BEST of 2011

Unfortunately my migraines took a huge toll on my bookreading. I only read 10 books this year. *thunk* Sad sad sad.

However! That does not stop me from announcing my BEST BOOKS of 2011 awards! Even if most of the books I read win ;)

BEST ADULT BOOK masquerading as a CHILDREN'S BOOK and
FUNNIEST BOOK goes to:

You MUST, no arguments, listen to it narrated by Samuel L. Jackson:

You laughed, didn't you? Mmm-hmmm.

BEST GLBT Books go to:

BEST HORROR BOOK:

BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD:

BOOK THAT MADE ME LITERALLY CRY and

BEST READ OF 2011

Congratulations to all the winners--for the other 4 books I read, I loved them as well, but these were the ones that really found a place in my heart (and a permanent place on my bookshelves!)

2012 Reading List

HeadacheSlayer's 2012 Reading List

Headacheslayer's favorite books »

}

Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective by Jerry Castaldo

Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective: A Memoir by Jerry Castaldo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In Jerry Castaldo's memoir, Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective, we are taken through the years of his youth and young adulthood. Filled with crime, dealings with gangs and the mob, and forays into heavy drug and alcohol use, you wonder how Castaldo come out of it alive. He very nearly didn't--several times.

Each chapter, complete with the year and number one song of that year, chronicles his meager start, growing up with a single mom, brother and absentee father. His mentors, like "Uncle Tony" introduced him to the life of crime which earned him a nickname of "Jerry the Hammer." A high school dropout, Castaldo made it through life the way those around him did--stealing, selling drugs, taking odd jobs.

This, no doubt, earns the book the "Grim" moniker, and yet, something inside Castaldo urged him to become better, to do better, and to find a way to become a performer no matter what it took.

"Hope is my favorite word. It's all encompassing and it's the one that I always held onto despite my multitude of failures; there was still hope for me."~~Jerry Castaldo, age 22.

This is the feeling I had while reading A Grim Retrospective--hope. While I would read of Castaldo's failures with a heavy heart, I wanted to reach through the pages and tell him, don't give up, keep trying, never lose hope.

Overall, this was a fascinating, albeit dark memoir of a person not at all different from any of us. How many people, given these situations, would still be in one piece, or even alive? For this, Jerry Castaldo has my respect. I didn't see him as a criminal, or drug addict--but a human being, a decent one, who got in a bad place with very few resources to give him a life preserver to cling to.

I especially enjoyed the way the book is presented--putting the year and #1 song really brought a connection, even with 11 years in age difference. In addition, I feel as though I am sitting with Castaldo, while he casually tells the stories of his life. This conversational, personal feel truly draws you into caring about him, cheering him on.

While parts of the book seem a bit less fleshed-out, I attribute that to his introduction, and his promise that unlike some recent memoirs that were found to be false, his is true and "what is allowed by law to be published without me being prosecuted." If that doesn't give you shivers, you're a tougher reader than I.

This would make a fantastic movie if done right; until then, get a hold of this book and find out just how much hope can make a difference in a life.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for this review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Textual Healing by Eric Smith

Textual Healing by Eric Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How do you describe a book about a once-famous author who owns a failing used bookshop, with characters such as a haiku-speaking ninja, a maniacal sugarglider, and a group of authors who can no longer write?

In one word: hysterical.

Eric Smith's first work of fiction, Textual Healing, features just that and more. Dumped by his girlfriend, author Andrew Connor never expects life will change. His one rousing success, which was made into a feature film, bring him nothing but painful reminders that he has not written anything since. Anyone who does recognize him drive that point home by assuming that they thought he died.

The only excitement in his life is the daily stealth visits from Brave Orchid, a flower shop owner/ninja who enters, delivers a haiku, then leaves with a ninja battle against an invisible enemy in the street. That is, until he's introduced to Hannah, a beautiful backpacking woman who keeps him on his toes and helps him see what he's missing out on in life.

I absolutely loved and adored this book. It's not only one of my favorites for the year, but of all time. This feel good romantic comedy had me laughing out loud. I don't mean one of those anemic puffs of air that come out of your nose as you suppress a mild chuckle. No, these are out loud, hold my ribs, dog looks at me funny kind of laughs.

I sincerely hope Eric Smith will write more--he has a life-long fan now! I would love to see this as a movie (even though, as we all know, the book will always be infinitely better). His style of writing is engaging, witty, and he is an all-around great storyteller.

I loved the book so much that when it was over (I hate it when that happens) I sniffled and clutched the book to my chest. That is a sign of true love for me, at least where books are concerned. I've insisted my husband and daughter read it as well.

I give this five stars/
And hope you read this Rom-Com/
It is that awesome.

(Sorry Brave Orchid. I tried.)

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Sensational WordSlingers!

My eternal gratitude to author Ellen Maze for her encouragement and support in my endeavour as a Freelance Promoter! Check out my very own page for Sensational WordSlinger promotions on her website!

Yes, I cried happy tears.

Words cannot fully express how full my heart is thanks to her belief in me. For those who don't follow Give Me Something to Sing About, my husband was laid off 2 weeks ago. His last day is tomorrow. He worked loyally for 19 yrs, and there was no warning. Due to my disabilities, I must do work from home. As I talked to Ellen awhile ago, she is the one who suggested this, since I was doing it already, for free.

They say, do what you love, the money will follow.

In one day I got 2 clients. I take this as a most auspicious sign. True, an owl with a letter might have had more pizzazz, but I'll take it ;)

Please support my dear Ellen and check out her books, they truly are as awesome as she is!

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider--purchase autographed copies HERE!!!
The Judging: Book One of the Corescu Chronicles
Ellen C. Maze Online Store Nook and Kindle versions available!
Large Print Editions of Chasing Beth Rider and Feckless Tales
The Author's Mentor Ellen Maze Consulting Business Services
Curiously Spiritual Vampire Tales Ellen Maze FB page
Curiously Spiritual Vampire Tales, The Blog
Ellen C. Maze on Twitter!

You, dear Ellen, can be my twin separated at birth ANYTIME.

Wordle

Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman

Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My thanks to Goodreads/FirstReads for a copy of this novel.



Red Hook Road, set over 4 summers in Maine, features the intermingling of the Copaken and Tetherly families. They come together for the marriage of Becca Copaken and John Tetherly--and are kept together in unforseen ways by heartbreaking tragedy. The friction between the families--residential Tetherlys and the summering Copakens is a discordant constant of the novel.

I was enchanted by the characters who felt altogether real to me. I cared about them, wondered how they would be changed by tragedy, how their lives would evolve. The lyrical writing is some of the finest literature I've read.

My only regret in reading Ayelet Waldman's novel is that I knew it must eventually end. I tried to draw it out as long as possible, and the end brought tears. Her writing is so precise, every word chosen as carefully as Mozart would have chosen a note for a symphony. Indeed, the theme of music flows throughout, a lovely addition to this musician who is married to a violinist.

While I knew ahead what the premise of the tragedy was, I wasn't prepared for how entrenched this book would become in my heart and soul. It is, quite possibly, one of the saddest books I've read. All the while, I would notice an ache below my throat, the kind you get right before crying. As I lost my grandmother last year, this ache was almost comforting--it is as though I was sharing the grief of the families, releasing feelings of my own.

And like many well-loved books, my copy shows the wear from being taken to the beach, pages rumpled from the dampness, the silver bookmark still holding onto grains of sand; carried to appointments, read into the wee hours of the morning. The story, the characters, remain with me now, and although I was a bit puzzled by the way Waldman ended the novel, it truly ranks among one of my favorite books of all time. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Just when I thought I was satisfied with the vampire genre as is, even beginning to feel it was over-saturated (with blood?), the first of a trilogy found its way into my hot little hands and into my heart.


Look out Stoker. Beware Meyer. Ellen C. Maze and "Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider" has found a niche like no other: Christian Horror/Paranormal.

While staying true to many of the accepted perameters of the vampire-verse, Maze adds a Christian touch that is neither heavy-handed or preachy, but at the same time, is a book that Christians can feel comfortable reading. While it is for older teens and adults, the language and descriptions of any vampire activity is not gratuitous.

Beth Rider, an author, has written a book called "The Corescu Chronicles" (not ironically, a series also being written by Maze that I can't wait to delve into). Vampires who read it are finding themselves transformed, which angers the ruling Rhakum--the race of the vampire. Soon, a price is put on Rider's head, labeled a "Rabbit" and the chase is on. Even with God on her side, how will she evade these supernatural predators?

I think the intermingling of the two series is pure genius. And while I felt there were questions left unanswered, I was advised by Maze to read "Loose Rabbits", as it is a sort of "Rabbit, vol 1.5" in the series. Though I am torn as to whether read the "Rabbit" series first, or intermingle with the "Corescu Chronicles," it is a lovely dilemma to find myself in.

I want to thank the incredibly gracious Ellen C. Maze for sending me down a different type of rabbit hole, and indtroducing me to Rabbit Addiction.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: A Question of Manhood by Robin Reardon

A Question of Manhood by Robin Reardon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My thanks to First Reads for this book.



What makes a man? In Robin Reardon's novel A Question of Manhood, this theme is a constant, especially for the narrator, 16 year old Paul. Set during the Vietnam War, he feels as though he's always been in the shadow of his older brother Chris, who has just come home for a short leave from the hell of war. Afraid of returning, he admits to Paul that he is gay. Paul must struggle with that secret as much as he struggles to be a man, the way his father wants him to be. It is only when he meets JJ, a new employee at his father's pet supply store, that he begins to understand how to resolve the conflicts in his head and his life.

I absolutely loved this novel. My only regret is that it ended--as much as I enjoyed Paul's emotional journey, I wanted to learn more about JJ. Perhaps Reardon would grace us with a sequel--one can hope.

Everthing about this novel felt real, from the attitudes towards the war and homophobia,to JJ's handling of dogs in need of leadership. Reardon truly reaches out to gay teens in this novel with a strong yet gentle character that nearly overshadows the narrator. Because of this, I feel that this book should be in high school libraries across the country. However I definitely rate this a "must read" for all ages.

I have not yet read Reardon's previous books, but now look forward to them even more.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My deepest thanks to Bryan Healey for sending me an ARC of this book to review.



What do you do when your life is turned tragically upside down? In Shattered Wings, we are introduced to a family--John, his spouse Charlie, and their adopted daughter Cassie. While Charlie works at home to be with their daughter, John is a white collar worker with a secure job. Until it isn't. Laid off in the dwindling economy, John decides to not tell Charlie. In a series of flashbacks, we are thrust into feeling his desperation as job interviews come and go, the memories of his meeting Charlie, and welcoming their daughter. His fears thrust him back into a life that could end in tragedy.

I was struck by the stark cover of Healey's book--always a promising sign. I was not disappointed. Healey has written a very timely novel that literally moved me to tears--which is hard to do and to me, signifies a book that not only satisfies but lingers in my head. His style of writing is lyrical but not overdone.


One sign of his brilliant talent is that when I began reading, I envisioned the narrator to be a woman. It's only a few pages in do I realize that this is a gay couple. I went back to the beginning to re-read so that I had the right picture in my head. But truly, aside from a few places in the book, John and Charlie are "every family" and quite accessible to any reader. I find it wonderful, as a bisexual woman, to find a novel that is modern and mainstream and doesn't need to feel like it has to be different because it features a gay couple.


A bit of a tongue-in-cheek warning: there are no chapters. So if you're a voracious reader like I am, you may find yourself devouring this book far too quickly or staying up into the wee hours of the morning. It's nearly impossible to pace yourself with such a wonderful book in hand.


I heartily recommend Shattered Wings, *need* to find Healy's other work, and cannot wait for more to come. I think his literary voice will go far!

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Separate Kingdoms by Valerie Laken

Separate Kingdoms: Stories by Valerie Laken

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


My thanks to First Reads Giveaways for this ARC--I am not being compensated for my review.



Valerie Laken's collection of short stories, Separate Kingdoms, alternates between settings in the United States and Russia. In the eight stories, the people find themselves divided and separated--by disability, need, species, and past hurts. It's a slice of life, where there are no easy answers, no true plot, and not necessarily a "happily ever after".

I found the stories quite thought provoking and unique, especially the story for which the collection is named. It's been some time since I've read such fresh short stories; I think my only reason for subtracting a star would be wanting it to be longer and maybe a little less obvious reason for calling the collection "Separate Kingdoms". Make us think a bit more.


I definitely would recommend this book for someone wanting something that feels new and fresh, and gives an opportunity to see a different viewpoint on things.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi

Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am pleased that the author has asked me to review this book--looking forward to reading it!



Spin the Plate introduces us to Jo, a woman haunted by her abusive childhood, who looks for the lost and abandoned, both human and creatures. Private by nature but large in stature, she captures the attention of Francis, who appears not much more than a religious down-on-his luck admirer. He gradually earns her trust and in doing so, helps her change her life.

I was truly caught up in Jo's quiet world--her tattooing shop, her apartment filled with strays, her forays into the evening to enact a bit of vigilante justice for the creatures and girls of the night. It reminded me very much of PUSH by Sapphire, of a woman beaten down by parental abuse, but able to rise above and maintain love in her heart.

My few complaints are these: The cover is far too dark and the graphic a bit too vague for the overall novel. I like the colors of the e-story better. Even so, my eyes look for books with interesting colors, so I feel this does a disservice to the book.

The ending, while sweet, seems to take an odd turn and tone from the rest of the book. I liked it, but something about it left me with a lingering befuddlement. It's the only reason I deducted a star from an otherwise pleasurable and plausible read.

Overall, I am genuinely glad to have read this and look forward to Anastasi's future works.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Lexical Funk by Daniel Clausen

The Lexical Funk by Daniel Clausen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'd like to thank Daniel Clausen for sending me a copy of "The Lexical Funk" to read and review.


This is the first book of short stories I've reviewed. I wasn't quite sure what to expect past the description--I almost assumed it would be a less-dry version of the British hit "Eat, Shoots & Leaves". I was quite terribly mistaken. It was so much more enjoyable than that (which is saying a lot coming from an English major).

Clausen takes the English language, and in this book of short stories--ranging in length from 2 pages to more--he creates a mixtape of words. From the angst-filled "Sages and Scarecrows", to the 50's Sci-Fi throwback "Starlight Terror and the Cappucino Machine" (my favorite) and the jazzy rap of "The Lexical Funk" I was carried along for the ride. I wasn't sure where I would wind up next, but somehow it all fit together.

I have to admit there were some stories that I didn't quite get. I felt akin to the time I took the AP English exam and had to analyze a poem. In otherwords: I am too dumb to understand this fine piece of literary work. But no matter. The interesting and mostly hysterical interludes between stories made me feel better and kept my interest throughout. (Just like die-hard credit watchers, read everything, including the oft-overlooked copyright page.)

This book would be best suited for older High school through adult due to language and adult situations.

I look forward to reading more by Clausen, and definitely recommend this book.

*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*

View all my reviews

Dreams of a Child Realized as an Adult

I have loved to read books, and write stories, books and poetry, ever since I was little. My mom said I knew how to read by the time I was 3--thanks to pre-Elmo Sesame Street and some discarded Dick & Jane books my dad picked up from a school or library.

I think I plagarized my first story when I was in 1st grade. I just substituted dog for cat (after all, I only had a dog). My teacher and mom sat me down and explained that copying was wrong. I needed to use my own ideas and my own words. Message received.

I remember writing a letter to Charles Schultz (ok, so he's a cartoonist but let's not nitpick). I got a letter back. I think it was a real letter too. Can't find it. One of those treasures I hope I have somewhere, not having realized the value of such a piece of paper, although I was tickled to have gotten it.

In middle school, I was enamoured with the "Soup" series of books by Robert Newton Peck. Imagine my excitement when I found he was going to speak at our school. ON MY BIRTHDAY. I sat in the front row of the auditorium, wriggling with excitement. As a part of his rehearsed talks with students, he asked about birthdays. I nervously stood up and probably flushed with excitement and not just a little nervousness when he pointed to me and asked me to come up. Robert Newton Peck and the entire room sang happy birthday TO ME.

My passion for writing grew--and I never forgot that day. In high school, a story I wrote won not only a school award but an award for the state. My very first paycheck for my writing. I think it was like $50 but it felt like a million. I went to Authors in the Park, which may exist to this day in Central Florida, to recieve my award and get to meet, once more, Mr. Peck.

My story was published in an anthology that I received that day. I thought, what better way to commemmorate this turning point in my life than by having Mr. Peck sign it? However, when it was my turn to meet him in line, after gushing about how I'd met him years earlier, and wouldn't he please sign the anthology? I got reality thrust in my face.

"I'm only signing copies of my books that are purchased here today," I was told flatly.

I was crushed. The author I had looked up to, worshipped even, showed me what I thought was the cold reality of authors. It took the shine off that day, and tarnished my earlier memory of him.

Fast forward to last year, when I joined Goodreads.com. As I started learning my way around the site, I "friended" some people I knew from Twitter who probably were the ones who introduced me to it. I looked around, added books I owned, and thought ok, this is nice.

Then I realized you could friend authors and they could friend you back. NO WAY. Seriously?

Then I started entering contests to win advanced copies of books. Free books--before the public gets them? Whoa. And I began to find a different outlet for my writing--book reviews. I have a journal to jot down books I've read over the years, and a separate one to give a one sentence reaction to it (yes I love journals).  But now I could write reviews for people to see....even....the authors? Yeah just a bit of a power trip.

Eventually I had authors asking to friend ME. Then came the ebooks from authors. And towards the end of 2010, books were sent to me (I PROMISE I AM STILL READING...I may devour a book but they need to be read and enjoyed like a fine wine or Godiva chocolate). Just today I was sent 2 volumes of e-books by a new author who I think will be a huge hit.

And it hit me...the giddiness, the excitement...while my writing has changed to blog entries, fanfiction, role playing and book reviews....I've found a calling. A passion. True, a passion I hope that will eventually become a career, even if only part-time--after all, with my chronics, there are plenty of medical bills to be paid, including those for my son (more on those on my main blog headacheslayer.blogspot.com).

But that same fresh wonder at emailing with authors is the same feeling I had as a kid. Cracking open a book that few are priviledged to read before being sold to stores, it's a thrill.

I always felt a sense of disappointment that my years of writing--as well as a college degree in English Lit/Creative Writing--had lead to what I thought was a dead end except for some odd writing bits here and there, all unpaid.

But now, those dreams are back. It's good to feel like a kid again.

Attention Authors & Publishers: Promotional Services

The Crafty Angel

Krista Schwabe Promotional Services

TheCraftyAngel@gmail.com 

BastionofBooks.blogspot.com

Need publicity for your book? Hire me to make Social Media work for YOU!

I accept both hard copies and eBooks for review (please make sure the document is Nook Color compatible):
Document: EPUB (including Non or Adobe DRM), PDF, XLS, DOC
Graphics (JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP)

Here is what I can offer you for publicity (FREE):
Post review on Goodreads.com and my book Blog (Bastionofbooks.blogspot.com)
Use of the review however you see fit (on your website, for a future book blurb, etc.) I just ask for proper credit "Krista Schwabe, BastionofBooks.Blogspot.com"

Not on Goodreads.com? As a GoodReads Librarian I can set you up with a FREE account to reach even more readers!

Promotional Package: Fee of $35 to Paypal *PER BOOK*, I offer the following:
A link of the review on Twitter, Facebook, LiveJournal (my accounts)
Review of your Book posted on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion (and sites YOU desire, ie SmashWords).
Link of review sent to you and your publisher (email, Twitter, FB, etc)
Review posted on any of the book clubs I belong to (currently BOMC2.com and QPBC.com)

*Please note* The heart of the review will remain the same on each site. My review will reflect that this was a product given to me for review for FTC policy compliance.

On my Book Blog:
Link your review to Amazon for easy ordering to readers
Link to your website(s) on my Esteemed Authors page (link to this page on my sidebar)

Aid in Setting up a Zazzle.com shop for up to 5 cover-art products, slogans, book quotes, etc. (tshirts, coffee mugs, etc). These will be your own designs, and you will maintain control over your shop after creation.


EXTRAS:

Should you need simple artwork done, that would be an additional fee, to be agreed-upon. This can be for anything such as a slogan on a tshirt, to a web banner. I am able to do minor website work at this time as well.

MY PROMISE TO YOU:
I promise you to give you an honest, unbiased review, whether or not you choose the package. That is strictly for promoting your book through my review. I do not guarantee a "positive" review, but do promise that my reviews will be fair and if needed, have constructive criticism. I do not "book bash" --you as an author work too hard and I believe in integrity in my work. I also assure confidentiality of my clients 100%. No name-dropping here—unless you want it!

PAYMENT DETAILS:
Please contact me at thecraftyangel@gmail.com for Paypal address

2011 Reading List

Welcome to my 2011 Reading List! There will be links in the sidebar to past years from my other blog, Give Me Something to Sing About. This list will be updated as books are read and added, including  pages read total for the GoodReads Million Pages per Lifetime group.

Each book will include a hyperlink to Amazon.com, if available. Please support this blog by making purchases through these links! I will owe you a debt of gratitude :)

And now, sound the trumpet fanfare.......

Books Read: 6
Pages Read:
Must Read! The Best and Brightest get this well-deserved Star.




Continuing Reads:*The Collected Poems of Maya Angelou
*Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House MD
The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out
100 Love Sonnets of Pablo Neruda
The Vitamin D Solution
The Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart

The Truth About Santa


Quirk Books--with great appreciation and undying gratitude to Eric!
Women Know Everything

The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook
The Jane Austen Handbook
The Meowmorphosis



GoodReads FirstReads (Free books--does it get better than that?)
Separate Kingdoms
*A Question of Manhood
*Red Hook Road
Things We Didn't Say
Love.com
The Story of Charlotte's Web
The Gray Zone
French Lessons




Books/eBooks sent by Authors (For which I am humbly grateful!)
The Lexical Funk
Spin the Plate
*Shattered Wings
The Cries of Vampira
Textual Healing
The Lost Boy (The Noricin Chronicles #1)
The Gottlehrling Goblet (The Noricn Chronicles #2)
Not Just for Breakfast Anymore
The Blackberry Bush
*Rabbit: The Chasing of Beth Rider
The Judging: The Corescu Chronicles
Loose Rabbits: Chasing Beth Rider 1.5


Reads for 2011 (My Choice)
The Hunger Games
Eat, Pray, Love
Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1)
Backseat Saints
Crank
Insomnia

Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince
The Blind Side
In a Heartbeat
Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms
Mr. Peanut
A Secret Kept

Zoo Story
To Hell on a Fast Horse
Lucky Billy
Clockwork Orange
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch

Reads for 2011 (Recommended by my daughter, JudoQueen)
The Amulet of Samarkand #1of the Bartimaeus Trilogy
Twilight: New Moon
The Count of Monte Cristo

Sherlock Holmes
Little Brother
The Alchemyst #1 of Nickolaus Flammel

Reads for 2011 (Read with my son, JediBoy)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid  2-5