The Art of Zombie Warfare - How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead By: Scott Kenemore
Non-fiction: Humor, Strategy 266 pages
Book count: 1
In this book you learn why zombies are the ultimate fighting force and how to
harness their fighting power. You learn important lessons like: marching forward, fighting with anything at hand, finding food as you go and fighting like the dead.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, January 07, 2011
End of Year Book Count: 2010
Number of books read: 86
Pages read: 24381
Average number of days to read a book: 4
Average number of pages read in a day: 67
Average number of books read in a month: 7
Average number of pages read in a month: 2032
Pages read: 24381
Average number of days to read a book: 4
Average number of pages read in a day: 67
Average number of books read in a month: 7
Average number of pages read in a month: 2032
Thursday, January 06, 2011
November- December Book Count:
Number of books read: 13
Pages read: 3292
Average number of days to read a book: 5
Average number of pages read in a day: 54
Average number of books read in a month: 7
Average number of pages read in a month: 1646
Pages read: 3292
Average number of days to read a book: 5
Average number of pages read in a day: 54
Average number of books read in a month: 7
Average number of pages read in a month: 1646
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Book in Review: Mr. Monk in Outer Space
Mr. Monk in Outer Space By: Lee Goldberg
fiction: mystery, TV 274 pages
Book Count: 87
This book is based on the Monk TV show. It takes place a couple of years before the end of the show as it is told by his assistant Natalie whose daughter is 12 in the story. In this book Mr. Monk has the solve the mystery of who killed the creator of a show called Beyond Earth, a sci-fi show with a cult following much like Star Trek (complete with its own alien language). Also, do to a invisible coffee stain and a hamster at Natalie's house Monk moves in with his brother, Ambrose while he gets new carpeting. Which turns out to be helpful as his brother is an expert in the show, even writing books on the subject. With his brother's help he solves this case as well as 4 other ones.
fiction: mystery, TV 274 pages
Book Count: 87
This book is based on the Monk TV show. It takes place a couple of years before the end of the show as it is told by his assistant Natalie whose daughter is 12 in the story. In this book Mr. Monk has the solve the mystery of who killed the creator of a show called Beyond Earth, a sci-fi show with a cult following much like Star Trek (complete with its own alien language). Also, do to a invisible coffee stain and a hamster at Natalie's house Monk moves in with his brother, Ambrose while he gets new carpeting. Which turns out to be helpful as his brother is an expert in the show, even writing books on the subject. With his brother's help he solves this case as well as 4 other ones.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A Book in Review: Good Eats the Early Years
Good Eats the Early Years By: Alton Brown
Non-Fiction cooking, science 381 pages
Book Count: 86
This book goes over every episode of the show "Good Eats" up to #80 from the 6th season of the show. It includes all of the recipes including a few with updates and/or improvements. It also has all the tips and tidbits that make the show so fun and informative. It also has behind the scenes information like the secret identity of W.
Non-Fiction cooking, science 381 pages
Book Count: 86
This book goes over every episode of the show "Good Eats" up to #80 from the 6th season of the show. It includes all of the recipes including a few with updates and/or improvements. It also has all the tips and tidbits that make the show so fun and informative. It also has behind the scenes information like the secret identity of W.
Friday, December 24, 2010
British Christmas
Now I know why the British see aliens every Christmas. How many drinks do you need for one holiday, not even counting the brandy in the "pudding"
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Book in Review: Hot Six
Hot Six by: Janet Evanovich
Fiction: Mystery 294 pages
Book Count: 85
The review of book before this one can be found about two days down from here.
In this book Ranger is in trouble with the law. First, a new cop on the force actually charged him with carrying a gun without a permit. He skips on his bond as he is also the last person to see the son of a gun runner alive and is thought to be his killer. For once Miss Plum doesn't want to get the bounty and gives it to her enemy, but that doesn't stop the mob from thinking she's on the case. Nor does it stop the crazy things that always happen to her from happening; her grandma moves in with her after an incident with a taser, she gets a dog on accident, cars get wrecked, she's attacked by Romulans with crab puffs, you know the usual.
Fiction: Mystery 294 pages
Book Count: 85
The review of book before this one can be found about two days down from here.
In this book Ranger is in trouble with the law. First, a new cop on the force actually charged him with carrying a gun without a permit. He skips on his bond as he is also the last person to see the son of a gun runner alive and is thought to be his killer. For once Miss Plum doesn't want to get the bounty and gives it to her enemy, but that doesn't stop the mob from thinking she's on the case. Nor does it stop the crazy things that always happen to her from happening; her grandma moves in with her after an incident with a taser, she gets a dog on accident, cars get wrecked, she's attacked by Romulans with crab puffs, you know the usual.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
An Audio Book in Review: A Dirty Job
A Dirty Job by: Christopher Moore
Fiction: humor
Charlie Asher is your normal, everyday Beta Male; until, his wife dies shortly after the birth of his daughter. He sees people and things that no one else can, including a number of glowing red things in his second hand shop. Soon he learns that he is a "death Merchant" one of many people in the city that run re-sale shops and collect people's souls after they die. But, things aren't even normal for him as a soul collector, instead of just collecting souls after death, he has caused deaths. And the "Great Big Book of Death" has nothing in it to explain things. (Being as it is only 28 pages with illustrations it doesn't have much of anything in it.
Like other books by Christopher Moore this one has a great list of characters in it. Besides Charlie there is his daughter; who's pet all seam to die, Mrs. Ling; who doesn't mind getting red of all the dead animals, Mrs. Korjev; who is "like bear", Lily; Charlie's goth employee, Ray the former cop who is looking for love on-line, Jane; charlie's sister who steals his clothes, Minty Fresh, "the Puppies"; who enjoy eating EVERYTHING, the Emperor, the squirrel people, and the " sewer harpies"; who are ancient demons.
10 CDs 12 Hours
Fiction: humor
Charlie Asher is your normal, everyday Beta Male; until, his wife dies shortly after the birth of his daughter. He sees people and things that no one else can, including a number of glowing red things in his second hand shop. Soon he learns that he is a "death Merchant" one of many people in the city that run re-sale shops and collect people's souls after they die. But, things aren't even normal for him as a soul collector, instead of just collecting souls after death, he has caused deaths. And the "Great Big Book of Death" has nothing in it to explain things. (Being as it is only 28 pages with illustrations it doesn't have much of anything in it.
Like other books by Christopher Moore this one has a great list of characters in it. Besides Charlie there is his daughter; who's pet all seam to die, Mrs. Ling; who doesn't mind getting red of all the dead animals, Mrs. Korjev; who is "like bear", Lily; Charlie's goth employee, Ray the former cop who is looking for love on-line, Jane; charlie's sister who steals his clothes, Minty Fresh, "the Puppies"; who enjoy eating EVERYTHING, the Emperor, the squirrel people, and the " sewer harpies"; who are ancient demons.
10 CDs 12 Hours
Monday, December 20, 2010
Dr. Who Sings a Carol
You would think that some one between 450 and 1,000+ years (depending on which serie's timeline you follow) would know the words to the song by now.
A Book in Review: High Five
High Five By: Janet Evanovich
Fiction: Mystery 292 pages
Book Count: 84
The book before in the series is reviewed here. (with links to the earlier books) In this book Stephanie has only small jobs to work on. (pun noted) But that doesn't stop her from getting in big trouble with her cars being destroyed every few hours. Plus, with little pay for all her work she desides to get work helping Ranger with some of his other jobs. And things heat up between the two of them (Not that Morelli is out of the picture, even if she is out of his house.) In fact the book ends with a cliff hanger involving the two men.
Fiction: Mystery 292 pages
Book Count: 84
The book before in the series is reviewed here. (with links to the earlier books) In this book Stephanie has only small jobs to work on. (pun noted) But that doesn't stop her from getting in big trouble with her cars being destroyed every few hours. Plus, with little pay for all her work she desides to get work helping Ranger with some of his other jobs. And things heat up between the two of them (Not that Morelli is out of the picture, even if she is out of his house.) In fact the book ends with a cliff hanger involving the two men.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Today in Holidays:
Today is National Regifting Day, which seam silly as we still have 9 days untill we get all of those bad gifts that we don't want.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 09, 2010
A Book in Review: TCIGT: Creative Writing
The Complete Idiot's Guide to: Creative Writing By: Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D.
Non-fiction: writing 333 pages
Book Count: 83
First, I liked that this book included information on writing fiction and non-fiction creative writing. (I found it odd that poetry was in the non-fiction section). Also this book deals with all sorts of creative writing from short stories to screen plays and has useful sounding information in how to get each type of writing in print. This includes information on the pros and cons of self-publishing and some information on e-publishing. This book is only around six years old so much of the online information is still good. There is one piece of information about on-line books that I have to wonder if it was correct even then, that being that you can't copyright it. As from what I have read in other places whole web sites can get copyrighted and the on-line work should have the same basic copyright protection as any written work. (Not, that it is all that easy to protect a copyright on something on-line, but as it was mainly talking about it in a system where you aren't getting paid for it anyway, as you can't get it published any other way. . .) Anyway this book did have some useful information in it, especially if you are wanting to write a memoir or need writing prompts.
Non-fiction: writing 333 pages
Book Count: 83
First, I liked that this book included information on writing fiction and non-fiction creative writing. (I found it odd that poetry was in the non-fiction section). Also this book deals with all sorts of creative writing from short stories to screen plays and has useful sounding information in how to get each type of writing in print. This includes information on the pros and cons of self-publishing and some information on e-publishing. This book is only around six years old so much of the online information is still good. There is one piece of information about on-line books that I have to wonder if it was correct even then, that being that you can't copyright it. As from what I have read in other places whole web sites can get copyrighted and the on-line work should have the same basic copyright protection as any written work. (Not, that it is all that easy to protect a copyright on something on-line, but as it was mainly talking about it in a system where you aren't getting paid for it anyway, as you can't get it published any other way. . .) Anyway this book did have some useful information in it, especially if you are wanting to write a memoir or need writing prompts.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Friday, December 03, 2010
An Audio Book in Review: As Easy As Falling Off The Face Of The Earth
As Easy As Falling Off The Face Of The Earth By: Lynne Rae Perkins
Fiction: YA, adventure
This is the story of Ry a 15 year old boy who is taking the train to summer camp while his parents are on vacation and his grandfather is watching the dogs in his family's new home. On the way he learns that camp is closed and gets off the train when it stops in the middle of nowhere Montana to call his family. The train starts up without him, and from there things start to go bad. By the time he gets to town he is missing a boot, has a nearly closed up black eye, a bloody nose, is hungry, dehydrated and cell phone is dead. Unknown to him the rest of his family are also experiencing a series of improbable events leaving Ry on his own.
This book is a fun adventer novel with constant action and bits of humor mixed in to make it not seam as over the top as the story is. For example, I love the part were he thinks about how he is getting a ride to a local restaurant after being offered a mint as taking a ride with a stranger after getting candy from them as novels like this often includes people doing all those things your parents told you not to, with out any thought to that.
7 Cds 7.75 Hours
Fiction: YA, adventure
This is the story of Ry a 15 year old boy who is taking the train to summer camp while his parents are on vacation and his grandfather is watching the dogs in his family's new home. On the way he learns that camp is closed and gets off the train when it stops in the middle of nowhere Montana to call his family. The train starts up without him, and from there things start to go bad. By the time he gets to town he is missing a boot, has a nearly closed up black eye, a bloody nose, is hungry, dehydrated and cell phone is dead. Unknown to him the rest of his family are also experiencing a series of improbable events leaving Ry on his own.
This book is a fun adventer novel with constant action and bits of humor mixed in to make it not seam as over the top as the story is. For example, I love the part were he thinks about how he is getting a ride to a local restaurant after being offered a mint as taking a ride with a stranger after getting candy from them as novels like this often includes people doing all those things your parents told you not to, with out any thought to that.
7 Cds 7.75 Hours
Thursday, December 02, 2010
A Book in Review: Four to Score
Four to Score By: Janet Evanovich
fiction: mystery 294 pages
Book Count: 82
I reviewed the first three books here, here, and here. In this book Stephanie is sent to collect a woman who took her boyfriend's vehicle. Of course, this job is no wear as simple as it seams. The bail jumper is missing and her friends and family end up missing body parts or dead. Her sleazy uncle gave the same job to Joyce Barnhardt, a woman she couldn't stand before she found her naked on the table with her then husband. Her things keep getting blown up. Interesting things happen with Joe Morelli and his family. And she picks up a new helper, Sally Sweet a rock star transvestite.
fiction: mystery 294 pages
Book Count: 82
I reviewed the first three books here, here, and here. In this book Stephanie is sent to collect a woman who took her boyfriend's vehicle. Of course, this job is no wear as simple as it seams. The bail jumper is missing and her friends and family end up missing body parts or dead. Her sleazy uncle gave the same job to Joyce Barnhardt, a woman she couldn't stand before she found her naked on the table with her then husband. Her things keep getting blown up. Interesting things happen with Joe Morelli and his family. And she picks up a new helper, Sally Sweet a rock star transvestite.
The Chanukah Song Part 2 - Sandler
Skip the first 30 seconds. This is the only version with Adam Sandler that I could find with embeding.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
An Audio Book in Review: Married with Zombies
Married with Zombies- Living with the Dead 1 by: Jesse Petersen
Fiction: paranormal, humor
Given the extended title it appears to be book one in a series, and the book itself did leave space for there being more books; however, it could also stand alone too. This is the story of Sarah and David a couple who's marriage is in serious trouble. They both have thought about getting a divorce, but have spent 6 months in couples' counseling trying to work things out. On day on the way to the counselor's office they notice between fighting that the normally congested streets of Seattle are rather empty, so is the office building. In fact they don't run into anyone until they get into the counselors office and find her eating the appointment before theirs. Now they have to work together to live threw the center of the zombie apocalypse.
Each section includes a helpful hint at the beginning to help other couples in similar situations. Hints like "it's better to be alive then right." Because even when fighting zombie couples have to deal with issues like whose turn is it to blow the face off of a former friend and do we really need all those things from the store we're looting?
6 CDs 7 hours 53 minutes
Fiction: paranormal, humor
Given the extended title it appears to be book one in a series, and the book itself did leave space for there being more books; however, it could also stand alone too. This is the story of Sarah and David a couple who's marriage is in serious trouble. They both have thought about getting a divorce, but have spent 6 months in couples' counseling trying to work things out. On day on the way to the counselor's office they notice between fighting that the normally congested streets of Seattle are rather empty, so is the office building. In fact they don't run into anyone until they get into the counselors office and find her eating the appointment before theirs. Now they have to work together to live threw the center of the zombie apocalypse.
Each section includes a helpful hint at the beginning to help other couples in similar situations. Hints like "it's better to be alive then right." Because even when fighting zombie couples have to deal with issues like whose turn is it to blow the face off of a former friend and do we really need all those things from the store we're looting?
6 CDs 7 hours 53 minutes
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
An Audio Book in Review: Zombiekins
Zombiekins By: Kevin Bolger
Fiction: Children's, paranormal
This is the story of a 4th grade boy and his bunny/teddy bear/zombie stuffed animal that he got in the town's witch's garage sale. It ends up loose in his school and he, with the help of one friend, must find it before it turns everyone into zombies. It is a humorous scary adventure and so even small kids can enjoy the book without getting scared.
2 CDs 2.25 hours
Fiction: Children's, paranormal
This is the story of a 4th grade boy and his bunny/teddy bear/zombie stuffed animal that he got in the town's witch's garage sale. It ends up loose in his school and he, with the help of one friend, must find it before it turns everyone into zombies. It is a humorous scary adventure and so even small kids can enjoy the book without getting scared.
2 CDs 2.25 hours
Holidays in December:
1.Hanukkah starts today at sunset
2.International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
3.International Day of Persons with Disabilities
5.Day of the Ninja
6.Saint Nicholas Day
7.National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
8.Feast of the Immaculate Conception
9.Anna's Day
10.Human Rights Day
International Animal Rights Day
Nobeldagen
12.Feast of Masá'il
13.Saint Lucy's Day
14.Monkey Day
15.Bill of Rights Day
Zamenhof Day
16.The first day of Las Posadas
The first day of Misa de Gallo
17.O Sapientia
Saturnalia
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Wright Brothers Day
18.O Adonai
International Migrants Day
19.O Radix
20.O Clavis
21.O Oriens
Solstice
Yule
Sanghamitta Day
22.O Rex
23.O Emmanuel
Festivus
Larentalia
Night of the Radishes
24.Christmas Eve
25.Christmas
26.Boxing Day
St. Stephen's Day
The first day of Kwanzaa
28.Feast of the Holy Innocents
31.New Year’s Eve
2.International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
3.International Day of Persons with Disabilities
5.Day of the Ninja
6.Saint Nicholas Day
7.National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
8.Feast of the Immaculate Conception
9.Anna's Day
10.Human Rights Day
International Animal Rights Day
Nobeldagen
12.Feast of Masá'il
13.Saint Lucy's Day
14.Monkey Day
15.Bill of Rights Day
Zamenhof Day
16.The first day of Las Posadas
The first day of Misa de Gallo
17.O Sapientia
Saturnalia
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Wright Brothers Day
18.O Adonai
International Migrants Day
19.O Radix
20.O Clavis
21.O Oriens
Solstice
Yule
Sanghamitta Day
22.O Rex
23.O Emmanuel
Festivus
Larentalia
Night of the Radishes
24.Christmas Eve
25.Christmas
26.Boxing Day
St. Stephen's Day
The first day of Kwanzaa
28.Feast of the Holy Innocents
31.New Year’s Eve
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: The Little Red Writing Book
The Little Red Writing Book 20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style & Readability By: Brandon Royal
Non-fiction writing 144 pages
Book Count: 81
This is a little book with a mixute of writing hints. At the begaining there are a few hints that would not often be used in creative writing like starting with your main point then adding in detail; however, it does note that it is not used in creative writing as much as business/acidemic writing. Most of the book could be usefull for any type of writing. Each principle has exercises to do and/or examples. It may be very usefull in editing a work.
Non-fiction writing 144 pages
Book Count: 81
This is a little book with a mixute of writing hints. At the begaining there are a few hints that would not often be used in creative writing like starting with your main point then adding in detail; however, it does note that it is not used in creative writing as much as business/acidemic writing. Most of the book could be usefull for any type of writing. Each principle has exercises to do and/or examples. It may be very usefull in editing a work.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Mayflower Compact
(untranslated from the English)
In ye name of God Amen· We whose names are vnderwriten,
the loyall subjects of our dread soueraigne Lord King James
by ye grace of God, of great Britaine, franc, & Ireland king,
defender of ye faith, &c
Haueing vndertaken, for ye glorie of God, and aduancemente
of ye christian ^faith and honour of our king & countrie, a voyage to
plant ye first colonie in ye Northerne parts of Virginia· doe
by these presents solemnly & mutualy in ye presence of God, and
one of another, couenant, & combine our selues togeather into a
ciuill body politick; for ye our better ordering, & preseruation & fur=
therance of ye ends aforesaid; and by vertue hearof, to enacte,
constitute, and frame shuch just & equall lawes, ordinances,
Acts, constitutions, & offices, from time to time, as shall be thought
most meete & conuenient for ye generall good of ye colonie: vnto
which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witnes
wherof we haue herevnder subscribed our names at Cap=
Codd ye ·11· of Nouember, in ye year of ye raigne of our soueraigne
Lord king James of England, france, & Ireland ye eighteenth
and of Scotland ye fiftie fourth. Ano: Dom ·1620·|
SIGNERS:
John Carver, Edward Tilley, Degory Priest ,
William Bradford, John Tilley, Thomas Williams ,
Edward Winslow, Francis Cooke, Gilbert Winslow ,
William Brewster, Thomas Rogers, Edmund Margesson ,
Isaac Allerton, Thomas Tinker, Peter Brown ,
Myles Standish, John Rigsdale, Richard Britteridge,
John Alden, Edward Fuller, George Soule ,
Samuel Fuller, John Turner, Richard Clarke,
Christopher Martin, Francis Eaton, Richard Gardinar,
William Mullins, James Chilton, John Allerton,
William White, John Crackstone, Thomas English,
Richard Warren, John Billington, Edward Doty,
John Howland, Moses Fletcher, Edward Leister,
Stephen Hopkins, John Goodman
In ye name of God Amen· We whose names are vnderwriten,
the loyall subjects of our dread soueraigne Lord King James
by ye grace of God, of great Britaine, franc, & Ireland king,
defender of ye faith, &c
Haueing vndertaken, for ye glorie of God, and aduancemente
of ye christian ^faith and honour of our king & countrie, a voyage to
plant ye first colonie in ye Northerne parts of Virginia· doe
by these presents solemnly & mutualy in ye presence of God, and
one of another, couenant, & combine our selues togeather into a
ciuill body politick; for ye our better ordering, & preseruation & fur=
therance of ye ends aforesaid; and by vertue hearof, to enacte,
constitute, and frame shuch just & equall lawes, ordinances,
Acts, constitutions, & offices, from time to time, as shall be thought
most meete & conuenient for ye generall good of ye colonie: vnto
which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witnes
wherof we haue herevnder subscribed our names at Cap=
Codd ye ·11· of Nouember, in ye year of ye raigne of our soueraigne
Lord king James of England, france, & Ireland ye eighteenth
and of Scotland ye fiftie fourth. Ano: Dom ·1620·|
SIGNERS:
John Carver, Edward Tilley, Degory Priest ,
William Bradford, John Tilley, Thomas Williams ,
Edward Winslow, Francis Cooke, Gilbert Winslow ,
William Brewster, Thomas Rogers, Edmund Margesson ,
Isaac Allerton, Thomas Tinker, Peter Brown ,
Myles Standish, John Rigsdale, Richard Britteridge,
John Alden, Edward Fuller, George Soule ,
Samuel Fuller, John Turner, Richard Clarke,
Christopher Martin, Francis Eaton, Richard Gardinar,
William Mullins, James Chilton, John Allerton,
William White, John Crackstone, Thomas English,
Richard Warren, John Billington, Edward Doty,
John Howland, Moses Fletcher, Edward Leister,
Stephen Hopkins, John Goodman
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Founding Mothers
Founding Mothers The Women Who Raised Our Nation by: Cokie Roberts
Non-fiction history 287 pages
Book Count: 80
This is a book about famous women in colanial America. Some of them were famous because thier husband was famous and some were famous in thier own right. It covers the time from shortly before the Revolutionay War up to the election of the 2nd president of the USA.
Non-fiction history 287 pages
Book Count: 80
This is a book about famous women in colanial America. Some of them were famous because thier husband was famous and some were famous in thier own right. It covers the time from shortly before the Revolutionay War up to the election of the 2nd president of the USA.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: How To Write Killer Fiction
How To Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & The Roller Coaster of Suspense By: Carolyn Wheat
Non-fiction: writing 180 pages
Book Count: 79
It is amazing that all of these books on writing X type of books all have the same basic form, but are still very different. This one is divided up between three sections. First, they deal with how to write a mystery book (its history, sub-groups, formulas etc.) Next, it does the same for suspense novels. Then last it works on writing; mainly with the two main ways of writing (outliner and blank pagers) and with the revisions. It also has some information of getting your book published mostly how to look for an agent and look for what publishers you want to try and sell the book to first.
Non-fiction: writing 180 pages
Book Count: 79
It is amazing that all of these books on writing X type of books all have the same basic form, but are still very different. This one is divided up between three sections. First, they deal with how to write a mystery book (its history, sub-groups, formulas etc.) Next, it does the same for suspense novels. Then last it works on writing; mainly with the two main ways of writing (outliner and blank pagers) and with the revisions. It also has some information of getting your book published mostly how to look for an agent and look for what publishers you want to try and sell the book to first.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Home Cheese Making
Home Cheese Making: Recipes for 75 Homemade Cheeses By: Ricki Carroll
Non-Fiction, cooking 263 pages
Book count: 78
First, this book is written by the Queen of home cheese making, so if you look up anything on the subject they will either refer back to this book or her personally 90% of the time. (Also her company is the most popular home cheese making kits maker.) That being said I expected the book to make cheese making sound easier then this book did. (Especially as the book used to be called "Cheese Making Made Easy.") For example, a number of recipes had directions like "Raise the heat by two degrees every 5 minutes," which seams a lot more complicated then you would expect with things you make at home. It is possible that it is something that is a lot easier to do then it sounds or the recipes are a lot more fluid, but that is the optimal way of doing it; however, in any way the book doesn't seam like the best way to learn how to make cheese. If the ingredient list was used with the step-by-step pictures on the company's web site (http://www.cheesemaking.com/ only for some of the recipes in the book) it would be more beginner level. That being said the basic information on what happens during cheese making is very helpful for learning about the process of making cheese and there are a number of tasty looking recipes for what to do with the cheese.
Non-Fiction, cooking 263 pages
Book count: 78
First, this book is written by the Queen of home cheese making, so if you look up anything on the subject they will either refer back to this book or her personally 90% of the time. (Also her company is the most popular home cheese making kits maker.) That being said I expected the book to make cheese making sound easier then this book did. (Especially as the book used to be called "Cheese Making Made Easy.") For example, a number of recipes had directions like "Raise the heat by two degrees every 5 minutes," which seams a lot more complicated then you would expect with things you make at home. It is possible that it is something that is a lot easier to do then it sounds or the recipes are a lot more fluid, but that is the optimal way of doing it; however, in any way the book doesn't seam like the best way to learn how to make cheese. If the ingredient list was used with the step-by-step pictures on the company's web site (http://www.cheesemaking.com/ only for some of the recipes in the book) it would be more beginner level. That being said the basic information on what happens during cheese making is very helpful for learning about the process of making cheese and there are a number of tasty looking recipes for what to do with the cheese.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Sunday, November 07, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Will Write for Shoes: How to Write A Chick Lit Novel
Will Write for Shoes: How to Write A Chick Lit Novel By: Cathy Yardley
Non-Fiction, Writing 208 pages
Book Count: 77
This book has a format similar to the last book that I read. It starts with some information on what a Chick Lit book is, their history and sub genres. Then it gets into the basics of how to write a book including special information on Chick Lit books. The information on how to get published is very good. There are appendixes of information/examples in query letters, synopsis, outlining, agents and publishers that do chick lit books. It includes a very broad idea of what chick lit is (for example including multiple series that men I know read) so even if you aren't writing a book for chick lit, but it is a book with a strong female protagonist and some level of humor and/or is character driven you might get some good information out of this book.
Non-Fiction, Writing 208 pages
Book Count: 77
This book has a format similar to the last book that I read. It starts with some information on what a Chick Lit book is, their history and sub genres. Then it gets into the basics of how to write a book including special information on Chick Lit books. The information on how to get published is very good. There are appendixes of information/examples in query letters, synopsis, outlining, agents and publishers that do chick lit books. It includes a very broad idea of what chick lit is (for example including multiple series that men I know read) so even if you aren't writing a book for chick lit, but it is a book with a strong female protagonist and some level of humor and/or is character driven you might get some good information out of this book.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Friday, November 05, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: How to Write Action Adventure Novels
The Writer's Digest Genre Writing Series- How to Write Action Adventure Novels By: Michael Newton
Non-fiction: writing 154 pages
Book Count: 76
This book is all about how to write books in the action adventure genre. It deals with what makes a book that genre, famous authors/series in the genre,issues with writing that genre and general writing information. The general writing tips are also geared for the genre. For example, while most books on writing talk about paceing in a way to remind you to add excitment to the book this one reminds you that it cann't be none stop explosions, fights and chasing and be believable, even if you don't write about sleeping, eating and using the bathroom in writing you need to give the protaginist some breaks where a person could do these things. The book is from 1989, but most of the information is still usefull. Many of the authors he talks about either still write, or you could easily find their books. Although most reasurch now would include using the internet as many of the books he menchioned were about the history of an orginzation or refrence on guns/uniforms/vehicales of differnt wars they would still be useful. The one place where the age of the book is an issue is in the chapter one getting published. In that section the majority of advice is no longer useful. For example: it states that you don't need an agent when today most publishers will not read books without one and that if you do try to get an agent they may charge a reading fee when now a reading fee is a red flag for writers.
Non-fiction: writing 154 pages
Book Count: 76
This book is all about how to write books in the action adventure genre. It deals with what makes a book that genre, famous authors/series in the genre,issues with writing that genre and general writing information. The general writing tips are also geared for the genre. For example, while most books on writing talk about paceing in a way to remind you to add excitment to the book this one reminds you that it cann't be none stop explosions, fights and chasing and be believable, even if you don't write about sleeping, eating and using the bathroom in writing you need to give the protaginist some breaks where a person could do these things. The book is from 1989, but most of the information is still usefull. Many of the authors he talks about either still write, or you could easily find their books. Although most reasurch now would include using the internet as many of the books he menchioned were about the history of an orginzation or refrence on guns/uniforms/vehicales of differnt wars they would still be useful. The one place where the age of the book is an issue is in the chapter one getting published. In that section the majority of advice is no longer useful. For example: it states that you don't need an agent when today most publishers will not read books without one and that if you do try to get an agent they may charge a reading fee when now a reading fee is a red flag for writers.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
New Stuff
This is the 4th year that this blog has done it's holiday special. (Which of course is named after when it was a paper done for multiple times before the blog.) Because of this we are having the problem of having already done much of what we think of to do this time. You may have noticed the change in Octobers posts with much more movies. What do you think of this? And do you have any other things you would like to see in holiday postings?
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones The Troublesome Success of Children's Literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter By: Jack Zipes
Non-fiction: writing, literature, essays, 188 pages
Book Count: 75
This book is a collection of essays, most of them had been used at other times. One was new and one was a mix of two different ones. They are all on the issues of writing for children. The book points out a lot of issues, with the main two being children's books are mainly bought and there forth made for adults and issues of culture and society and their effects on children and their books. It doesn't really do much to answer any of these problems. It would be a good thing to read if you were a teacher or librarian or otherwise working with picking out books for kids; however, I don't think that people writing kids books would get much out of this to help their writing. Also, when talking down about books that were formulaic, commercial, stereotypical or otherwise things that he thought were things that are wrong with kids books he would note authors that he felt were good because they weren't these things, but he didn't include any information like books they wrote to help people that aren't experts in this field have some idea who they are.
Non-fiction: writing, literature, essays, 188 pages
Book Count: 75
This book is a collection of essays, most of them had been used at other times. One was new and one was a mix of two different ones. They are all on the issues of writing for children. The book points out a lot of issues, with the main two being children's books are mainly bought and there forth made for adults and issues of culture and society and their effects on children and their books. It doesn't really do much to answer any of these problems. It would be a good thing to read if you were a teacher or librarian or otherwise working with picking out books for kids; however, I don't think that people writing kids books would get much out of this to help their writing. Also, when talking down about books that were formulaic, commercial, stereotypical or otherwise things that he thought were things that are wrong with kids books he would note authors that he felt were good because they weren't these things, but he didn't include any information like books they wrote to help people that aren't experts in this field have some idea who they are.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Microwave Cranberry sauce
2 c. cranberries
2/3 c. sugar
3" cinnamon stick
1/2 t. nutmeg
4 drops lemon extract
water to cover bottom of microwaveable glass dish
Place a ingredients in a microwaveable glass dish with a lid. Cover. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and re-cover and microwave 1 minute. Repeat until berries have all popped. Let sit in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick. Place in serving dish and refrigerate until cold.
2/3 c. sugar
3" cinnamon stick
1/2 t. nutmeg
4 drops lemon extract
water to cover bottom of microwaveable glass dish
Place a ingredients in a microwaveable glass dish with a lid. Cover. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and re-cover and microwave 1 minute. Repeat until berries have all popped. Let sit in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick. Place in serving dish and refrigerate until cold.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Holiday Books:
As you can see to the right -----> we are doing NaBloPoMo this year. As this is the blogging version for NaNoWriMo we thought that we would include books on writing for this month's holiday books. (Plus, there are only so many things on Pilgrims.)
September- October Book Count:
Number of books read: 18
Pages read: 4984
Average number of days to read a book: 3
Average number of pages read in a day: 82
Average number of books read in a month: 9
Average number of pages read in a month: 2492
Pages read: 4984
Average number of days to read a book: 3
Average number of pages read in a day: 82
Average number of books read in a month: 9
Average number of pages read in a month: 2492
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Sherlock Holmes the American Years
Sherlock Holmes the American Years Edited by: Michael Kurland
Fiction: mystery, short stories, classics, 344 pages
Book Count: 74
This is a collection of short stories about Sherlock Holmes taking a trip to America as a young man. In some of the stories he is like the Holmes we are all use to, in some he is still learning how to see all the little things that help him solve mysteries. All are written in about the same time frame. In the stories he visits places all around America and into Mexico. He also meets with some famous people like Mark Twain and Edwin Booth (after his brother ruined the Booth name).
Fiction: mystery, short stories, classics, 344 pages
Book Count: 74
This is a collection of short stories about Sherlock Holmes taking a trip to America as a young man. In some of the stories he is like the Holmes we are all use to, in some he is still learning how to see all the little things that help him solve mysteries. All are written in about the same time frame. In the stories he visits places all around America and into Mexico. He also meets with some famous people like Mark Twain and Edwin Booth (after his brother ruined the Booth name).
Holidays in November:
1 All Saints Day
Day of the Innocents
2 All Souls Day
Day of the Dead
9 World Freedom Day
11 Veterans Day
Armistice Day
12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
13 World Kindness Day
14 World Diabetes Day
15 America Recycles Day
start of Winter Lent
16 International Day for Tolerance
19 World Toilet Day
20 Universal Children's Day
21 World Television Day
World Hello Day
National Adoption Day
25 Thanksgiving
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
26 Black Friday
Day of the Covenant
28 Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá
29 Cyber Monday
Day of the Innocents
2 All Souls Day
Day of the Dead
9 World Freedom Day
11 Veterans Day
Armistice Day
12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
13 World Kindness Day
14 World Diabetes Day
15 America Recycles Day
start of Winter Lent
16 International Day for Tolerance
19 World Toilet Day
20 Universal Children's Day
21 World Television Day
World Hello Day
National Adoption Day
25 Thanksgiving
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
26 Black Friday
Day of the Covenant
28 Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá
29 Cyber Monday
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: The Time Pirate
The Time Pirate: A Nick McIver Time Adventure
Fiction, YA, Sci-Fi, Adventure 454 pages
Book Count: 73
This is book two in a series the review of book one is here. In this one the main storyline takes place in early days of England being in WWII. The rest takes place in the 1880's and 1780's. Unlike the first book the majority of the story was things that happened to Nick, so it breaks up differently making it feel more like two books put in one book. Also, there are more issues with the fact that they are time traveling, but don't take advantage of their time traveling abilities. Besides these minor issues the book was a fun story. This book has more Nazis and pirates, but also airplanes and traitors (and not who you would think.)
Fiction, YA, Sci-Fi, Adventure 454 pages
Book Count: 73
This is book two in a series the review of book one is here. In this one the main storyline takes place in early days of England being in WWII. The rest takes place in the 1880's and 1780's. Unlike the first book the majority of the story was things that happened to Nick, so it breaks up differently making it feel more like two books put in one book. Also, there are more issues with the fact that they are time traveling, but don't take advantage of their time traveling abilities. Besides these minor issues the book was a fun story. This book has more Nazis and pirates, but also airplanes and traitors (and not who you would think.)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966)
Jesse James and Frankenstein's granddaughter in the Southwest, sure that doesn't have WTF written all over it!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Corpse Vanishes (1942)
You must have a bride to make someone look young, unless you are in a pinch, then any woman will do?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)
Also called Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride
Warning: this movie was R for some nudity as well as cheesy horror.
Also dig the music in the intro, or the official 1970's movie opening music. Sure they made some variations on it but you hear it and you think "Haven't I heard this before?"
Warning: this movie was R for some nudity as well as cheesy horror.
Also dig the music in the intro, or the official 1970's movie opening music. Sure they made some variations on it but you hear it and you think "Haven't I heard this before?"
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