approach will make your reading more effective.

8. Ask your teacher questions.
If your questions about certain concepts and theories aren't answered to your satisfaction by the textbook, ask your teacher, ask your teacher in class or during her office hours.

9. Review orally.
After you have read a section or chapter of your textbook close the book and try to describe out loud the main ideas you have learned. Talking about ideas helps you to understand and remember them.

10. Pay special attention to introductions and conclusions.
These sections of textbooks are really important, because they highlight important ideas and facts. Some textbooks present these sections in point form for extra clarity.