Best Laid Plans

Well, I did manage to finish "Alisa Hook" Friday.  I really had to as it was overdue and I needed to get it back to the library the following morning.  I had a book on hold and couldn't check it out with one overdue.  My library is awesome and does not impose fines until after 28 days late and I came nowhere near that.  So Saturday night, I sat down to read, finally glad that Hook was finally out of my life and what did I pick up off my recent TBR post - ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING!  Totally started an impulse read but I finished it the same night so I guess I didn't mess up my reading plans too much.  Anyways, here are a couple of reviews:

TITLE: Alias Hook
AUTHOR: Lisa Jensen
PUBLISHER: Thomas Dunne Books
RELEASE DATE :July 8, 2014 (OUT NOW)

FROM GOODREADS: "Every child knows how the story ends. The wicked pirate captain is flung overboard, caught in the jaws of the monster crocodile who drags him down to a watery grave. But it was not yet my time to die. It's my fate to be trapped here forever, in a nightmare of childhood fancy, with that infernal, eternal boy."

Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan’s rules. From the glamour of the Fairy Revels, to the secret ceremonies of the First Tribes, to the mysterious underwater temple beneath the Mermaid Lagoon, the magical forces of the Neverland open up for Stella as they never have for Hook. And in the pirate captain himself, she begins to see someone far more complex than the storybook villain.

With Stella’s knowledge of folk and fairy tales, she might be Hook’s last chance for redemption and release if they can break his curse before Pan and his warrior boys hunt her down and drag Hook back to their neverending game. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen is a beautifully and romantically written adult fairy tale.

MY THOUGHTS: 
This book took much longer for me to read than anticipated. Although, looking back, I should have known. I never have much luck with fairies. Now I know neither Captain Hook nor Peter Pan are fairies, but there are enough of them running around in this book that it should have been a sign.

I have never enjoyed the story of Peter Pan...so much so I can say I have never watched it or read it. The only thing I know of Peter Pan comes from "Once Upon a Time" and going along with my fairy curse, that's about when I stopped watching it and I realize now I can blame him for having 25 episodes on my DVR waiting to be watched.

Ok, the book. I have a love/hate relationship with the book. Parts of it I really enjoyed, and parts I almost had to skim in order to complete. I enjoyed learning more about Captain Hook. It was nice to see him come full circle in the book and earn some kind of redemption. Jensen did a great job of making Hook seem humane and misunderstood, and perhaps he was. The ending was great and overall, I am glad that I read it. However, I am also glad I borrowed it from my library because I was sick of looking at that beautiful cover by the time I was finished. If you like action/adventure or anything related to Peter Pan, this book might be for you.

RATING: 3 PAWS

TITLE: Anya's Ghost
AUTHOR: Vera Brosgol
PUBLISHER: First Second
RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2011 (OUT NOW)

FROM GOODREADS: Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part.
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.
Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.
Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

MY THOUGHTS: 
I absolutely loved this book. First of all, the artwork. This graphic novel is done entirely in shades of black, and this beautiful grayish-purple. The colors so suit the mood of the book that I don't think it could have been done any better at all. Anya is so much like an average teenager. She is only one of two kids of Russian descent stuck in a private prep school and as you can imagine, she is miserable. She falls down a hole one day and meets up with a ghost. She initially sees this ghost as her new best friend, but alas, an evil twist awaits.

I love the characters in this book. Anya is a brat in some ways, and treats poor Dima horribly at first, but then, weren't we all brats in high school at one point or another? Siobhan is a great friend. She tells things like they are and is not afraid to tell Anya the truth, when others want to sugarcoat things.

This book is a tad more scary and creepy than expected, but I love scary and creepy. I read it in one evening, only taking a break to watch a movie with the family and then going right back into it and staying up until midnight to complete it. Brosgol has high school down pat and I could easily remember the horrors of gym class right along with Anya. Read this....now!

And on a side note, is it me or does the ghost on the cover, hidden in Anya's hair, remind anyone else of the girl from the Frosty the Snowman cartoon?

RATING: 5 PAWS

Being held hostage by Captain Hook

I have too many books which I want to finish before everyone starts shouting "HAPPY NEW YEAR" but currently I am being held hostage by Captain Hook, or to be specific -

I am having a love/hate relationship with this book, but it does look like it will not go into the hall of fame as a DNR.  Hopefully it will be finished tonight so I can move on.  Below is my TBR stack. Some need returned to the library soon, and some are holiday reads.

In addition to these,  there are several which are not shown.  I have My True Love Gave To Me, somewhere in the house but couldn't locate it for this shot, Paw Enforcement which is on my kindle, and The Rogue Knight.  Even with vacation I doubt they will get done as I have spent 2 weeks trying to gather some kind of sympathy for Captain Hook.  Hopefully I will have a review up this week.

PS - Booker T said to tell everyone hi - he is busy working on his Christmas list.

House Broken

TITLE: House Broken
AUTHOR: Sonja Yoerg
PUBLISHER: NAL Trade
RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2015

FROM GOODREADS: In this compelling and poignant debut novel, a woman skilled at caring for animals must learn to mend the broken relationships in her family.…

For veterinarian Geneva Novak, animals can be easier to understand than people. They’re also easier to forgive. But when her mother, Helen, is injured in a vodka-fueled accident, it’s up to Geneva to give her the care she needs.

Since her teens, Geneva has kept her self-destructive mother at arm’s length. Now, with two slippery teenagers of her own at home, the last thing she wants is to add Helen to the mix. But Geneva’s husband convinces her that letting Helen live with them could be her golden chance to repair their relationship.

Geneva isn’t expecting her mother to change anytime soon, but she may finally get answers to the questions she’s been asking for so long. As the truth about her family unfolds, however, Geneva may find secrets too painful to bear and too terrible to forgive.

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book from Penguin First to Read and I thank them for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. This book wasn't really what I expected. I think I felt it would be a light-hearted contemporary and have some cute dogs in it - I mean, look at that cover. Of course, I can blame myself because I apparently didn't pay close attention to the synopsis. That being said, I am glad I didn't and truly enjoyed this novel.

This book is family dysfunction at its best. But not comical family dysfunction, dark and severely messed up dysfunction. Geneva clearly had a crazy childhood and it is a wonder she grew up and is as successful as she is. But Geneva got off lucky, because some of her family had it rougher than her.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters. None of them are extremely likable, and it takes some time to get used to Geneva's alcoholic mother, Helen. The book is told from duel perspectives which works extremely well for the story being told. There ARE some animals in it because after all, Geneva is a vet. The author did a great job of introducing a few dogs which end up mirroring characters in the book. It is a subtle symbolism, but it is there.

I am glad I picked up this book and I recommend it to anyone who is in the mood for a well written novel about families and all their goodness and badness. 

 

MT RATING: 4 PAWS

 

I want to thank Jenn...and Cherie Priest.

Jenn over at Jenn's Bookshelves hosted the Thankfully Reading event over Thanksgiving and also provided a give-away for the participants and I can't believe I won.  She asked for the book we were most Thankful this year and since I loved Maplecroft, I chose it.  I was randomly picked and   now a beautiful hand-made book necklace from Melody's etsy shop.

I will post a picture as soon as it arrives and thanks again Jenn!

Breakfast Club anyone?

Just wanted to post a quick review of one book I finished during Thankfully Reading.  This was an ARC which comes out next week and I think people should grab it up for the holidays!

TITLE:  Top Ten Clues You're Clueless
AUTHOR: Liz Czukas
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen
RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2014

FROM GOODREADS: Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe’s Day

5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market

4) Crashing a cart into a customer’s car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi

3) Trying to rock the “drowned rat” look after being caught in a snowstorm

2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)

1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees—of stealing upwards of $10,000

Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe’s list of Top Ten Best Moments.

MY THOUGHTS: Top 3 reasons I enjoyed this book:

1. A lot of diversity among the characters - different ages, different nationalities, different backgrounds and home life.
2. The lists! They were great - snarky, applicable to the chapters and interesting to read.
3. The Breakfast club feel. Come on, I was a child of the 80's and loved the brat pack.

This book and its characters were so likable. It takes place in a grocery store on Christmas Eve and I do believe I picked the perfect time of year to read it. The plot is fast paced and while it was somewhat predictable, there were just some elements the reader never sees coming. The one element is didn't necessarily like is Chloe's medical issue - diabetes. I feel so many YA novels are throwing in illness now as it is the "in" thing to do. However, in this book, the illness is not overdone and is not the main plot of the storyline, more like a side note.

I am pleased I received an advanced copy of this book and really think the author hit this one out of the park.

Top Reasons You Should Read This:
1. Because it is perfect for the holiday season.
2. Because you just might love it as much as I did.

RATING: 4 PAWS

Thankfully Reading Wrap up

Just a quick post wrapping up my reading holiday.  I want to thank Jenn for hosting this event as it was much less stressful than trying to shop.  I managed to read two books - and ARC of House Broken by Sonja Yoerg and an ARC of Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas.  I am about 100 pages in Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen (and I have to admit I am struggling) and I read the first chapter of Paw Enforcement by Diane Kelly.  Hope to do a better November wrap up and some reviews later this week.

Happy Birthday Cassius!

Hello there, it's me Booker T.  Just wanted to let everyone know that my baby brother, Cassius, turned 1 on Saturday.  The world sure hasn't been the same since he entered it, but I love him anyway.  Happy Birthday Cassius from me, Mom and Dad.  We love you!

Bye Bye Rudy

TITLE: Fashion Faux Paw
AUTHOR: Judi McCoy
PUBLISHER: SIGNET

FROM GOODREADS: It's Fashion Week in New York and Ellie's in charge of the dogs' modeling outfits that match their mommy-mdoels for a fashion competition. But before the first round closes, one of the designers drops dead of anaphylactic shock, her Epipen useless because someone's emptied it.

The victim's peanut allergy was well-known, so Ellie and her dog Rudy must comb through the brash designer's rivals, colleagues, and many enemies to discover who was so desperate that she committed the ultimate crime of fashion.

MY THOUGHTS: Although I usually read urban fantasy and paranormal books, every once in a while I like to mix things up. A few years ago I started reading a few cozy mysteries here and there and found that nothing cures a reading slump like one of these quick reads. It also helps when I can find cozies that have either a paranormal element, or one with dogs as I am a sucker for furry 4-legged friends.

I remember stumbling on the Dog Walker series in the library a few years back and picking up the first installment. Since August 2012, I have now devoured all six in the series. Sadly to say the author passed away in 2012 and it was sad to see an except at the back of this book for a story that will never be read.

Ellie is a dog walker in New York who started life over after divorcing a creep who allowed no pets in the home. She picks up Rudy from a shelter and finds that he contains the soul of a childhood pet. She also finds she is now able to hear what dogs are saying. Rudy and Ellie end up finding themselves in a few predicaments and she starts sleuthing and finds out that as a team, they are pretty good. Like most cozy mysteries, this is a quick read. I have come to love the characters so much, it doesn't even matter if I can guess who the killer is before the book ends. I will miss Rudy and Ellie along with her other dog friends. Sad to see this series end.

RATING: 4 PAWS

Thankfully Reading Weekend

Just joined a Thanksgiving weekend event - hey, anything to keep me from shopping.  Don't know what I plan to read yet but will figure it out in the next few days.  Thanks Jenn for hosting!

My Poor Little Boy

Booker T has a seizure this morning.  It didn't last long and the last one he had was about a year ago (at least we think since we can't be home all the time).  He is doing fine and his vet is against putting him on meds full time unless they become more frequent (my husband and I agree).  His Daddy was home with him so he wasn't alone, but I can't help but worry about him.  He is such a sweetheart. Please say a prayer for our boy.

Booker T - October 2014

A Few Reviews

Reading is slowly picking up.  Seems I have been in a slump for a while and it was really bringing me down.  Reading helps me keep my sanity and October was definitely a month of crazy!  I managed to finish two books this weekend so thought I would add a few mini reviews rather than waiting for the end of the month.

TITLE: Bridget Jones's Diary
AUTHOR: Helen Fielding
PUBLISHER: Penguin Books

FROM GOODREADS: Meet Bridget Jones—a 30-something Singleton who is certain she would have all the answers if she could:

a. lose 7 pounds
b. stop smoking
c. develop Inner Poise

"123 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent), cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."

Bridget Jones' Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement — a year in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult, and learn to program the VCR.

Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and — like millions of readers the world round — you'll find yourself shouting, "Bridget Jones is me!"

MY THOUGHTS:  I read this as part of a Goodreads group - The Reading Adventures Book Club.  I have read some chick lit and usually I find it a fast read.  However I struggled with this book.  I blame it having seen the movie and not being able to get it out of my head (and I was not a fan).  I did enjoy participating in the book group, but am in no hurry to continue with this series


RATING: 3 PAWS 

TITLE: On Borrowed Time (Library Lover's Mystery #5)
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
PUBLISHER: Berkley

FROM GOODREADS:  Loving a good cup of coffee runs in the family for Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris. But when her brother, Jack, a consultant for a coffee company, goes missing, her favorite beverage becomes a key clue in a dangerous mystery.

Between preparing the library for the holidays and juggling the affections of ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan, and her new crush, actor Robbie Vine, Lindsey has her hands full. But the mysterious disappearance of her world-traveling playboy brother takes precedence over all.

Afraid that involving the police could brew trouble for Jack, Lindsey takes matters into her own hands. But as her quest for her brother embroils her in a strange case involving South American business dealings and an enigmatic and exotic woman, it’ll take the help of both her library book club—the crafternooners—and her eager-to-please suitors to keep Jack from ending up in hot water…

MY THOUGHTS:  This book came out just last week and I couldn't wait to read it.  If chick lit can't break a slump, a cozy mystery sure can.  I really love this series as it centers around a head librarian and the events of a small coastal town.  This was a great addition to the series and the mystery kept my attention. I love all of the characters and think McKinlay does a wonderful job of creating a cast of players.  I really like this series and hope it continues. 

RATING: 4 PAWS

It's the most ZOMBIE-filled time of the year!!!!

Hello guys!  It's me - Booker T!  Mom and Dad are away for the moment, so I thought I would write a post from me and my shadow, oops, I mean sidekick, Cassius.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!!! 

Last night was Trick-or-Treat in our neighborhood and man, did I see all kinds of creatures - hippies, vampires, nurses and my all-time favorite of the evening - 2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  They were the cutest little guys ever.  There was only one zombie early on and he didn't stick around for long, so he must have heard about my zombie killing abilities.  I think tonight the folks may burn some candles, turn out the lights and watch a few horror movies.  I am game.  However, Cassie is a scaredy cat of a dog and I will have to make sure he has a blanket or two to cover his eyes. Here are a few pics of this years pumpkins - Cassie is even afraid of them.  Catch ya later!

Still Alive

It's been so long since I last posted, I don't know where to start.  Basically, I got sick at the beginning of September and felt like a cast member of The Walking Dead all month - and not one of the kickass main characters!   More like one of the things hurt, flesh falling off, just go ahead and kill me kind.

Then October brought training for work, lots of hours spent working on work projects, and little free time.  I have managed to squeeze some time for me and the family but not a lot.  There have been some good things...Marshall University is undefeated so far this year, The Walking Dead is back on and it is rockin' this season, darling husband got the house painted, and both pups are happy and healthy. 

Trick-or-treat is tomorrow night so this evening I need to shop for candy.  Maybe Booker T and I can get back on a regular blogging schedule soon.  I will leave with a few pup pics of my crew, who are getting ready for Zombie hunting Halloween night!  (well, Cass is resting up for Zombie hunting as you can see).

ZAC AND MIA

TITLE:  Zac and Mia
AUTHOR: A.J. Betts
PUBLISHER: HMH Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: September 2, 2014 (already available)

FROM GOODREADS:
The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this tough and tender young adult novel that's a lot about love (and a little about cancer).

Winner of the 2012 Australian Text Prize

"When I was little I believed in Jesus and Santa, spontaneous combustion, and the Loch Ness monster. Now I believe in science, statistics, and antibiotics." So says seventeen-year-old Zac Meier during a long, grueling leukemia treatment in Perth, Australia. A loud blast of Lady Gaga alerts him to the presence of Mia, the angry, not-at-all-stoic cancer patient in the room next door. Once released, the two near-strangers can't forget each other, even as they desperately try to resume normal lives. The story of their mysterious connection drives this unflinchingly tough, tender novel told in two voices.

MY THOUGHTS:  I received an invitation from Netgalley to read and review this book and am happy that I did. First let me say, this is a book about cancer, which I feel seems to be the new trend in Young Adult. And while I initially feared it was trying to be another The Fault in Our Stars, I am glad to say I am pleasantly surprised. I do wish I had not read the two books so closely together, but I have to say that I actually liked this one better. Both Zac and Mia are struggling with their illnesses. Zac is extremely likable, but Mia takes some getting used to. However, Betts portrays them brilliantly. I loved the various family dynamics and seeing the friendship between the two main characters develop. There are several pop culture references, which made the book seem even more real. I especially enjoy the way Zac looks at life. One of my favorite quotes in the book is when he is talking about being in the hospital at 3am – “Three is the worst hour. It’s too dark, too bright, too late, too early. It’s when the questions come, droning like flies, nudging me one by one until my mind’s full of them.” I can’t stress enough that this book deserves to be read. Don’t just write it off as “just another cancer book.” Give it a chance like I did and I don’t think many will regret it.

RATING:  4 PAWS

I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just knew something was up with Mom!  I warned everyone she was showing zombie-like symptoms, but nooooo, I'm just a pup......why take me seriously????  And then, about 10 days ago, Mom came down with the worst cold/bronchitis/hacking/sleep-sucking disease she has seen in years. She has been walking around like a zombie and even making zombie noises.  The past few days have been somewhat better, and when we went on a walk last night, she wasn't soooooooo scary looking, but for days, I was wondering about the safety of myself, Dad, and even Cassius, the annoying pup.

Surviving Henry

TITLE:  Surviving Henry
AUTHOR:  Erin Taylor Young
PUBLISHER:  Fleming H. Revell Company
RELEASE DATE:  August 5, 2014 (already available)

FROM GOODREADS:  You don't always know what you're getting into when you bring home a puppy. Enter Henry, a boxer who suffers from Supreme Dictator of the Universe Syndrome. He vandalizes his obedience school, leaps through windows, cheats death at every turn, and generally causes his long-suffering owner Erin Taylor Young to wonder what on earth she did that God would send this dog to derail her life.
Through his laugh-out-loud antics and escapades, Henry will steal readers' hearts. Anyone who has ever owned a dog, especially a canine catastrophe like Henry, will enjoy this lighthearted book about a dog who brings new meaning to the concept of unconditional love.


MY THOUGHTS:  My husband and I have owned 5 boxer dogs over the past 20 or so years, and currently have 2 in our home, so when I saw this cover, I immediately knew I had to read this book. I was provided a copy by Netgalley and Revell Publishing and I cannot thank them enough. Henry is definitely a trying dog. I have been lucky enough to never quite have a Henry, but I did have a Cooper, who suffered so badly from separation anxiety when he was young that I quickly learned the inside workings of several pieces of furniture.

I admire Young's dedication to this dog. And I love how along the way, she seems to learn that she dearly loves the dog she thought she despised. Young's anecdotes are mostly hilarious and sometimes sad and scary. However, I cannot believe she continued to try to find creative ways to wear this dog out. I mean, my 9 month old pup is pretty rambunctious and I would never dream of tying him to a scooter or a bike and pulling me as a means of exercise. Although this just goes to prove how desperate Young was at times to reign in Henry.

I cannot say enough that I loved this book. It was just what I needed as our family is just again starting to raise another young boxer through his life. In addition, I was approved for this title just after we lost our 16 year old boxer, so I took it as a comforting sign that I should read it and reminisce about all the good times, and sometimes crazy times, we shared with Barkley. Thank you Erin Taylor Young for sharing your escapades with Henry. You truly do have an amazing dog and an amazing heart.

RATING: 5 PAWS

Somebody Help!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE....somebody send zombie fighting medicine my way.  The past week, Mom has been playing with me and all of a sudden will grab my face and say "T, you are so cute I could just eat you alive."  When she does, I always look at Dad as I just know she has been infected and I don't know what to do!  I hope I am wrong in my diagnosis but I suppose only time will tell.

New Release!!!!

TITLE:  Slimy Underbelly
AUTHOR: Kevin J. Anderson
PUBLISHER:  Kensington Books
RELEASE DATE:  August 26, 2014

FROM GOODREADS: There’s something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah’Chulhu (to which the usual response is “Gesundheit!”). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah’Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain…

MY THOUGHTS: This book comes out tomorrow and I am so glad I obtained an early copy. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Dan Shambles series is one I always try to remain pretty current on. They are such fun, mindless read - and I mean mindless in a good way. Anderson has created a wonderful world in the Undead Quarter. Each new book is filled with more excited supernatural creatures. Every installment in the series pretty much has a large mystery for Detective Dan to solve, along with some others that either tie in or are indirectly related.

Dan is a well functioning, well maintained zombie. His PI agency consists of a human attorney partner, and a ghostly secretary who is also his girlfriend. These books are high on adventure and low on romance. They are also full of really tacky, really bad puns, which are extremely enjoyable in this context. As mentioned, it is part of a series of 3 other books and 2 novellas, but you could probably read it as a stand-alone and do OK. Anderson does a pretty good job on filling the reader in on the important history without overkilling it.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery books with a lot of paranormal, sci-fi elements. This book would make a great translation to graphic novels. The writing and description is so colorful and pulls the ready in to this strange, albeit fun, world. I am already looking forward to the next installment!

RATING: 4 PAWS

Brief Update

So things have been a tad slow going on the farm lately.  Everyone is pretty much still trying to fill the void that was Barkley with something - whether it be tears, fond memories, or something else to hide the numbness.  I have a few reviews to catch up on and hopefully can get them done this weekend.  Also, if I can finish the book I am currently reading, I hope to move on to a review copy of Kevin Anderson's Slimy Underbelly this weekend.  I love the Dan Shambles series and was stoked to get an advance copy of this.

 I will leave with a pic of Barkley at Halloween in his Flash costume (you can't see the lightning bolt) destroying a pumpkin which was one of his favorite holiday events - Barb.

Lost my best friend!

Yesterday I lost my best friend of 4 years - Barkley passed away after his health deteriorated the past few weeks.  Mom and Dad have been with Barkley for almost 16 years, so this is especially hard on them. Cassius and I are doing our best to help them through this difficult time.  It is a sad time on the farm - Booker T.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT BARKLEY:

1.  He did not discriminate - he disliked almost all people.
2.  His favorite toys were tennis balls - he once got a bad of 20 for Christmas and had to put each in his         mouth before deciding which to play with that day.
3.  He was the runt of his liter and when he came home in the middle of winter, he wore a cut-out hunting        sock as a dog sweater.
4.  He loved sleeping under covers and slept in a makeshift tent at night.
5.  He was loved by all of his family and will be dearly missed.

JULY READING WRAP UP

Was only able to read 4 books on July.  Reviews and other information can be found on my Goodread account.

Title: Traitors  (Novella follow up to Crooked Fang)
Author: Carrie Clevenger
Publisher: Katarr Kanticles Press

Rating: 3 Paws

Title:  The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Author:  Catherynne M. Valente
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Rating: 4 Paws

Title: White Hot Kiss
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Rating: 4 Paws

Title:  Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)
Author: E.L. James
Publisher: Vintage

Rating: 2 Paws

BOOK REVIEW - DEAR DAUGHTER

TITLE: Dear Daughter
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Little
PUBLISHER: Viking Adult
RELEASE DATE: July 31, 2014

FROM GOODREADS:  As soon as they processed my release Noah and I hit the ground running. A change of clothes. A wig. An inconspicuous sedan. We doubled back once, twice, then drove south when we were really headed east. In San Francisco we had a girl who looked like me board a plane to Hawaii.

Oh, I thought I was so clever.

But you probably already know that I'm not.

LA IT girl Janie Jenkins has it all. The looks, the brains, the connections. The criminal record.

Ten years ago, in a trial that transfixed America, Janie was convicted of murdering her mother. Now she's been released on a technicality she's determined to unravel the mystery of her mother's last words, words that send her to a tiny town in the very back of beyond. But with the whole of America's media on her tail, convinced she's literally got away with murder, she has to do everything she can to throw her pursuers off the scent.

She knows she really didn't like her mother. Could she have killed her?

MY THOUGHTS:  

I am so glad I was able to receive an early copy of this book from Pengiun. If it wasn't for First to Read, I may have never given it a second glance. Janie was convicted of killing her mother 10 years ago and has just been released on a technicality. Janie is now trying to figure out who actually killed her mother with just one glitch, she hadn't ruled herself out of the short list of suspects. This book was wonderfully written for the author's first novel. It is full if pop culture references...more I am so glad I was able to receive an early copy of this book from Pengiun. If it wasn't for First to Read, I may have never given it a second glance. Janie was convicted of killing her mother 10 years ago and has just been released on a technicality. Janie is now trying to figure out who actually killed her mother with just one glitch, she hadn't ruled herself out of the short list of suspects. This book was wonderfully written for the author's first novel. It is full if pop culture references and Janie herself is a blast. She is full of cynicism and snarkiness, two traits I dearly love. This book contains a mesmerizing mystery and the ending had me yelling for more. I will definitely be recommending it to others. RATING: 4 PAWS

PLAYING CATCH UP

     Hey guys, it's me Booker T!  It has been FUREVER since Mom helped me post but so much has happened. She explained to me she wants to give this blogging thing a second try as her first attempt was such an epic fail.  She also told me that she wants to share my blog so she can do some random book related and some other posts since she has been reading more in the past few years and since I need her help maneuvering the keyboard, I figured it was the least I could do.

     I must update you on the farm.  So far, there have been minimal zombie sightings.  I think I finally have this area covered and with the help of my various farm (stuffed) animals, we have a security system that works.  In much sadder news, we lost my dear brother Cooper in April of 2013.  It was devastating for all of us as he was such a big part of all of our hearts.  My brother Barkley is now 15 1/2 and while his health is diminishing, he is still around barking out orders from his watchtower (aka - his favorite old chair).  And last but not least, Dad bought Mom a new puppy for her birthday this year.  He knew how much she was missing Cooper, and her father, who passed a year ago this month, that in January, we welcomed the newest pup into the household.  And can I just say, things have not been the same.  Let me introduce Cassius Cee.  

He is now 8 months old and never lets any of us forget he is the baby.  He doesn't quite understand that Dad is MINE, and I am still learning to share.  However, he is kind of fun to play with and have around.  Plus it means an extra birthday celebration, thus more snacks and toys, each year.

 

     Well that is about it for the update - Booker T.