Text and Java

I loved this. I was hooked from the opening sentences. Just to prove how into this book I was: something happened and the galley came through and only worked on the tiniest font. I used a magnifying glass to read it. Despite the migraines, I pressed on because I had to find out what really happened between Tori and Ali. This book was not at all what I expected, I recommend going in with no expectations. At first I thought it was a mystery, then a paranormal, and now....I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone. I didn't see it coming. I am going to check out more books by this author right away.

So as part of my Storytelling class (how great is that?) I had a friend film me telling a story in my Gnome Craft. The audience is my real group of 6-12 year olds who I work with twice a month. They are a hard crowd to please. Anyway, to set this up, I adapted the story from the movie Amelie. I called it The Traveling Gnome, although it is actually a subplot in the film and not a story per se... So, here is Story #1- The Traveling Gnome with Props.

See, I read adult books too. Well, some. Well, a couple. Here's one. I finished this morning while looking out the window like a lost puppy waiting for the UPS angel who will drop off the new Mortal Instruments book today. Review: I love Allen's books, they go down like iced coffee on a hot day. I LOVE Alice Hoffman, and Allen is like Alice Hoffman Jr (or AH lite). Both write stories about women that have pinches of everyday magic. If you believe the sky goes white just before big changes happen, or that a con man can smell like peaches, then this is your book. Now, I am not a romance fan, and this story is loaded with a double romance (blech!) but there is enough of a tale here to allow me to overlook the mush and really enjoy the story. There is nothing too deep here, and of course everyone is just gorgeous, but it is a great Spring read-light and airy. Also, coffeeology? I'm onboard. I wonder what my cream and an Equal says about me? Rachel? Care to chime in? One more t...

This is such a good idea, I have to share: Red House Books is hosting a challenge for April that is all about reading all of our netgalley books. Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes I let these babies stack up because I am A. doing schoolwork B. library books have dates that are due sooner than ng and C. ARC has to be read and passed along faster than netgalley. I plan to read 3 netgalley titles this month. Read all about the challenge here .

The Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp (I was having trouble finding a photo of the cover, so here is one of Briana instead-from her site) Publish date: April 26, 2011 read egalley via netgalley, but requested arc to share with coworkers Goodreads 5/5 Stars In a nutshell: This is the true story of Brianna. She lost her job and became homeless. BUT the book is so much more than this. She was abused as a child (sexually, physically, and verbally) and this is Brianna's story of trying to dig herself out of unemployment in this recession (and her quest for true love). Hoo. That being said, I must tell you I loved this book. I found it inspiring! It is a must read for my generation and everyone who loved Glass Castle . I will personally be putting this book into the hands of many, many people. I also plan to buy several copies as I know some readers who would love to get this book as a gift. For a preview, check out Brianna's website . Her tone is very conversational a...

I Am J by Chris Beam Goodreads link 4/5 Stars One sentence synopsis: J was born Jeni, but wishes to become the boy she knows she is on the inside. The best thing about reading fiction is when it lets a reader walk in the shoes of a character who is from a world the reader does not get to experience on their own. The second best thing about fiction is when you, as a reader, finds a character in a book who mirrors your own situation. I Am J is an important book. It is the first (and only?) book I have read about transgender teens and I found it really interesting. I liked J very much, although there were times I wanted to jump into the novel and speak up for him (he tends to remain quiet). I wanted to defend him, and be the friend he needed. But no worries, as this book is about more than just a journey from girl to boy. It is a novel about family and friends, and who is really there for you when you need them. I loved that the characters in this story are really "real". Beam...

I can't thank all of you who friended me, followed me, and, well.... just popped in for a visit enough. It was so much fun to be a part of this hop, and I can't wait to do another one. In the meantime, I just wanted anyone who cared know that: 1. my lucky charm is a blue rock (I swear my grades have improved since I started carrying it around!) 2. I am soooo glad I am not the only one who believes in lucky charms!!! Now, grab those charms as random.org picks our lucky winner. #292 Gina (yummyfaerie) who has a lucky rabbit's foot , You have won the $25 gift card to Amazon. I will be emailing you in a second to get your address. Thank you again for participating, I know from entering many of these contests myself that it takes time to fill out forms, jump through whatever hoops to follow/comment/or follow and comment. Thank you, YOU ROCK!