10 Fun, Quirky Facts About Margaret Atwood

Bookish Quote of the Day!

This seems like the perfect quote for Banned Books Week!

The Lost Art Of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister

Hardback Edition

A few years ago, I read Erica Bauermeister's novel, The School Of Essential Ingredients and loved this novel! So, when I discovered that The Lost Art Of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister was the follow up novel to The School Of Essential Ingredients, I knew that I had to read it. 

I've had The Lost Art Of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister in my massive 'to be read' pile for over 4.5 years now. I am not quite sure why I didn't read this novel a lot sooner when I enjoyed reading The School Of Essential Ingredients so much... Most likely the reason has to do with the fact that I already have so many books waiting to be read in my book collection that I simply put off reading The Lost Art Of Mixing. Additionally, I've kept adding new books to my ever growing 'to be read' pile over the years and somewhere along the way this novel kept being put off.

Anyway, I love Erica Bauermeister's writing as she has a beautiful way with words. How she chooses to describe scenes and people can be very magical. So it was delightful to see this kind of writing once again in The Lost Art Of Mixing. I enjoyed reading The Lost Art Of Mixing, however, I didn't love it as much as I did the The School Of Essential Ingredients.

The following is a book summary for The Lost Art Of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister from Amazon:

National bestselling author Erica Bauermeister returns to the enchanting world of The School of Essential Ingredients in this luminous sequel...

Lillian and her restaurant have a way of drawing people together. There’s Al, the accountant who finds meaning in numbers; Chloe, a budding chef who hasn’t learned to trust after heartbreak; Finnegan, quiet and steady as a tree, who can disappear into the background despite his massive height; Louise, Al’s wife, whose anger simmers just below the boiling point; and Isabelle, whose memories are slowly slipping from her grasp. And there’s Lillian herself, whose life has taken a turn she didn’t expect…

Their lives collide and mix with those around them, sometimes joining in effortless connections, at other times sifting together and separating again, creating a family that is chosen, not given. A beautifully imagined novel about the ties that bind—and links that break—The Lost Art of Mixing is a captivating meditation on the power of love, food, and companionship.

I am giving The Lost Art Of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister a rating of 3 stars our of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox, which is the first erotica novella in the Sun Stroked series.

Listening time for Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox is 3 hours, 31 minutes and is narrated by Angela Moore.

Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox is a short, easy read... I liked the storyline, the characters, and the plot overall... However, the main downside for me was that the relationship between Danielle and Ethan moved too quickly. Instalust/instalove happened from the onset of meeting each other. They were instantly attracted to each other as the chemistry between them was strong. Additionally, they seemed to pretty much glean what the other person needed. And, of course, Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox ended on a happy note.

As I already mentioned, I enjoyed reading Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox. But I think this novella could have been better had it been longer in length with more build of Danielle and Ethan's relationship to make it more realistic. Otherwise it was a good read.

The following is the plot summary for Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox from Audible:

Welcome to the "O Spa", an exclusive island resort where legend has it a magical elixir can turn your wildest fantasies into a delicious reality....

Interior designer Danielle Carrigan has never told anyone about her desire to be dominated in the bedroom. But after a seaside seduction with gorgeous weapons expert Ethan Sharpe, something tells her that the hardcore military man will be happy to satisfy her yearning.

I am giving Seaside Seduction by Cathryn Fox a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Mating Chase (Werewolves of Montana Book #1) by Bonnie Vanak

The Mating Chase (Werewolves of Montana Book #1) by Bonnie Vanak is a paranormal romance/erotica novella that I was able to download for FREE from Amazon to my Kindle.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Mating Chase (Werewolves of Montana Book #1) by Bonnie Vanak.

The Mating Chase is the first novella in the Werewolves of Montana Series by Bonnie Vanak. My copy of this ebook also came with bonus material, which included the prequel to this novella, which is titled, The Mating Heat.

I thought both the prequel and the main read were alright. The writing was decent if you like paranormal romance/erotica featuring wolves. I thought things went a bit overboard with the involvement/introduction of trolls, ogres, and wizards in the background as minor characters. Each of the two stories tended to focus on alpha males and women that had issues with self esteem that were overcome with the help of their alpha mate in gaining confidence. Plus, additional background about the werewolf pack itself and other characters. I have no intention of reading the rest of the series.

The following is a summary of The Mating Chase (Werewolves of Montana Book #1) by Bonnie Vanak from Amazon:

NEW! Includes bonus content.

Welcome to the sensual world of the Lupine, where the burning drive to mate claims all...

Home from college, where men teased her for being overweight, Beth doesn't fit into pack life at the Mitchell ranch. Because she’s forgotten how to shift into a wolf, the pack alpha has ordered her to choose a mate or leave. The only male Beth desires is Dale, a fiercely protective Lupine who loathes the human lifestyle she embraces. She hungers for the handsome shifter’s touch, but fears their differences are too vast to overcome.

Dale has waited for four long years for Beth’s return. Her scent ignites his desire and her voluptuous body fires his blood. He is determined to awaken her to the sensual world of the Lupine. Although she acts more “Skin” than wolf, he can’t deny his overwhelming drive to claim her.
As the heat of passion threatens to consume them both, a new peril arises. Someone is killing a local rancher’s livestock and blaming it on wolves, endangering the pack’s ability to shapeshift. It will take all Beth’s courage and Dale’s skill to find the enemy threatening to destroy their world...

I am giving The Mating Chase (Werewolves of Montana Book #1) by Bonnie Vanak a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I am really behind on reading several books by favorite authors. Here's a short list of books I'd still like to read by favorite authors.

1. The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
2. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
3. The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
4. MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
5. Indian Killer by Sherman Alexie
6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
7. An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
8. Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon
9. The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart
10. In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

Have you read any of the books on the above list?? Which ones would you recommend reading first?

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Graphic Novel - Hardback Edition

I decided to read Drama by Raina Telgemeier for Banned Books Week this year as I learned that Drama made the top ten list for most banned book in 2017! This graphic novel for young adults was banned due to LBGQT characters in the book.

I read Drama by Raina Telgemeier in a few hours. I loved the storyline, the characters, and the color artwork found in Drama by Raina Telgemeier. There wasn't much I didn't like about this graphic novel and I really can't understand why it was banned at all.

The following is the plot summary for Drama by Raina Telgemeier from Amazon:

From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile and Sisters!

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Below is a book trailer for Drama by Raina Telgemeier:

I am giving Drama by Raina Telgemeier a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Little Free Library in Santa Cruz, Californa!!

My husband and I headed to Santa Cruz, California last week to celebrate his 50th birthday!! We stayed in Santa Cruz for four nights, five days. We enjoyed staying at an AirBnB located in a residential neighborhood that was located three block from the beach. We loved the beach bungalow we stayed in and enjoyed our visit in Santa Cruz.

While in Santa Cruz, we unexpectedly stumbled upon a Little Free Library on our way to the Cat & Cloud Coffeehouse!! Right next door, to this wonderful little coffeehouse with very friendly staff and fabulous coffee, tea, and treats, is a home with a Little Free Library at the curb. I was able to leave three books inside of this LFL and take two paperback books with me to read at a later date.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Little Free Library in Scotts Valley, California!!

My husband and I headed to Santa Cruz, California last week to celebrate his 50th birthday!! We stayed in Santa Cruz for four nights, five days. We enjoyed staying at an AirBnB located in a residential neighborhood that was located three block from the beach. We loved the beach bungalow we stayed in and enjoyed our visit in Santa Cruz.

On our drive into Santa Cruz, we stopped by a new to me Little Free Library in Scotts Valley, California and left three books, but didn't take any with us as there weren't any books that looked worth reading.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

50/50 Friday - Favorite Book Set Where You Live/Another Place

50/50 Friday is a meme hosted by Carrie @ The Butterfly Reads and Laura @ Blue Eye Books. This fun themed meme focuses on the opposite sides of books (best/worst, differing opinions, etc). Every week a new topic will give bloggers the chance to showcase their answers.

This week's theme is Favorite Book Set Where You Live/Another Place. I know of no books set in the city where I currently live. However, I do live near San Francisco, California, so I'll chose that city as my home base.

Favorite Book Set Where You Live

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Mark Bittner
(click on above link to read my review)
I really enjoyed reading this nonfiction books about
wild parrots living in large groups in San Francisco.
Who would have guessed wild parrots could survive
living in the colder climates of San Francisco??

Favorite Book Set In Another Place

The Soloist by Steve Lopez

(click on above link to read my review)

Another nonfiction book, but this one is

set in Los Angeles. It's an excellent read,

but I didn't like the movie version of this

book at all.

Which books fall into your Favorite Book Set Where You Live/Another Place?

Lidia Yuknavitch Talks About Corporeal Writing

Corporeal Writing Video #1

I love how Lidia Yuknavitch talks about corporeal writing and even gives you several writing exercises to help you start writing! 

There are three YouTube videos with Lidia Yuknavitch talking about corporeal writing. If you're a writer or want to be a writer, then perhaps these three videos may be helpful to you!

Corporeal Writing Video #2

Corporeal Writing Video #3

If you end up using the writing prompts provided by Lidia Yuknavitch, let me know how your writing turns out.

Hank Green Discusses His Soon To Be Released Novel & More!

Author, John Green's younger brother, Hank Green, is coming out with his very own coming of age novel titled, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green will be released on September 25, 2018.

I'm excited about the upcoming release of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green as I look forward to reading it at some point down the road.

In the above video, Hank Green discusses if their is a rivalry between his brother and himself. Interesting stuff!

What Are You Planning to Read During Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week is happening next week, Sunday, September 23rd through Saturday, September 29th! 

I've chosen to read Drama by Raina Telgemeier during Banned Books Week as this graphic novel written for teens made the top ten list of Banned Books in 2017. The reason Drama by Raina Telgemeier was banned? It contains LGBT characters.

Below is a book trailer for Drama by Raina Telgemeier:

So, which book or books do you plan to read during Banned Books Week?

Title Your Inspirational Memoir With Electric Literature's Handy Chart!

I love book meme's and quizzes. I came across a fun book meme on Electric Literature's website titled, Title Your Inspirational Memoir With Our Handy Chart, so I decided to play along. 

Using Electric Literature's handy chart, my inspirational memoir would be titled, Read, Nap, Dance. What would your inspirational memoir would be titled? 

20 Amazing Bookstores to Visit!

I came across an interesting article about bookstores on Buzzfeed's website titled, 20 Amazing Bookstores From Around The World by Arianna Rebolini. Click on the above link to view these amazing bookstores!!

I'd love to travel the world and visit all of these amazing sounding bookstores. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a job that pays one to travel around the world visiting bookstores, attending book festivals, and other literary sites?? Then blog or vlog about one's experience doing so? Dream job... Just saying!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Which Library Section Are You? (QUIZ)

Every wonder which library section you're most like?? Wonder no further! Take the quiz on Buzzfeed, We Know Which Library Section You’re Most Like Based On These Questions, to find out!

I took the quiz and received the following answer below:

You got: Romance

You love love, and romantic or not, you appreciate all the love you have in your life. You’re a sentimental person, who is not afraid to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Maybe stop by the romance section and pick up and novel, or two.

Kind of funny I received the romance section for my answer as I've read so many historical fiction novels this year!

17 Secrets of Audiobook Narrators

If you're like me, then you love audiobooks!! I came across an interesting article on Mental Floss's website titled, 17 Secrets of Audiobook Narrators by Michele Debczak. In the article, Michele Debczak wrote the following:

Once associated with dusty library cassette tapes, audiobooks are more popular than ever. New technology has made it easy to listen to large audio files on the go, and the resulting surge in listeners has helped the format slough off some of the stigma of decades past. Contrary to the old idea that audiobooks are “cheating,” scientists say that listening to your literature stimulates the brain just as much as reading it does. 

The recent boom in audiobooks means that the voiceover artists who bring them to life are especially busy. Mental Floss spoke with a few industry professionals to learn about what it takes to excel at the job—including their diligent voice-care regimens, the one thing they always look for during research, and the spoilers they sometimes get from authors.

Click on the top link to read the 17 secrets of audiobook narrators. I found the secrets to be fascinating ones indeed. 

Laurie Halse Anderson's New Book 'SHOUT'

I've read a couple of Laurie Halse Anderson's novels in the past and have enjoyed them. I recently discovered an article through Bustle's website titled, Laurie Halse Anderson's New Book 'SHOUT' Is A Powerful Poetic Memoir About Her Own Experiences With Sexual Assault by Cristina Arreola. In the article, Cristina Arreola wrote the following:

Laurie Halse Anderson is done staying silent. She's done whispering. She's done speaking. Now, she's shouting. In her forthcoming poetic memoir, SHOUT, the beloved young adult author of Speak writes with bracing honesty about her own experiences with sexual assault. Bustle has a first look at the cover and one of the poems from the memoir below. 

"I finally have the perspective to talk directly about my experience as a rape survivor," Laurie Halse Anderson tells Bustle. "I grew up in a house where silence was more valued than truth — it took a long time to grow out of those restraints."

The memoir is, in many ways, a love letter to all those who have spoken out — whether online, to a trusted friend, to a therapist, to a reporter, or only in their hearts — about their own experiences with sexual assault. Although the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements didn't affect the writing of the memoir, Halse Anderson says she "suspects they will affect the willingness of readers to listen with their hearts."

It's brave of anyone to come out and discuss their personal experience with sexual assault. Sexual assault happens more commonly than people think. I've read that 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime while other reports claim 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Either way, that statistic is way too high. The sad reality is that sexual assault frequently goes unreported. Women are also frequently shamed and made to feel that sexual assault is their fault. No woman should be made to feel that sexual assault is their fault.

Hopefully, with more women writing or speaking out about their experience with sexual assault, attitudes towards sexual assault survivors and how they are treated will change... Especially, how women are treated during court trials when they press charges against the person who sexually assaulted them. I'm tired of hearing that women are blamed for a sexual assault because they wore something too revealing (for example)... Are men in our society so out of control they can't be trusted to be a gentleman and not rape a woman if she wears a little black dress or something else revealing??? 

Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde

I discovered Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde by reading a review of this novel on Carole's Chatter (a blog I follow) last year. I decided right then and there that I wanted to read Allie and Bea for myself.

I'm so glad that I listened to the unabridged audio version Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde and narrated by Lauren Ezzo and Janet Metzger as it was definitely worth the read.

What did I like about Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde? Bea (an elderly woman) and Allie (a 15 year old teenager) are two good people from different backgrounds and generations, who've been thrown together by happenstance and also by circumstance beyond their control. I found each of their individual stories compelling... Plus, enjoyed reading how they came together to form a strong bond and friendship that feels more like the bond of family. 

I live in California. So with that in mind, I enjoyed reading about all the stops Allie and Bea make along the coast of California as they head north towards the Canadian border. I have visited many of the cities and stops they make along the way, which was fun to read about as they made their journey north.

I liked the characters and the storyline. The writing was well done. I also liked the narrators for Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

I did find Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde to be predictable. It ends on a happy note, which I didn't mind... This is definitely a feel good novel in the end, which I didn't mind either. However, the storyline's predictability factor was probably the main reason I gave this novel a lower rating. I also felt like a few of the scenes in this novel didn't ring true to me on how they'd turn out in real life. 

Overall though, I really enjoyed Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

The following is a summary for Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde from Audible:

Bea has barely been scraping by since her husband died. After falling for a telephone scam, she loses everything and is forced to abandon her trailer. With only two-thirds of a tank in her old van, she heads toward the Pacific Ocean with her cat - on a mission to reclaim what's rightfully hers, even if it means making others pay for what she lost.

When fifteen-year-old Allie's parents are jailed for tax fraud, she's sent to a group home. But when her life is threatened by another resident, she knows she has to get out. She escapes only to find she has nowhere to go - until fate throws Allie in Bea's path.

Reluctant to trust each other, much less become friends, the two warily make their way up the Pacific Coast. Yet as their hearts open to friendship and love from the strangers they meet on their journey, they find the courage to forge their own unique family - and begin to see an imperfect world with new eyes.

I am giving Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Listening time for Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde is 10 hours, 35 minutes.

Until my next post, happy reading!

31 Book Related Podcasts to Explore!

I don't listen to many podcasts with an regularity. But I was pleased to discover an article on Buzzfeed's website titled, 31 Podcasts For Every Type Of Book Lover by Kirby Beaton. I look forward to checking some of these podcasts out in the future.

Click on the link above to discover which podcasts made the list!

The Best Erotica Audios on Audible

I am an audiobook enthusiast and I love downloading audiobooks from Audible. I also happen to enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks that fall into the erotica genre.

I came across an online article titled, The best erotic audio on Audible by John-Michael Bond. Twenty erotic audios are listed in this article as some of the best ones found on Audible to listen to if you love erotica.

Share some of your favorite erotica audios found on Audible in the comments section below.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

50/50 Friday - Best/Worst Read in August

50/50 Friday is a meme hosted by Carrie @ The Butterfly Reads and Laura @ Blue Eye Books. This fun themed meme focuses on the opposite sides of books (best/worst, differing opinions, etc). Every week a new topic will give bloggers the chance to showcase their answers.

My Best/Worst Book Read in August 2018

My Best Read in August 2018
I had a lot of good read in August,
so it was difficult to narrow down my choices.
The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis
was my favorite read for August 2018

(Click on above link to read my review of this book)

My Worst Read in August 2018
I loved the cover for
The Keeper of the Wolf Clan by Red Phoenix,
but it just wasn't for me... So, it got a 1 star rating.
(Click on above link to read my review of this book)

So, what was your best/worst read for August 2018?

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Enchantment by Orson Scott Card, which is a fantasy novel. Listening time for Enchantment by Orson Scott Card is 17 hours, 26 minutes.

Enchantment is the first novel I've read by Orson Scott Card. I usually don't read fantasy or science fiction novels. However, in an effort to expand my reading horizons, I decided to give this novel a go as it sounded really good and also because I heard what a talented writer Orson Scott Card is.

I admit that I really enjoyed listening to Enchantment by Orson Scott Card much more than I thought I would. The story, plot, and characters were all really good and entertaining. The two narrators were also really good as well in keeping me engaged throughout the entire novel.

I loved that Enchantment by Orson Scott Card is a modern take on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale using the Russian version of this tale. This novel contains other immortal deities too and the use of potions and magic spells, which made for a fun read.

Only a few things were annoying about Enchantment... Like how the character of Katerina treated Ivan the first two-thirds of their relationship. I thought she was a bit difficult and short sighted to begin with. I also found the character of Ruth (minor character) to be annoying as well. I also felt like the last chapter/ending for Enchantment was a tad unsatisfactory. The ending felt too tidy. Otherwise a really lovely novel.

The following is a summary for Enchantment by Orson Scott Card from Audible:

As one of the most consistently exciting writers to emerge in the last 25 years, Orson Scott Card has been honored with numerous awards, while immersing readers in dazzling worlds only he could create. Now, in Enchantment, Card works his magic as never before, transforming the timeless story of Sleeping Beauty into an original fantasy brimming with romance and adventure.

I am giving Enchantment by Orson Scott Card a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Banned Books Week 2018 ~ September 23rd through 29th!

Celebrate Banned Books Week later this month. Defeat censorship by defending the right to read. Protect First Amendment rights!

Below is more about Banned Books Week from the About page of the Banned Books Week website:

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

I usually end up reading one or more banned books per year. I find that books that are banned usually end up making the best books for reading as they contain thought provoking ideas to discuss with others.

Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox and narrated by Muffy Newtown. Listening time for Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox is 2 hours, 44 minutes.

Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox was the second novel I read (or listened to is the more correct term) over the Labor Day weekend. It was a short novella and one that was a mindless bit of fun if you like erotica novellas.

I liked the narration of Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox by Muffy Newtown. The story line was pure fantasy filled with insta-love, along with plenty of insta-sex when the main character Alaska Rossi wins a trip to Eden, an island retreat during break from school. 

Breaking Free has a predictable final outcome at the end of the novella, of course. The writing for this book was decent, but then again I wasn't expecting much from it. It's laughable when 'sex' is portrayed as some sort of cure all in some scenes. A few other scenes in this novella that had my eyes rolling as it was a tad cheesy. 

The following is a summary for Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox from Amazon:

Spring break at college is supposed to be a time of fun and parties, but Alaska Rossi, a.k.a. Janey Smith, is on lockdown thanks to her father's mafia dealings. She wants only to party down with the rest of her classmates. At least her hot, darkly mysterious bodyguard - deep undercover as her dorm's resident assistant - gives her something to fantasize about during her boring nights in confinement.

When Alaska wins a campus radio contest, and is gifted with a special invitation to an exclusive island, she knows it's her chance to break free. After all, Eden is a place where no one knows her name, so what danger could possibly come to her? But when danger appears in the form of a masked man who takes control of all her pleasures, tapping into her darkest fantasies, she begins to wonder if her undercover lover, and the mysterious bodyguard who's deep undercover, are one and the same....

Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox was definitely an escape read, but I am giving it a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown

In the late 1980s/early 1990s, I too played Tetris! I remember becoming addicted to this video game. So when I discovered a graphic novel titled, Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown, I couldn't resist buying and reading this book about the history of Tetris.

I enjoyed the artwork in Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown. All the artwork images are done in yellow, black, and white throughout this graphic novel and the text size was perfect; not too small, nor too large. I enjoyed the storyline for Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown as well. I learned  the pertinent points about the life of Alexey Pajitnov's life and how he came to create Tetris. 

I also learned how Tetris became so popular worldwide, which was not such a straight forward story as one would imagine it to be. As readers, we learn how Tetris made its way out of the Soviet Union and who had the rights to sell the game in which markets and in which formats. But, there are many entanglements and mishaps along the way, which made it difficult at times to keep track of all the players out to make money from the sale of Tetris in the retail arena. But don't let this minor detail deter you from reading this graphic novel if you are a Tetris fan. Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown gives readers a glimpse into the history of Tetris. 

The following is a summary of Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown from Amazon:

It is, perhaps, the perfect video game. Simple yet addictive, Tetris delivers an irresistible, unending puzzle that has players hooked. Play it long enough and you’ll see those brightly colored geometric shapes everywhere. You’ll see them in your dreams.

Alexey Pajitnov had big ideas about games. In 1984, he created Tetris in his spare time while developing software for the Soviet government. Once Tetris emerged from behind the Iron Curtain, it was an instant hit. Nintendo, Atari, Sega―game developers big and small all wanted Tetris. A bidding war was sparked, followed by clandestine trips to Moscow, backroom deals, innumerable miscommunications, and outright theft.

In this graphic novel,New York Times–bestselling author Box Brown untangles this complex history and delves deep into the role games play in art, culture, and commerce. For the first time and in unparalleled detail, Tetris: The Games People Play tells the true story of the world’s most popular video game.

I enjoyed reading all 253 pages of Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown in a couple of hours. So, it's definitely a fast read. I am giving Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!!

If you don't have a library card for your local public library, now is your time to grab one during the month of September for Library Card Sign-Up Month!!

10 Animals Who Have Found Their Way Into Libraries

I came across another wonderful article on Electric Lit's website titled, 10 Animals Who Have Broken Into the Library by Erin Bartnett. In the article, Erin Bartnett writes the following:

The library is a refuge for everyone — and by everyone, I mean the whole of the animal kingdom. Sure, we all know (and try to forget) that plenty of microbial folks have wiggled their way into the stacks of the library, but what about the bigger critters and creatures? Last week, the Washington Post reported that a Georgetown library closed early after a knot — that’s the term used for a snake party — of four (four!) snakes was untangled and removed from the library premises. The library stayed closed for two more days just to make sure there were no more snakes on the premises.

We had a lot of questions. Would Samuel L. Jackson sign on for the dramatic adaptation, Snakes in the Library? Is the booksnake the sneakier and more intimidating relative of the bookworm? And most importantly: Are there other creatures who like to hang out in the library?

You’ll be pleased (or, in certain cases, concerned) to learn that there definitely are. Here are the ten species proven to be most bookish, based on their propensity for sneaking into the stacks.

Click on the above link to see which unusual animals have been discovered inside libraries... You won't be disappointed! 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!