.product review: mustache baby.

the wee man, pete, and i were lucky enough to be sent a copy of the new children's book, mustache baby by bridget heos, for a read and a review. from the very first page, we were all smitten. i mean, a baby who is born with a moustache! how can that not be a hit with both youngsters and parents??? a perfect book to read together as a family. 

so basically this adorable little babe is born with a moustache. he grows it into all sorts of styles, changing his looks from everything like 'the artist' to 'the cowboy' to 'the spanish painter". one day, the mustache grows into a bad sort of mustache and the story continues from there....

seriously, the story is adorable. the illustrations are ridiculously cute. and we have read it multiple times since receiving it. i highly recommend for your next book purchase.

**hometown side-note: i was thrilled to learn that the illustrator, joy ang, lives in my hometown of edmonton, alberta, canada. she has drawn some of the best modern cartoon illustrations i've seen in a while and i was just so proud of some local talent hitting the semi-big league!! wicked awesome if you ask me! can't wait to see what else you have coming joy!!

*special thanks to canadian family for sending our family a copy of this book to review and enjoy. while we were asked to review it, all opinions are our own. this really is a wonderful little book for all to enjoy. happy reading!

Guest Post: Bookishly Boisterous.

I'm kinda excited for you Fancy Napkin readers today. I somehow suckered one of my favorite book bloggers to guest post for me while I am away, and she did not dissapoint one little bit. THANK YOU Christine!

I laughed my way through this entire post and think you may find her just as charming as I do. 

So ladies and gent's, let me introduce you to my pal, Christine from Bookishly Boisterous [she's seriously one cool chick]. Here's her take on Summer Reading.

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[via]

If you ask 86%* of people what they’re planning on reading this summer they’ll respond with either The Hunger Games or Fifty Shades of Grey… or both. Where’s the originality? While I have nothing against a good competition or some quality time in the sack (bowchickabowwow), I do have something against wasting away your summer without reading at least one piece of semi-quality literature. Friends, I am here to help.  In order to better assist you, please take the following quiz below- eyes on your own paper, number-two pencil (I’m an English teacher, sorry):

This summer, your cocktail of choice will be:

• Something icy, brightly colored, and served with an umbrella
• A lemon drop or Long Island
• A nice glass of wine or a seasonal beer
• Whiskey, scotch, or cognac

While frolicking on the beach, your bod will be clad in:

• Bikini, baby!
• A one piece, but still super low cut and a fun color
• Something made out of seersucker or linen, and probably a cool hat
• A suit, in the shade, while smoking a cigar

What are you listening to while you work on that tan?

• Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rhianna
• Foster the People, Cold Play, Maroon 5
• Radiohead, The Shins
• You really shouldn’t listen to music while you read

So what are your vacation plans exactly?

• Poolside in Vegas/Cabo/Miami
• Palm Springs, South Beach, San Diego
• Seattle, San Francisco, Ireland
• Wherever there are museums

Mostly As:

There’s a good chance you may be distracted this summer, whether by margaritas or lifeguards. Good for you! But still, that’s no excuse not to read something above the eighth grade reading level. Consider:

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn: While this book should absolutely be read at the satirical level, it's separated into 1-2 page letters, so it's easy to read in sections pr put down to rescue little Jimmy from the deep end (or do shots with the fun college kids who make you feel old). The novella is about what happens to a small island when their government stops letting them use certain letters of the alphabet. 

Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding: Original chic lit! If you didn’t get around to it when it first came out in the 90s you should definitely give it a go now. It’s fun without being too shallow.

Mostly Bs

You’re definitely embracing the vacation mentality, but are still hesitant to get completely Girl’s Gone Wild (because, you know, that’s exactly how I’d describe Ella Minnow Pea). You’re there to have fun, but not quite ready to completely relinquish your serious side.  Try:

The Thieves of Manhattan by Adam Langer: This book about the publishing world is a face-paced mystery that pokes fun at the business while not taking itself too seriously. The main characters are well-written and the plot is perfectly paced.

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson: This quirky book is entertaining and unique- it tells the story of the Fang family, who cause public disturbances for the sake of art. Their two children grow up to be a bit dysfunctional and are brought together for an unconventional adventure.

Mostly Cs

You’re too cool and smart for drunk (but really fun) pool party folks, but not quite hardcore enough to swear off summer vacationing completely. Suggestions:

Tortilla Curtain by TC Boyle: I find a way to get this on most of the lists I generate, just because I think it is a culturally important book (which you care about if you chose all Cs).  This novel tackles immigration, class, and even gender in one controversial, well-written package. No matter what your viewpoints are, you will be represented in this book.

Big Machine by Victor Luvalle: I always struggle to describe this novel, so I’ve settled on “spiritual, urban, intellectual  sci-fi.” At the heart of it is the message that we have to know ourselves, and in order to do so you have to be willing to accept bigger, better, and scarier things (not necessarily God, don’t fear my atheist amigos). 

Mostly Ds

I love D people- I picture them in tweed jackets (with patches) sitting at a table surrounded by scantily clad people at beach cafes, shaking their heads in disgust. Nothing says serious like ordering a cognac when everyone else is enjoying a Mai Tai! For you people (who I highly doubt need my suggestions):

Ulysses by James Joyce: I have to admit to never having read this, although I’ve been having the urge to. Of course you’d read the Odyssey first, since Ulysses mirrors it. But you knew that. Epic journey commence!

Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky: This is one of my favorite novels of all time. At the heart of the novel is the idea of selfishness and then, naturally, guilt, and what that emotion will do with a person when control has been surrendered to the feeling. 

 

For more suggestions you can of course stop on by my blog, Bookishly Boisterous. Thanks for reading and thanks to Erinn for asking me to guest post (aren’t we all crazy jealous of her right now?)

Happy reading!

Christine

*Statistics completely and utterly made up 

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See what I mean? Head on over to her blog to follow for daily updates or for a dose of witty humor. I know it's one of my first stops each morning. Thanks again Christine!

ps. I came in tied as a B & C person [currently rocking a one piece and listening to a little Coldplay, wish I was sipping some red wine, and just visited Ireland], but I so desperately wish I was a D person. Sigh, my tweed jacket and cognac will have to wait.

xoxo

.May Favorites.

Hi Friends!

So I'm currently on a Ferry, sailing over to Dublin. All safe and sound [hear that mom? no more worrying okay?]. And boy, this country sure is gorgeous! I've met back up with the boys and we're now on the second leg of our journey and I am completely in love. All the history. All the lush greenery. All the accents [phew!]. Lets just say the entire UK is one awesome place. 

So I'll post more on Scotland [the first round of this trip] and Ireland [this round] in the next couple of days, when I can get around to a few more places and get a few more pictures for you, but in the meantime here is a video I filmed the day before I left, as May has come and gone.

My May Favorites.

1] Tiffany & Co. Cat Eye Sunglasses

2] Urban Outfitters Emerald Vintage Earrings

3] Tiny Token Design's Initial Earrings

4] Stella & Dot Waverly Three Way Bag

5] Aldo Wedge Sandals

6] Garde Manger Cookbook by Chuck Hughes

7] St. Tropez Gradual Tanning Body Moisturizer in Medium/Dark shade

8] Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip balm in Lemon

9] Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light shade

10] MAC Prep & Prime Lip Primer

11] MAC Sun Tints Liquid Lip Balm in Sea Mist

.Reading: The Night's Circus.

Egad.

It's already Feb. 19th and I haven't read a single book in 2012. So much for my 1-2 books per month!
Another failed new years resolution.......which I am about to change!
So to hand out a little Blog Love, I want it noted that my fav book gal, Christine {remember that witty lady over at Bookishly Boisterous} has inspired me to get my ass in gear and pick up a damn novel.  So, I grabbed 'The Night's Circus' by Erin Morgenstern as my first for 2012.

Now, I must mention that I don't believe my gal has read this one {or at least it wasn't on her 2011/2012 Books read column}, but it's been getting rave reviews for being entertaining, easy, and just all around enjoyable. Just what I'm looking for to get back into the swing of things.
So thanks Christine for reminding me about a great way to spend my day, and I hope I can encourage one of you readers to grab a good old fashioned book and read. It's the best way to stimulate the mind. Well, that and calculus....but who actually enjoys calculus?

.Reading Assignment.

via

I'm going to take zero credit for this idea. I totally stole it from Christina over at Bookishly Boisterous, a must stop for anyone looking for a few suggestions on your reading list or if you just want to share in some ridiculously witty dialogue. She's my fave, but I digress.....the idea that I stole was a Top Ten Reading List of those classic books that had you pouting in school. The ones that Mrs. Elniak forced you to read. You know which ones I'm referring too....{as Christina pointed out} The "Required" List.

Well here are my next "Required" Reading Assignments.

{some I'm re-reading, others I haven't touched before}

one. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

two. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

three. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

four. Night by Elie Wiesel

five. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

six. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

seven. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

eight. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

nine. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

ten. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

eleven. Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dosteyvsky

twelve. Animal Farm by George Orwell

thirteen. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

fourteen. The Giver by Lois Lowry

fifteen. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I hope you follow my lead and pick up a classic to re-discover for yourself as well.

xx

.Cleopatra's Moon.

Another Book Review.
This one for Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter.

At first I started this book with mixed feelings. I didn't know if it was based on fact or pure fiction, so after some serious searching and a few quick history lessons, I discovered that this book indeed has some facts weaved into it's fiction. See most of the characters are factual {only a few characters are fictional, and the author does a great job in giving you a character list at the beginning of the book}, with a few added characters as fiction {which the author also breaks out for you, making things easy}. This was to make the story a little more suspenseful and interesting, which plays into the fictional part.

So now that I had that all figured out, I really enjoyed reading this book. I personally love historical books that take place a long, long time ago. Historical fiction novels: Some of it based on truth, some of it made-up. I seem to romance things a little then. It makes me feel like I can actually believe the story is real and that it might just have happened exactly as the author writes it. And she did a wonderful job of placing me in the year 34 BCE {where the story starts}. The time of Cleopatra's Reign.

So here's what the story is about: Selene has grown up in a palace in Egypt with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Anthony. She is the only daughter of the reigning queen and is spoiled beyond your imagination. When the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants to rule Egypt himself, war starts. Selene faces losing everything and everyone she's ever loved. She is forced to live a new life in Octavianus's home in Rome, where she meets two very different young men. Two young men with two different possibilities and futures for her. And this book describes the path that she chooses.

Next Book on Rotation:
{a very ADULT book {sex, swearing, and some very gruesome parts}.....cannot wait!}

.Noteworthy Reads.

Recently I've acquired some very noteworthy books that I felt I should share with you.

Some are cookbooks, some are novels, and some are for home decorating.

But they all have one thing in common {besides me loving them}...

They are all gorgeous works of art.

Check out the links at the bottom of the post for more info!

I personally like to display some of my more beautiful books stacked neatly on my coffee table, or display them on my bookshelf {the one that isn't actually for books, but for fun stuff, like vases and pictures!}. This allows me to glance at them when I feel the need to flip through something, but also adds a pretty design element to my rooms.
AND FUN NOTE: It's also super interesting to see which books your friends and guests go for when they come over....you learn a little something about them just from the books they grab!

My work-in-progress Bookcase {located in my main floor living room}

Personal touches make a bookcase in my opinion. This may be a bit busy, but each item means something to us.
Here I have a vase from our wedding, pictures of loved ones , my prettiest cookbooks, a orchid that was a wedding gift {and still alive!}, and some gifted african statues.

NOTE: My camera battery died right before I snapped a picture of our coffee table, but I will post it later this afternoon, so check back for that!!

1} Fast, Fresh, Simple, by Donna Hay {just like the title says, fresh/fast/simple meals for everyday}
2} Design*Sponge at Home, by Grace Bonney {THE design book to have. Period. It's pretty fantastic!}
3} Domino the Book of Decorating {from my favorite, and now defunct magazine production, Domino. This book is a compilation of the best of the best, and a classic for any design lover}
4} Seasons, by Donna Hay {donna hay is magnificent and this is the best of all cooking seasons}
5} Plenty, by Yotem Ottolenghi {THE new cookbook to have on your self. Trust me!}
6} Alice's Adventure in Wonderland and Other Stories, by Lewis Caroll {a beautiful hot pink novel. who wouldn't WANT this? Also classic stories just pull at my heart strings}
7} War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy {a gorgeous classic novel. Admittedly I haven't finished it, but so far so good. And with about a million pages to read, it'll last you all through the cold winter, curled under a warm blanket near the fireplace. heaven.}

.Clockwork Angel.

Another book review for the author Cassandra Claire.

This is for the series called The Infernal Devices and this is Book 1 of the series, called Clockwork Angel.

Book 1 of the Infernal Devices Series

This book was wonderful to read, I adore books placed in history, even if it's just fictional. There's just something magical about reading of the way things where done back then, and imagining how I would do if I was born in that time. And this book is placed in 1858.

Book 2 of the Infernal Devices Series. To be released Dec. 6th, 2011 

This is book 1 of The Internal Devices Series {there are 3 books in the series, Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess. At this time only book 1 is released}. As well, I should point out that this novel is the prequel to The Mortal Instrument series, that I did a review for previous.

Here's what Clockwork Angel is all about {without giving it all away!}: 

Tessa Gray {only 16 years old} crosses the ocean from America to England in search of her brother. He is the last living relative she has and she wants to make a new life for herself there with him. 

When she arrives in London, she is captured by the mysterious Dark-sisters and kept hostage. Will, a shadowhunter {part human, part angel} finds her and rescues her. 

Tessa finds herself living at the Institute, a place where she can be safe while she convinces the shadowhunters to help her find her brother.  They agree and a war ensues between shadowhunters and the downworlders {daemons, vampires, witches, warlocks}. Tessa also discovers a big secret about herself that is a mystery to everyone, and a secret that many want to get there hands on....

Book 3 of the Infernal Devices Series. To be released Nov. 2012

As I mentioned above, this book had me right from the beginning. There was no waiting for action here. Right off the bat Tessa is captured and forced to do things that she does not want to do. Then the handsome and dark, Will rescues her {don't we all want a handsome man to rescue us from the bad guys?} and the story goes from there.
There was never a dull moment, and at every turn a new twist unfolded. Action packed with many characters to play with. The author did a great job of writing about the slimy characters in this book too. You really find yourself upset at the cruel things that are done and you just want to right what is wrong. I enjoy when an author can play with my emotions like that.
Another part in this novel that I can't wait to find about is Tessa's mysterious power. What is she and how did she become this? What past does her mother and father have that affects this? So many unanswered questions!

Also, the book ended in utter suspense and is killing me to find out what Will is up too. I cannot wait for the 2nd book, Clockwork Prince to come out in Dec. and to find out if Tessa finally falls for Will or Jem! Or Either!! A love story if blooming and who will it be?
I will admit that this book is written for teenagers, but it's such an enjoyable read, adults can get lost in them too. It's easy, fun, and takes your mind off of the hectic day to day schedules that we have to meet. And isn't that what books are all about?

Next Book in the rotation is: Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

As always, please leave your comments below. I love to see your opinions on the novels read, and am always looking for more suggestions on books to read!
Also, sorry about the voice-over in this video. It works at the beginning and the end, but I cannot figure out why it slows in the middle! Weird! If you can help, let me know what I'm doing wrong!

.Harry Dresden Files [A Book Series] Review.

Just as the title says, this is a book review on my newest series, called the Harry Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher.

Currently there are 14 books in this series, but I have only read the first 2 {or actually, the first 3 if you count the Illustrated novel, because, yes people, I did read a comic novel}. To keep you up to speed, I've been trying to nab all the novels in order from the library, but it seems that I'm not the only one reading these. And I now know why. 

This series is freaking good.

Not the hardest of reads, but certainly fun, exciting, and a bit playful {the main character, Harry Dresden's, cheeky humor is very refreshing} this will be a series that I will be finishing from start to end. 

So, I guess since this is a book review, I should be letting you in on what it's all about.

Main Character: Harry Dresden. Occupation: Wizard & Private Investigator.

Yep, that's it. Each novel is based on Harry Dresden's different adventures as being a Wizard P.I. in the city of Chicago. He fights forces against bad vampires, daemons, witches, black arts wizards, etc. He works closely with the Chicago police when plain ol' humans just can't seem to catch the bad guys.

Harry's character as I mentioned, is quite hilarious. He is bad tempered, witty, and grungy. He doesn't try to please anyone, although he has a kind heart and is a true gentlemen. I found that Jim Butcher {the author} wrote Harry's character perfectly for this role. I find myself rooting for him, and hating when he gets misinterpreted {which happens quite often}. I also find myself drawn to wanting to help Harry find happiness, which I'm hoping blossoms as I get further into the novels.There seems to be an underlying love story coming soon. I just feel it.

I also love the supernatural stories in these books. They are different from what you read today, which is a nice change. The author doesn't really romance the bad guys, and keeps things exciting and dangerous. Keep in mind these where first written in the 80's, so these are the true 'vampire, deamon, and witch' stories before Twilight and True Blood came out. 

Well, I'm going to get back to my reading, so I hope you enjoy and find these books entertaining and an escape from reality. Book order and Video Below.

xx

Illustrated Novel: Welcome to the Jungle

Book 1: Storm Front

Book 2: Fool Moon

Book 3: Grave Peril

Book 4: Summer Knight

Book 5: Death Masks

Book 6: Blood Rites

Book 7: Dead Beat

Book 8: Proven Guilty

Book 9: White Night

Book 10: Small Favor

Book 11: Turn Coat

Book 12: Changes

Book 13: Side Jobs

Book 14: Ghost Story

.The Earth Children Series.

Today's book review is only on half of the Earth Children's Series of books. 

Book 1

I am currently on the 3rd book {there's 6 in total} and wanted to do a review so that I don't forget what's going on with the first 3. So here we are.
From what I'm finding {remember I'm only on the 3rd}, these novels as a whole, are a story about self-discovery, adventure, love, and growth.

Book 2

Jean M. Auel has done a wonderful job on writing these too. Her story is set in the Ice Age time, and her descriptions on geography and culture really had me believing that I was actually there. Sometimes so much so, that I was skimming over some of the descriptions because if may have slowed things up for me and I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next! So now that I think of it {and as I'm writing this} I'm realizing that it may have even been a tad too descriptive {but that's just me}.

Book 3

As for the characters, I really connected with Ayla {the main character} and her perspective on things. In the first book, she is found as a child who grows up with a neanderthal clan which different from her birth clan {she's cro-magnon}. She must fight to fit in, is bullied, extremely inquisitive, must learn the clan's ways quickly and chalk full of emotions. She challenges herself in everything that she does, and strives to find more too life. She lives with her feelings on her sleeves, but must adapt to keep that too herself as it's just not allowed in this new clan. I enjoyed the interactions with her 'family' and the unique ways they did things to survive. Actually, I was in awe of their innovation and inventions. 

Book 4

Also, in the second book, I really enjoyed the love story that finally developed for Ayla and Jondalar. That could be one of the only thing missing from the first book: a Love story. So with the introduction of some new characters in the 2nd book, you start to learn more about the sexy times had back in this time era. You really start rooting for Ayla and Jondalar to find each other through out the book, and when they finally so....Fireworks!

Book 5

Book 3 dives into the journey with Ayla and Jondalar as they make there journey together. I'm only in the middle of the novel, but am loving the exchange between these two characters. They have to cross many obstacles and without giving anything away, a nice surprise comes into play around the middle of this novel. Well, that's as far as I've gotten so far, but I do know one thing. I will not be stopping till I'm done each and every one! Only 3 more to go!

Book 6

Let me know what you thought of the series. If you liked them, loved them, or even hated them. Who was your favorite character? Which book was your favorite? What did you think of the different clans?

.Library Book Haul - Part 2.

As promised here is my Library Book Haul, part 2.

Part 1 is here if you want to take a look-see. Same idea, only different books.

And yes, I'm still loving the Library.

Here's what part 2 entails:

*Flavia De Luce Series, by Alan Bradley

Book 1: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Book 2: The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag

Book 3: A Red Herring without Mustard

*Lullabies for Little Criminals, by Heather O'Neill

*Harry Dresden Files Series, by Jim Butcher

Book 1: Welcome to the Jungle

Book 2: Storm Front

Book 3: Fool Moon

Book 4: Grave Peril

Book 5: Summer Knight

Book 6: Death Masks

Book 7: Blood Rites

Book 8: Dead Beat

Book 9: Proven Guilty

Book 10: White Night

Book 11: Small Favor

Book 12: Turn Coat

Book 13: Changes

Book 14: Side Jobs

Book 15: Ghost Story

Book 16: Cold Days

*The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson

*The Reformed Vampire Support Group, by Catherine Jinks

Happy Reading!

.Libraries are Hip.

As most of you know, I absolutely love to read.

But, I have a bit of a confession to make. And it embarrasses me a little.

I have not had an active library card for about 5 years. 

Weird, right? There's just something I adore about browsing my local bookstore for hours {ok, not usually hours, but I can definately sink a solid hour into this}. It's like therapy. And you would think this would be cheap therapy, but {and here's the issue}, it's NOT! I end up spending hundreds of buckeroos on books. Every. Time. I. Go. There.

Sometimes this would work out for me because I would read them and fall madly in love. I would place them lovingly on my bookshelf and re-read them at my pleasure. And sometimes it wouldn't go so smoothly. I would read them, hate them and wonder why I just spent $40 bucks on each one.

Then I ventured into this beautiful world called a "Library". 

For $12 a year {oh, you heard right. 12 Bucks!} you can rent books, audio tapes, movies, music and even  electronic versions for my i-pad any time I want!

Crazy Beans! {sorry, that was pretty lame} 

I still got the hour long browse with my beloved books, but this time I only had to spend 12 Bucks {or actually $1 per month if we get technical} to do so. Which means that I am saving about a zillion bucks. Wickedly cool if you ask me.

Oh, and look how hip and cool the Edmonton Public library has become. They let you pick out your very own library card with sayings like the following:

I choose this one. It's hot pink.

"Chick's Dig Big Brains", "This Card Makes you Smart",  "Use at the First Sign of Boredom"

And these are my book selections this time around. Library Haul - Part 1. 
*The Earth Children's Series {By Jean M. Auel}

Book 1: The Clan of the Cave Bear

Book 2: The Valley of the Horses

Book 3: The Mammoth Hunter

Book 4: The Plains of Passage

Book 5: The Shelters of Stone

Book 6: The Land of Painted Caves

*Frontier Magic Series {By Patricia C. Wrede}

Book 1: Thirteenth Child

Book 2: Across the Great Barrier, came out August 1st, 2011)
*Lure, by Deborah Kerbel

*Blood Book Series by Tanya Huff {Didn't mention this in the video, but see below}

Book 1: Blood Price

Book 2: Blood Trail

Book 3: Blood Lines 

Book 4: Blood Pact

Book 5: Blood Debt

Book 6: Blood Bank

*Smoke Book Series, by Tanya Huff {Sorry, this is a sequel after the Blood Book Series.....might want to pick up those first then go for this series!}

Book 1: Smoke and Shadows 

Book 2: Smoke and Mirrors

Book 3: Smoke and Ashes 

*The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare

So anyways, what this long-winded post was meant to say it simple. 

THE LIBRARY IS SUPER COOL. And reading is super cool. Support your Local Library.

.The Hunger Games + City of Bones.

Today's Special: Two Book Reviews in One!

Oh ya, This crazy lady has been reading BIG TIME!

First up, I finished {and Absolutely Loved) a series called, The Hunger Games.

There's three of these suckers to plow through, with the First called "The Hunger Games", the second "Catching Fire", and the third "Mockingjay".

LOVED THEM ALL.

To be honest, they are sort of one gigantic novel, so you have to get through all of them for the story to actually end, but let me tell you this, You will NOT want it to end. From start to finish, I dare you not to be addicted. They are fun, easy, and creative {I mean who sends children away to an ' annual games' and have them fight to the death? Who?}. But I warn you, make sure you have some time in your schedule because you will drop off the face of the earth for a couple weeks {or days if you plow through it like I did}. LOVED them.  So the books main characters are Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, who basically form the love portion of these novels. Katniss and Peeta are chosen for the Annual Hunger games {which are filmed live 24/7 at the 'Capital', which is the Main City of Panem} where they have to fight to the death amongst 24 other contestants {a boy and a girl, between the ages of 12 - 18, from each of the 12 districts surrounding the Capital}. I don't want to give any too much details, but lets just say that things don't go totally according to the Capital's plan, which in turn, totally piss off the Capital's higher-ups. Then things get ugly for Katniss, Gale and Peeta.....
Now, go read them before I give it all away. SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS! Awesome!

Oh, WAIT!

One more review....this for another series {loving those series lately} called The Mortal Instruments. And dang-nabbit, are they good!

So far I have only finished the first one, which is called "City of Bones", but I started the second one "City of Ashes" and am totally loving it. I picked up the third today, "City of Glass" and the fourth just got released, so I haven't gotten it yet {and it's only in hard-cover, so it's more expensive....sorry friends} which is called "City of Fallen Angels" {did you get all that?}
And I am really, really, really loving them. I love the characters, I love the imaginary world I live in when I'm reading these, and I love the twist at the end. Or actually, I don't know if I love the twist because I was rooting for a certain love {have I given too much away?} but I do appreciate the twist that it throws at us. So ya, I gotta admit, I am really loving this teeny-bopper series. So far so good. Also, 3 random women {women, not little girls, which somehow makes me feel better} blurted out at the bookstore {I didn't even ask} that this is their favorite series. Favorite! So that's pretty darn cool.
So the first book is mostly about Jace, Alec, Isabelle {Shadowhunters, which are basically a cross between a Human + an Angel}, Simon and Clary {humans}. They all meet one night at a nightclub, and Clary, who is human {or maybe not?} can see Jace, Alec, and Isabelle when she shouldn't be able too, which grabs their attention, and it sort of webs from there. Clary finds out that her mother, Jocelyn, has some secrets that she kept from her daughter about her past, as well, as parts of the World that Clary should be a part of but never knew about. When some bad news bears {not really bears, but some really bad guys} show up and start causing trouble for the gang of Humans and Shadowhunters, things really start to pick up. This book has a blossoming love story {not telling between who...} and a lot of magical adventure, which can be a great escape from reality. And isn't that what a book is supposed to do?
Okay, here's my video review. It cut me off again {I really need to learn how to operate my camera on video mode}, and I didn't do the best of describing the books, hence why I wrote out so much above, but anyways, Enjoy!

Haha, and I totally give you permission to have a little chuckle at my face freeze frame above, You bet I did!!