justin bieber

Okay. I'm putting this one back up on the shelf for awhile. I just can't get into it right now. The clipped, abbreviated writing style drives me crazy! I will try to pick it up again at a later date and see if I do better with it the second time around. I'm so disappointed! This sounded SO like my kind of book!

Synopsis Sarah Harper is driven, pursuing happiness in all the wrong places. She wants to do good and not hurt the people she loves, including her son, Mitchell, and her husband, Joe. But her drive to succeed overrides all else. It's not until she faces a chance encounter with heaven and spends time with the grandmother who prayed for her every day when she was a little girl that she begins to see how her own mother's bitterness created a hole in Sarah's life—a hole she has been trying to overcome for as long as she can remember. For the first time, Sarah sees that God created her for a special purpose. When Sarah returns to her own life, she is a woman with a mission. And the unsuspecting world around her will never be the same again. GIVEAWAY : Win a hard copy of Any Minute by Joyce Meyer Rules (you knew there had to be some): You must be 18 years or older Open to US and Canada residents only To enter, just comment below. Be sure to leave your email address in your commen...

In Summer's Heat by: Ovid (43 BC-17 AD?) In summer's heat, and mid-time of the day, To rest my limbs, upon a bed I lay; One window shut, the other open stood, Which gave such light as twinkles in a wood, Like twilight glimpse at setting of the sun, Or night being past, and yet not day begun; Such light to shamefaced maidens must be shown Where they may sport, and seem to be unknown: Then came Corinna in her long loose gown, Her white neck hid with tresses hanging down, Resembling fair Semiramis going to bed, Or Lais of a thousand wooers sped. I snatched her gown being thin, the harm was small, Yet strived she to...

The winner of Julie & Julia by Julie Powell is... #29 JAIME of Copper Llama Studio Congratulations, Jaime! I hope you enjoy the book! I'll be contacting you by email.

Mailbox Monday is brought to us by The Printed Page . In my mailbox last week I got: Winnings... 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly Won from Wendy's Minding Spot LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is off the chain in the fastest, fiercest, and highest-stakes case of his life. Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer. The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation--not just of languages but also of the cultural norms and expectations that guided Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the U.S. And instantly his world explodes. The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him and Bosch t...

Synopsis Laurie Sandell grew up in awe (and sometimes in terror) of her larger-than-life father, who told jaw-dropping tales of a privileged childhood in Buenos Aires, academic triumphs, heroism during Vietnam, friendships with Kissinger and the Pope. As a young woman, Laurie unconsciously mirrors her dad, trying on several outsized personalities (Tokyo stripper, lesbian seductress, Ambien addict). Later, she lucks into the perfect job—interviewing celebrities for a top women's magazine. Growing up with her extraordinary father has given Laurie a knack for relating to the stars. But while researching an article on her dad's life, she makes an astonishing discovery: he's not the man he says he is—not even close. Now, Laurie begins to puzzle together three decades of lies and the splintered person that resulted from them—herself. GIVEAWAY : Win a gently read hard copy of The Imposter's Daughter by Laurie Sandell Read my review here . Rules (you knew there had to be some):...

Today is one of my own poems. I haven't written poetry in over 10 years, but this one just hit me out of the "blue" the other day... Bluebird Just call me bluebird, for it's a new day. A breeze has come my way, spreading my wings to make me fly, until I drop from the sky, exhausted and vulnerable. Just give me a little shelter, for just a day. Then I'll be on my way again, for spring is just around the corner. Just call me bluebird. -- Heather Johnson, 11/20/09

I recently posted my review on Amazon for the book Mother of the Believers . In my review, I expressed my difficulties reconciling the contradictions of these religious men and their actions: raping girls taken prisoner and made slaves, "justice" served by cutting off hands, etc. Following my review, I was honored to receive a comment on my review by the author Kamran Pasha, and I wanted to repost it here to give him a moment to express his side. Here is the author's response: Thank you for your kind words about my novel "Mother of the Believers." I must admit that I am saddened that you came away from my book with a mixed view of Prophet Muhammad. I am a believing Muslim and I wrote the novel to explain his life in context. I think if you compare the Prophet's life and actions to those of the great biblical figures such as Moses, Joshua and King David, you will see that he exceeded the moral standards set by these leaders who lived in a similar lawless des...

J Kaye's Book Blog has unleashed a new challenge, and I think it's calling my name: the 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge. I have just begun reading some Young Adult books (beginning with Hunger Games and Maximum Ride), and I've found that I've really enjoy them. Here's the rules: 1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. --Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here . 2. There are four levels: --The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels. --Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels. --Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels. --Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels. 3. Audio, eBooks, paper all count. 4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. 5. Challenge begins January 1s...

March unleashed a torrent of rainfall after an abnormally dry winter. A cold front out of Canada then descended and was held in place by a swirling wind that roared down the George from eastern Oregon. Although spring was surely just around the corner, the god of winter was not about to relinquish its hard-won dominion without a tussle. There was a blanket of new snow in the Cascades, and a rain was now freezing on impact with the frigid ground outside the house; enough reason for Mack to snuggle up with a book and a hot cider and wrap up in the warmth of a crackling fire.

This is what's releasing the week of 11/16/09: Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton From one of the best-loved authors of all time comes an irresistible adventure of swashbuckling pirates in the New World, a classic story of treasure and betrayal. The Caribbean, 1665. A remote colony of the English Crown, the island of Jamaica holds out against the vast supremacy of the Spanish empire. Port Royal, its capital, is a cutthroat town of taverns, grog shops, and bawdy houses. In this steamy climate there's a living to be made, a living that can end swiftly by disease-or by dagger. For Captain Charles Hunter, gold in Spanish hands is gold for the taking, and the law of the land rests with those ruthless enough to make it. Word in port is that the galleon El Trinidad, fresh from New Spain, is awaiting repairs in a nearby harbor. Heavily fortified, the impregnable harbor is guarded by the bloodthirsty Cazalla, a favorite commander of the Spanish king himself. With backing from a power...

Synopsis In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"—Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel—are just like ordinary kids—only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare—this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from...

Mailbox Monday is brought to us by The Printed Page . In my mailbox last week I got: Winnings... Firstly let me say that way back in May, I won a pack of books from Nicole of Linus's Blanket . After a few months, I found that I had never received those books, nor had I received some other books. I began to be concerned that perhaps I had a problem with my mail (like someone stealing packages) or something. So I contacted a few of the people from whom I'd won the books to let them know that I'd never received them, and to double-check the mailing address that they'd sent to (as one book that made it to me almost didn't make it, since the address was put down incorrectly. Luckily a notice from UPS made it to me when the book didn't, so I was able to call them and give them the correct address). Well, Nicole was one of two people to even respond to me (the other two I contacted never responded). Not only did Nicole respond to me, but she went out of her way to tra...

Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae by Ernest Dowson Last night, ah, yesternight, betwixt her lips and mine There fell thy shadow, Cynara! thy breath was shed Upon my soul between the kisses and the wine; And I was desolate and sick of an old passion, Yea, I was desolate and bowed my head: I have been faithful to thee, Cynara!-- In my fashion. All night upon mine heart I felt her warm heart beat, Night-long within mine arms in love and sleep she lay; Surely the kisses of her bought red mouth were sweet; But I was desolate and sick of an old passion, When I awoke and found the dawn was gray: I have been faithful to thee, Cynara!-- In my fashion. I have forgot much, Cynara! gone with the wind, Flung roses, roses riotously with the throng, Dancing, to put thy pale, lost lilies out of mind; But I was desolate and sick of an old passion, Yea, all the time, because the dance was long: I have been faithful to thee, Cynara!-- In my fashion. I cried for madder music and for stronger...

We have our winners for The Juror and Daniel X! Firstly, the winner of The Juror: #12 lag123 And the winner of Daniel X: #13 buzzd Congratulations to you both! I'll be notifying you both shortly and asking for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who entered, and don't forget to enter my contest for my extra copy of Julie & Julia . The giveaway ends 11/22. Thanks again!

Congratulations. The fact that you're reading this means you've taken one giant step closer to surviving till your next birthday. Yes, you , standing there leafing through these pages. Do not put this book down. I'm dead serious-- your life could depend on it. -- Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (paragraph one of the Prologue)

What's releasing the week of 11/16/09: Going Rogue: An American Life by Sarah Palin One year ago, Sarah Palin burst onto the national political stage like a comet. Yet even now, few Americans know who this remarkable woman really is. On September 3, 2008 Alaska Governor Sarah Palin gave a speech at the Republican National Convention that electrified the nation and instantly made her one of the most recognizable women in the world. As chief executive of America's largest state, she had built a record as a reformer who cast aside politics-as-usual and pushed through changes other politicians only talked about: Energy independence. Ethics reform. And the biggest private sector infrastructure project in U.S. history. While revitalizing public school funding and ensuring the state met its responsibilities to seniors and Alaska Native populations, Palin also beat the political "good ol' boys club" at their own game and brought Big Oil to heel. Like her GOP runnin...

Synopsis Those who carry the truth sometimes bear a terrible burden... Filled with stunning parallels to today's world, The Postmistress is a sweeping novel about the loss of innocence of two extraordinary women-and of two countries torn apart by war. On the eve of the United States's entrance into World War II in 1940, Iris James, the postmistress of Franklin, a small town on Cape Cod, does the unthinkable: She doesn't deliver a letter. In London, American radio gal Frankie Bard is working with Edward R. Murrow, reporting on the Blitz. One night in a bomb shelter, she meets a doctor from Cape Cod with a letter in his pocket, a letter Frankie vows to deliver when she returns from Germany and France, where she is to record the stories of war refugees desperately trying to escape. The residents of Franklin think the war can't touch them- but as Frankie's radio broadcasts air, some know that the war is indeed coming. And when Frankie arrives at their doorstep, th...

City of the Dead by Brian Keene Synopsis Where can you go when the dead are everywhere? Cities have become overrun with legions of the dead, all of them intent on destroying what's left of the living. Trapped inside a fortified skyscraper, a handful of survivors prepare to make their last stand against an unstoppable, undying enemy. With every hour their chances diminish and their numbers dwindle, while the numbers of the dead can only rise. Because sooner or later, everything dies. And then it comes back, ready to kill. About the Author Brian Keene is the author of over twenty horror, crime, and dark fantasy novels and short story collections, including Castaways , Dead Sea, Unhappy Endings , Dark Hollow , Urban Gothic , and many more. He also writes comic books for Marvel, DC and others. The winner of two Bram Stoker Awards, as well as several other literary awards, Keene’s work has been translated into German, Polish, French, Spanish, and Taiwanese. His novel, The Rising (publ...

And wilt thou leave me thus? by Sir Thomas Wyatt And wilt thou leave me thus ? Say nay ! say nay ! for shame To save thee from the blame Of all my grief and grame. And wilt thou leave me thus ? Say nay ! Say nay ! And wilt thou leave me thus ? That hath lov'd thee so long ? In wealth and woe among : And is thy heart so strong As for to leave me thus ? Say nay ! Say nay ! And wilt thou leave me thus ? That hath given thee my heart Never for to depart ; Neither for pain nor smart : And wilt thou leave me thus ? Say nay ! Say nay ! And wilt thou leave me thus ? And have no more pity, Of him that loveth thee ? Alas ! thy cruelty ! And wilt thou leave me thus ? Say nay ! Say nay !

I've joined in on the Book Bloggers Holiday Swap. This is my first year, although the site says that it has been going on for 3 years now. The swap is a sort of "Secret Santa" swap. If you want to join in too, just head over to Holiday Swap for the details and to sign up. But hurry up! The deadline for signing up is November 12th. Ho ho ho! Come join the fun!

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond Synopsis Paula Deen meets Erma Bombeck in The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Ree Drummond’s spirited, homespun cookbook. Drummond colorfully traces her transition from city life to ranch wife through recipes, photos, and pithy commentary based on her popular, award-winning blog, Confessions of a Pioneer Woman, and whips up delicious, satisfying meals for cowboys and cowgirls alike made from simple, widely available ingredients. The Pioneer Woman Cooks—and with these "Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl," she pleases the palate and tickles the funny bone at the same time. My Thoughts I became a fan of Pioneer Woman some months ago when I happened upon her blog one day. I've enjoyed her humor, the glimpses into her life, her children and the handsome Marlboro Man that she married. And now I am enjoying her first book The Pioneer Woman Cooks : Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl. More than just a...

I know that I'm running late with this. I actually did random.org on Monday to draw the winner, but haven't gotten around to posting it. Things have been pretty crazy for me. I usually lead a quiet and leisurely life, but I've been working late and getting home late each night. To anyone waiting on a book from me: I have not forgotten you! I will try to get everything packaged up this weekend and ready to ship next week. I'm so sorry for the delay! So without further ado, the winner of Mother of the Believers is: #9 pixie13 Congratulations, Pixie! I will get a notice out shortly! Thanks to everyone who entered, and don't forget the Daniel X/Juror audiobook giveaway still going on. Thanks everyone, and have a great weekend! We have slightly cooler weather for this weekend, so that means that I get to break out my knee-high black suede boots for the coffee bar tonight! Woo hoo!

Standing next to their battered Humvee, Jim, Martin and Frankie stared into the distance. A cemetery stretched off to the horizon along both sides of New Jersey's Garden State Parkway, and the highway cut right through the graveyard's center. Thousands of tombstones thrust upward to the sky, surrounded by tenements and overgrown vacant lots. Tombs and crypts also dotted the landscape, but the sheer number of gravestones almost overwhelmed them.

The Four Month Challenge Part Two Hosted by Virginie Barbeau So I've decided to go ahead and join in on this challenge, even though I'm sure I'll suck at it! :) I'm just such a slow reader that I don't do too well with most challenges. Too many books to read, and too little time! But I'm giving it a shot. Since this is on a point system, I am not committing to reading a certain number of books-- I'm simply trying to get the highest score I can. I can handle that. Virginie says that it would be great for people to post weekly updates regarding how the challenge is going, and how many points they acquired that week, but I think I'll shoot for monthly updates. I don't expect to be able to read enough to have an "exciting" weekly update. Here are the point challenges. I'm not sure about all the books yet, but I've but my current ideas in parentheses on each challenge: 5 Point Challenges Read a book with a proper name in the title (Sim...

R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril...IV Challenge! September 1-October 31, 2009 Completion Status Well, this challenge has ended and I did not do well (of course!)In the end,the only book I completed was The Hunger Games, with a second book (City of the Dead) about 100 pages from completion. And that's all I've got to say about that...

Swimsuit by James Patterson Synopsis Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never expecting the horror that awaits them. LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller. With no leads and no closer to uncovering the kidnapper's identity than when he stepped off the plane, Ben gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil. A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, SWIMSUIT transports listeners to a chilling new territory where the collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a hell of unspeakable horrors. My Thoughts Wow! This audiobook can get shockingly brutal. It really took me by surprise. I enjoyed this story, despite how descriptively brutal it could be. The storyline had lots of twists and turns, traversing co...