Adventures in Funeral Crashing by Milda Harris

Summary

Sixteen year old Kait Lenox has a reputation as the weird girl in her high school, mostly because of her ex-best friend turned mean popular girl, Ariel, but maybe it has a little to do with the fact that Kait has a hobby crashing funerals. At one of these, Kait is outted by the most popular guy in school, Ethan Ripley. Yet, instead of humiliating her for all the world to see, he asks for her help, and Kait finds herself entangled in a murder mystery. Not only is the thrill of the mystery exciting, but more importantly Ethan knows her name! A little sleuthing is well worth that!

Kindle Version

Review 

This is a story that was sent to me by the author herself, and I was very excited to read. Unfortunately, it has taken me about 10 times as long to finish than it would for me to read a regular book. Why is that? The plot was actually very interesting and unique. It’s about this girl who is looked at as a freak because of her weird hobby of crashing funerals. On one of her little trips to a funeral she runs into the hottest guy at her school, and her lifetime crush. It turns out that his sister died of heroin and the brother thinks there was some fowl play. He, with the help of the girl, Kait, start to investigate the mystery of the sister and 3 other girls' deaths.

Seems interesting, right? I thought it would be too. Just not the way it was written. I mean that in a way that the writing style of the author was not something I personally enjoyed. I couldn’t keep up. The only way I can explain it is like this: it was like reading the thoughts of someone else, unfiltered and with no direction. Any little thing would distract Kait. It was actually dizzying to keep up. She would be talking about the murder and then the guy and somehow it would go to her ex-best friend and end with a peanut butter and banana milkshake. It was exhausting, that’s why it took so long for me to finish it. It was like looking through the mind of a little girl that would get distracted by anything and everything. I really wasn’t eager to finish it. I hate to say it, but I believe this was why I am so behind in my reading. The last 6 chapters or so were the most interesting because the mystery was wrapping up. I am only being honest that from 1-10? I give this story a 3.5 

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NaNoWriMo

As if I could be slacking on this blog even more...I am planning on doing NaNoWriMo!

I am really excited about this. You may not know this about me, but I dabble at writing. I've always wanted to write a novel.

When I was a little girl I was always making up stories. One of the ones I remember was about having a pet dolphin that I wrote in a weekend of church conference meetings that my family listened to. When I was about 11 I wanted to be the youngest author ever, then found out that I was already too old, and literally cried. In High School my hopes were crushed when I wrote this crazy creative story for our creative writing project...and got a C.

But I know I'm not a bad writer today. I just lack the consistency and the focus to edit as I should. I attempted to write my first novel a few years ago. A story that is very near and dear to my heart still, but needs a lot of editing. And I got caught up in the editing and frustrated with that process and never finished writing it.

So, my goal with NaNoWriMo is to write my new idea. Let it be the boss. And not share it or take any editing notes until it's done.

For those of you who are not familiar with NaNoWriMo. It is National Novel Writing Month, where authors, novice and professional all over the world spend a whole month focusing on writing a new project. The goal. JUST WRITE! And try to crank out 50,000 words to "win" (everyone who cranks out that many wins).

So you reader types, what do you think of this crazy idea? Want to join me? Check out the link to my NaNo profile (I'll post the button on the sidebar shortly) and link to me. We can keep dibs on each other's progress and send words of encouragement.

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Couches, Controversies and The Boy Who Lived

For the last week or so, each night, I have been drawn to the couch to continue turning the pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. About two years ago, I read this entire series from beginning to end in the short time of September to Christmas.

For a recent school assignment, I was asked to pick a book off of the "Banned Book List". This list is full of titles that were challenged by people and/or organzations because they felt the content was not appropriate for teenage readers.

I was very surprised to find that the entire Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling is on that list. The series was challenged because it was thought to promote Witchcraft. I disagree with this of course (since I am one othe thousands of Harry Potter Lovers), but many people do believe these books should be taken off library shelves.

The following is a list of The Top 10 Banned Books:

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin, Mark Twain
2. The Catcher and the Rye, J.D Salinger
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
4. Bridge to Teribithia, Katherine Paterson
5. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
6. Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
7. The Color Purple, Alice Walker
8. Harry Potter Series, J.K Rowling
9. Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut
10. The Bluest Eye, Tony Morrison

credit to: http://712educators.about.com/od/bannedbooks/tp/banned_books.htm

As you can see, many of these books are classics that have already been read by thousands of people. These books are ongoing controversies that never rest.

I would like to know your opinion! Post a comment, and have your say on the Banned Book List. For more information go to: ala.org (The American Library Association).

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Historical Fiction at it's Best

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley

Ann Rinaldi

324 pages

I am a big fan of historical fiction; especially books that center around the Colonial Era. Ann Rinaldi is known for her historical fiction novels including; The Fifth of March, Taking Liberty, and Or Give Me Death.

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is the unknown story of Phillis Wheatley and her life as the first women African-American poet.

Phillis was one of several slaves at the Wheatley House in Boston, MA. When the Wheatley's discover her talent for writing poetry, they begin to mold her future by having her "perform" for important guests. Eventually, Phillis is sent to England to have her first book of poetry published. Although Phillis is adorned with fame, she is still troubled with her way of life. Nothing can change the fact that she is still a slave.

This book is written through Phillis's voice, and dates help form a vivid timeline of her life. Ann Rinaldi perfectly illustrates her triumphs, as well as struggles throughout her poetry career. Several flashbacks take place throughout the story taking the reader back years before the setting of the book. Through Ann Rinaldi's careful research the reader will meet Phillis's friends and family, as well as her enemies.

This tragic yet inspiring tale will surely leave you breathless.

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SOOOO Behind

It's funny how life can go from having free time to become impossibly hectic in just a few short weeks. I am extremely behind in all things reading (that doesn't involve school) I have about three or four book requests that I haven't had a chance to get to and that makes me feel really bad. Can't Thanksgiving Break come any faster?! I promise to get to everything as soon as I can! 

Here's a few things that are coming up!

-I've accepted two review request that I am just itching to do, and I will as soon as things settle down a bit.  I'm going to be reviewing Adventures in Funeral Crashing by Milda Harris and Quest of the Demon by M.L. Sawyar.

-I'm going to be starting a 30 day meme just answering questions and getting a little personal with it.

-I got a new review request that I just replied to (a little late) and if everything gets squared off soon I'll add it to my list and have it done as soon as possible. 

-And I want to do something new to my blog, whether it be the layout or a feature I don't know, I just haven't thought of it yet. Got to start brainstorming!

Now that I look at it I have a lot of stuff to accomplish! I have to start managing my time better, and hit the books!

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A Message from Author Neil Gaiman

I had to share this because it is my tradition to give my daughter a Halloween book each year, and read "Halloweeny" books each October. Enjoy!

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The Teashop Girls

The Teashop Girls
Laura Schaefer
240 pages

The Official Rules of the Teashop Girls
1. Teashop Girls are best friends forever.
2. Tea is held every week no matter what.
3. All tea and scones must be split equally at all times.

In Laura Schaefer's debut novel, Annie, Genna and Zoe are the best of friends, or used to be. As Annie gets a job as a barista at her grandmother's teashop, Genna is always at theater, and Zoe is busy with tennis, the girls begin to wonder how much longer they can stay together.

Suddenly, The Steeping Leaf receives an eviction notice, and the shop might have to close for good if the girls can't help make the place "hopping" with customers again. While working at the shop, Annie quickly develops a crush on her co-worker, and as eighth grade comes to a close, new adventures arise.

This book is honest and sweet; perfect for the young teenager.  The characters are so real and relateable, I would want to have friends just like them. If I knew there was a shop like The Steeping Leaf in Wisconsin, I would head there for a cup of English Breakfast right away!

The following is a recipe from the book:

Annie's Tea Pops:

INGREDIENTS
2 cups (approximately one small pot), herbal tea, brewed double strength
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar

Brew hot tea using double the amount of leaves you usually would. Let steep for 4 minutes, them allow time to cool. Stir the orange juice and sugar into the cooled tea, then pour the mixture into ice pop molds or ice cube trays, leaving some room at the top. Place in freezer and wait 3 hours or until solid.

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Happy Release Day!

I have had quite the last few weeks! Having a new baby sure throws off ones schedule, body, energy, brain...

Anyway, I had to share this happy release day message because I am SO sad I can't go be part of the book launch party today (healing from surgery and all...).

So, happy release day to James Dashner and the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy THE DEATH CURE!!!



I have been a big fan of James' since I received and read my ARC of THE MAZE RUNNER and met him at a writing conference. He is an amazing guy. Tons of fun, inspiring and just all around great. Check out these books! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book!

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Ways to Live Forever

Ways to Live Forever

Sally Nicholls

224 pages

1. My name is Sam.
2. I am eleven years old.
3. I collect stories and fantastic facts.
4. I have leukemia
5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.

Told through journal entries, Sam tells the story of his life as he lives through the last stages of leukemia. He collects lists, stories, questions and pictures that create a vivid picture of a boy who knows his days are coming to an end.

Some questions of Sam's include: "Why does God make kids get ill?" and "Does it hurt to die?" he tries to find the answers to the questions with his fellow leukemia sufferer, Felix. The two are home schooled, due to their illness, and their teacher challenges them to write about themselves. While Felix writes one entry and forgets about it, Sam keeps writing, using this journal as a way of expressing his concerns and triumphs. In his journal, Sam also explains how his illness affects the rest of his family.

Although the ending is inevitable, Sally Nicholls handles the topic with such a gentle voice and clarity.

Be prepared to laugh, as well as cry, as you read Sam's touching story in Ways to Live Forever.

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Update

Hey all! I have been trying to get some reading done, and I promise I will have stuff for you as soon as I can! I go in in just a few hours to have baby #2! So I will be very out of it the next few months, so bear with me.

I hope you all are having a great time reading! So many great books come out this month that I am dying that I will be incapacitated for many signings that are happening in my area. Support your authors, keep reading and don't forget about us while I am gone!

Ta ta for now!

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