Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales Volume 2 by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden

Cover of Flashy Fiction Vol. 2

I first became aware of the flash fiction genre sometime last year. Curious about this newly discovered genre, I proceeded to read a few flash fiction stories online and became hooked with these short reads! I then visited the Amazon Kindle Store and downloaded my first flash fiction eBook titled Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales (Volume 1) by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden. 

I loved the first volume of 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales' and it became one of my favorite books of 2012. Read my review of Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales (Volume 1) from last year. 

So, when I discovered that 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales Volume 2' by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden had been published earlier this year, I couldn't wait to read it! I finished reading Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales 2 by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden on my Kindle earlier this month. 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales 2' is a collection of fifteen short stories, which include both flash fiction and short stories that fall into the science fiction and horror genres.

I enjoyed the layout of stories in 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales 2'. Each story is either written by Jen Wylie or Sean Hayden in alternating order. At the end of each story, the author describes the inspiration for the story you've just read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading because I always find it interesting to learn what prompted/inspired an author to write the story they've written.

The stories in 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales 2' are fun, fast and engaging reads. Although, I enjoyed most of the stories in the second volume of 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales', I found the stories in the first collection of 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales' to be a whole lot more captivating. I would still highly recommend the second volume though, especially if you liked reading the stories first volume and/or are fans of the science fiction and horror genres. 

I'd also like to add that 'Fireflies' by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden's 'The Zombie Dialogues' & 'Pumpkin Carver', where my favorite stories in the second volume of 'Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales'.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Literary Restaurants Around the World

In addition to my love of reading books, I absolutely enjoy dining out at restaurants. If it were economically possible, I'd probably dine out for every meal, hire a chef to cook all my meals for me, or some combination of the two... But, I digress.

Last night, I stumbled across an article on Flavorwire titled 10 Literary Restaurants for Hungry Book Nerds Around the World by Emily Temple. Wow, what could be better than creating the perfect space for dining that appeals to the literary nerd?? We all have to eat, right?

All of the restaurants sound awesome. I'd have fun visiting them all. Café du Livre in Marrakesh stands out the most for me though. Which literary restaurant would you most want to visit?

Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts

Abridged Audiobook on 5 CDs

I've become addicted to listening to audiobooks on compact disc this year! I've always enjoyed listening to a well read audiobook, but in the past I have usually stuck to reading a book---Not listening to one!

This year though, roughly one third of the books I've read so far have actually been audiobooks... Or rather I've listened to audiobooks verses reading the physical book.

I began listening to audiobooks more frequently last year, when I was randomly drawn/selected as the surprise winner of the International Audiobook Sweepstakes, hosted by another Bookcrosser from Bookcrossing website. I began receiving audiobooks from readers here in the USA as well as from readers overseas. It was a wonderful experience to receive and listen to so many different audiobooks that I may never have listened to or discovered on my own... Since then, I've been participating in an online audiobook exchange through Bookcrossing with several readers here in the USA.

Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts is the most recent audiobook that I've listened to and it was an enjoyable one to listen to at that... Even if was the abridged version. I prefer unabridged audiobooks as I usually want to listen to the book in its entirety, but I am willing to make sacrifices! ;-)

Shoot the Moon is my first encounter reading anything written by Billie Letts. I'm familiar with the names of three of her novels, but hadn't read any of them until now. 

I enjoyed listening to Shoot the Moon. The storyline and characters were interesting enough and the novel itself captured my attention from the onset. I also thought that actor, Lou Diamond Phillips, did a superb dramatic reading of Shoot the Moon, a much better than I'd anticipated he'd render. Overall, I'd rate this book 7 out of 10 stars.

The following is a synopsis of Shoot the Moon, which I found on the Reading Group Guides website: 

In 1972, the town of DeClare, Oklahoma, was consumed by the terrifying murder of Gaylene Harjo and the disappearance of her baby, Nicky Jack. When the child's pajama bottoms were found on the banks of Willow Creek, everyone feared Nicky Jack was dead, although his body was never found. Nearly thirty years later, Nicky Jack mysteriously returns to DeClare. His sudden reappearance will stun the people of DeClare and stir up long-buried emotions and memories. But what Nicky Jack discovers among the people who remember the night he vanished is far more than he, or anyone, bargains for. Piece by piece emerges a story of dashed hopes, desperate love, and a shocking act with repercussions that will cry out for justice...and redemption.

Full of the authentic heartland characters that Billie Letts writes about so beautifully, Shoot the Moon is a hypnotic tale filled with suspense and emotional truth. It further establishes Billie Letts as an American writer to be reckoned with-an original storyteller whose words go straight to our heart. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Are These the Most Playful Libraries in the World?

Wow, I love the look of these fifteen playful, whimsical libraries found throughout the world!! I'd love to find myself reading in any one of the libraries featured in Alison Nastasi's article for Flavorwire titled The Most Playful Libraries in the World. 

My favorite playful library? That's a difficult choice to make, but the library at The Soneva Kiri resort on Koh Kood Island in Thailand looks pretty, inviting along with home library for a family in Austin created by Sallie Trout.

Which library or libraries do you like the most?

Nosebleed by Ged Maybury

I recently had the honor of reading Nosebleed by Ged Maybury. 
'Nosebleed' is the first novel I've read by Mr. Maybury and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very engaging and well told children's science fiction novel!! 

'Nosebleed' is filled with some pretty humorous scenes that had me laughing out loud. The perks of 'Nosebleed' are many. In addition to the well developed storyline, I also enjoyed the characters in 'Nosebleed', especially Hamish, the lead character. The dialogue between characters is also fabulous and entertaining.

Ged Maybury's writing is so brilliantly delievered, that I felt like I had the perfect bird's eye view to what was taking place in 'Nosebleed' --- As I could envision each scene vividly as the story unfolded.

Book Description of 'Nosebleed' from the Back Cover:

Hamish Zupanek picks his nose a lot---but that's because he thinks he's an AAV (Alien Abduction Victim). How else should he explain his regular nosebleeds, his dad's dandruff, and his friend's rambling about Selective Chicken Blindness? Aided by The Complete Encyclopedia of Paranormal Diseases and a 'friend' he meets on the Internet, Hamish breaks the alien nose-picking code and explores the local UFO landing pad. But then his Internet buddy wants to visit him at home. For real. In the flesh. And he has news for Hamish that will send him out of this world!

I actually learned about 'Nosebleed' from another book blogger (Mozette), who knows Ged Maybury personally. Mozette had written and posted a review of 'Nosebleed' on her blog, My Reading List. 

Thank you, Mozette, for posting a review of Ged Maybury's novel, 'Nosebleed', on your blog! Without your review, I may never have discovered Mr. Maybury's writing. I look forward to reading more of his novels.

I'd expressed an interest in reading 'Nosebleed', so Mozette forwarded my email address to Ged Maybury. After a few email exchanges with Mr. Maybury, I was thrilled to receive an autographed copy of 'Nosebleed' from him. Lucky me!! I love having books autographed by the author. 'Nosebleed' is another wonderful edition to my personal collection that I will continue to cherish in the years to come.
 
Until my next post, happy reading!

Here Are 25 Signs You’re Addicted To Books

Trust me, I don't need 25 signs to know that I'm addicted to books. 

However, I did find an awesome article on BuzzFeed titled 25 Signs You’re Addicted To Books by Summer Anne Burton, that had me laughing out loud!!

Numbers 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 21, & 23 are way too hilarious!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Book Tales Used Bookstore

Book Tales Storefront

I've been out of town for a few days, which is why I haven't posted to my blog lately. While I was away, I visited a used bookstore called Book Tales located inside The Small Mall in downtown Encinitas, California.

I enjoyed visiting Book Tales used bookstore. It is small, quaint, and filled with a nice selection of books for a small bookstore. 

Book Tales has been in business for 30 years now. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful during my visit, giving book recommendations when asked.

Book Tales also buys your books or offers trade ins. They also sell books on the Amazon Marketplace. See their website for more details, by clicking on the link above.

By the end of my visit at Book Tales, I had purchased two cozy mystery novels to add to my reading stack... So, much for downsizing!

Do you love visiting bookstores too?? Tell me about your recent visit to a bookstore! What made the visit memorable?