• James Dashner
• Jessica Day George
• Frank Cole
• G.G. Vandagriff
• Bree Despain
• Jillayne Clements
• Wendy Paul
• Nichole Giles
• Cindy Beck
• Terri Ferran
• Ronda Gibbs Hinrichson
• Heather Justesen
• Linda Chadwich
• Berin Stephens
• Dan Willis
• Cory Paulson
• Lisa Mangum
• Mettie Ivie Harrison
• Emily Wing Smith
• Sharlee Glenn
• AlvinaKwong
• Kristyn Crow
• Carol Lynch Williams
• Ann Cannon
• Ann Dee Ellis
• Kevin Hall
• Larry Myler
• Mike O’Reilly
• Zane Taylor
• Jack Nelson
• Rebecca Lerwill
• Kim Williams Justesen
• Bobbie Pyron
• Aubry Mace
• Sydney Salter
• Nathan Hale
• Bron Bahlmann
• Alan Bellows
• Paul Genesse
• Larry Correia

I also ran into Suey from It’s All About Books, Heather from Fire and Ice Photos and Brodi Ashton. Going to these type of events is so much fun.  I didn’t take any pictures this time around but I did take video.  I REALLY apologize for the sound in this video.  I wish for the authors sake that it had turned out better because many of them are an absolute riot.  Obviously, there were tons of people there and let me tell you . . . when Utah authors get together, it’s a party!

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

So while I was reading We Are the Ship, The Story of the Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson and it kept talking about how fast these guys could pitch and hit – I kept wanting to wince.  It’s no fun to get hit.  I have to admire these athletes for even getting out on that field.  Me?  I am now officially scared of any ball which may potentially break all the bones in my face.

But as I was saying, I don’t follow baseball nor do I know its history or its present.  So reading We Are the Ship was literally my first history lesson of any sort of the sport.  So Natasha, you may ask, why read about baseball if you’re not that interested in it?  Let me tell you.  Kadir Nelson can illustrate the back of a cereal box and I would be all over it.  His artwork is simply brilliant and I’ll read anything that has his name attached to it.  Plus, teasing my husband is kind of fun too. If I mention Nelson’s name, my husband always says, “Oh yeah, that guy that you think is really good looking.”   I know I’m not alone in this sentiment.  Kadir Nelson is one good looking guy.   He’s also incredibly soft-spoken and gracious which makes him even more appealing.

Plus, he can paint.  Wow, can he paint.  The talent just oozes from him.  I am always blown away with his books and We Are the Ship was no exception.

This is a book that I was in awe of.  Turning each page to discover the next illustration was a treat in and of itself.  Kadir Nelson presents the portraits of Rube Foster, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, Jackie Robinson, Oscar Charleston, Willie Foster, Andy Cooper, Wilber “Bullet” Rogan, Josh Gibson, William Julius “Judy” Johnson, Raleigh “Biz” Mackey, Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Willard Brown, Hilton Smith, Buck Leonard, James “Cool Papa” Bell and many more.  These are strong illustrations and one doesn’t doubt the strength or determination of these players.

In nine chapters, or better called, nine innings, our narrator who seems to have his eyes on every aspect of the sport and in what feels like a reminiscing by the fireplace takes the reader through the beginnings of the Negro Baseball League to its eventual desegregation with the crossover of Jackie Robinson to the minor leagues.

Let me tell you.  Reading about the history of baseball?  Fascinating!  These men were simply amazing and one can only leave the book with a new-found appreciation for these men who did so much for the history of baseball and paved the way for many athletes who would come after them.

I loved how the story was narrated and wanted to share Kadir Nelson’s thoughts on this in the author’s note:

I have attempted in earnest to present these men (and one woman) in all their dignity, pride and spiritual strength. They are my heroes.

[. . . ] Where these was no way, they made a way. I admire this independent spirit.

In keeping with this spirit, I chose to present the voice of the narrator as a collective voice, the voice of every player, the voice of we.  Under the leadership of Rube Foster, who declared the leagues’ independence from major league baseball by saying, “We are the ship; all else the sea,” the owners and players formed and sustained a successful league, demonstrating the power of the collective.  And after reading interviews and listening to former players speak about their lives in baseball, it became clear that hearing the story of Negro League baseball directly from those who experienced it firsthand made it more real, more accessible.  I hope that the way I have chosen to present the story has the same effect.

He later says,

I hope that I have done justice to these somewhat forgotten men and given them the tribute that they deserve.  I have tried to honor them, to portray them as the heroes they were, and to further solidify their place in history.  I hope that the reader will agree.

Yes, I completely agree.   This is not just a picture book.  It’s so much more than that.  It’s special and if you have been fortunate to read this book as well, then you know what I’m talking about.

Links of interest:  Kadir Nelson website, more book blogger reviews. Also illustrated by Kadir Nelson and reviewed by Maw Books: Moses, When Harriett Tubman Led Her People to Freedom and Henry’s Freedom Box, A True Story from the Underground Railroad.
We Are the Ship is part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month.  Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans.
Genre: Non-fiction Picture Book, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Hyperion Books.  January 8, 2008.
Hardcover, 96 pages. ISBN 0786808322
Source Copy:  Own
We Are the Ship is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Hardcover Fiction

1. THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett. A young white woman and two black maids in 1960s ­Mississippi.
2. THE LOST SYMBOL, by Dan Brown.  Robert Langdon among the Masons.
3. KISSER, by Stuart Woods. Stone Barrington, the New York cop turned lawyer, pursues a case of financial fraud on the Upper East Side.
4. BLOOD TIES, by Kay Hooper. The F.B.I. agent Noah Bishop and his special crimes unit pursue a brutal enemy
5. THE FIRST RULE, by Robert Crais.  Elvis Cole and his partner, Joe Pike, set out to clear the reputation of a former military contractor who has been murdered.

Hardcover Nonfiction

1. GAME CHANGE, by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin.  Behind the scenes at the 2008 election with Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, John and Elizabeth Edwards, John McCain and Sarah Palin.
2. I AM OZZY, by Ozzy Osbourne with Chris Ayres. Recollections of heavy metal’s “Prince of Darkness.”.
3. THE POLITICIAN, by Andrew Young.  A tell-all by John Edwards’s closest aide.
4. COMMITTED, by Elizabeth Gilbert. The author of “Eat, Pray, Love” wrestles with, and overcomes, her ambivalence about marriage.
5. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, by Mitch Albom.  A suburban rabbi and a Detroit pastor teach lessons about the comfort of belief.

Paperback Trade Fiction

1. A RELIABLE WIFE, by Robert Goolrick.  Complications ensue when a wealthy Wisconsin widower in 1907 advertises for a wife.
2. THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold. (A girl looks down from heaven as she describes the aftermath of her kidnapping and murder.
3. DEAR JOHN, by Nicholas Sparks. (An unlikely romance between a soldier and an idealistic young woman is tested after 9/11.
4. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, by Stieg Larsson.  A hacker and a journalist investigate the disappearance of a Swedish heiress.
5. THE LAST SONG, by Nicholas Sparks. A 17-year-old spends the summer with her father in North Carolina and finds many kinds of love.

Paperback Mass-Market Fiction

1. DEAR JOHN, by Nicholas Sparks.  An unlikely romance between a soldier and an idealistic young woman is tested after 9/11.
2. HOT ROCKS, by Nora Roberts. In this novel, previously published in “Remember When” (2003), the owner of an antiques shop is chased by an enigmatic stranger.
3. THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold. A girl looks down from heaven as she describes the aftermath of her kidnapping and murder.
4. THE ELUSIVE BRIDE, by Stephanie Laurens.  A former officer of the Crown, a love-struck lady, a deadly assassin; part of the Black Cobra Quartet.
5. TATE, by Linda Lael Miller.  Tate McKettrick, divorced dad and ranch man, reunites with his high school sweetheart.

Paperback Non-Fiction

1. THE BLIND SIDE, by Michael Lewis.  The evolving business of football, viewed through the rise of the left tackle Michael Oher.
2. THE LOST CITY OF Z, by David Grann. A New Yorker writer searches for a British explorer who was lost in the Amazon in 1925
3. THREE CUPS OF TEA, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. A former climber builds schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
4. A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, by Howard Zinn. An account from the point of view of women, African-Americans and others who are often marginalized.
5. ARE YOU THERE, VODKA? IT’S ME, CHELSEA, by Chelsea Handler.  Humorous personal essays from the comedian.

Hardcover Advice

1. THE KIND DIET, by Alicia Silverstone.  The actress’’s recipes and insights for going meat- and dairy-free.
2. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT, by Gretchen Rubin.  A year spent focusing on the things that really matter.
3. MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, VOL. 1, by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.  A reissue of the book that started Julia Child’s career.faith.
4. THE MAYO CLINIC DIET, by the Mayo Clinic staff.  Adopting healthy new habits and breaking unhealthy old ones.ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN, by Steve Harvey with Denene Millner.  Tips on relationships from the comedian and host of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.”

Paperback Advice

1. FOOD RULES, by Michael Pollan.  A manual for healthy eating, from the author of “The Omnivore’’s Dilemma.”
2. THE BELLY FAT CURE, by Jorge Cruise.  Do-over recipes using the “Carb Swap System” steer you away from foods full of hidden sweeteners and processed carbohydrates.
3. COOK THIS, NOT THAT!, by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding. Saving calories by cooking “restaurant” offerings at home.
4. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.  Advice for parents-to-be.
5. THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES, by Gary Chapman. How to communicate love in a way a spouse will understand.

Children’s Picture Books

1. THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney.  A fable of reciprocal kindness, redrawn. (Ages 4 to
2. I AM GOING!, written and illustrated by Mo Willems.  Gerald and Piggie, contrary pals, work out their comings and goings. (Ages 4 to
3. ALL THE WORLD, by Liz Garton Scanlon. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. A day in the life of a multicultural family. (Ages 4 to
4. AMELIA BEDELIA’S FIRST VALENTINE, by Herman Parish. Illustrated by Lynne Avril. Hearts abound, on sleeves, cards and French fries. (Ages 4 to
5. WADDLE!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder. Animals in motion, with color. (Ages 4 to

Children’s Chapter Books

1. THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. In a dystopian future, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up).
2. CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins.The protagonist of “The Hunger Games” returns. (Ages 12 and up)
3. FALLEN, by Lauren Kate.  Thwarted love among misfits at a boarding school in Savannah, Ga. (Ages 12 and up)
4. PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS (THE ULTIMATE GUIDE), written by Mary-Jane Knight. Designed by Philip Chidlow. Gods, beasts and tips for children with one immortal parent, based on the series by Rick Riordan. (Ages 10 and up)
5. WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead. A sixth-grade girl in New York City begins receiving mysterious notes. (Ages 9 to 12)

Children’s Paperback Books

1. THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. A girl saves books from Nazi burning and shares them with a Jewish man in hiding. (Ages 14 and up)
2. L.A. CANDY, by Lauren Conrad.  Excitement in TV land by someone who has been there. (Ages 14 and up)
3. THIRST NO. 2: PHANTOM, EVIL THIRST, CREATURES OF FOREVER, by Christopher Pike. A girl struggles with her dreamed-of transition from undead to mortal. (Ages 14 and up)
4. THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)
5. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney.  A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up)

Children’s Series Books

1. PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan.  Battling mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)
2. THE TWILIGHT SERIES, by Stephenie Meyer. Vampires and werewolves in high school. (Ages 12 and up)
3. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.  A boy records the hazards of adolescent life. (Ages 9 to 12)
4. HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Vampires in school. (Ages 14 and up)
5. MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca.  Winged children try to save the world. (Ages 6 to 9)

Hardcover Graphic Books

1. THE BOOK OF GENESIS: ILLUSTRATED, by R. Crumb. The legendary artist tackles the first book of the Bible.
2. THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES, by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins.  This collected edition reprints the second mini-series devoted to the comic book version of Stephen King’s novel, “The Stand.”
3. BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL, by Tony Daniel. Following the “death” of Batman, the protectors and plunderers of Gotham City fight to see who will control the mantle of the bat.
4. THE STAND: CAPTAIN TRIPS, by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. This collected edition reprints the first mini-series devoted to the comic book version of Stephen King’s novel, “The Stand.”
5. WOLVERINE: OLD MAN LOGAN, by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven.  In a future world where the villains are triumphant, Wolverine has left heroics behind to care for his family. If only Hawkeye and the Hulk gang would accept that.

Paperback Graphic Books

1. THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 11, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. The road to Washington is filled with many dangers for Rick and his band of refugees. To say anything more will ruin the story.
2. WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books.
3. MAUS: A SURVIVOR’S TALE, VOL. 1, by Art Spiegelman. The author tells the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, in a critically-acclaimed tale where Jewish people are mice and Germans are cats.
4. WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore.  The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies continues.
5. THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE: RECORDED ATTACKS, by Max Brooks. If you want to survive a zombie attack, there may be no better way than to see how past cultures have done it.

Manga

1. BLACK BUTLER, VOL. 1, by Yana Toboso.  Sebastian is a loyal butler who moves easily from dinner parties to the underworld. Is he too good to be true? Is he even human?
2. TSUBASA: RESERVOIR CHRONICLE, VOL. 25, by Clamp.  The truth about Syaoran and Princess Sakura is revealed in the midst of a battle to save her life.
3. FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, VOL. 22, by Hiromu Arakawa.  Two brothers harmed in a ritual that was half magic/half science seek the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to make things right. But others seek the weapon of alchemy for their own nefarious means.
4. THE YU-GI-OH! GX 4, VOL. 4, by Naoyuki Kageyama and Kazuki Takahashi.  The next generation of Yu-Gi-Oh battle it out at the Duel Academy. But what evil plans are afoot?
5. SHUGO CHARA!, VOL. 8, by Peach-Pit.  Amu, an elementary school girl, has three guardian angels who will her break her out of her shell. But now they must help her find Ikuto who has gone missing.

Source: The New York Times Best Seller List

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Life is relatively simple and happy but not without its sorrow as her mother loses baby after baby or without poverty due in part to the Great Depression.  There is one thing that Ludelphia loves more than anything and that’s to quilt.  Her mother says she was born to quilt and she’s never seen without a scrap of cloth and needle in her pocket.  The act of quilting and the subsequent act of contemplation that it brings is a thread that binds this story together.

When Ludelphia’s mother delivers her new baby early and falls deathly ill, her family is told that there is nothing that can be done.  But Ludelphia won’t give up that easily and takes off on her own to Camden, a town forty miles away in hopes of bringing the white doctor back with her.

The journey is eventful and challenging and tests Ludelphia’s courage and resolve. Remember she’s never been beyond her town’s borders before nor even seen a white person.  But in her attempt to save her mothers life will she end up dooming the entire town of Gee’s Bend?   It’s certainly possible.

I enjoyed learning more about this real town of Gee’s Bend which is steeped in quilting history and was the inspiration for this novel.  The book felt a bit slow near the beginning of the book but once Ludelphia began her journey, everything began to move along and I was fully invested in her story.  Many in the town believe in witchcraft which I felt brought an intriguing element to  not only the story’s beginning but its end as well.

Ludelphia is a strong and memorable character and while she may not always be the smartest in certain situations, I like young girl characters who know what they want and how to hold their own.

I can’t think of anything better to say then what Steph worded so well in her review:

It offers a memorable character and a compelling story with several interesting twists. It also provides fertile ground for discussion of quilting and folk art, sharecropping, poverty, racism, courage, and compassion, among other things.

The cover is ultimately what drew me to this cover. I knew I wanted to read it before I knew what is about.

Leaving Gee’s Bend is part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month.  Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans.
Links of interest:  Irene Latham website, blog and Twitter.
Genre:  Middle Grade Historical Fiction, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile.  January 7, 2010.
Hardcover, 230 pages. ISBN 0399251790
Source copy: Unsolicited review copy (meaning it mysteriously showed up in my mail)
Leaving Gee’s Bend is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Well, it would have been nice if I had a picture of myself with the ball, but such is life.

I loved playing basketball in junior high and high school (I was never on any teams except for church) and it’s always been my sport of choice.  Too bad I’ve only made like 5 points in our 5 games thus far and we haven’t won a game yet. But it’s fun.

I also feel like I’m going to die whenever I play.

Each spread highlights key figures in African American history including George Washington Carver, Jesse Owens, Hattie McDaniel, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Barack Obama.  Amazing pioneers of change.  After reading the book and pouring over the beautiful illustrations, children can read more about each leader at the back of the book.  This simple biography will enhance the reading and teach children about those who came before them.

What’s incredible about this book is that each spread is illustrated by a different celebrated African American illustrator.  Yes – thirteen illustrators:  Cozbi A. Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Bryan Collier, Pam Cummings, Leo and Diane Dillon, Ag Ford, E.B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, James Ransome, Charlotte Riley-Webb, Shadra Strickland and Eric Velasquez.  I loved how different each spread was but how cohesive the book was as a whole.  My favorite illustrations were Jesse Owens by Ag Ford and Martin Luther King Jr. by Frank Morrison.

As the dust jacket aptly says,

Our Children Can Soar is the story of a people rising.  It is a story for anyone, for it is one the backs of our ancestors that every child is raised.

I wholeheartedly agree.  It’s a special book.

Our Children Can Soar part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month. Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans.
Links of interest: More book blogger reviews.  Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast has a great feature with all the illustrators.
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book, Biography approx age 4-8.
Publisher: Bloomsbury. April 14, 2009.
Hardcover, 32 pages. ISBN 1599904187
Source copy: Library
Our Children Can Soar is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Ron McNair lost his life in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff.   But losing his life in this disaster wasn’t the first time that the label of hero was given to Ron.

In 1959, Ron loved to read.  He was the library’s best customer and came in and looked at books for hours, particularly books about aviation and airplanes (although he would have loved books about black children too – but these were short in number). In the segregated world of South Carolina he wasn’t allowed to take the books home. Ron finally had enough and through his courageousness and bravery quietly told the librarian that he wanted to check his books out.  Simply stated, he wanted a library card.  A privilege which wasn’t afforded to him simply because of the color of his skin.

Even after the police were called to the library he would not budge.  Even after his mother was called to the scene he still wouldn’t budge calling the rules wrong and unfair.  The librarian knew that Ron was her best customer and in a peaceful desegregation of the city library, she issued Ron a library card.

Astronaut McNair once told a group of children, “You can only be a winner if you are willing to walk over the edge.  You’re eagles. Spread your wings and fly to the sky.”  Ron did walk over the edge and the Lake City Public Library is now dedicated to astronaut McNair.

A great story that illustrates that kids can not only be brave and stand up for their rights but they have an incredible future ahead of them.

Ron’s Big Mission part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month.  Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans.
Links of interest:  Illustrator Don Tate website, Ron McNair NASA biography.
Genre: Fiction Picture Book, approx age 4-8.
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile.  January 22, 2009.
Hardcover, 32 pages. ISBN 0525478493
Source copy:  Review copy provided from publisher as a Cybil’s nominee for which I was a panelist
Ron’s Big Mission is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

There are a lot of great upcoming events in the Utah area and I wanted to spread the word about them (particularly the Utah Book Bloggers upcoming social).

February 6th, 1pm – Authorpalooza at Barnes and Noble South Towne Marketplace

• I don’t see an official author list but from what I see on all of the Utah author blogs, anybody who is anybody will be there.
• 30+ authors! Gotta love that!

February 11th, 12th, and 13th – Life, The Universe and Everything Else (LTUE)

• A three day symposium with panels, workshops, presentations and papers on writing, art, literature, media, science on aspects of speculative fiction.
• Brandon Sanderson, James Dashner, Stacy Whitman, Lisa Mangum, Nathan Hale, Brandon Mull,  Jessica Day George and more.
• My husband LOVES this event!  Best part?  It’s free!  On campus of my alma matter BYU.

February 27th – Book Bloggers Winter Social!!

• If you are a book blogger who lives in Utah make sure you are registered in the Utah Book Bloggers Ning group from which I send out all announcements.
• Book bloggers, publishing folk, authors, writers and book enthusiasts – Save the date for the evening of February 27th!  We will be having dinner at a local Salt Lake City restaurant and will send out details once they are solidified (hopefully this week).
• Our socials our awesome!  And to our awesome authors, please come to support our book bloggers! It’s certainly a highlight. Our last two events: summer social, bloggers bash.

June 14th-18th – 2010 Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop

• A MUST attend for anybody seriously interested in writing for young kids.  I can’t believe how many of our local writers author contribute their success to this workshop.
• I wish I could send my husband.  We’ll be saving up for next year.  Registration is open now.
• Hmmm . . . . I’m not  a writer but as a reader I’m a bit jealous at all of those authors congregated in one spot. Wonder if I can talk anybody into a press pass of some type so I can blog about it? *hint*  Plus Bonny Becker is going to be there. LOVE.

Kings English Upcoming Events

• I’m personally looking forward to Chris Cleave on February 22nd, author of Little Bee and Gary Paulsen on April 14th.

Am I missing anything coming up in the near future?  Don’t forget to save the date for February 27th!!!  Seriously. Save it.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

I want to keep it simple, so I don’t have that many reading goals.

• Continue to read with my children. My kids will always be my top priority.  Stop, turn off the computer and unplug myself.

• Book Clubs – Continue to participate in my neighborhood book club, the children’s literature book club, and my online Skype book club.

• I have loved the interaction I’ve had with authors this past year through interviews, guest posts, forums, blogs, etc.  Continue this interaction by participating in interviews, guest posts, author events and signings.

• Life-long Reading Goals – Continue to read all the Newberys and support my local authors.  You can see my current progress on my life long reading goals on my challenge blog.

• Slow it down. I’ve drastically reduced the number of review copies I’ve accepted the past couple of months and it’s liberating.  I have learned how to say no.  Take it easy when it comes to blogging and reviewing.  Remember that this is a hobby (a fun hobby!) and don’t stress if I don’t post 7 days a week but yet be more timely in following through with commitments.  Don’t compare my reading to anybody else.

• 2009 Reading Challenges Umm . . . why in the world is 2010 the year of the most reading challenges?! The reason I sign up is because I like to make lists as I read and categorize my reading.  It makes year end evaluation easier to calculate.  I don’t stress over them so I find them fun even though I rarely succeed.  I have a challenge blog to track all my lists.
  • 2010 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren:  Read twelve debut authors for YA and MG novels.
  • A-Z Title and Author Challenge hosted by Becky at Becky’s Book Reviews. The same list as last year! Middle grade fiction book that I already own.
  • Art History Reading Challenge hosted by nomadreader.  Signed up for this one to get me back and reading my art books.
  • Awesome Author Challenge hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books. Read works by authors who have been recommended to you time and again, but you haven’t gotten around to reading them yet.
  • Beth Kephart Challenge hosted by Amy at My Friend Amy.  With only one Kephart book under my belt, I’d love to read more.
  • Cybils Challenge hosted by Michelle at Galleysmith.  Reading the shortlisted finalists.
  • Finish that Series Challenge hosted by The Royal Reviews.  I have a couple series that I’d like to finish this  year.
  • Graphic Novels Challenge hosted by Nymeth and Chris.  I’m already down two for the year!
  • Memorable Memoir Challenge hosted by Betty and Boo Chronicles. I LOVE memoirs, so it will be fun to list these.
  • New Author  Challenge hosted by Jackie at Literary Escapism.  I loved seeing how many new to me authors I read last year, so looking forward to doing this again.
  • Reading for a Cure hosted by Wendy at Caribousmom.   I’ll likely be doing this during the read-a-thon.
  • Social Justice Challenge hosted by Amy, Hannah, and myself. 12 monthly themes and action steps.
  • South Asian Authors hosted by Swapna at S. Krishna’s Books.  5 books by authors of South Asian descent.
  • Support Your Local Library by J. Kaye’s Book Blog.  I liked listing my library reads last year, so I’m up for this one again.
  • THIB – Twenty Minute Book Club hosted by Ncole at Linus’s Blanket.  Books that correspond with the That’s How I Blog show.
  • Vietnam War – War Through the Generations hosted by Anna and Serena. Love this one!
  • I really need to stop there. It’s getting out of control.

Phew. Now that is out of the way, I’ll come back at the end of the year and see how I did.

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Hardcover Fiction

1. THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett. A young white woman and two black maids in 1960s ­Mississippi.
2. KISSER, by Stuart Woods. Stone Barrington, the New York cop turned lawyer, pursues a case of financial fraud on the Upper East Side.
3. THE LOST SYMBOL, by Dan Brown.  Robert Langdon among the Masons.
4. THE BURNING LAND, by Bernard Cornwell.  In the fifth of the Saxon Tales, the ninth-century Saxon warrior Uhtred breaks with King Alfred, but eventually returns to help fight the Danes.
5. THE FIRST RULE, by Robert Crais.  Elvis Cole and his partner, Joe Pike, set out to clear the reputation of a former military contractor who has been murdered.

Hardcover Nonfiction

1. GAME CHANGE, by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin.  Behind the scenes at the 2008 election with Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, John and Elizabeth Edwards, John McCain and Sarah Palin.
2. COMMITTED, by Elizabeth Gilbert. The author of “Eat, Pray, Love” wrestles with, and overcomes, her ambivalence about marriage.
3. STONES INTO SCHOOLS, by Greg Mortenson. Building schools, many of them for girls, in northeast Afghanistan; takes up where “Three Cups of Tea” left off.
4. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, by Mitch Albom.  A suburban rabbi and a Detroit pastor teach lessons about the comfort of belief.
5. GOING ROGUE, by Sarah Palin.  A memoir by the former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate.

Paperback Trade Fiction

1. THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold. (A girl looks down from heaven as she describes the aftermath of her kidnapping and murder.
2. A RELIABLE WIFE, by Robert Goolrick.  Complications ensue when a wealthy Wisconsin widower in 1907 advertises for a wife.
3. DEAR JOHN, by Nicholas Sparks. (An unlikely romance between a soldier and an idealistic young woman is tested after 9/11.
4. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, by Stieg Larsson.  A hacker and a journalist investigate the disappearance of a Swedish heiress.
5. PUSH, by Sapphire. An abused, illiterate 16-year-old in Harlem meets a teacher who helps change her life; the basis for the film “Precious.”

Paperback Mass-Market Fiction

1. DEAR JOHN, by Nicholas Sparks.  An unlikely romance between a soldier and an idealistic young woman is tested after 9/11.
2. THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold. A girl looks down from heaven as she describes the aftermath of her kidnapping and murder.
3. THE DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL, by Greg Iles.  The mayor of Natchez, Miss., pursues a killer who opposes his attempt to clean up riverboat gambling.
4. PLUM SPOOKY, by Janet Evanovich.  The bounty hunter Stephanie Plum hunts an evil genius and his sidekick, who are hiding in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
5. THE TRUTH ABOUT LORD STONEVILLE, by Sabrina Jeffries. (Pocket, $7.99.) An English rake who must wed, lest he forfeit his inheritance, is drawn to an American damsel in distress.

Paperback Non-Fiction

1. THE BLIND SIDE, by Michael Lewis.  The evolving business of football, viewed through the rise of the left tackle Michael Oher.
2. THREE CUPS OF TEA, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. A former climber builds schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
3. THE GLASS CASTLE, by Jeannette Walls. The author recalls a bizarre childhood during which she and her siblings moved constantly.
4. EAT, PRAY, LOVE, by Elizabeth Gilbert.  A writer’s yearlong journey in search of self takes her to Italy, India and Indonesia.
5. ARE YOU THERE, VODKA? IT’S ME, CHELSEA, by Chelsea Handler.  Humorous personal essays from the comedian.

Hardcover Advice

1. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT, by Gretchen Rubin.  A year spent focusing on the things that really matter.
2. MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, VOL. 1, by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.  A reissue of the book that started Julia Child’s career.faith.
3. THE MAYO CLINIC DIET, by the Mayo Clinic staff.  Adopting healthy new habits and breaking unhealthy old ones.
4. THE FULL PLATE DIET, by Stuart A. Seale, Teresa Sherard and Diana Fleming.  Keeping portions large but calories low with high-fiber eating.
5. MASTER YOUR METABOLISM, by Jillian Michaels with Mariska van Aalst.  A weight-loss plan by a trainer from “The Biggest Loser” on NBC.

Paperback Advice

1. FOOD RULES, by Michael Pollan.  A manual for healthy eating, from the author of “The Omnivore’’s Dilemma.”
2. THE BELLY FAT CURE, by Jorge Cruise.  Do-over recipes using the “Carb Swap System” steer you away from foods full of hidden sweeteners and processed carbohydrates.
3. COOK THIS, NOT THAT!, by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding. Saving calories by cooking “restaurant” offerings at home.
4. WOMEN AND MONEY, by Suze Orman. The financial guru tailors her financial advice especially for women.
5. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.  Advice for parents-to-be.

Children’s Picture Books

1. THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney.  A fable of reciprocal kindness, redrawn. (Ages 4 to
2. ALL THE WORLD, by Liz Garton Scanlon. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. A day in the life of a multicultural family. (Ages 4 to
3. LISTEN TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF DR. GREG AND “THREE CUPS OF TEA”, by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth.  A school grows in Pakistan. (Ages 4 to
4. BUBBLE TROUBLE, by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar.  A baby is swept away in a megabubble blown by his sister, and rescued. (Ages 4 to
5. THE CURIOUS GARDEN, written and illustrated by Peter Brown.  A boy named Liam nurtures a straggly garden to vivid fruition. (Ages 4 to

Children’s Chapter Books

1. CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins.The protagonist of “The Hunger Games” returns. (Ages 12 and up)
2. THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. In a dystopian future, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up).
3. PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS (THE ULTIMATE GUIDE), written by Mary-Jane Knight. Designed by Philip Chidlow. Gods, beasts and tips for children with one immortal parent, based on the series by Rick Riordan. (Ages 10 and up)
4. FALLEN, by Lauren Kate.  Thwarted love among misfits at a boarding school in Savannah, Ga. (Ages 12 and up)
5. WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead. A sixth-grade girl in New York City begins receiving mysterious notes. (Ages 9 to 12)

Children’s Paperback Books

1. THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. A girl saves books from Nazi burning and shares them with a Jewish man in hiding. (Ages 14 and up)
2. THIRST NO. 2: PHANTOM, EVIL THIRST, CREATURES OF FOREVER, by Christopher Pike. A girl struggles with her dreamed-of transition from undead to mortal. (Ages 14 and up)
3. L.A. CANDY, by Lauren Conrad.  Excitement in TV land by someone who has been there. (Ages 14 and up)
4. THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)
5. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney.  A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up)

Children’s Series Books

1. PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan.  Battling mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)
2. THE TWILIGHT SERIES, by Stephenie Meyer. Vampires and werewolves in high school. (Ages 12 and up)
3. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.  A boy records the hazards of adolescent life. (Ages 9 to 12)
4. HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Vampires in school. (Ages 14 and up)
5. PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, by Sara Shepard. Four girls less perfect than they seem. (Ages 14 and up)

Hardcover Graphic Books

1. THE BOOK OF GENESIS: ILLUSTRATED, by R. Crumb. The legendary artist tackles the first book of the Bible.
2. BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL, by Tony Daniel. Following the “death” of Batman, the protectors and plunderers of Gotham City fight to see who will control the mantle of the bat.
3. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young. Dorothy travels to the land of OZ, graphic novel style.
4. WOLVERINE: OLD MAN LOGAN, by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven.  In a future world where the villains are triumphant, Wolverine has left heroics behind to care for his family. If only Hawkeye and the Hulk gang would accept that.
5. BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.  This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker.

Paperback Graphic Books

1. THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 11, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. The road to Washington is filled with many dangers for Rick and his band of refugees. To say anything more will ruin the story.
2. MAUS: A SURVIVOR’S TALE, VOL. 1, by Art Spiegelman. The author tells the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, in a critically-acclaimed tale where Jewish people are mice and Germans are cats.
3. SERENITY: BETTER DAYS, by Joss Whedon and others.  Joss Whedon continues his film, “Serenity,” and the television show, “Firefly,” in comic book form.
4. THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE: RECORDED ATTACKS, by Max Brooks. If you want to survive a zombie attack, there may be no better way than to see how past cultures have done it.
5. WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books.

Manga

1. FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, VOL. 22, by Hiromu Arakawa.  Two brothers harmed in a ritual that was half magic/half science seek the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to make things right. But others seek the weapon of alchemy for their own nefarious means.
2. THE YU-GI-OH! GX 4, VOL. 4, by Naoyuki Kageyama and Kazuki Takahashi.  The next generation of Yu-Gi-Oh battle it out at the Duel Academy. But what evil plans are afoot?
3. NARUTO 46, by Masashi Kishimoto.  Naruto’s friends are threatened, the mysteries of Pain deepen and Naruto must fight to protect his village.
4. VAMPIRE KNIGHT, VOL. 8, by Matsuri Hino. Cross Academy has day and evening students, but the latter have a secret: they are vampires.
5. MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 1, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee.  Shouldn’t having wings be fun? That’s not the case for 14-year-old Maximum Ride and her friends who are hunted by a organization called “The School.”

Source: The New York Times Best Seller List

Copyright 2009. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.