I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

I personally believe that the best gift you can give a child is a book. I often buy them for other children on their birthdays or christmas (yes I’m that lame) and not coincidentally, it’s my favorite thing for my children to get, but that has more to do with me getting bored of their books more than anything else. I read to both my kids twice a day, and when the house is quiet, it’s usually because they are sitting in a corner somewhere reading… usually. Other times it means they are doing something they shouldn’t be doing which means you want to check to see why they are so quiet in the first place.

My oldest received I like Myself! by Karen Beaumont for her birthday. How can someone not like a book about self confidence??? It’s impossible, especially when it’s delivered with cooky-ness like purple polka dotted lips??? It’s funny and wacky for kids, and it reminds parents to take it easy on the self analyzing and remind your kids that they should like, nay LOVE, themselves, worts and all.

The illustrations are done by David Catrow and they compliment the book perfectly!

               

I give this book 500 000 frizzy hairs out of 500 000. Go buy the hardcover and watch your kids light up at the illustrations!

~Jessi

Series Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood, J. R. Ward

I love stumbling onto a book series when they are a few books in. I discovered this one while looking up the author. I’ve read some of her other books before and liked her so much that I wanted more. Happily, I found this series when they were 8 books in–there are 10 with #11 coming in march–and was absolutely giddy. I read the first 8 this past summer while I was vacationing in Canada (I’m a fast reader, and no I don’t skip pages or lines) and the rest when I returned to Texas in August. These books fall into the erotica (porn) category, much like Fifty Shades series, but this book would make Christian Gray blush. I should note that I also read this whilst the hubs was deployed (note to self, stop reading porn when the hubs is away)… (revised note:read more porn when the husband is away) and therefore my opinion might not be entirely objective. With that being said, I effin love this series and am anxiously awaiting the 11th installment.

Like I mentioned above, it’s an erotica but it’s a bit more raw than Fifty Shades series. There’s no dainty bitchiness, and my favorite part, you also get to read from the man’s perspective. Each of the book revolves around a different character which makes for a dynamic storyline, although all characters make a constant appearance in each book. I did notice, though, that the further into the series I got, the more the storyline expanded, which is a good thing. Seriously, who can spend day and night banging their brains out???? Not me, there’s laundry that ain’t going to wash itself.

The series revolves around a brotherhood of vampire warriors that have been raised and groomed to protect the vampire species from an evil species of immortals that were created for the sole purpose of killing all vampires. Let me make this clear: vampires=good, vampire hunters=bad. I know, I know, vampire stories have been done to death, but trust me, no one twinkles in this one, and there are no half naked teenaged werewolves running around either. No, this author had an absolute stroke of genius when she created her vampires: The species can only survive and thrive by feeding from the blood of the opposite sex, therefore removing humans from the food chain. Brilliant!!! I won’t give more away because I don’t want to spoil the stories, so please read them.

If you have read these, I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, but please NO SPOILERS.

~Jessi~

I wanna share!!!!

Hey gang, I’m working on a few reviews, but I’m in a sharing spirit. So I thought I would share my books! I use a Nook Color eReader (no B&N did not pay me to say that) and they have a “Lendable” option on some books. Turns out, some publishing companies don’t suck and they actually want people to read their books. Anyhoo…. you can go on http://www.barnesandnoble.com, scoll to the very bottom of their page and download their reader for free. It’s available on pc, mac, iPhone and Android devices. I have HUNDREDS of books in my library (I told you I love books) and some of the books that I have reviewed here are available to lend. All you have to do is add me as your friend. Send me a message to writtenmusing@gmail.com with your email address or simply add mine to you nook account friend list and we can start sharing. 🙂

Screen shot of http://www.barnesandnoble.com where you can find the free app download

I promise not to spam you or share your email with anyone, my only purpose is to allow you to read some of the books I have in my library for free.

I hope you enjoy the books.
~Jessica

The Parasol Protectorate Series, Gail Carriger

Hiyo everyone! I’ve been offline the last few days as it would appear that sick children require parental attention. I know! I was as shocked as you are! Fret not, dear book lovers, I still had time to read. In fact, I finished, this very evening, a fantastical series involving werewolves (quite fury), vampires (the non twinkle variety) and handy dandy parasols with a touch of steampunk! BRILLIANT!!!

The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger is a 5 book series that absolutely appealed to me. As most things steampunk (for definition go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk), it is set in British Victorian Era in, you guessed it, London. Her take on the supernatural is unique and intriguing, which is very difficult to do these days. I find that most authors try very hard, and fail miserably at trying to reinvent the werewolf and vampire (Twilight anyone?), when simplicity will do.

The main character, Alexia, has no soul. Don’t worry, though, because if you were to ask her, I’m sure should would tell you that it isn’t a terrible affliction to have, and even having a soul very much complicate her life. The events in the 5 books revolve around her lack of soul, which is where the cool supernatural stuff come in. Sorry, I’m being vague, I know. It’s difficult to explain how AWESOMELY FANTASTIC this series is. I love Alexia, she’s smart, sarcastic, quick witted and nothing seems to ruffle her bonnet: The kind of woman I strive to be. Her love interest is much the same, which I believe is the reason why is it such a great relationship (much like the old couple from “Up”.

Gail’s writing style is great. She’s very descriptive without being annoying. The dialog is funny and entertaining. The characters are well developed but not over exposed as to not leaving any room for growth. And I love that you read from different characters’ perspective, giving you a “behind the scenes” feel.

The only negative thing that I have to say is that there is somewhat of a loose end at the end of the series. It’s not much really, and I’m sure other readers don’t care, but Alexia’s sister’s part of the story seems unfinished. Maybe there is another follow up series in the works? Who knows.

 

I give this book 4 top hats out of 5

Let me know what you think, I’m dying to hear from you.

~Jessi

Stocking Stuffer for the mommy in your life

Confessions of a scary mommy: An honest an irreverent look at motherhood–the good the bad and the scary, Jill Smokler

Mothers rejoice! You aren’t alone. We all know the road of parenthood involves ups and downs (although we might think there are more downs then ups). Let’s face it, kids are weird, stinky, sticky and, sometimes, infuriating, but dang it, they are worth it! My kids make me laugh ALL THE TIME, and they haven’t even started school yet. My oldest daughter is almost four and already has a deep appreciation for punk rock and studded boots (I’m so proud). I’m convinced that my second daughter will be the first female player to make it to the NFL, trust me, she can plow through anything (although, I think she should play rugby). As much as they make me laugh though, they often make me want to slam my face into a wall. I don’t remember the last time I’ve eaten my dinner while it was still hot, since I have to get up from the table a gazillion times to get juice, or another napkin, or some paper towels to pick up the spilt juice, oh and I forgot to get more juice to replace the spilt stuff and, well you get were I’m going with this.

 

Confessions of a Scary Mommy is a compilations of essays that paint the real life picture of being a mom, the good, the bad and the sticky. Chapters cover husbands to your friends kids, to the stupid crap they all do, and the sad realities that come with being a parent. This book will make you laugh, make you cry and it might even make you open up to yours friends, and be a little less judgmental towards other moms.

 

My scary mommy confession: my daughter has a skewed understanding of what 5 minutes is… that’s probably because I sometimes forget about something she asked me to get for her, and I tell her that I’ll be there in 5 minutes. Oops

 

Read the book, it’s very much worth it. It’s a quick read and you’ll be done in an afternoon. Great Sunday reading, plus appropriate for mothers of all generations.

Cheers!

 

The Sensual voice of Gilbert Godfrey

This had me crying! A goof video made of Gilbert Godfrey reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Adore it, people!