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Fables: Rose Red

Title: Fables Vol. 15: Rose Red

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 256

Rating: 5  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fables Series; Support Your Local Library; RYN - R; Color Coded - R

Rose Red, sister of Snow White, has finally hit rock bottom. Does she stay there, or is it time to start the long, tortuous climb back up? The Farm is in chaos, as many factions compete to fill the void of her missing leadership. And there’s a big magical fight brewing down in the town square, right under her window.

Another great addition to the Fables series.  This one had so many storylines, and I loved every single one.  That's not always the case.  Of course we get the main storyline of Rose Red's triumphant return.  But we also get Beauty and Beast's baby, Bellflower's (Frau Totenkinder) battle with Mr. Dark, an interesting meeting with the North Wind, and a few shorts after the move to Haven.  I loved it!  The best part... the beautiful illustrations.  This volume included the series' 100th issue.  The artwork for that issue was too beautiful not to share.  So, I made it my button for this year's challenge.  Enjoy!

Fables:

  1. Legends in Exile
  2. Animal Farm
  3. Storybook Love
  4. March of the Wooden Soldiers
  5. The Mean Seasons
  6. Homelands
  7. Arabian Nights (and Days)
  8. Wolves
  9. Sons of Empire
  10. The Good Prince
  11. War and Pieces
  12. The Dark Ages
  13. The Great Fables Crossover
  14. Witches
  15. Rose Red
  16. Super Team
  17. Inherit the Wind
  18. Cubs in Toyland
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, Bout of Books Readathon, fairy tales, fantasy, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 01.10.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Top Ten Tuesday -- New Books from Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join.  If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

This week's Top Ten is "Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book."  This is a bit of a difficult topic.  I have a few authors that I've read everything they've written.  A part of me wishes they would write another, but another part of me is satisfied. 

1. Jane Austen -- Not that I want a ton of new novels, but enough time for her to finish the books she started before her death. 

2. Douglas Adams -- I know, another dead author.  But I love his books so much, it would be nice to see another one. 

3. Lewis Carroll -- (I think I should rename this "Dead Authors I wish Would Write Another Book")  I loved Alice and Through the Looking Glass.  I would love to see another book in the same universe.   

4. Gail Carriger -- I know Timeless is being released, but I already want more!

5. David Moody -- His Autumn series is phenomenal.  I want more, more, more!

tags: Top Ten Tuesday
categories: Books
Tuesday 01.10.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker

Title: Brains: A Zombie Memoir

Author: Robin Becker

Publisher: Harper Voyager 2010

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 182

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie; Support Your Local Library; RYN - B

How I Got It: Library Loan

College-professor-cum-zombie Jack Barnes is a different breed of undead—he can think. In fact, he can even write. And the story he has to tell is a truly disturbing—yet strangely heartwarming—one.

Convinced he'll bring about a peaceful coexistence between zombies and humans if he can demonstrate his unique condition to Howard Stein, the man responsible for the zombie virus, Barnes sets off on a grueling cross-country journey to meet his maker. Along the way he recruits a small army of "super" zombies that will stop at nothing to reach their goal. There's Guts, the dreadlocked boy who can run like the wind; Joan, the matronly nurse adept at reattaching decaying appendages; Annie, the young girl with a fierce quick-draw; and Ros, who can actually speak. United they embark on an epic quest to attain what all men, women—and, apparently, zombies—yearn for: equality.

This novel is sweet.  I didn't think I would ever say that about a zombie novel, but it's true.  You meet Jack Barnes.  Sure, he's an asshole in his human life and now he lusts for brains.  But yet, you want him to find happiness.  You root for his rag tag band of super zombies.  They might be zombies, but each one has a distinct personality.  I love Becker's interpretation of a zombie apocalypse.  My favorite is definitely Annie, the gunslinger.  She doesn't appear until halfway through the book, but she makes quite an appearance.  I love her back story, well the little we get, and her after story even better.  Definitely a must read for zombie fans.

tags: 5 stars, Bout of Books Readathon, Robin Becker, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 01.09.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #1

Today's Progress:

  • Books Read: 1
  • Total Books Read: 1
  • Pages Read: 182
  • Total Pages Read: 182
  • Time Read: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Total Time Read: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • #todayinsixwords: Love sympathetic zombies and warm brains

My goals:

  • Read at least 5 books (1 down)
  • Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
  • Review all books read (1 down)
  • Participate in at least 2 mini challenges (1 down)
  • Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
  • Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
  • Sunshine by Robin McKinley
  • Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
  • Hatter M Vol. 1
  • Hatter M Vol. 2
  • Hatter M Vol. 3
  • Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
  • Fables: Rose Red
  • Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Mini Challenge #1: TBR Pile Pic

I'm cheating a bit with this one.  My actual TBR pile is way too big to try and photography in any real sense.  So instead, I am just including my TBR pile for the readathon.  The only books not pictured are Brains (which I finished today) and Fables: Rose Red (up next).

tags: Bout of Books Readathon
categories: Readathon
Monday 01.09.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- 2011 Highlights

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2011

Books: Jack of Fables: The End

Music Selections:

  1. Mumford and Sons "The Cave"
  2. Adele "Rolling in the Deep"
  3. Adele "Set Fire to the Rain"
  4. Bruno Mars"Grenade"
  5. Foster the People "Pumped Up Kicks"

These are the songs that I got stuck in my head this past year.  I love each an every one of them.  Yes, even the Bruno Mars song.  Enjoy getting them stuck in your head! Plus, an extra little treat for you.

tags: Adele, Bruno Mars, Foster the People, Linkin Park, Mumford & Sons, My Years
categories: Music
Monday 01.09.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Boys: The Big Ride

Title: The Boys Vol 9: The Big Ride

Author: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and John McCrea

Publisher: Dynamite 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 276

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Mount TBR; RYN - B

How I Got It: J owns it

The Boys Volume 9 collects three separate story arcs, including the momentous issue #50, with bonus pin-ups and interviews! In issues #48-51: "Proper Preparation and Planning" - With Hughie absent, Butcher re-examines the Boys'' first encounter with the Seven, trying to figure out what went wrong. But first there's some disquiet in the ranks to be dealt with, not to mention the return of an old and unexpected enemy who finally, incredibly, has come into his own. Meanwhile, on the Seven's floating headquarters, a flying lesson goes badly awry... In issues #52-55: "Barbary Coast" - Hughie travels out west to finally meet Lieutenant-Colonel Greg Mallory, the man who started The Boys. All kinds of secrets await our hero, beginning with the terrible story of the first supes to see action in World War Two. When the revelations cease, will Hughie return, or walk away from the team forever? In issues #56-59: "The Big Ride" - The countdown to the end begins, as Jack from Jupiter takes one step beyond... or does he? Hughie's triumphant return is not all he'd hoped for, but Butcher has bigger fish to fry. And The Boys meet the mysterious Doctor Peculiar...

I don't know if I have anything to add...  The summary is great.  I love this series.  And the war is coming...  It's the calm before the storm.  The tension is mounting.  When I finished this volume, I think my mouth was hanging open for at least a minute before I recovered.  I am at the edge of my seat just waiting for the next volume to be published.

The Boys:

  1. The Name of the Game
  2. Get Some
  3. Good for the Soul
  4. We Gotta Go Now
  5. Herogasm
  6. The Self-Preservation Society
  7. The Innocents
  8. Highland Laddie
  9. The Big Ride
  10. Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker
  11. Over the Hill with the Sword of a Thousand Men
  12. The Bloody Doors Off
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 01.09.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 5
 

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Title: Stranger in a Strange Land

Author: Robert Heinlein

Publisher: Ace 1991

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 528

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Science Fiction; A to Z - H; My Years - 1991; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

One of the greatest science fiction novels ever published, Stranger in a Strange Land's original manuscript had 50,000 words cut. Now they have been reinstated for this special 30th anniversary trade edition. A Mars-born earthling arrives on this planet for the first time as an adult, and the sensation he creates teaches Earth some unforgettable lessons. "A brilliant mind-bender."--Kurt Vonnegut.

Overall this book was amazing.  I can see why J and others have been hounding me to read it.  Usually, I can speed through a book, getting lost in the world.  With this one, I found myself having to go back and reread passages to grasp what was transpiring.  Heinlein has overlaid so many stories and so many messages into one book.   There's passages about religion, philosophy, psychology, science, political science, gender and sex, and many more topics.  I loved the variety of each chapter.  It's taken me some time to get through it (and I don't understand it all yet) and really come away with a couple of new perspectives and confirmations on some others.  My only caution to others is that it is a dense book.  I encourage others to read it, but it probably isn't the best introduction to science fiction and Heinlein.  You might want to start with Have Spacesuit-Will Travel or Ender's Game.  Either one is a bit lighter on the science and philosophy.

Most thought provoking passage:

"Jubal, are you telling me that I ought not to criticize the administration>  When they're wrong?  When I know they're wrong?"  "Nope.  Gadflies such as yourself are utterly necessary.  Nor am I opposed to 'turning the rascals out' -- it's usually the soundest rule of politics.  But it's well to take a look at what new rascals you are going to get before you jump at any chance to turn your present rascals out.  Democracy is a poor system of government at best; the only thing that can honestly be said in its favor is that it is about eight times as good as any other method the human race ever tried.  Democracy's worst fault is that its leaders are likely to reflect the faults and virtues of their constituents--a depressingly low level, but what else can you expect?  So take a look at Douglas and ponder that, in his ignorance, stupidity, and self-seeking, he much resembles his fellow Americans, including you and me... and that in fact he is a notch or two above the average.  Then take a look at the man who will replace him if his government topples." (page 232)
tags: 5 stars, Robert Heinlein, science fiction
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 01.09.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 -- Starting Line

From Bout of Books:

  • Bout of Books will run from 12:01am 1/9 through 11:59 pm 1/15 (your time zone)
  • However,all posts on this blog and the challenges at the co-hosts' blogs will publish at midnight CST (or UTC-6).
  • Read as much as you can whenever you can. The only person you are competing against here is yourself. There is no pressure.  Commit to the entire week or a few hours - whatever works best for your schedule.
  • Bout of Books should be about networking with fellow bloggers in addition to reading. You were going to read that week anyway, right? Bout of Books gives you the opportunity to share your reading experience with other readers.
  • Use #boutofbooks on Twitter to update people on your progress and what you are reading. Feel free to follow me (@BookBender) and your co-hosts (links in the side bar) for Bout of Books information, but please do NOT @ me (or the co-hosts) with all your updates. Using #boutofbooks should suffice. I will try to repopulate the Bout of Books Twitter list.  For ideas for using Twitter to your advantage during the read-a-thon, visit our Twitter Tips page.
  • All challenges and giveaways are separate, meaning you can participate in any challenge even if you are not interested in the prize that day.  All giveaway information can be found on the Giveaway page.
  • Help spread the word!  Grab the button in the side bar and post it on your blog.  Tweet.  The more people we have participating, the more fun it will be.

Round3: I'm ready for it.  My first readathon of 2012 and I get to start with one that I've come to love.  I especially love that I'm competing against myself, not some readathon wide target or against other bloggers. It's just me.  I've got some great books lined up for this one.  My previous records were 13 books for 1.0 and 7 books for 2.0.  I don't know if I can beat 1.0, but that's my big goal... 

My goals:

  • Read at least 5 books
  • Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
  • Review all books read
  • Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
  • Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
  • Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
  • Sunshine by Robin McKinley
  • Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
  • Hatter M Vol. 1
  • Hatter M Vol. 2
  • Hatter M Vol. 3
  • Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
  • Fables: Rose Red
  • Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)
tags: Bout of Books Readathon
categories: Readathon
Sunday 01.08.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Dark and Hollow Places (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #3)

Author: Carrie Ryan

Publisher: Delacorte 2011

Genre: Zombies

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombies; Read My Name - R; Support Your Local Library

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters. Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

A great end to The Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy.  This one continued the story well, focusing on Annah and her fight for survival in the Dark City.  The plot line was great.  The characters were entertaining.  The villains (not the Unconsecrated) were sufficiently villainous.  The only difference was the style.  This book felt more like a discussion on the meaning of life rather than an eventful story.  Sure, there were action sequences.  Things happened.  But the entire book feels more like a philosophical text.  And I appreciate this change.  We get to really see what The Return means to the future of the human race.  We get discussions about the meaning of life.  Characters must decided whether the life they have is enough to truly live.  And I must say, Annah is a much more likable character than Gabry (Abigail).  I enjoyed the conclusion to the trilogy.  I will definitely be reading anything that Carrie Ryan writes in the future.

Forest of Hands and Teeth

  • #0.4 What We Once Feared
  • #0.5 Hare Moon
  • #1 The Forest of Hands and Teeth
  • #2 The Dead-Tossed Waves
  • #3 The Dark and Hollow Places
  • #3.5 The Dead and Empty World
tags: 5 stars, Carrie Ryan, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 01.08.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Questions Questions

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am answering “50 Questions to Free Your Mind” (Google it).   I had originally thought to do these in my personal journal, but then I thought, why not put them on my blog.  So get ready for some rambling answers.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you… Here's my post for questions #1-5.  And here for questions #6-10.

11. You're having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do? Speak up.  I'm not sure why people feel the need to be negative all the time.  I know that I need to work on this and I think everyone else also needs to focus on this.  Since working in customer service, I've noticed how negative people are to total strangers.   I can't imagine how negative they are around so-called "friends."   

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Don't let people talk down to you or put you down in any way.  I spent too much time in my life feeling like there was something wrong with me.  It all goes back to kindness...

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Yes.  While I believe that the law is very important to our society, human life is even more important. 

14. Have you ever seen insanity where later saw creativity? Yes.  In teaching, we often view others' ideas and techniques with suspicion.  Only later does it become apparent that some of those weird ideas and techniques were pure genius!

15. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Lately, I've been getting the feeling that I think about and consider others more than most people I know or meet.  I'm not saying that I am in any way an awesome person, but I try to be polite and courteous most of the time. 

16. How come things that make you happy don't make everyone happy? Because we all unique beings.  I know, such a clichéd answer, but it's true.  Each one of us responds postively to different things.  I love a good book, a hot cup of tea, and a dark chocolate bar.  Not everyone finds so much satisfaction in those things.  That is what makes humans so interesting.

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What's holding you back? Travel... time and money.  Up until now, I've had a ton of constraints on my time.  In reality, I still do, but some of the current commitments are more flexible.  And up until now, and still now really, I'm fairly poor.  I would love to have the time and money to travel all over the world.  As it stands, I have limitations.  But I'm really pushing for an out-of-state vacation within the next year.  It doesn't even have to be out of the country, I'd be okay just getting out of Nebraska (and not back to Indiana).

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes.  Anger.  I still have some anger about things from my past.  I am working to let go.  I've been working for years to let go.  I still have some to go.  It's an ongoing process.

19. If you had to move to a state or country beside the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? Somewhere warmer.  I like snow, I really do.  It's beautiful and fun to play in.  But then the bitter cold sets in and I get sick.  And suddenly winter isn't fun anymore.  I would love to move somewhere southern.  (But then I would have to deal with extreme heat and humidity...  blah!)  How about Hawaii?

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? No, but I see people do it all the time.  I really want to smack them...  Does that make me a horrible person?

tags: 101 in 1001, 50 Questions to Free Your Mind
categories: Day Zero Project, Writings
Sunday 01.08.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 5
 

The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks

Title: The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks

Author: Max Brooks

Publisher: Three Rivers Press 2009

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 144

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie; Read Your Name - B; My Years 2009; Support Your Local Library

How I Got It: Library Loan

Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

From the Stone Age to the information age, the undead have threatened to engulf the human race. They’re coming. They’re hungry.

Don’t wait for them to come to you!

This is the graphic novel the fans demanded: major zombie attacks from the dawn of humanity. On the African savannas, against the legions of ancient Rome, on the high seas with Francis Drake . . . every civilization has faced them. Here are the grisly and heroic stories–complete with eye-popping artwork that pulsates with the hideous faces of the undead.

Organize before they rise!

Brought to you by the man who wrote World War Z and The Zombie Survival Guide, both of which I absolutely loved! The stark black and white drawings of zombie attacks through history were beautiful.  I loved little to know writing.  The pictures speak for themselves. We start in prehistoric times.  And move through the ages to the near present.  This is a perfect companion to both of the other books.

tags: 5 stars, Max Brooks, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 01.07.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I'm reposting this review as it still holds true.  I reread the first Harry Potter and loved it just as much as the first time.

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 1997

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 309

Rating:  5  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP; Read My Name - R

How I Got It: Own it!

This one is a reread for me.  It's been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that's what eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it's been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

  • Favorite scene: Diagon Alley, you can just see the wondrous shops and Harry enchantment.  I love that moment!
  • Favorite character: Hagrid.  He's just such a character in this book.  And I loved seeing him on the movie screen.
  • Favorite expressions: "Gulpin' gargoyles" (Hagrid), "Load of old tosh" (Uncle Vernon), "Codswallop" (Hagrid), "All right, keep your hair on" (Fred), "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak" (Dumbledore)
  • Didn't notice (or didn't pay attention) to the fact that Hagrid borrowed the motorcycle at the beginning from Sirius Black! I probably thought it was just another name when I read the first time.
  • I feet sorry for Petunia Dursley.  As nasty as she is, I can't help that think that everything she's done has been because she's jealous of Lily.  Maybe if she had more love, or acceptance, or a talent than she wouldn't have turned out so urgh!
  • How much foreshadowing is there when we meet Professor Quirrell?  Good graciousness!  And that story that he met a vampire... yeah he met a vampire, named Voldemort!
  • The password for the Gryffindor tower was "pig snout." Awesome!!!
  • I almost feel sorry for Professor Quirrell at the end.  Almost, but not quite...

Favorite quotes:

  • "Couldn't make us a cup o' tea, could yeh? It's not been an easy journey..."  -- Hagrid's entrance (pg. 47)
  • "I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter.... After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things--terrible, yes, but great." -- Mr. Ollivander (pg. 85)
  • "Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling" -- back of chocolate frog card (pg. 103)
  • "Troll--in the dungeons--thought you out to know." -- Professor Quirrell (pg. 172)
  • "You haven't got a letter on yours," George observed.  "I suppose she thinks you don't forget your name.  But we're not stupid--we know we're called Gred and Forge." (pg. 202)
  • "The truth." Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution." (pg. 298)

Movie fun:

Overall, I just adore this movie.  It's the closest movie to book transition.  It brings the world to life.  Much lighter than the later movies, but the first book is much lighter anyway.  The set pieces are just amazing.  I couldn't have pictured Hogwarts better in my mind.  And the icing on the cake: the final lines of the movie about Harry not going home, not really.  So much better than the ending of the book.  Kudos to the film makers.

My favorite scenes:

  • Diagon Alley -- All the shops!  All the things!  The introduction of all the wizards in the background.  Such detail!
  • Sorting ceremony -- All those kids!  All those nervous, excited kids!  And the way that the sorting hat talks to Harry is priceless!
  • Christmas at Hogwarts -- It's just too pretty.

Things I wished to see, but didn't:

  • More scenes with the ghosts.  They severely underused the genius that is John Cleese in the movie!  The ghosts are great; the little intrigues and mysteries are so much fun.  And Peeves should have at least made an extended appearance.
  • Charlie and the escape of Norbert the dragon.
  • Snape's logic puzzle after the chess match -- really showed Hermione's intellect

Harry Potter:

  1. The Sorcerer's Stone
  2. The Chamber of Secrets
  3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
  4. The Goblet of Fire
  5. The Order of the Phoenix
  6. The Half Blood Prince
  7. The Deathly Hallows
tags: 5 stars, fantasy, Harry Potter, j k rowling, movies, young adult
categories: Book Reviews, Movies
Saturday 01.07.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 9
 

Random Reads January

From I'm Loving Books:

Basically I have too many books on my to-read list that have been getting more and more buried every day. So I thought it would be fun to use random.org to pick a random book on my Goodreads to-read list and I would read that book NOW.

The only exceptions are if it’s a book that’s in the middle of a series you’re reading and you haven’t gotten to that book yet then you can pass and pick another random book. Or, if it’s a book you look at and realize it’s something you’re no longer interested in then you can DELETE it from your to-read list and pick another. You can also obviously skip it if it’s a coming soon book that hasn’t been released yet. I actually keep my coming soon books on a separate exclusive shelf so that’s not an issue for me here.

Want to join in on Random Reads?

It’s easy…

  1. If you’re on Goodreads enable sorting to your to-read shelf (you should see numbers next to each book now).
  2. Go to Random.org and type in the Min as 1 and the Max as how many ever books are on your to-read shelf.
  3. Scroll down to the book matching the number Random.org picks.
  4. Link up to your Random Reads post (below).
  5. Read and be merry. 

So, I've decided to join this fun meme.  I thought this would be a great way to par down my TBR shelf and read some books I might not pick up right away.  I used the Goodreads sorter and Random.org to find my Random Read.

This month's winner:

#79 The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Pretty funny...  I was actually planning of reading this one in the near future.  I already own this one, so I'm putting it on tap for after Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 (Jan. 9-15).

tags: Random Reads
categories: Books
Saturday 01.07.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jack of Fables: The End

Title: Jack of Fables Vol. 9: The End

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 144

Rating: 4  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fables Series; Name - E; My Years - 2011; Support Your Local Library

Jack Frost seeks to kill a dragon, unaware that it’s his own father. Jack Frost has just set upon the greatest quest in a long and distinguished career of great quests: To kill a dragon. Of course, he is not aware that the dragon in question is in fact his own father. Meanwhile, the Page Sisters find a new purpose in life: restoring the Great Library. This volume includes JACK OF FABLES #50, a special issue that includes appearances by everyone who’s ever shown up in the series.

As much as I loved the Jack of Fables series, towards the end I was just kinda done with it.  It was good, don't get my wrong, I just wasn't on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened.  I didn't get sucked into the world within the pages.  Something just wasn't magical enough for me.  I continue to read the main Fables series and love all the volumes.  Jack just became a tiresome character and I never really got into his son, Jack Frost.  I was ready to find out the ending.  And boy was it an ending.  As the volume notes, they went Shakespearean with the ending.  Crazy stuff!  Overall, a good read, just not great.

Jack of Fables:

  1. The (Nearly) Great Escape
  2. Jack of Hearts
  3. The Bad Prince
  4. Americana
  5. Turning Pages
  6. The Big Book of War
  7. The New Adventures of Jack and Jack
  8. The Fulminate Blade
  9. The End
tags: 4 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, fantasy, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.06.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 2
 

2012 Color Coded Reading Challenge

Last one... I think...

From My Reader's Block:

For your challenge reading pleasure, I will once again host The Color Coded Reading Challenge:

*Read nine books in the following categories.

1. A book with "Blue" in the title.
2. A book with "Red" in the title.
3. A book with "Yellow" in the title.
4. A book with "Green" in the title.
5. A book with "Brown" in the title.
6. A book with "Black" in the title.
7. A book with "White" in the title.
8. A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Turquoise, Pink, Magneta, etc.).
9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).

* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2012 will count.

*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.

*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.

*Please post about the challenge on your blog. Sign ups accepted until Nov 30, 2012.

*Please sign up using the Linky below. *Please use the Review Pageto post review links and a final wrap-up post when you finish the challenge.*No blog? That's okay. Post a comment here to announce your entry into the challenge and when you have completed the challenge just post a comment at the review site with a list of your books.

I found this one interesting, so I'm going to join. Now the problem is finding books to fit. I'm sure I have a few lying around that can be useful. Guess I'll be hunting through the bins tonight.

TBR:

1. Blue -- TBD
2. Red -- TBD
3. Yellow -- TBD
4. Green -- TBD
5. Brown -- TBD
6. Black -- TBD
7. White -- TBD
8. Other Color -- TBD
9. Word that implies color -- TBD

tags: Color Coded
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.06.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2012 Blog Resolutions

I've thinking a lot lately about what I want my blog to be, look like, feel like. etc.  I've come up with some blogging resolutions for myself...

  1. Be better at planning for my reading -- This past year, I felt very rushed and out of sorts when it came to my reading.  Sometimes I had a list that I followed and other times I just grabbed things off shelves.  Because of the latter tactic, I didn't finish the reading challenges I signed up for and read a ton of books that didn't count for any challenge.  This year, I have made a monthly spreadsheet.  I am trying to space out my genres over the course of the year.  I decided to list ~20 books a month for the first six months.  I might read those 20 and I might not.  If not, the books will get pushed to the next month.  I imagine I will have to tinker with the list over the course of the year, but I hope it goes better than 2011.
  2. Participate in at least one readathon per quarter -- I did well with these in 2011, so I want to continue the trend.  I'm already committing myself to two readathons in January (Bout of Books and A Winter's Respite from The True Book Addict).  Plus, I will probably do the Dewey 24-Hour Readathon in April with some better planning.
  3. Be better at chronicling my crafting -- I'm really getting into scrapbooking and card making.  Hopefully, I will have some fun creations up this year.
  4. Put more family updates -- Do you even know that I have a family?  It's really hard to tell from the blog.  I need to put more family activities, pictures, etc up on here.
  5. Reinstitute Quote Wednesdays -- Somehow, I just stopped doing these, but I want to get back to them.  One of my Day Zero tasks is a list of inspirational quotes.  Quote Wednesday would be a great place to showcase those.
  6. Branch out into some new music for Music Mondays -- Another Day Zero task is 26 new bands.  I want to showcase these and revisit some favorites.
  7. Not commit myself to every meme I find interesting -- I don't have to do them all.  And some I can just do sporadically.  Nothing bad will happen if I don't do them all.
  8. Share more interesting links, blogs posts, articles, etc.  -- I won't be reposting everything I find interesting, but every once in a while I run across something really fun and/or thought provoking.
  9. Clean out my Goggle Reader -- It's getting a bit ridiculous...  I have a ton of sites in here that aren't updated very often.  Plus the list keeps growing.  I really need to do an overhaul.
  10. Post at least once a week on another blogger's site -- I am horrible about commenting.  I read tons of others' blogs and love what they have to say.  But then I just move on.  I need to set myself a committment of commenting and letting those bloggers know that I like their stuff.
  11. Get moving on my Day Zero Project -- I'm doing pretty good, but I need to get moving on some of the bigger tasks...
  12. Possibly include movie reviews? -- I posted movie reviews for my Sept. A to Z, but those are the only ones I really reviewed.  Maybe I should include more.  Or at least the new movies (new to me or new in general) that I love.  Possibly...

Twelve resolutions.  I think these are doable.  Any more and I think I would drown in resolutions.  I'm going to put reminders throughout the year to keep me on track.  Do you have any blogging resolutions for this new year?

tags: New Year's Resolutions
categories: Life
Friday 01.06.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fables: Witches

Title: Fables Vol. 14: Witches

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 192

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fables Series; A to Z - W; My Years - 2011; Support Your Local Library

While the meek and mild flying monkey Bufkin is trapped in Fabletown's collapsed business office with the evil witch Baba Yaga, Frau Totenkinder and the witches at the Farm upstate prepare to deal with Mister Dark down in what's left of Fabletown.

Loving this turn of events...  We see more of Mr. Dark, his building empire, and the plans being made to stop him.  I love the changes to Frau Totenkinder.  She's always been one of my favorite characters.  And now we get an introduction to Ozma.  Very interesting turn, indeed!  Plus we finally see more interactions in Haven.  I'm loving Ambrose, but he really needs to wake up and notice Ride.  I feel the big showdown approaching, but it will probably be drawn out for at least two more volumes.  I'm okay with that.  I love this series so much.

As a side note,  I caught a wonderful little comment alluding to the novel Peter and Max.  Nicely done!

Fables:

  1. Legends in Exile
  2. Animal Farm
  3. Storybook Love
  4. March of the Wooden Soldiers
  5. The Mean Seasons
  6. Homelands
  7. Arabian Nights (and Days)
  8. Wolves
  9. Sons of Empire
  10. The Good Prince
  11. War and Pieces
  12. The Dark Ages
  13. The Great Fables Crossover
  14. Witches
  15. Rose Red
  16. Super Team
  17. Inherit the Wind
  18. Cubs in Toyland
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, Fables Challenge, fairy tales, fantasy, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.06.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 5
 

2012 Mixing It Up Reading Challenge

From Musings of a Bookshop Girl:

Feel like branching out a little for 2012?  Then this challenge might just be for you!
Welcome to my first challenge!  The premise is really very simple.  It's all about mixing up your reading, pushing your boundaries and exploring new genres.  Take a look at the categories below, and choose one book for each category.  It's that easy!  You can choose to try anything from a gentle 4 to the full 16 different genres, and the book you pick for each is entirely up to you!
~ THE CATEGORIES ~
1. CLASSICS -- This can be any classic work, from Alcott to Zola.  Always fancied trying Great Expectations, or finally feel like tackling Jane Eyre?  Now's your chance!  From the fun to the frightening, the gentle satire to the all-out swashbuckling epic, there are hundreds of years' worth of books to choose from.
2. BIOGRAPHY -- This can be modern or historical, biography or autobiography.  From the latest celebrity autobiography to an academic biography of Henry VIII - it all counts!  Perhaps you fancy a book on your favourite classic movie star, athlete or musician?
3. COOKERY, FOOD AND WINE -- Ideas for this one range from a delectable cookery book to a food memoir (like Nigel Slater's Toast or Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential), a book on wine to the history of marmalade.
4. HISTORY -- More scope to indulge a whole range of interests here, including local history, military history or world history.  It might be a biography of Anne Boleyn,a book on World War II aircraft, a study of the American civil war, or something with a much smaller focus, like Bill Bryson's At Home or Mark Kurlansky's Salt: A World History.  Whatever floats your boat!
5. MODERN FICTION -- This covers literary and popular fiction, so you can't really go wrong with this one.  From Sophie Kinsella to Haruki Murakami, Wilbur Smith to Isabel Allende, Jenny Colgan to Kate Mosse, you should be able to find something to fit your tastes!
6. GRAPHIC NOVELS AND MANGA -- This will be an entirely new genre for me, but I'm looking forward to hitting the library to see what all the fuss is about!  First on my 'to check out' list will be Neil Gaiman's Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes and Alan Moore's V for Vendetta.
7.  CRIME AND MYSTERY -- This category will cover everything from the genteel Agatha Christie and the scrummy Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke, through Henning Mankell and Stieg Larsson, to the gruesome forensics of Martina Cole and Val McDermid.
8. HORROR -- One for Hallowe'en, perhaps!  Maybe a modern writer like Stephen King or James Herbert, or you could turn to the classics with Edgar Allen Poe or the ghostly writings of M.R. James?  Some YA novels would also fit into this category - Darren Shan, or Lindsey Barraclough's Long Lankin - but no paranormal romance!
9. ROMANCE -- I'd say the cheesier the better for this one, but it's up to you!  Mills and Boon, paranormal romance, chick lit fluff, whatever.  Personally I'll be browsing our Mills and Boon shelf at the shop and pulling out the trashiest title I can find!  :)
10. SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY -- Again, plenty of scope here.  From the hilarious characters of Terry Pratchett's Discworld to Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings, Charlaine Harris'sSouthern Vampire Mysteries to Frank Herbert's Dune, you can go modern or classic, and pick from any number of sub-genres.
11. TRAVEL -- The world is your oyster, as it were!  Maybe you're going somewhere interesting on holiday and want to read up on it first?  Rough Guides, Lonely Planet guides, that kind of thing.  You could pick a Bill Bryson (always popular) or choose a book on a particular city, country or continent, like Francesco da Mosto's Venice or one of Michael Palin's books.  Then there are all the delectable memoirs by people who've moved abroad and opened a taverna/olive farm/vineyard!
12. POETRY -- This could be a book of love poems, a collection by a particular poet, a novelty book of limericks, or if that sounds a bit daunting, a single, longer narrative poem.  How about 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', 'Hiawatha' or 'The Waste Land'?  My particular favourite is probably Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market', which is more like a simple fairytale that just happens to rhyme.
13. JOURNALISM AND HUMOUR -- This one might take a little more thinking about, but it should be a bit of fun!  Journalism collections can range from Nick Hornby's Shakespeare Wrote for Money to Marian Keyes's Under the Duvet, Jeremy Clarkson's The World According to Clarkson to Bill Bryson's Notes from a Big Country.  Anything that's been published in a newspaper or magazine first!  Humour could be a book of cartoons, a novelty joke book or The Wicked Wit of Oscar Wilde! 
14. SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY -- Again, this one throws the doors wide open for you to follow your interests.  Always fancied learning more about space?  Are you curious about the life of Charles Darwin?  Or got a lifelong love for a particular animal?  There are some wonderful 'popular science' books around too, including things like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, David Attenborough's natural history books,and the entire works of the brilliantly funny Mary Roach.
15. CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT -- This leaves the way open for pretty much anything, whether it's reading The Hungry Caterpillar or The Magical Faraway Tree to your kids, revisiting the joys of The Secret Garden or Treasure Island, or devouring something from the modern tide of YA.  Lots of dystopian fiction, coming-of-age novels and supernatural shenanigans to choose from!
16. SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY -- Another wide area!  Books on society and women (Female Chauvinist Pigs, Living Dolls), books on society and children (Toxic Childhood, Nurtureshock), books on how television and the internet are affecting our lives, Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World, books on Freud or Marx...
~ LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION ~
MEASURING JUG: Playing it safe with 1-4 categories CUPCAKE MIX: Livening things up with 5-8 categories MIXING BOWL: Branching out with 9-12 categories TWO-TIER CAKE: Getting ambitious with 13-15 categories ALL THE TRIMMINGS AND A CHERRY ON TOP: Going for gold with the full 16!
~ HOW TO PARTICIPATE ~
  1. Read one book from each of the challenge categories, using the guidelines above.  Don't use the same book for more than one category!
  2. The challenge will run until December 31st 2012, so you can sign up any time during the year.
  3. Create a blog post for the challenge, to keep track of what you've read.  Add review links for each completed book so we can see how you're getting on.
  4. The URL you leave in the Mr Linky MUST be a direct link to your challenge post, not to your blog homepage - I don't have time to comb through several months' worth of posts searching for it as the year wears on!
  5. Leave a comment on this post with your blog name (so I can match you to your Linky entry) and your chosen level of participation.
  6. Bookmark this post so you can come back later!  I'll be adding links to update posts over the year, plus you'll have the category guidelines handy if you need them!
  7. At the end of the year, everyone who has read along and hit their chosen target will be entered into a bookish giveaway.  Prizes to be determined!

Another different type of reading challenge, loving the category approach.  I'll be going for the "All the Trimming with the Cherry on Top" so that means all 16 categories.  My tentative TBR:

~ THE CATEGORIES ~

  • Classics -- The Bostonians by Henry James (1886)
  • Biography -- Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton (2003)
  • Cookery, Food, and Wine -- TBD
  • History -- Mayflower by Nathan Philbrick (2007)
  • Modern Fiction -- P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern (2008)
  • Graphic Novel and Manga -- TBD
  • Crime and Mystery -- Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn (2007)
  • Horror -- Year Zero by Jeff Long (2006)
  • Romance -- The Maiden's Hand by Susan Wiggs (2009)
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy -- The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2010
  • Travel -- TBD
  • Poetry -- TBD
  • Journalism and Humor -- TBD
  • Science and Natural History -- TBD
  • Children's and Young Adult -- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (2010)
  • Social Sciences and Philosophy -- The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order (1999)
tags: Mixing It Up
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.05.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

2011 Wrap-Up

Favorite Books of the Year

  1. Fables Series
  2. Autumn and Autumn: The City by David Moody
  3. The Affinity Bridge by George Mann
  4. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
  5. The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger
  6. The Walking Dead Series by Robert Kirkman
  7. The Prestige by Christopher Priest
  8. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols
  9. Have Spacesuit--Will Travel by Robert Heinlein
  10. The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

Total Books Read -- 202

Total Pages Read -- 55,636 pages

Book Rating Stats

  • 5 stars -- 97 books
  • 4 stars --67 books
  • 3 stars -- 17 books
  • 2 stars -- 3 books
  • 1 star -- 0 books
  • Multiple non-reviewed books

Special Projects/Features

  • NaNoWriMo -- Failed Miserably...  I really don't think I will be trying this again any time soon.  It was interesting to hear about others' experiences.
  • Day Zero Project -- Loving this project.  I have 910 days left to complete 96 tasks.
  • Meal Plans -- I really focused on this for awhile and then I got lazy.  I think for next year, I will only be highlighting interesting recipes I try.
  • Readathons -- I have really come to love these.  I am recommitting to at least one readathon per quarter.
  • Friday Fill-in -- Got bored with these, I'm done with them.
  • Quote Wednesday -- Somehow I just dropped this.  I am recommitting to Quote Wednesdays especially since a list of  inspirational quotes is one of my Day Zero Project tasks.
  • Music Monday -- Keeping... I really like doing this.  But this year, I want to search out some new bands to enjoy.
  • Booking Through Thursday -- I had fun with this at first, but grew tired of the questions.  I think I am done with this.
  • Top Ten Tuesday -- I've done probably 85% of these since starting blogging.  I usually love the topic, so this will definitely be continuing into the next year.

Reading Challenges

  • Science Fiction -- 6/10 didn't finish, but enjoyed the books I did read.
  • Steampunk -- 9/12 Great books, just ran out of time.
  • Young Adult -- 12/12 Lots of great books
  • Historical Fiction -- 6/10 Another one I ran out of time
  • A to Z: Authors -- 19/26 Moving along until I got stuck.
  • A to Z: Titles -- 24/26 Almost got there.
  • Fantasy -- 12/12 Always love this genre.
  • Vampire -- 20/20 Always love these books.
  • Page to Screen -- 10/10 Bring on the movies!
  • Zombie -- 10/10 Loved it!
  • Fables -- 20/20 Love this series!
  • 2011 -- 21/21 Interesting mix of books.
  • Amazon Best of 2010 -- 3/20 Really bad showing on this one.
  • Georgette Heyer -- 1/5 Good book just got really distracted.
  • Outlander -- 0/7 Failed miserably!  Retrying next year.
  • Graphic Novel -- 10/10 Upped this one for next year!
  • Contemporary Romance -- 10/10 Mixed bag on this one, just not really my cup of tea.
  • Summer Romance -- 24/24 Didn't think I would complete this one, but did it right at the wire.
  • Support Your Local Library -- 100/100 So easy to finish!
  • Year of Reading -- 43/43 I quit this one after May, because I got really bored.  But I kept with it up until then.
Total: 16 / 24 challenges 66.7% done
Total: 360/ 408 slots 88.2% done

Overall Thoughts/Reflections/Musings/Ideas

I was disappointed that I didn't finish all my reading challenges this year.  however, I think my reading was significant and the numbers show it.  I challenged myself to read lots of different books and genre.  I challenged myself to commit to writing reviews.  I am happy with my progress and

I've come a long way in the one year I've been blogging.   I'm really excited by my record of documenting my reading, activities, thoughts, etc.  I think I'll give this blogging thing another go for the upcoming year!

tags: Year Wrap
categories: Books
Thursday 01.05.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge

From The Eclectic Bookshelf:

Rules:
  • Anyone can join.
  • You don't need a blog to participate.  If you are a Non-blogger please leave a comment with a link (if you review elsewhere) to your review or with the book(s) you read.
  • Audio, ebooks bound books are ok.
  • No re-reads
  • Create a sign up post and post the link
  • Challenge goes from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Levels:
Level 1 - Read 12 library books
Level 2 - Read 24 library books
Level 3 - Read 36 library books
Level 4 - Read 37+ library books

Last year, I read over 100 library books.  This year I want to focus on my own TBR piles (mountain?) so my library checkouts will be lower.  I am still going for

Level 4

.  I know I have more than 36 library books that will get checked out this year.

tags: library
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.05.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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