This Thursday Book #meme is hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books. To participate is rather simple. You display the information to one of your favorite (all-time) books and then discuss why you chose it.

This week, I chose:

Title: Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Diary

Why I chose this book: I haven’t read it since the 4th grade (or maybe it was the 3rd) so I will be honest when I say I can’t rejudge it. But I can explain why it was my favorite book at the time, and why – even if it’s not a huge best seller, how it’s one of the best books in my life.

This was the first Nancy Drew book I ever read. Ever. My mother gave it to me because it was something she had read when she was my age and she thought I would like it. I did. It was the start of a very passionate Nancy Drew book love affair.

There was a period in the 4th grade when I would read a single book every day. Every moment I had free in class, I would whip out a Nancy Drew book and read and read until my heart was content (or until the teacher told me to put it away).

Although I don’t remember it, I thought the books were scary suspenseful. My mother and father had to make me stop reading them for some time because they said I kept having nightmares (I don’t remember this).  Do little girls still like Nancy Drew? I sure hope so!

A few months ago I was at Books-a-Million and there were a BUNCH of hardcover Nancy Drew books on the clearance table for about $1.00. I believe I purchased Carli 1-8? I bought her quite a few; buying pretty much whatever was on the table that wasn’t a repeat!

My daughter, who is just about 21 months old, already likes sitting on the floor surrounded in books. If she’s anything like me (and so far she is!) then Nancy Drew is something she’ll really enjoy, too!

Every Thursday, Booking Through Thursday asks a book-ish question. This week, the question was:

How do you feel about illustrations in your books? Graphs? Photos? Sketches?

That is very easy – I love illustrations. In fact, I love them even more in educational books as they help visual students learn by seeing. Some concepts, which have been difficult to learn without pictures (Anatomy & Physiology, or Organic Chemistry) due best with little cartoons and sketches. When they are actual cartoons, it makes learning pretty fun.

I am also a huge fan of graphic novels/manga. In highschool, I used to roll my eyes whenever I would see someone drawing a manga/anime character or reading a graphic novel. What geeks, I thought. Who would have known 10 years later, I would be one of the biggest geeks of all — 27 years old and loving Japanese graphic novels!

I think reading without images is just fine – for we are able to come up with our own images and how we view and perceive what is written.   But I think even the most eloquently written novel could benefit from a few images or sketches for those who are more visual. Sometimes – just those few images will keep a reluctant reader — reading.

Note:

If you have participated in Booking Through Thursday, please make sure to mark, “Participant” when you comment because that will add your link to Mr. Linky!

1. Barbara

2. pussreboots

3. You're next!

Synopsis: (Taken from back of book)

Benjamin Pratt’s harbor-side school is going to be bulldozed to make room for an amusement park. It sounds like a dream come true … or is it more like a nightmare? Something about the plan seems fishy, and Lyman, the new assistant janitor, seems even fishier.

When Ben and his friend, Jill, start digging for answers, they find things that the people with money and power don’t want them to see. Could the history hidden deep within an old school building actually overthrow a thirty-million-dollar real-estate deal? And how far will the developers go to keep that from happening?

Ben and Jill are about to discover just how dangerous a little knowledge can be.

Review:

I received this ARC from the publisher, which was a real surprise since.. It’s Andrew Clements! I don’t think you could go through childhood and not know who Andrew Clements is! Needless to say I was very honored and excited to be reviewing in advance the first novel in a new children’s series, Benjamin Pratt & The Keepers of the School.

The first book in the new Clement’s series is titled, We the Children. We are introduced to an incredibly likable character named Ben whose parents are going through a rough divorce. He alternates visits between his mother and his father (his father living on a boat). Ben doesn’t mind living on a boat, because he loves sailing himself (and even competing in races!) Ben is a thoughtful, smart little kid who still manages to have his head on his shoulders even though his life has made a drastic change.

One day the janitor hands him a golden coin; a coin that must be a century old! With this simple act, Ben is thrust into a new world of information and puzzles that are meant to be unfold. He has to work hard and work fast in order to save his school!

I found this book an adorable read. It had enough puzzle action to have me wondering what was going to happen next, so I can only imagine how much kids of the appropriate reading age group would just love this book! I can not wait to find out what happens next in the series. What IS the secret behind the school and will Ben unleash it in time?

I took the advice of recommendations and made some purchases this week. I want to feel a little guilty but at the same time, I am so excited about what is coming to me! I ordered these books from Barnes and Noble because shipping was free and are usually shipped out within 3 business days. (Can’t beat that!)

I am hoping, also, in the next few weeks to finally get a new bookcase. All I have is one three shelfer that is about 4 feet tall. Needless to say it can’t possibly house the hundreds of books that I actually have.

I want to get a new bookcase from Ikea but I am torn between a few styles. One that I REALLY like is about $200 ($300-ish with the glass doors) But it is sooo classic and elegant. The Billy bookcases are cheap (at about $60 per bookcase) but they aren’t as nice as the other one I was looking at. (shrug) I’ll figure it out next time I go to Ikea.

• Blankets by Craig Thompson
• Kapilavastu (Buddha, Vol. 1) by Osamu Tezuka
• Emma: Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori
• Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
• Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1)by Margaret Peterson Haddix
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (I had to buy another since my original has fallen apart!)
• The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist
• Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I kept reading all about Before I Fall, so I have to read it. The Unit is a dystopian novel that looked and sounded really good and I am all about Dystopian novels right now! (If you have any recommendations other than The Hunger Games and Maze Runner Trilogies as I have already read those — then send them on over!)

To participate in this meme, visit: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/.

I am knitting this for the baby on the way. It is a sleep sack made of 100% wool yarn which goes over a cloth diaper. Not perfect, but – I am pretty new at this.

If you’ve participated in Wordless Wednesday, and have commented on my entry – make sure to add your WW post to Mr. Linky below! (Users must comment and make sure to check participant in order to leave their link on Mr. Linky. It’s only fair).

1. homemom3

2. TorAa

3. You're next!

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

**WARNING** If you have NOT read The Hunger Games, please do not read this review including the synopsis as it may provide major spoilers for you.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Review:

I finished Catching Fire in a matter of a day or two. What was not to enjoy? There was suspense, fear, wonderment, and the anticipation of love. Katniss is semi-enjoying life as a victor. Never again does she have to worry about feeding her family, or her mother working too hard to provide for her sister.  Katniss has the means to give her family a somewhat-comfortable life. Having more riches and resources than she knows what to do with, Katniss often shares with other families close by.

But – is life really that easy? The capital, primarily President Snow — is angry. Katniss’ behavior in the games has begun a revolution, an uproar.  Districts are beginning to question authority. President snow will not have this. He will not be risen against. For this – that’s it – the victors (2 from each district) go back into the ring. That will teach them.

Katniss knows she is going to die. She will do everything in her power to protect Peeta, who has only loved her unselfishly. But Peeta will do everything in his power to protect Katniss.

When Katniss is up against only winners – who will come out alive? Who’s life will have to be paid as a punishment for their own revenge?

Catching Fire was interesting ( to put it lightly)– with a quickly building climax and more motion. In all honesty, just like The Hunger Games, I couldn’t put it down. Above all else — many questions are popping up and I need answers. Unfortunately, the final sequel, Mockingjay — is still months away. (And I anticipate this with frustrated anticipation!)

If you’ve enjoyed The Hunger Games, then I definitely recommend continuing on and reading what happens next in Catching Fire.

Preorder Mockingjay: Out August 10th, 2010 – ONLY $8.50!
Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page * BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser: We the Children (Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School) by Andrew Clements (ISBN: 9781416938866)

Synopsis: (Taken from Back of Book)

Benjamin Pratt’s harbor-side school is going to be bulldozed to make room for an amusement park. It sounds like a dream come true… or is it more like a nightmare? Something about the plan seems fishy, and Lyman, the new assistant janitor, seems even fishier. When Ben and his friend, Jill, start digging for answers, they find things that the people with the money and power don’t want them to see. Could the history hidden deep within an old school building actually overthrow a thirty-million-dollar real-estate deal? And how far will the developers go to keep that from happening? Ben and Jill are about to discover just how dangerous a little knowledge can be.

Teaser:

Ben picked up his backpack and headed toward the art room. And just before he opened the door, both sirens began wailing again. – pg. 8

Note:

If you’ve also participated in Teaser Tuesdays, feel free to add your link (AFTER you have commented) to Mr. Linky. When you comment, click the box that says “participant” and it should include your link in Mr. Linky below:

1. Kathy Martin 2. Alice Audrey

3. Jennifer 4. kaye

5. Barbara 6. You're next!

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

Horrid Henry makes a deal with his parents in return for eating his veggies; accidentally wears girls’ underwear to school; tries to prove he is sicker than his brother; and writes the meanest thank-you cards ever (and makes money on it too).

Francesca Simon is one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors. She is the only American to have ever won the Galaxy Book Award, and her creation, Horrid Henry, is the #1 bestselling chapter book series in the UK—with a hit TV show and over fifteen million copies sold! Each book contains four easy-to-read stories and hilarious illustrations by the one and only Tony Ross, so even the most reluctant of readers won’t be able to resist Henry’s amazing talent for trouble!

Review:

Rarely do I ever see a major protagonist who is also an antagonist .. Henry is mean, a bully, and generally unlikeable. In fact, Henry is just absolutely horrid (har, har).

Basically Henry has a pretty normal family – a younger brother named Peter (dubbed “Perfect Peter”) and two loving parents who only want what is best for him. Somehow, though – Henry is all about being just plain nasty and manipulative (a true sociopath in the making!) (Anyone want to put dibs on an adult version titled “Homicidal Henry”?)

The book is split into a few stories, all of which Henry is trying to accomplish some self-absorbed selfish task. In the first story, his family is trying to coerce him into eating his vegetables but all Henry wants is junk food, junk food, junk food. They agree that if he eats his vegetables every day for 5 days, they will take him to his favorite fast food restaurant. Henry agrees – but that doesn’t mean he’s going to give in easy to his promise.

Horrid Henry has humerous bits – and I think it’s an entertaining read for it’s age group (9-12) though I think kids as young as 5 would really enjoy this type of book. I think it would allow children, through reading, to live out their fantasies as being “tricky”. I do encourage parents to, after their children have read the stories, to discuss it with each other. After all, we wouldn’t want Henry to suddenly become a hero.

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin’s magic never showed up.

Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all.

This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant

Review:

Truth be told, it took me over a month to read this (rather short) novel. But — why exactly? I have no clue. While it certainly wasn’t terrible (or even bad – nor boring). .I just neglected to grow the “oomph!” while reading it. Maybe it was my busy state of mind , with too many things to do and think about?

Once a Witch was interesting, though – truly.  I think it’ll be a novel that many young adults and adults-alike will enjoy reading.  Of course anything with magic is typically a sure win! While it’s not on my pile of favorite reads — simply because it didn’t make me want to keep reading above all else, it certainly was a book I did want to finish.

If you enjoy movies that include magic (a little bit of romance) then I recommend Once a Witch.

Edit: I guess J.Kaye is no longer doing it, but has passed it on to Sheila.

J.Kaye created a Meme for Mondays where you list the books you have recently completed this week, books you are currently reading, and books you hope to read this week. This is one of my favorite memes (and favorite bloggers) so make sure you check it out and participate, if you can!

Because Once a Witch took me WAY too long to read, and I haven’t read much in the past month or so – I decided to start off with some easy YA/Children’s books for the week to get the reading mojo back in swing.

The books I have read in the past week:

• Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Books I am currently reading:

• Horrid Henry’s Underpants by Francesca Simon

Books I plan on reading this week:

• Benjamin Pratt & The of the Keeper’s School: We the Children by Andrew Clements

What are YOU reading?