December RAK

It's time to sign up for the December RAK. All you have to do is sign up, send someone a book, and hopefully get one in return. This is more about giving than receiving, but if everyone gives, everyone should end up with a book!

My wishlist is in the left column of the blog. I'm more than happy to accept used books and ARCs (so long as that's legal). If you'd like to participate and send me a book, just sign up and then email me to get my address. Pin It

November Random Act of Kindness

This month I actually received a book, wahoo!! I honestly can't remember who I sent one to. If it was you, let me know! 

I received Crossed from Maria at To Read Perchance To Dream. Thank you Maria! I just finished it so I'm going to send it out to her soon. 

If you would like to participate, go to booksoulmates.blogspot.com to sign up. 

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2nd Annual Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books!

I win, you win, they win! 

This is my entry into the Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books. If I win, I get $500 worth of books, one person who comments on this post wins $500 worth of books, and the charity of my choice will receive $500 worth of books. That's a lot of books!

The charity I choose is World Vision. I am a huge fan of their work. I currently sponsor a child in India named Daniel. The best thing about donating to them is that you know exactly where it goes. You can donate $100 and know that you are giving one family a goat and two chickens. You can donate $18 and know you are giving a family three ducks. It's just a great feeling to know exactly how you are helping. 

So if you would like to get an entry into this contest, just leave a comment below. You'll win the same set of books that I win. So I hope you like my choices!

For CJ:

1. Press Here by Herve Tullet
2. Eric Carle's Christmas Advent Calendar
3. Ten Little Rabbits
4. The House That Crack Built
5. Dem Bones
6. I Spy in the Ocean
7. Jeepers Creepers
8. Rules of the Wild
9. Thirteen O'clock
10. A is for Astronaut
11. Happy Birthday To Me
12. The Castaway Pirates
13. Night of the Moon
14. My Lunch Box
15. Goodnight Goodnight, Construction Site

For Craig and I:

1. Beard
2. Seeing Stars
3. Subversive Cross Stitch
4. Simple Sewing
5. Everyday's A Holiday
6. Silhouette Art
7. Paper+Craft
8. World of Geekcraft
9. Little Bits Quilting Bee
10. Holiday Crafting and Baking with Kids
11. My Listography
12. I Am Yours Postcards
13. Unbridled Passion Postcards
14. Porn for Women Postcards
15. Shag Postcards
16. Paper Craft Kit
17. Handmade Weddings

Phew! That took a long time. I wanted to get every single one of their books. They have an amazing selection. 

So again, to enter you can 1. just leave a comment below, and/or 2. do your own post (rules here). Good luck!

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One Stop Christmas Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop for the One-Stop Christmas Blog Hop! I will be giving away one of the Barefoot Book story collections. They can be found here. They included The Barefoot Book of Pirates, Knights, Princesses, Ballet Stories, Mother and Daughter Tales, etc. All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know which book you'd choose if you won and then fill out the rafflecopter form! The only mandatory entry is the comment, but you must use the rafflecopter form after you leave that comment. Pretty simple I think. For all the other giveaways, check out the linky below!





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Silent Sunday

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Day 13 - Your Favorite Writer

Usually on Saturdays, I participate in TBR Tuesday. I'm behind in my book reviews, so I'm going to be skipping TBR Tuesday until January. Sorry guys!

For my 30 day book challenge, the topic is my favorite writer. I don't think I have any one favorite author. I used to be obsessed with Alexandre Dumas, but I think I'm better now. I love Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Mark, Twain, etc, but I don't know if I'd say that one of them is my favorite. For a while, my favorite contemporary author was Phillipa Gregory. I devoured everything that she wrote as soon as it came out. I still read her books, just not as voraciously. I think currently my favorite author would be Michelle Moran. As soon as I read her book Cleopatra's Daughter, I went out and got the rest of them : Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Madame Tussaud. She has the same ability as Phillipa Gregory to put you back in time with the characters. I've also been getting a little fangirl regarding Neil Gaiman lately. I'm also a huge Stephen King fan. I'd probably faint if I ever met him. Anywho, so there's my answer. All of them basically! Pin It

The end of Google Friend Connect

So apparently google is getting rid of google friend connect. To continue to follow my blog (please), just click "subscribe to my blog" in the top left, or just click below. Thanks!


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Thanksgiving Angst

I've been struggling a little bit lately with the thought of Thanksgiving. I love the idea of a holiday where family gathers and gives thanks for all that they have. What I don't love is the rest of the propaganda surrounding Thanksgiving. 

I grew up in Massachusetts, where all this peace, love, and thanksgiving supposedly happened. In school, we were taught this great story about how the pilgrims and the indians gathered together and had a wonderful meal together. As a kid, I ate this up. What a lovely story. People of different backgrounds joining together in harmony?! What could possibly be wrong with that? Nothing, except that the story is complete bullshit. 

Now I don't claim to be a historian, and I don't really want this blog to get all political. I've genuinely been struggling whether I wanted to touch on this at all. But after reading Simon Moya-Smith's blog post today about homeless natives in Denver, I knew I had to post something. 

So let's think about this. How many truly Native people do you know? Probably none right? Like I said, I grew up in New England, in Massachusetts, a state named after the Massachusett tribe. I do not know a single Native person. Oh I know plenty of white people who claim some sort of "indian" ancestors (my own family members included), but I don't know any true Native people. So obviously that great coming together of different groups didn't really work out for them.

While the facts of where Thanksgiving truly came from are hard to find nowadays, the general thought is that Thanksgiving was officially declared by Governor William Bradford after the Pequot massacre 0f approximately 600 indians living near the Mystic River in 1637. He wrote "A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children." It was signed into law that, "This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.". For more of this story, please read this article. This is not mentioned in the history books because the victor always writes the history. 

In 1970, Plymouth celebrated the 350th anniversary of the "founding" of Plimouth Plantation. They invited Frank James, a Wampanoag indian to give a speech during the festivities. Before the speech was to take place, the people holding the celebration asked to read a copy of his speech. After reading it, he was told he was not allowed to give that speech and that one of their people would write one for him. He refused. His speech is available here. Please read it. 

I'm not saying that I don't want you all to celebrate your Thanksgiving your way. I would just like to hope that tomorrow, you'll take just a second to reflect on the truth of what really happened and what is still happening to the real founding fathers. I ask you to please read this article by Simon Moya-Smith I Am Not A Mascot: Homeless Jimmy, Burger King and Lakota Corner to get just a little perspective on where many Natives find themselves today.

 

As for me, I will be raising my son to celebrate thanksgiving-the act of being thankful for the things that we have that others may not. When he's older and in school, he will not be participating in any sort of Thanksgiving plays that depict the accepted (and untrue) version of Thanksgiving. I will be teach him the true facts behind Thanksgiving, and I will teach him not to take everything he learns as fact. I will raise a son who takes what he's taught and then finds the truth for himself. 

I apologize that this blog post is very different from my usual happy-g0-lucky posts, but I find that I have a hard time being happy-go-lucky in regards to Thanksgiving. 

For more information regarding the myth of Thanksgiving, please check out these sites: 

http://brokenmystic.wordpress.com/2008/11/27/the-truth-about-thanksgiving-brainwashing-of-the-american-history-textbook/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-schiffman/the-thanksgiving-truth_b_1105181.html

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Jon Stewart Preaches

Thank you Jon Stewart for taking the words right out of my mouth.


“And just like with the Catholic Church, no one is trying to take away your religion, in this case, football. They’re just trying to bring some accountability to a “Pope” and some of his “Cardinals” who fucked up. So don’t worry, on Saturday, you’ll still get to go to ‘services’ against Nebraska. No one’s going to take that away. Because, obviously, you’re young. And that would be a traumatic experience. And we wouldn’t want that memory to scar you for life.” Pin It

Top Ten Tuesday

Check out http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/

Top Ten Authors I'd Like to Have Over for Thanksgiving Dinner

1. Mark Twain - By all accounts, he was a great conversationalist. I think he'd be the life of the party.
2. Alexandre Dumas - I'd also need a translator. His books were a huge part of my childhood.
3. Michelle Moran - She's really into history so we could geek out about all kinds of historical characters.
4. Stephanie Dray - She and Michelle could compare their opinions on Cleopatra Selene.
5. Phillipa Gregory - We could talk about Anne Boleyn for hours.
6. Anthony Bourdain - Someone has to make the turkey and amuse the husband.
7. Dr. Seuss - He can play with CJ and teach him rhymes.
8. Neil Gaiman - We can geek out over Doctor Who.
9. JK Rowling - I mean really. 
10. Charles Dickens - Hopefully we could get him to smile. I feel like he probably didn't smile much when he was alive.
11. Stephen King - I can't believe I left him off. He's pretty much my favorite contemporary author, plus he's only a few hours away up in Maine, so he could come too.

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Blog Award!

I always see that some of my favorite blogs have received blog awards and I am jealous. Well today, Andrea from The Busy Bibliophile gave me my first blog award! I received the The Versatile Blogger Award. As a recipient of this award, I have to state 7 facts about myself and then choose 15 other recipients.

Lindsey Buckingham and "Lindsey Buckingham" on SNL

1. My name is Lindsey. Spelled with an "e". It is pronounced Lind-zee, not Lind-zay. Spelling it with an A is one of my biggest pet peeves. I was named after Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac.

2. I am petrified of birds. They disgust me. Ugh. It's like Niel Gaiman said “Birds are the last of the dinosaurs. Tiny velociraptors with wings. Devouring defenseless wiggly things and, and nuts, and fish, and, and other birds. They get the early worms. And have you ever watched a chicken eat? They may look innocent, but birds are, well, they're vicious. ” 

3. My sister was afraid that there was a monster under the bed when we were little, so one night, I started talking to her in a monster's voice. His name was Mr. Bumpy and he was a nice monster who lived under the bed because he loved to eat dirty socks, usually with ketchup. This backfired when my sister would constantly try to get Mr. Bumpy to come out and talk, so I had to let her know that he lived in NY with his family and only came to visit every once in a while. I just realized that this might be why my sister now lives in NY. She's subconsciously trying to find Mr. Bumpy!

4. I've tried out for Jeopardy a bunch of times. Once in college, I made it to the final round of auditions in NYC, but I've never made it on the show. Someday! When they do the interview portion, I plan on asking Trebek for a hug and I'm going to tell him I miss his "greasy dago mustache". I'm also going to say "Damn your daily doubles, you brigand." 

5. Craig and I have already named all of our children. We currently only have the one, CJ, but we've got 15 names ready to go. Next up, Ozymandius. I am completely serious about this one. Craig and I both came up with that name before we were even thinking about having babies together. So obviously it is meant to be.

6. I love cheese. I eat it every day. Feta cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, cheese curls, nacho cheese, etc. I eat it every single day. It breaks my heart that my son has a severe dairy allergy. Craig says I love cheese more than everything except CJ and the dog.

7. I don't know how to drive. Well I do, but I don't have enough practice to take my driving test. I grew up in the city, where I didn't need a license (and I couldn't afford driving school). So I thought I'd just go get it when I turned 18. Then I was in college, and then I was in the Army, and I just never got it. I have my permit, so hopefully I'll get it before next summer.

For the final part, I have to choose 15 other bloggers that I think deserve the Versatile Blogger Award.

1. Xpresso Reads
2. A Teeny Tiny Teacher
3. What the Teacher Wants
4. The Legacy of Home
5. I am a Reader, not a Writer
6. Oh My Books!
7. A Bookish Affair
8. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
9. Raising Arrows
10. Rocking Granola
11. The Crafty Chica
12. Mirror, Mirror, Off the Wall
13. The Nearsighted Owl
14. I am Momma, Hear me Roar!
15. Young, Married, and Fabulous

There's a good mix there of book blogs, mom blogs, fashion blogs, etc. 

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See's Candies

Turtles aka Pecan Buds

Every year for Christmas, my mom would get me two things. Some baklava and some pecan turtles. Have you ever had pecan turtles? They're the perfect mix of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. So yummy. The best chocolate that you can get is from See's Candys. This box is $20. A little expensive but so worth it. Especially if you have it as a holiday treat like I do.

See's Candies has lots of other choices too. The least expensive is around $5. This box of samples called the Red Mini Assortment is $5.45. This is a great little gift for a boss or a friend who you know loves them some chocolate. It includes one piece each of Lemon Truffle, Peanut Nougat, Butterscotch Square, Raspberry Truffle, Milk California Brittle® and Dark Chocolate Chip Truffle.

Their most expensive item is the ginormous Chocolate Sampler pack whish $120. It comes with EVERYTHING. This basket includes 2 lb. Gold Fancy, 8 oz. Molasses Chips, 8 oz. Peppermints, 1 lb. Toffee-ettes®, 8 oz. Truffles and 4 oz. Butterscotch Little Pops, 10 oz. Peanut Brittle, 8 pack of Awesome Nut & Chew Bars, 12 pack box of Lollypops and a 4 pack of Classic Candy Bars. This is the perfect gift for any family, office or large group. 


I know I might be slightly biased since See's Candies was such a big part of my Christmas traditions growing up, but they really are the most delicious chocolates out there. Check them out, I know you'll find something delicious. Pin It

Silent Sunday

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Children's Book Review - Time for Bed

Information from the publishers, Owl Kids.

Time for Bed

by Andrée-Anne Gratton and Fil et Julie

It's time for Caroline to go to bed. But before she can go to sleep, she needs stories and stuffed animals, blankets and the bathroom, and one very important thing from her exhausted mother.The familiar rituals and delightful illustrations from Quebec illustrators Fil et Julie will make this story favorite bedtime reading for both children and parents.

24 Pages Full-colour illustrations
8-½ “ x 8-½ “
Ages 3 to 7
ISBN: 978-2-89579-115-7 

About the author:

Since 1998 Andrée-Anne Gratton has published 10 youth titles. She has been a finalist for the Governor General Award (1999) and the Mr. Christie award (2002).

About the illustrator

Fil et Julie have worked as an illustration team since 1998 and are favorite contributors to Chirp Magazine. Both have a background in graphics. Fil studied animation and Julie studied visual arts. 

My review: We have a set of books that are kept by the nursing chair that we read only at bedtime. This is so he knows that when these books come out, it's almost that time. As soon as I got this book from Owl Kids, I added it to that pile. We read it twice this week, so I thought it was time to review it.

Lucky for me, CJ isn't yet at the stage where he asks for a glass of water, then a story, then another story, then another glass of water, etc before he can go to bed. He just points at everything in the room hoping I'll tell him what everything is. Again. The little girl in this book, Caroline, is at that stage and she knows it. She's totally taking advantage of her mommy to stay up just a little bit longer. The book was realistic in how the mommy reacts, slowly building from calm to very frustrated. I did think though, that Caroline's mommy was kind of mean. Towards the end of the book she says things like "...I AM ON TO YOUR GAME. This is just another excuse to drag out your bedtime!" and "Caroline, enough nonsense! It's time to GO TO SLEEP!" Caroline even describes her mother as looking like a ferocious dragon. Caroline wisely ends the night by telling her mommy that she loves her and closing her eyes to go to sleep.                                                        

The illustrations are my favorite part. Caroline is adorable and you can see the frustration building on her mommy's face. I would recommend this book to slightly older children, ones who do pull tricks like this to stay up late and will think it is funny watching another little girl do the same things. CJ enjoyed the pictures a lot, so this one got 3.5 stars, 3.5 happy babies.

I received this book from Owl Kids in order to review it. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. This review is my honest opinion of this book. Pin It

2012 Challenge (5) - 2012 TBR Pile

This one is similar to one of the other challenges for 2012. Information and sign-ups can be found here. The goal is to read books that have been on your To-Be-Read list for a long time. There are 5 levels. You can move up a level (read more books than your goal) but you can't move down a level. 
I'm going to go for 12 books off of my to-be-read list, which is the "friendly hug" level. 
This one is a little different as each month there will different themes and giveaways. Click on the button or the link above to see the full details. 
Here's the 12 books I will be attempting to get off of my to-be-read list in 2012.
1. Atonement - Ian McEwan2. Eragon - Christopher Paolini3. Princess Academy - Shannon Hale4. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel - Louise Murphy5. The Unburied - Charles Palliser6. The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho (unless I manage to read it before the end of the year.)7. The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (Yep, English teacher who hasn't read it. That's me.)8. My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult9. The Host - Stephenie Meyer10. The Shack - William P Young11. The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman12. American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld13. The Mermaid Chair - Sue Monk Kidd (in case I do finish The Alchemist before 2012.) Pin It

TBR Intervention (6)

TBR Intervention is a weekly (or monthly) meme to help you read those books that have been on your to-read list since the dawn of time. Go to Books 4 Juliet for the full rules.

Last week's goal

Uhmmm..... yea. Last week, I said I was going to read The Alchemist. Let me tell you how far I got..... I didn't even find the book on my bookshelves. I just didn't care enough to read it. I'm way behind in my books that I'm reading to review, so I really need to focus on those. 

This week's goal

First, my goal is to read two of the books I have to read for reviews. I feel really bad that I haven't gotten some of these done. Then, if I manage to finish at least two of those, my goal is to read whatever the heck I want. So yea that is my goal for this week. I suppose if I get to one of the books on my to-read list all the better, but if not, I'm ok with it. Sorry guys! Hopefully I'll catch up with reviews soon and can get back to the tbr challenge. I think I need to learn to say no to reviewing really long books. 

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Fun Meme Friday!

Go here for more participants.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I think I answered this recently. But people are generally surprised to know I grew up in the ghetto. My biggest pet peeve is when people claim to be "hood" or "ghetto". Most people who are genuinely from the ghetto worked their asses off to get out.

Beach or pool.

Before this summer, I would've said beach. But it is really hard to get a baby to the beach. It's much easier to bring them to a pool. I went to the beach once this summer and it was such an affair. We went to the pool almost everyday and it was a simple, throw on the bathing suit and sunscreen and a hat and take stinkypoo to the pool. So now I'm definitely a pool person. This might change when CJ (et al) is older.

If you could have 24 hours alone, how would you spend it?

Sleeping. Definitely.

Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi please. Actually, I'll take a Sprite or grape soda.

If a movie was made of your life, who would you want to play you?

Kate Hudson. She looks nothing like me, but she is quirky and I'm slightly quirky. An ex told me that her in How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days was spot-on an impression of me. 

Go here for more participants.

1. Do you have a go-to song that always puts you in a good mood? 

Uhmmm, this is almost embarrassing. Anything by Flo Rida. In The Ayer, Low, Right Round... I love those songs. 

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kind of person or a fake one?

I'm totally a real tree kind of person, but we probably won't be getting one this year. Our apartment just isn't big enough for one. :(

3. What are you thankful for?

My husband and my baby boy. I love them so much :)

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

Hmm.... those old gorgeous ball gowns. Completely impractical for a stay at home mom, but it'd be cool to wear.

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up?

I don't drive so this doesn't really apply. I probably wouldn't though. 

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Personalized Family Cookbook Deal

If you are thinking of an awesome Christmas present for that cook in your family, I've found it. I am definitely getting one of these for the hubby.



This is sort of like one of those groupon deals. The first 1000 people to click on my link, get a $99 personal family cookbook for $39. It is honestly a really great deal. I wouldn't post this if it wasn't. If you do make one, feel free to blog about it and share with me! Pin It

Review: Beyond Bullets

Goodreads' Description: Award-winning photographer Rafal Gerszak spent a year embedded with the American military in Afghanistan, where he used his camera to document everyday life in the war-torn country. While there, he developed a deep affection for the land and its people, and he later returned on his own. Despite the dangers around him, he continued taking photos, exposing the plight of that besieged country. 

Framed by journal entries that relate his experiences on two levels—as a foreigner looking for a deeper connection to a country that has stirred him, and as a journalist looking for another side to the story—BEYOND BULLETS addresses the volatile situation in Afghanistan with sensitivity and profound insight. Through Gerszak’s lens, readers can see the shattered aftermath of military attacks and dismal hospitals and refugee camps, but they can also experience the vibrant activity of life in the markets, at home and on the Muslim day of rest

My Review: Before I joined the Army, I read a lot of books about soldiers and war. After being in the Army, I haven't really had an interest in that sort of thing anymore. Having lost battle buddies in the war makes reading about it a little too real. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I decided to give it a chance. It's almost like a picture book, so I thought I could handle it. Well, I'm really glad I did. Rafal does a really good job of showing the emotions of war. I wish I could post some of the pictures from the inside of the book, but trust me, they're gorgeous. Some of them are gut-wrenching. After finding out about the guy who is on the cover image, I found myself going back to that image over and over again, wishing that I could go back in time and talk to him. Working in Mental Health in the Army, I got to hear a lot about Afghanistan, and what it was like to be there. This book gave me images to go along with all those feelings. I rated this book 4 stars. I'm not going to give it 4 happy mamas like I normally would. This isn't a happy book, but it is a really good one. They say a picture is worth 1000 words. This book proves that statement true. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in seeing and learning a little bit more about the daily lives of soldiers and the people of Afghanistan.

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Day 12 – A book you used to love but don’t anymore

I haven't forgotten about you, 30 Day Book Challenge. Today is day 12: a book you used to love but don't anymore.

I wouldn't say there are books that I used to love and don't anymore. But there are books that I used to be obsessed with and have outgrown.

All of R.L.Stine's books. I used to read Goosebumps to my little sister. I was obsessed with all the Fear Street books, especially the Fear Street Saga. I think the Fear Street Saga was what made me interested in historical fiction. They're great books, just made for a slightly younger audience than the late-20's I am now. Pin It

Author Interview - Stephanie Dray of Song of the Nile

Last week, I reviewed Stephanie Dray's sequel to Lily of the Nile, Song of the Nile. Now I have the chance to interview Stephanie about her book and her love of history. Thank you so much for stopping by Stephanie!

What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?
It was a book of Greek mythology and I was so absorbed in it that when the bell for recess rang at school, I didn’t hear it. In fact, I didn’t even hear when class was called back to order and I got in big trouble with my teacher.

What is one book you will/have share(d) with your children?
I don’t have children, but if I did, I would probably share the story of Stone Soup with them, because it was a fairy tale that always struck me as being about how we all have to contribute to society.

Why do you think the world is still so fascinated with Cleopatra and her progeny?
That’s easy; Cleopatra was, and remains, the most powerful woman in the history of the world. Oh, there have been other queens and prime ministers and female secretaries of state. But none of them had the geographic dominion, relative wealth, and unfettered authority enjoyed by the infamous Queen of the Nile. Until another woman takes up that mantle, she will always fascinate us. 

How long have you had an interest in ancient Rome and Egypt? What got you interested?
My parents took us on a tour of Italy when we were very young and it stuck with me! Then, when I saw the movie Cleopatra, the one with Liz Taylor, my brain was totally engaged.

Pick one – Julius Caesar or Marc Antony?
Oh no. Do I have to pick just one? I guess I’d pick Julius Caesar because I would rather be taken care of by a man who is more of a father figure than have to take care of someone whose personality is young and irresponsible, like Antony’s was. But truly, I suspect Antony was not only the better lover, but also the more genuinely good person.

There are tons of books about Cleopatra. Why did you decide to write about her often forgotten daughter?
Because no one else had--at least when I started writing the series. Now there seems to be a new fascination with her!

If Lily/Song of the Nile were made into a movie, who would play Selene, Juba, and Octavian? Any ideas for other characters?
Oh, goodness. I’m so bad with actors. All I know is that I’d want Kevin McKidd, James Purefoy and Ray Stevenson to appear somewhere in the movie. Really, the whole cast of HBO’s Rome would work for me.

Thanks for the fun questions!

About Stephanie…

Stephanie graduated with a degree in Government from Smith, a small women’s college in Massachusetts where–to the consternation of her devoted professors–she was unable to master Latin. However, her focus on Middle Eastern Studies gave her a deeper understanding of the consequences of Egypt’s ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion.

Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the transformative power of magic realism to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Roman or Egyptian and has–to the consternation of her devoted husband–collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

Blurb

Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra’s daughter has become the emperor’s most unlikely apprentice and the one woman who can destroy his empire…

Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.

Forced to marry a man of the emperor’s choosing, Selene will not allow her new husband to rule in her name. She quickly establishes herself as a capable leader in her own right and as a religious icon. Beginning the hard work of building a new nation, she wins the love of her new subjects and makes herself vital to Rome by bringing forth bountiful harvests.

But it’s the magic of Isis flowing through her veins that makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra’s daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother’s throne be more than she’s willing to pay?

Berkley Trade October 2011 (Trade Paperback)
# ISBN-10: 0425243044
# ISBN-13: 9780425243046

Purchase Info

Amazon
B&N
IndieBound
Borders
Constellation Books
Powell's

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2012 Challenge (4) - Off the Shelf 2012

Go to Bookish Ardour to sign up.

The challenge : Another simple one. Read books that you already have on your bookshelves. They can be audio or e-book shelves as well. There are 7 levels.

Challenge Levels

1. Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
2. Trying – Choose 15 books to read
3. Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
4. On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
5. Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
6. Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
7. Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read

I'm going to go for the 3rd level, "making a dint". Since I already am participating in the weekly TBR Interventions, where you choose one book from your shelf to read, I should be able to read at least 30 books. I might get more, but I want to take into consideration that I have books that I need to read in order to review as well. 

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Top Ten Tuesday

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Top Ten Books That Have Been on To-Be-Read List the Longest

Luckily, I've been reading them due to the TBR Interventions. I also have two challenges in 2012 to get rid of some of them, but I still have over 1200 books on my to-be-read list. Here's the ones that have been on there the longest. Stars are on the ones that I started and didn't finish.

1. Kabul Beauty School - Deborah Rodriguez* - I think I might delete this from my to-read list. I just don't have any interest in it anymore. 

2. Atonement - Ian McEwan - I made the mistake of watching the movie before the book. I'm not sure I want to read a book knowing that it has the most depressing ending ever.

3. What-the-Dickens - Gregory Maguire* - This was a little too post-apocolyptic for me. Might delete this from my to-read list too. 

4. Lost - Gregory Maguire - This one still sounds really good, but I'm not a big fan of the way Maguire writes. We'll see. 

5. Earthly Joys - Phillipa Gregory - Phillipa Gregory can do no wrong. Don't know why I haven't read this one yet. 

6. Reading Lolita in Tehran - Azar Nafisi - I loved her Things I've Been Silent About so I think I'll love this too. 

7. The Last Boleyn - Karen Harper - I have at least 50 books on my to-read list about the Boleyns. 

8. Jane Boleyn - Julia Fox - Yep, more Boleyns. 

9. A Death in Belmont - Sebastian Junger - True story by people who may have known the Boston Strangler. Being that I'm from Boston, I've always been fascinated by this case. Especially since DNA has shown that the person thought to be him wasn't. Freaky deaky stuff. 

10. Eragon - Christopher Paolini* - I can only deal with so much fantasy at a time. I might get to this once George RR Martin ends the Song of Fire and Ice series (which I hope he never does!).

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