Thursday, October 31, 2024

Happy Halloween! Ten Spooky/Horror Books I've Enjoyed Reading in 2024

Happy Halloween!!

In the distant past, I've generally stayed away from reading horror novels. However, in recent years, I've kinda warmed up to reading books from the horror genre. I wouldn't say the horror genre is even close to being my favorite genre, but it has been fun discovering new authors!

Below are ten spooky/horror reads I've enjoyed reading in 2024!!

1. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

2. 
Voices in the Snow by Darcy Coates

3. Hunted by Darcy Coates

4. 
The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates

5. A Stir of Echoes by Richard Matheson

6. My Best Friends Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

7. Psycho by Richard Bloch

8. Hell House by Richard Matheson

9. Houses Without Doors by Peter Straub

10. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Have you read any really good spooky/horror related novels this year or in years past that have really stuck with you?

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The Woman Behind Del Rey Books!

 


I've heard of Del Rey Books before. But I never knew the story behind the woman who created this powerhouse of a publishing company.

Judy-Lynn Del Rey became a powerful woman in the publishing industry during a time when women didn't hold top tier positions in this industry. Ms. Del Rey became vice president of Ballantine Books at age 35! 

While at Ballantine Books, Judy-Lynn Del Rey "revitalized the publisher's once-prominent science fiction line. 

She was also instrumental in obtaining the rights to publish novels based on George Lucas's then-unreleased movie Star Wars, which would earn Ballantine/Del Rey several million dollars." (Wikipedia)

Because of her success at Ballantine Books, Judy-Lynn Del Rey was given her own imprint, Del Rey Books! Ms. Del Rey was very well respected in the publishing industry for both her marketing prowess and superb editing skills.

Monday, October 28, 2024

Wow, This Little Free Library In Concord, California Is On A Whole New Level!!

 


It's no secret that I L-O-V-E finding Little Free Libraries and blogging about my Little Free Library adventures here on my blog! 

The above Little Free Library featured in the above YouTube video sounds incredible and also a labor of love for the LFL steward. It's definitely the largest Little Free Library I've ever seen anywhere.

I live relatively close to Concord, California, so, I will have to try and find the above Little Free Library one of these days. 

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Author V. E. Schwab Interview on Redefining the Fantasy Genre

 


I have not read anything written by author, V. E. Schwab, before. However, I have one of her novels, A Darker Shade of Magic, in my 'to be read' pile. Generally, I am not a fantasy genre lover, but I am looking to expand my reading horizons.

Above is a recent interview featuring V. E. Schawb. Now that I've watched the above video on YouTube, I really look forward to reading A Darker Shade of Magic. I am actually hoping to read A Darker Shade of Magic sometime next year as I already have books I hope to read by the end of 2024.

Have read anything written by V. E. Schwab?

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

A Box of Stories - Book Box Subscription!!


Last week, I learned about A Box of Stories subscription book box through a YouTube channel I follow. This is a new to me book subscription box that sounds very intriguing to me.

You are able purchase a two or four book subscription box. Or you may also purchase a single box of books to see if you like the books you receive and the service offered if you'd rather not sign up for a subscription initially.

I think what I like most about A Box Of Stories book box subscription is that you are able to choose the genre of books you would most like to read. I also love the fact that you will be receiving books that are great reads that have not been well promoted and have most likely never heard of before.

It looks like A Box of Stories ships within the USA or the UK at this time.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Reader Roulette Card Game

 


I stumbled upon Reader Roulette Card Game last week online. It sounds like a great gift idea for the avid book reader in your life... Or even as a gift for oneself!

The description for Reader Roulette Card Game from the following website:

Elevate your reading experience with our Reader Roulette Card Game! With 54 unique cards, this deck helps you decide what to read next in a fun and spontaneous way. Examples include 'Read the book that has been on your TBR the longest,' 'Choose a book with a couple on the cover,' and 'Read the last book you saw on TikTok.' Let chance guide your literary journey and discover new reads you might not have considered otherwise. Perfect for book lovers seeking adventure in their reading choices or as a thoughtful gift for the bookworm in your life, Reader Roulette adds an element of excitement to your book selection process.

Features: 
  • 54 cards, gold-foil accented box
  • Size: 2.6×3.6×1"
  • Instructions: A card deck to help you choose what to read next
I'll be adding the Reader Roulette Card Game to my holiday wishlist!