Let me tell you, I am having a blast reading all the nominated titles in the fiction picture book category.  And even more important, my little boys are having a blast!  I’m almost halfway there and have read about 80 of the 176 books.   Right now I’ve reviewed only about ten of the books but I have so many that I want to review.  I have no idea how in the world we are going to create a shortlist.  I already have like 25 books in my working shortlist!

My piles!  The left hand stack is the review copies I’ve received so far and the right hand side are the library books I currently have checked out from two different library systems.

You can always see how I’m progressing as I have this list on my sidebar but I thought it would be fun to let you in on how I’m doing.

1. 1000 Times No by Tom Warburton
2. Abigail Spells by Anna Alter
3. All Kinds of Families! by Mary Ann Hoberman
4. All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant [MY REVIEW]
   
5. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon [MY REVIEW]
   
6. Alleycat by Marilee Crow
7. Almost by Richard Torrey
8. Always My Brother by Jean Reagan [MY REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW]
   
9. Archie and the Pirates by Marc Rosenthal
10. Bee-Wigged by Cece Bell
11. Before You Were Here, Mi Amor by Samantha Vamos
12. Bella & Bean by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
13. Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett
14. Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
15. Boo Hoo Bird by Jeremy Tankard
16. Book That Eats People, The by John Perry [MY REVIEW]
    
17. Book, A by Mordicai Gerstein
18. Brown Bear, White Bear by Svetlana Petrovic
19. Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy
20. Busiest Street in Town, The by Mara Rockliff
21. But Who Will Bell the Cats? by Cynthia Von Buhler
22. Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas
23. Carousel Tale, A by Elisa Kleven
24. Chaucer’s First Winter by Stephen Krensky
25. Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer
26. Circus Ship, The by Chris Van Dusen
27. Clever Stick, The by John Lechner
28. Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
29. Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman
30. Crocodaddy by Kim Norman [MY REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW]
    
31. Crow Call by Lois Lowry
32. Curious Garden, The by  Peter Brown [MY REVIEW]
    
33. Davy Brown Discovers His Roots by Keely Alexander
34. Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library! by Vicki Myron
35. Dinosaur Woods: Can Seven Clever Critters Save Their Forest Home? by George McClements
36. Dog and Bear: Three to Get Readyby Laura Vaccaro Seeger
37. Duck and Cover by Jackie Urbanovic
38. Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal [MY REVIEW]
    
39. Dunderheads, The by Paul Fleischman
40. Egg Drop by Mini Grey
41. Elevator Man, The by Stanley Trachtenberg
42. Enemy, The by Davide Cali
43. Erika-San by Allen Say
44. Family Huddle by Peyton Manning
45. Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina
46. Finn Throws a Fit by David Elliot
47. Firefighter Ted by Andrea Beaty
48. First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch
49. Fool Moon Rising by Kristi Fluharty
50. Friend, A by Anette Bley
51. Gingerbread Man Superhero! by Dotti Enderle
52. Goblin and the Empty Chair, Themby Mem Fox
53. Goldilicious by Victoria Kann
54. Great Dog Wash, The by Shellie Braeuner
55. Guess Again! by Mac Barnett
56. Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School, The by Laurie Halse Anderson
57. Harry and Horsie by Katie Van Camp
58. Hello Baby! by Mem Fox
59. Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Carolyn Crimi
60. Hermit Crab, The by Carter Goodrich
61. Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli
62. Hook by Ed Young
63. Horse Of Course, A by Shari Lyle-Soffe
64. Hot on the Range by R.D. Jentsch
65. How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle
66. How Robin Saved Spring by Debbie Ouellet
67. Hugging Hour! by Aileen Leijten
68. Hush, Baby Ghostling by Andrea Beaty
69. I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way by Thad Krasnesky
70. I Call My Grandpa Papa by Ashley Wolff
71. I Love Christmas by Anna Walker
72. I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
73. I’m Your Peanut Butter Big Brother by Selina Alko
74. In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco
75. In the Garden by Peggy Collins
76. In the Snow by Peggy Collins
77. Jack the Bear by Christina Leist
78. Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty [MY REVIEW]
    
79. Just Like a Baby by Juanita Havill
80. Kick the Cowboy by Joe Gribnau
81. Kisses on the Wind by Lisa Moser
82. Land of the Left Sock by B. P. James
83. Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear, The by David Bruins
84. Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister
85. Let’s Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile
86. Lion & the Mouse, The by Jerry Pinkney
87. Listeners, The by Gloria Whelan
88. Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosentha
89. Little Pot, The by Dawn Stephens
90. Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
91. Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big by Chris Paul
92. Longest Night, The by Marion Dane Bauer
93. Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes by Margie Palatini
94. Maggie’s Monkeys by Linda Sanders-Wells
95. Magic Box by Katie Cleminson
96. Martha Doesn’t Say Sorry by Samantha Berger
97. Me With You by Kristy Dempsey
98. Mighty Fine Time Machine, A by Suzanne Bloom
99. Mom, I Fired The Babysitter by Colleen H. Robley Blake
100. Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem by Chris Monroe
101. Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks
102. Moon Theater by Etienne Delessert
103. Moose and Magpie by Bettina Restrepo
104. Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban
105. Mrs. Mcgee’s Coconut by Allia Zobel-Nolan
106. Muriel’s Red Sweater by Dara Dokas
107. My Abuelita by Tony Johnston
108. My Goldfish by Barroux
109. My Little Round House
110. My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life by Kate Feiffer
111. My Name Is Sangoel by Karen Williams
112. My Name is Buttonz by B. Lee Schmidt
113. My People by Langston Hughes
114. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
115. Naomi’s Tree by Joy Kogawa
116. Ned’s New Home by Kevin Tseng
117. Negro Speaks of Rivers, The by Langston Hughes
118. New Job for Dilly, A by Rena Jones
119. No Snow for Christmas by Jill Kalz
120. No! by David McPhail
121. Not all Animals Are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon
122. Olu’s Dream by Shane W. Evans
123. Once Upon a Twice by Denise Doyen
124. One Wolf Howls by Scotti Cohn
125. Otis by Loren Long
126. Otto Grows Down by Michael Sussman
127. Peep!: A Little Book About Taking a Leap by Maria van Lieshout
128. Penguin Story, A by Antoinette Portis [MY REVIEW]
     
129. Pennies for Elephants by Lita Judge
130. Persephone by Sally Pomme Clayton
131. Please Pick Me Up, Mama!by Robin Luebs
132. Posy by Linda Newbery
133. Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide
134. Put It On the List by Kristen Darbyshire
135. Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains by Dawn Menge
136. Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
137. Rita and Whatsit by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod
138. Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue
139. Saying Grace: A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Traditions of Faith)by Virginia Kroll
140. Scaredy Squirrel at Night by Melanie Watt
141. Seven Spirals: A Chakra Sutra for Kids by Deena Haiber
142. Silly Tilly by Eileen Spinelli
143. Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story from Alphabet Town, The by Judy Sierra
144. Sneezy Louise by Irene Breznak
145. Snickeyfritz by Andrea Skyberg
146. Soap, Soap, Soap / Jabon, Jabon, Jabon by Elizabeth O. Dulemba
147. Spells by Emily Gravett
148. Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
149. Stanza by Jill Esbaum
150. Star of the Show by Della Ross Ferreri
151. Talent For Quiet, A by Kim Chatel
152. Tess’s Tree by Jess M. Brallier
153. The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen
154. There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz
155. There’s a Bear in my bathing suit by Uncle Tee
156. Thumbelina: The POP Wonderland Series by Michiyo Hayano
157. Thunder-Boomer! by Shutta Crum
158. Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies, The by Ammi-Joan Paquette
159. Tree for Emmy, A by Mary Ann Rodman
160. Trouble Gum by Matthew Cordell
161. Tsunami! by Kimiko Kajikawa
162. Tushy Book, The by Fran Manushkin
163. Two at the Zoo by Danna Smit
164. Two of a Kind by Jacqui Robbins
165. Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
166. What REALLY Happened to Humpty? (from the files of a hard-boiled detective) by Jeanie Franz Ransom
167. When I Wore My Sailor Suit by Uri Shulevitz
168. When It’s Six O’Clock in San Francisco: A Trip Through Time Zones by Cynthia Jaynes Omololu
169. Where Teddy Bears Come From by Mark Burges
170. Who Wants to Be a Poodle I Don’t by Lauren Child
171. Who Will I Be, Lord? by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Wig
172. gens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant by Leslie McGuirk
173. Wink! The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps
174. Yankee at the Seder, The by Elka Weber
175. Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
176. You’re Mean, Lily Jean by Frieda Wishinsky

Whew.   If you haven’t checked out the nominated titles in all of the categories, definitely do so:

• Easy Readers/Short Chapter Books
• Fantasy & Science Fiction
• Fiction Picture Books
• Graphic Novels
• Middle Grade Fiction
• Non-Fiction Picture Books
• Non-Fiction: Middle Grade & Young Adult
• Poetry
• Young Adult Fiction

As a way of highlighting a few books, these are the books that I’ve previously reviewed in the above categories:

• The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
• Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carmen
• Fade by Lisa McMann
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Girl in the Arena by Lisa Haines
• Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
• Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell
• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look
• Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
• The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
• Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation by Jacqueline Jules
• 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
• Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas
• The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
• Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
• Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick
• Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
• The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith
• Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

And man.  I have a few books in the “read but not yet reviewed pile” (which is huge right now) which includes When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Dessert First by Hallie Durand, Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott (I swear I reviewed this one!), Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles and Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart.  This week I’ll also have a review of Birthday for Bear as well as a guest post from Bonny Becker.  I’m sure that my few reviews of Cybils nominations isn’t as many as other kidlit bloggers out there, but it’s really fun to look at the lists.

Shortlists will be announced on January 1st.  Any picture books that are your favorites?

It’s just about dinner time here in Utah, so I wanted to share with you a to die for yummy vegetable side dish which I just gobbled up after making it and my husband begged me to make more just a week later.  In my interview with picture book author Kim Norman, she shared with us roasted vegetables including carrots, potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes to which I added parsnips and red pepper.  It’s the easiest thing ever.  Basically chop, chop chop, drizzle with olive oil (I used a garlic flavored oil), sprinkle with kosher salt (I didn’t have any) and cook in the oven.

The progress:

This was actually my first time having both parsnips and turnips (I know!) and they were so delicious.  I’ve made this at least twice now and the flavor is unbelievable.  Thank you so much Kim!

So what do you think?  Let me know if you make this one (likely after you’ve recovered from the 24-Hour Read-a-Thon).  Recipe details again.

Links of Interest: Maw Books interview with Kim Norman, Crocodaddy book review (which by the way is nominated for a Cybils),Kim Norman website.

I love to read literature set in Africa, so it’s  my hope that you will find some great new reads.  Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive by any means.  The books listed here are a result of my call for entries as well as some filling in of a few books that I hated to see not included.  Each book has a link over to the Book Blogs Google Custom Search Engine so you can get even more opinions.

Also, I know that there are some other great books out there (even I didn’t list all the African books I’ve reviewed), so I have included a Mr. Linky at the end of this post.  If you have a book review that is African in nature that was not included, I’d love for you to link it up so we have even more books listed!

A meme!  If you have a blog, I have included a meme at the end of this post so you can discuss African books on your own blog and link over to the carnival.  Feel free to participate, regardless of whether or not you have a book review listed here.  I would love to know your thoughts!

If you don’t have a blog, I’d love to hear in the comments which books you’ve read and which ones caught your eye.

Botswana

• The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith reviewed by Heather at The Maiden’s Court.  The first of 10 books that focus on the life of Precious Ramotswe and her fledgling detective agency.  “One of the most interesting things about this book is that you learn so much about African culture and the beauty of the nature. Africa doesn’t usually end up in best selling fiction very often.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: The Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison reviewed by Alyce at At Home with Books.  The memoir of a well-known safari guide Alyce says, “If you have ever wondered what it would be like to go on safari in Africa, then I would recommend this memoir. It was so much fun to read that I still find myself chuckling at some of the stories a couple of weeks after reading it.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Burundi

• The Violets of Usambara by Mary Soderstrom reviewed by Melanie by The Indextrious Reader.  “This novel is a short one, and is the tale of a couple whose lives are at the cusp of change. Thomas Brossard is a former government minister who is out of work due to a change in government. His wife Louise, always the driving force in his life, has suggested he go to Africa with a Catholic charity . . . . This a very adult book in its quiet and understated narrative style.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Congo

• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad reviewed by J.T at Bibliofreak.  At a short 72 pages, J.T says, “This is possibly the most symbolic book I’ve ever read, and still one of my favorites.  It’s a novella, but don’t let the short length fool you–its not a light read.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver reviewed by Tracie at YuleTime Reading.  “About a Baptist minister who brings his family to Africa to act as missionaries in the 1950’s . . . [it] is a haunting tale that follows the lives of five women until the end of their days. The multiple layers of this novel make it an intensely interesting read. From the clash of two cultures, to the politics of the Congo, to the bond every mother knows with her child, this is definitely a must read that will stay with you long after you close the last page.”  
  • The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver was also reviewed by Caitlin at Chaotic Compendiums who had a critical eye.  “Despite these criticisms, this is a book worth reading, if only for the very last chapter which is in the voice of my favorite character, Ruth May. That along with many moments of beautiful physical description scattered throughout the book make it a worthwhile read, if one that is sometimes incredibly frustrating.”
  • Also reviewed by J.T at Bibliofreak, more book blogger reviews.

• King Leopold’s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild reviewed by Rhapsody in Books.  “Hochschild is to be commended for trying to bring this true horror story back to life. There is still a need to learn from the dangers of power and greed. As he concludes, “At the time of the Congo controversy a hundred years ago, the idea of full human rights, political, social, and economic, was a profound threat to the established order of most countries on earth. It still is today”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Egypt

• The Beggar by Naguib Mahfouz reviewed by Rose City Reader.  “This novella takes on the biggest “political” issue of all – the meaning of life. Omar’s tale is a metaphor for the “midlife crisis” of modern Egypt, 17 years after its 1952 revolution, as both Omar and the country search for meaning after achieving worldly success.”
  • More book blogger reviews.
    
• The View from Garden City by Carolyn Baugh reviewed by Swapna at S. Krishna’s Books.  “At its core,[it's] a novel about women, beautifully written and enhanced by the amazingly detailed descriptions of life in modern Cairo. Baugh doesn’t preach or have any sort of nefarious intentions but leaves the reader to make up his or her own mind about the message of the novel and of each of the stories”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Ethiopia

• Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese reviewed by Chris at Book-a-Rama.  About the lives of mirror twins born of the illicit affair between a surgeon and a nun, “The setting of Ethiopia is exotic, interesting and beautiful. Every character is well created, you can’t help but love them (except for one or two). The story is both entertaining and engaging. I enjoyed so much of the book, but… it was a massive book  [. . .] but there was something about it that just didn’t float my boat the way it did for other reviewers who thought it was awesome.”
  • Also reviewed by SuziQoregon at Whimpulsive who said that it read more like a memoir than fiction and she got emotionally involved in the book.
  • Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese was also reviewed by Hannah at Word Lily.  “I was, at turns, sort of dreading, expecting that the best of the book had passed and the rest would be downhill; and irresistibly, hopefully, pulled along. The characters are remarkably resilient through hardship and pain. I’ve read books with a stronger sense of place, but this setting did indeed draw me in. This book has a little of everything.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Of Beetles & Angels, A Boy’s Remarkable Journey From a Refugee Camp to Harvard by Mawi Asgedom reviewed by Natasha at Maw Books. “There are some great discussion questions in the back, and even Ethiopian recipes.  This book gives a great insight into the struggles of new immigrants adjusting to a new culture and mourning for loss of home.  Asgedom’s story is inspiring”

Ghana

• Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey reviewed by Dawn at She is Too Fond of Books.  A murder mystery set against the modern and traditional ways of African culture, Dawn said,  “When I read a mystery I don’t try to solve the case, I allow the author to do the work by unraveling the tangle of clues for me.  Quartey left some breadcrumbs that, in retropect, might have led me in the right direction if I had put any energy into it; but I prefer the leisurely pace of solving it on Dawson’s timetable, piecing the clues together through his eyes.  It was a very satisfying mystery.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

Kenya

• 14 Cows for America reviewed by Alison at  A Novel Idea.  Alison says, “The artwork in the book is breathtaking and the story almost lyrical. It is a picture book with great depth. This is a story that will remain on my shelf for life. This is a story of compassion that I will take off the shelf and remind my children of regularly.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Burn My Heart by Beverley Naidoo reviewed by Terry at The Reading Tub A historical fiction novel set in the 1950’s in Kenya, Terry says that Burn by Heart is exceptional and a wonderfully crafted story and “it’s a book meant for readers pre-teen through adult. It is destined to open some wonderfully thoughtful, candid discussions that are as relevant today as they would have been in 1951.”    Terry has additional information about the book on the Reading Tub website as well.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Also check out this list of Kenyan book recommendations compiled from Rebecca at Lost in Books.

Liberia

• When God Says Go by Lorry Lutz reviewed by Debbie at Genre Reviewer.  “This book is a biography of an amazing black American woman who worked as a missionary in the jungles of Liberia from 1913 to 1972. The story briefly covers her parent’s lives as slaves, her childhood, and her education. It also briefly describes the founding of Liberia and the history of Christianity there.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Malawi

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamka and Bryan Mealer reviewed by Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea.  A memoir which is one of those rare stories you won’t want to miss, Diane says, “One of the most inspiring books that I have read in a long time, I’m pretty sure this book will touch most readers deeply, like it did to me. I know this story will stay with me for a long time to come.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Heaven Shop by Deborah Ellis reviewed by Natasha at Maw Books.  “Binti’s journey is one that you’ll want to take.  I loved watching her transformation from a proud, selfish child, being humbled as a orphan, and rising above her circumstances to help those around her.  I highly recommend The Heaven Shop for great insight on such a troubling subject [AIDS].

Mali

• Monique and the Mango Rains:  Two Years with a Midwife in Mali by Kris Halloway reviewed by Lisa at Books on the Brain.  A wonderful memoir, “themes in the book include family relationships, poverty, religious differences, the place of women in African society, hunger, malnutrition, power struggles, parenting, birth control, marriage, childbirth, volunteerism, and community. Holloway is respectful of the people and their culture and never has that too-frequent American way of being condescending.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

Mozambique

• Secrets in the Fire by Henning Mankell reviewed by Andromeda at A Wrung Sponge.  “I cried all the way through. It’s a heartbreaking story based on the life of a real girl living in Mozambique. While running to the fields to work with her mother and sister she stepped off the path once and landed on a land mine. Her sister was killed and she almost died. She lost both of her legs”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Nigeria

• Amadi’s Snowman by Katia Novet Saint-Lot reviewed by Maw Books.  A picture book about literacy and new cultures, it “is an excellent addition to the multi-cultural library, or any library, for that fact.”

• Half of a Yellow-Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reviewed by Susan at Pages Turned.  Susan says, “Adichie depicts the early days of Nigeria’s independence, the massacre of thousands of Igbo living in the Muslim north in 1966, and the Biafran War that followed as the Igbo attempt to form their own country. From personal loyalties and estrangements to air raids and famine in the refuge camps, Adichie hones in on the telling details that will keep me mulling over this book for a long time to come.”  I found that I had left a comment on this review when she first posted it saying that I wanted to read it.  And I did!
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Little Bee by Chris Cleave reviewed by Heather at Age 30+ . . . A Lifetime of Books.  Heather says that it’s better to not know anything about this book.  So I’m going to trust here and not say anything here either.  But wow, that cover!  It just screams read me!
  • Also reviewed by SuziQoregon at Whimpulsive who said, “Wow – this book impressed me a lot. The writing is the kind where I could have easily marked a sentence or paragraph on nearly every page. I really think that at some point I want to go back and re-read this one slowly just to be able to appreciate the many gems.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reviewed by Heather at Book Addiction who says “What I loved about Purple Hibiscus is that Kambili is just like any other teen stuck in a family situation that isn’t the greatest.  She has to deal with her oppressive, abusive father, and with her passive mother, and with navigating her way through life while trying to follow the rules her father (and her church) has set for her.”
  • Also reviewed by Mee at Books of Mee who said that the book reminded her of the book The Color Purple.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe reviewed by Trixie at Reading and Writing About It.  “I thought it was fascinating to see the clash between traditional African society and the influence of British rule” in this book about Okonkwo and British colinization.
  • More book blogger reviews.

Rwanda

• As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda by Catherine Claire Larson reviewed by Debbie at Genre Reviews.  A new release, “This book tells seven personal stories of experiences during the genocide, its aftermath, and how they came to forgiveness. These accounts are intense, vivid, and powerful. The people in these stories came from different areas and had different experiences, giving the reader a good idea of what happened during the genocide and afterward. The book is worth reading for these stories alone.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin reviewed by Amanda at The Zen Leaf who compared it slightly in it’s subject matter to Deogratias (below).  She said, “I had to abandon Deogratias because it was too gruesome. Too graphically violent. I was scared I’d get the same thing here, but Baking Cakes was nothing like that. It was tactful in every sense of the word. It didn’t gloss over the things that happened in Rwanda, but it did approach the subject in a polite and non-gruesome way. I really appreciated that.”
  • Tam at Bailey’s and Books said, “interesting, at least to me, side note: In Gaile Parkin’s bio on the back of my ARC copy it notes, “Many of the stories told by characters in Baking Cakes in Kigali are based on or inspired by stories she was told during her work in Rwanda.” Not knowing much about Rwanda, to me, these stories in the book were both inspiring and important to know.”
  • Rebecca at Rebecca Reads also says that although it’s not a light read, “It shares a message of both tragedy (the story of the survivors [Rwandan genocide] and hope, for its ending message is that we can move on: there is a purpose to life, even after a horrendous tragedy.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda by J.P Stassen reviewed by Nymeth at Things Mean a Lot.  I LOVE the fact that we have a graphic novel included in this carnival.  She says, “I should start by warning you that I cried for something like half an hour after I finished this book, and that I’ve been thinking about it often ever since.”  If that’s not enough to make you click over to read the review she also says, “I’m the last person you’d catch telling others that they have some sort of moral obligation to read a book that will upset them. And yes, Deogratias is upsetting and relentlessly dark and depressing. It shows humans at their very worst, and no, there are no acts of kindness to counterbalance that. So, you know. I’m sure you all know your limits as readers enough to be able to tell whether or not this would be too much for you.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Emmanuel Kolini: The Unlikely Archbishop of Rwanda reviewed by Heather at Age 30+ A Lifetime of Books.  Kolini takes up his post as Archbishop in the wake of the 1994 genocide. “This book is a brief biography of Kolini’s life, an overview of the ethnic conflicts in Rwandan history, and the story of how these two came together.”  Heather has some good and not so good things to say about the book.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Left to Tell:  Discovering God Admist the Genocide in Rwanda by Immaculee Ilibagiza reviewed by The Book Nook Club.  “What I felt most profoundly while reading this was that you choose how you feel about what life hands you, whatever your religious beliefs may be.  This woman chose to be thankful for what she had, not bitter over what she had lost. She chose to forgive in the face of hatred. Her attitude of tolerance and love is inspiring.  I would highly recommend it.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Also check out this list of book recommendations about the Rwandan Genocide.

Sierra Leone

• A Long Way Gone:  Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah reviewed by J.T at Bibliofreak.  “There has been some controversy over whether or not all of Beah’s claims really happened.  A newspaper said last year that none of it could have happened to one person and that there was a discrepancy about his dates.  Beah stands by his story, and you know what?  So do I.  Just because it seems unimaginable doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”
  • Rebecca at Lost in Books listened to this one on audio and said, “It was so heartbreaking at times I had to pause the CD and catch my breath. The descriptions of the people being murdered and even of Ishmael climbing the coconut tree when he was starving were so vivid I felt like I was actually there. The pictures in my mind were so crisp and clear.”
  • Also reviewed by Mee at Books of Mee who said, “The story is told fluidly. I never felt it slow down. It’s a good read from beginning til the end.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara reviewed by Kathleen at SMS Book Reviews.  A firsthand experience of the civil war in Sierra Leone is chilling: at the age of 12, Mariatu was attacked by young rebel soldiers, who cut off both of her hands. Mariatu’s account of her journey from war victim to UNICEF Special Representative inspires awe and hope.  “The book doesn’t only address the war that went on in Sierra Leone and the casulaties of that war. It also addresses what little has happened to help those still in the country.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Also check out this list of Sierra Leone book recommendations compiled from Rebecca at Lost in Books.

South Africa

• 92 Queens Road by Dianne Case reviewed by Chele at Hungry Readers.  A Middle Grade fiction book set in the ’60’s during apartheid , this book  “shows the experiences of young Kathy and her family under the system of laws. Throughout the text, six-year-old Kathy searches for her place in her young country and comes to grips with her lack of a father and status as a “coloured” person.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Beethoven Was One-Sixteenth Black by Nadine Gordimer reviewed by Rose City Reader.  A collection of short stories which is a “worthwhile collection of stories and a good introduction to Gordimer’s sophisticated writing. ”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee reviewed by Mee at Books of Mee.  The racial tension in South Africa is the topic of this book and Mee says, “As most racism, it usually occurs in more ‘uneducated’ places by ‘uneducated’ people. Not in the city where everybody is supposed to be smart and sophisticated, no. It happens in the corners of the town, in back suburbs, behind bushes and shadows. I should know. I experienced extreme racism for many years of my teenage life — the problem that is unconsciously stuck with you to the bone, the matter of ‘my people’ against ‘your people’ — all too familiar elements that made me queasy.
  
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Fish Notes and Star Songs by Diane Hofmeyr reviewed by Chele at Hungry Readers.  Fish Notes and Star Songs is a Young Adult novel that Chele says would make a great pairing with Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.  “With some references to some African history and wildlife, [the book] explores themes of loss, empowerment, spirituality and of language and names, their significance and power.  While some people would argue that this story is a fantasy, others will see it as realistic with dimensions of spirituality.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Life and Times of Michael K. by J.M. Coetzee reviewed by Rose City Reader.  A Booker Winner from a Nobel laureatem, Rose City Reader said, “Despite the credentials, I did not like this book and I do not see the point of it.”  I personally didn’t like the one Coetzee book I’ve read so I was glad to see I’m not the only one have Coetzee trouble.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela reviewed by Marta at Marta’s Meanderings.  “The audiobook brings his vision full circle, as these timeless tales return to the oral tradition to be heard around the world.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Out of Bounds:  Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope by Beverley Naidoo reviewed by Chele at Hungry Readers.  Consisting of seven short stories this book for middle grade readers “explore different events and conditions of Apartheid through South African children’s perspectives.  With varying degrees of hope, the protagonists face difficult choices and risk when deciding on what they believe about Apartheid depending on their various class and racial backgrounds.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Reading, Writing and Leaving Home: Life on the Page by Lynn Freed reviewed by Susan at Pages Turned.  Lynn Freed is a fiction author who grew up in South Africa before moving to the states and sets her fiction in South Africa.  Reading, Writing and Leaving Home is her story.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Scent of Oranges by Joan Zawatzky reviewed by Brooke at The Bluestocking Guide.  “I really enjoyed this book.  It was so sad, yet so poignant.  So many lives were ruined all because people judged others by the color of their skin and not by the type of person that they were.  The sad thing is that even though Apartheid ended problems remain.  There hasn’t been a happily ever after.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Sudan

• The Devil Came on Horseback: Bearing Witness to the Genocide in Darfur by Brian Steidle reviewed by Ramya at Ramya’s Bookshelf.  “It is hard to imagine that this book is actually a memoir- that events described here are not figments of imagination from a psychotically deranged brain. They are actual events appening in a different part of the world. People are starving, getting killed mercilessly, getting raped, being turned out of their homes right as I type this review. It is really hard to imagine that everything said in the book is true.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Not On Our Watch, The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast reviewed by Becky at Becky’s Book Reviews.  “This book does three things essentially a) relates the authors first hand accounts of trying to help, a behind-the-scenes look at activism b) provides basic information about the political, social, cultural situations in Darfur and surrounding regions placing everything into context and c) gives tips on how ordinary people–Americans for the most part–can do their part to help.”
  Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Slave: My True Story by Mende Nazar reviewed by Heather at Book Addiction.  An amazing memoir,  Heather says, “I truly don’t have much else to say other than – Slave is absolutely a must-read.  I can’t emphasize that enough.  What a powerful, inspiring story.  I’m so glad I picked this book up and I truly believe you should too.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Tears of the Desert by Halima Bashir reviewed by Tracie at YuleTime Reading.  Tracie summarizes this amazing book (believe me, I know, I raved about it myself after I read it) as “follows Halima Bashir through her childhood in a remote African village, to her education at University, through her practicing of medicine and eventually to her escape from Darfur.  During her life, war and genocide loom over her as she tries desperately to avoid the conflict even though she see’s the affect of the war on her people in her work.  Eventually the war finds her and she must pay a horrible price for the help she has given her people.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• The Translator:  A Tribesman’s Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari reviewed by Debbie at Genre Reviewer.  “Daoud Hari tells his story in a very simple but a profoundly moving way. This is not a “fun” book, but it is an eye-opener to the reasons behind the conflict and is a first-hand look at what is really occurring in this area.”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• What is the What by Dave Eggers excerpt shared  by Susan at Pages Turned.  A very poignant passage from an amazing book (which I also reviewed).  It’s one that I personally can’t recommend enough and even had both of my parents read so I was thrilled to see Susan share it with us as well.
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• Also check out this list of book recommendations about the Darfur genocide.

Uganda

• First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria by Eve Waite- Brown reviewed by Jen at Devourer of Books.  The memoir of a Peace Corps worker in Uganda, Jen says, “I seriously very highly recommend this book, whether you’re an idealist who wants to go out and make the world better, someone who wishes they had the cajones to follow love and their ideals to third world countries, or someone who likes an entertaining story; in other words, basically everyone!”
  • Also reviewed by Maw Books, more book blogger reviews.

• The Ghosts of Eden by Andrew Sharp reviewed by Jackie at Farm Lane Books Blog.  About two very different boys growing up in Uganda, Jackie says, “I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read about African culture, without battling with symbolism or the endless horrors of war. It is a beautifully written story, and I think it has just become my favourite book with an African setting.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Zambia

• Sikulu & Harabe by the Zambezi River: An African Version of the Good Samaritan Story written by Kunle Oguneye and Illustrated by Bruce McCorkindale reviewed by Terry at The Reading Tub.   Her reviews says, “I highly recommend Sikulu & Harambe by the Zambezi River.  It is storytelling at its best, with the lessons build into the story but still completely evident. The crayon-styled illustrations might lead you to think this is a book for only the youngest audiences. Preschoolers and Kindergartners will love this book, but so will kids up to third grade. The story itself and the lessons it offers will engage newly independent readers and offer a wonderful complement to the study of folklore and culture.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

Zimbabwe

• The Boy Next Door by Irene Sabatini reviewed by Debbie at Genre Reviewer.  “An engrossing novel that starts out as a mystery of sorts (did Ian really do it?) in which curiosity about her neighbor leads to friendship and then love. But it’s not an easy love.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• When a Crocodile Eats the Sun by Peter Godwin reviewed by Kim at Sophisticated Dorkiness.  “Godwin parallels this deeply personal memoir with the reporting he did about the destruction of the Republic of Zimbabwe under President Robert Mugabe.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

General/Multiple Countries

• Another Man’s War:  The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan by Sam Childers reviewed by Debbie at Genre Reviewer.  A memoir that tells the story of Sam Childers and of the children of southern Sudan and northern Uganda, Debbie says, “I’d recommend this book, especially to those who like incredible-but-true missionary stories, to soldiers who are Christians, and to those interested in what’s being done to help the children in southern Sudan and northern Uganda”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Chanda’s Secrets by Allan Stratton reviewed by Chele at The Hungry Readers.  A Young Adult novel set in an imaginary African country, “Chanda manages preparing the funeral for her youngest sister, helping a best friend about whom rumors circulate, supporting a weakening mother, and watching many deal with a disease that affects many but remains stigmatized and unnamed.  Chanda juggles her secrets with a mix of fear, love and denial.  At the source of them all is AIDS, the unnamed killer.”
  • Also reviewed by Kathleen at SMS Book Reviews who says it was heartbreaking and “This is one of those books that is so good you don’t know what to say.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Copper Sun by Sharon Draper reviewed by Melissa at One Librarian’s Book Reviews.  The story of a girl taken from her home village in Africa by Slave Traders to America, Melissa says, “This book was haunting and awful and beautiful all wrapped up in one. Amari’s survival through the brutalities and hardships she faces as a slave is just amazing. Throughout the book, I wondered how people could survive these horrors. The answer testifies to the tenacity of the human spirit – hope.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• The Marsh Lions:  The Story of an African Pride by Brian Jackman and Jonathan Scott reviewed by Jeane at Dog Ear Diary. This book “is more than just a book about lions. It’s about the whole panorama of African wildlife living around the Musiara Marsh, on the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. It’s the product of five years that Jonathan Scott spent photographing animals in the Masai Mara, keeping detailed notes about their behavior and interactions. He later collaborated with Jackman to have the book written and published.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Middle Passage by Charles Johnson reviewed by J.T at Bibliofreak.  “This is a magical realism metaphor-laced book.  It’s gonna run away with you.  You might not love it.  I can’t say that I loved it.  But I did really like it.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• No Room in the Ark by Alan Moorehead reviewed by Jeane at Dog Ear Diary.  “This book describes the author’s various safaris to view wildlife in Africa during the 1950’s. I really enjoyed reading his vivid descriptions of the weather, landscape and animals- especially incidents where he came into closer contact with the wildlife. One night a hyena snuck into his tent and ate his leather boots right from under his cot!”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Papa , Do You Love Me? by  Barbara M. Joose reviewed by Brian at Book Dads.  A picture book for the younger crowd, “The warm earth tones of the illustrations perfectly complement the text and evoke images of the Serengeti, a Glossary at the end of the book explains about the Masaai culture.  Papa, Do You Love Me shows children that all fathers unconditionally love their children, no matter where (or how) they live.”
  • More book blogger reviews.

• Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan reviewed by Kathy at Bermudaonion.  Oprah’s newest book selection isn’t a fast read with it’s diaolouge written in often times difficult to dicipher dialect.  But Kathy says, “This book isn’t a fast read, but I think it’s an important one.  The title of the book comes from the fact that children in Africa sometimes have to deny their identity and say they’re one of “them” (another tribe or religion) in order to survive.  You will be a different person after you’ve read this book.” 
  • Teddy from So Many Precious Books, So Little Time reviews one of the short stories titled An Ex-Mas Feast.
  • More book blogger reviews.

• West with the Night by Beryl Markham reviewed by Jeane at Dog Ear Diary.  “I can’t say which I preferred, reading about the horses and African wildlife, or reading about her flights in a small plane- both were engrossing and captivating. And have you ever had the thrill of coming across a character in a book, who was friends with one you knew in a different book entirely?”
  • More book blogger reviews.

What Now?

If you have a blog, I’d love to have you answer the following questions in your own post or come up with your own thing.  Participation is open to all.  If you don’t have a blog feel free to answer them in the comments:

1. Do you read a lot of books that have an African focus?  If so, why do you enjoy them?
2. Have you reviewed any books with an African theme?  If so, feel free to highlight them.
3. What are you looking forward to reading next?  Anything on your radar?
4. If you haven’t read a lot of books with an African focus, what are some books that you’d like to read?
5. Are there any book titles showcased in this carnival that sounds interesting to you or that you’ve read?

Link your meme post in the Mr. Linky so we can visit:

Have More Book Reviews?

If you have a blog and have book reviews (no matter how old) with an African focus we’d love to know about them too!  Link your book reviews to the Mr. Linky in the following format:  Book Title (country).

(P.S.  Would you like to submit a book review to the next Bookworms Carnival?  Check out the details.)

May I suggest . . . THE 24-HOUR READ-A-THON!!!

Regardless of whether or not you’re a blogger or not, the 24 Hour Read-a-Thon is simply so much fun!  Only requirement:  read!

I participated in my first 24-Hour Read-a-thon this past April and had A BLAST!  I eagerly put the date on the calender as soon as it was scheduled.  Imagine my dismay as soon as everything else got added to the 24th.  Let me share with you what is currently on the calender and thus rendering me unable to participate  (and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth):

• Boo at the Zoo
• City’s Trunk or Treat/costume contest
• Trunk or Treat Halloween party at the church
• Adults only Halloween party in the evening
• EDITED TO ADD:  The Salt Lake Book Festival!! Why, oh why does it have to be same day?
• . . . and on top of that my sister-in-law and her husband are both flying in to visit from Hawaii.  One day only.

If you know anything about my husband it is the following fact:

He has become obsessed with Halloween costumes.  We hit up every costume contest we can find and he wins them all every year.  He’s been planning our costumes this year for months.  So sadly, the 24th around here will not be spent participating in the 24-Hour Read-a-thon but rather waking early in the morning, getting dressed (an event unto itself) and spending the entire day hopping from one Halloween party to the next (with in-laws in tow – Taylor has threatened that must bring costumes).  It’s one of the most highly anticipated days of the year (and it’s not even technically Halloween!).

If I recall, the same thing happened last October with the Read-a-Thon.  And I suspect that this might be the trend for each fall.   Thank goodness, it’s twice a year.  I’m thinking that I’ll sign up to host a challenge during the Read-a-Thon.  And I enjoyed posting a few recipes during last year’s Read-a-Thon, so we’ll see if I can swing that again.  So while I won’t be around to cheer anybody on (although I’m sure I’ll sneak in a look at Twitter – #readathon hashtag – at least a couple of times), I hope to be able to still participate somehow.

SO.  If your day isn’t as hectic as mine, clear your calender, go sign up, stack your books, hit the grocery store (and pick up ingredients for the yummy sandwich and smoothie I made during the last Read-a-Thon), get plenty of sleep the day before and have fun reading!!

Me?  I’ll be crying tears of sadness that I can’t participate.  Wait.  No crying.  My husband would kill me if I ruined the face makeup he’s got planned for me.

The Cybils are simply awesome.  What can I say.  The Cybils Awards are given each year from bloggers (aka – children’s literature enthusiasts aka – over enthused fans aka – those prone to squealing in the presence of an awesome book) to a group of children’s books which combine literary excellence and child appeal.

And it’s time to get this party started!  So here’s what you need to know . . .

What You Need to Do – Your Checklist (do or beware the stalking!)

• Subscribe to the Cybils feed.
• Follow @cybils on Twitter
• Get some Cybils bling for your blog if you have one.
• Buy Cybils bling for your home or office.
• If you are a librarian or a teacher (or not) – spread the word!
• GO NOMINATE your favorite (the best of the best) book published in the last year in nine different categories. You can see titles already nominated with these links:
  • Easy Readers and Short Chapter Book
  • Fantasy and Science Fiction
  • Fiction Picture Books
  • Graphic Novels
  • Middle Grade Fiction
  • Nonfiction Picture Books
  • Nonfiction for Middle Grade and Teens
  • Poetry
  • Young Adult Fiction
• And last – get excited!

Dates to Remember

• October 1-15th:  Nominations open to the public
• New Year’s Day:  Short Lists announced
• St. Valentines Day:  Finalists announced

Simple Rules

• Titles must be published from October 2008 to October 15, 2009
• Books must be published in English or bilingual with English
• Only one nomination per genre per person

Last year I had so much fun nominating children’s book titles for the Cybils, waiting anxiously for the shortlists and the final winners!  My book club read every title on the shortlist for fiction and non-fiction picture  books and graphic novels.  You can see last year’s shortlist and winners (pdf file).  I’m sure you’ll recognize a few of the titles.

How Am I Involved?

I debated all year whether or not I wanted to submit my name for consideration to be a panelist or judge.  It looked like so much fun!  I stalked the website until they announced that submissions were open.  And the best part – they took me!  (It’s like getting a little stamp of approval to tell you the truth).

I’m excited to let my readers know that I will be a round one panelist for the Fiction Picture Books category!  This means reading all the nominated picture book titles (last year there were about 150 nominated) and narrowing it down to a shortlist after which the judges will narrow it down to one single winner.  My boys and I are up for the task!  I will be updating every once in a while with my progress here and highlighting a few as well.

I’ll be serving with these fine folks:

Panel Organizer: Pam Coughlan, MotherReader

Panelists (Round I Judges):

Shelly Burns, Write for a Reader
Pam Coughlan (see panel organizer)
Katie Harvey, Katie’s Literature Lounge
Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes
Natasha Maw, Maw Books Blog

Round II Judges:

Amy, Big Brother is Reading
Andi (cloudscome), A Wrung Sponge
Lori Calabrese, Lori Calabrese Writes
Bethany Gatto, Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarian
Dawn Mooney, My Thoughts Exactly

Okay, so I’m totally anxious to see what everybody starts nominating.  So stop reading here.  And go over there!

If you are a blogger, this is your last call that post submissions are due tomorrow! The theme that I have chosen are books that have an African focus whether that be in setting or theme.  Basically, if it’s about Africa in some sort of way  then I want to showcase it!  Please contact me or email me at natasha (at) mawbooks (dot) com to submit links.  Everybody is eligible to participate.  If you submit a link for the review, it is appreciated if you link back to the carnival after it is posted.  To make this easier, feel free to also answer these questions:  Do you read a lot of books that have an African focus?  If so, why do you enjoy them?  What was one of the first books that you discovered and which books would you like to read?  If you haven’t read a lot of books with an African focus, what are some books that you’d like to read and is there a book title showcased in the carnival that sounds interesting to you?

If you are a reader of blogs, particularly this blog, then make sure you take note to stop by here on Monday for great book review links! Something for everybody.  Children’s books, fiction,  and non-fiction.  I have always liked books about Africa, so I am really excited to showcase this carnival.

You can find out more about the Bookworms Carnival on it’s dedicated blog as well as browse past editions and take note of future editions as well.

Book Bloggers Appreciation Week (BBAW) is an annual celebration to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.  BBAW wrapped up at the end of last week.   View the  BBAW archives at the official blog.

Well, it’s over.  Everybody has wrapped up their week but I’m still sitting here trying to read everybody’s posts.  So I might as well wrap it up too. BBAW was a fun way to celebrate the book blogging community.

Each of the daily blogging topics was designed to learn more about my fellow book bloggers and to discover bloggers that we may not be familiar with yet.

I wanted to end BBAW with spotlighting a few blogs that made it into my Google Reader this week.  These are just a few of the hundreds of participating blogs.  Lots of great things out there.

From Paperback Reader I learned about Claire at Kiss a Cloud. I was immediately drawn to Claire’s blog because of the beautiful photographs of the book in the places where she read it.  Another blog that I discovered through Paperback Reader is Joann at Lakeside Musings.  I’m looking forward to getting to know Joann especially as she seems to visit a  lot of the same blogs that I enjoy.

Stacy at Stacy’s Books introduced me to the gals at PaperTigers. Not sure how bloggers like this stay under my radar for so long.  Seriously?  How have I missed them?  Have I just not been paying attention?  And how can I resist the tag line “Speaking of multicultural books for young readers, world literacy and more . . . ”

No Time for Flash Cards isn’t a book blog but a fun crafts for preschoolers blog .  I seriously need the ideas for my little boys.  And while I’m familiar with Anastasia, I wasn’t familiar with one of her blogs called 5 Great Books.   It’s a great idea.  Listing five books on one particular topic.  I always need book ideas too for my boys.  I discovered both of these blogs through Lynn at Chronicles of an Infant Bibliophile who is simply amazing.  If you have small children, especially a little boy, you have to check out her blog.

Jessica at Bluestocking introduced me to Rob Around Books.  I have to admit, I was drawn to Rob’s blog simply because of the design.  This is such a nice blog just to look at.  Luckily, he’s got some great content as well!

One Literature Book Nut introduced me to Cara at Oooh Books.  Just look at her cute profile photo and then check out her open letter to book bloggers.  Yep, that alone has me curious enough to check out where she’s going to be headed.   While checking out Oooh Books, I came across Lotus Reads. I know I’ve visited this blog before but after exploring around a bit, I kow that it’s a place that I want to return to again.

Through Susan at Bloggin’ ’bout Books I met Kristen at The Readers Chat.  Kristen is a brand new blogger at four posts in.  Go pay her a visit!

Melissa at Book Nut introduced me to not one, not two, but three new bloggers.  Dawn at My Thoughts Exactly got put into my reader based strictly on this post which had me giggling.  And I need to giggle more often.  Melissa also had be browsing over at Cass’s at Bonjour, Cass! and Alysa at Everead.  Two blogs that I look forward to reading.

And the last blog that I wanted to mention was Terri at Brown Girl Speak.  I’m not sure how I came across this one during BBAW but another blog worth checking out.  Terri’s also created a longterm challenge to read one book based in every single African county.  One that I’m thinking I’d love to do as well.

How fun to have discovered these blogs sooner rather than later thanks to BBAW.

__________________________________

And last I need to acknowledge and thank you for Challenge Host and Kidlit Blog awards.   Do check out this post to check out the other amazing blogs also shortlisted.

Bloggiesta was a thrill to host and I’m excited that you thought the same.  I’m currently planning on hosting the challenge again mid-January or so.  And seriously, kidlit?  I have a feeling that a few in the kidlit community are shaking their heads and wondering, Maw Books who?  Do check out the Kidlitosphere community.  They are simply amazing and worth your effort in discovering if you aren’t following their blogs already.  Because you are, aren’t  you?

Thanks to all those involved.  Until next Book Blogger Appreciation Week . . . now let’s see if I can get some reviews posted!

I’m thrilled that Amy from My Friend Amy asked me to guest post not only about the friendships we create through blogging but also about the wonderful community that we have here in Utah.  Go check it out at the Book Blogger Appreciation Week blog.  I must admit that I have no shame in promoting the awesome book bloggers we have here.  There are more than 30 of us now.  Not kidding.  Go forth, read the post, comment, and visit them!

(P.S.  If  you are a Utah blogger – I would highly recommend promoting the post!)

Book Bloggers Appreciation Week (BBAW) is an annual celebration to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.  BBAW is happening right now!   To fully participate in BBAW visit the official blog.

How many books do you read because of a book bloggers review?

I was curious as to how many books I’ve read since I began blogging have been influenced from blogger recommendations so I pulled some out.  This list is actually much larger; I didn’t include any review copies, blog tours, or requested books.  Each of the following are books I either purchased or borrowed from the library after a bloggers review piqued my interest:

(Click on a book cover, to be taken to my review.)  I’ve lost track of who exactly recommended yet but I know that a few of these include Becky’s Book Reviews, My Friend Amy, Shelf Elf, Booking Mama, Small World Reads, and Trish’s Reading Nook.

How about you?  How much of your book selections are based on a book bloggers recommendation?  And did you agree with it?  I must admit, I’ve had a few come back to me after I recommended a book to say they hate it.  Sigh . . .

This was the first time I’ve participated as a panelist on a call-in show and I’m thrilled to have been asked to do so.  I had no idea what to expect and topics were all over the place.  Funny enough, my book club was meeting just a half hour into the show so I was in the car and then sitting outside our host’s house (Sharon who blogs at SherMeres’s Musings) while finishing up.  Cari from Book Scoops had a fun time listening in while she was driving.  What can I say, I didn’t want to miss book club because I love it so much!

I’m almost scared to listen to it because my voice never sounds like how I think it is.  And hopefully, I didn’t say anything that when I re-listen to it will make me think – what in the world was I thinking!  And no wonder everybody tells me they can never hear me on my phone.  Now I can hear my terrible connection.

I had fun! Did you listen in? If not, you can listen now, just hit the play button above (or Blog Talk Radio if it doesn’t load).  Any other questions?  Thoughts?