Book Review: Secrets Underground

Book: Secrets Underground: North America's Buried Past by Elizabeth MacLeod

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley

Publication: Available now

Description:

"Uncover the spine-tingling mysteries and eerie surprises that lurk right under your feet!"

In "Secrets Underground," history buff Elizabeth MacLeod takes readers deep down, down, down below the earth's surface, and introduces them to a completely different world -- sometimes terrifying, often baffling, and always fascinating.

Discover: the Civil War secrets carefully concealed in Organ Cave, West Virginia the top-secret equipment that lies deep below Grand Central Terminal in New York City the network of tunnels in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, that once hid victims of persecution -- and illegal liquor transported by notorious Chicago gangsters how the Aztec city Tenochtitlan, the largest and most powerful city of its time in what is now North America, nearly disappeared without a trace the abandoned ships buried beneath San Francisco that reveal the city's history as a top destination for fortune seekers during the Gold Rush the nuclear shelter the U.S. government kept hidden for decades underneath an exclusive resort in West Virginia called The Greenbrier.

Guiding readers through these fascinating places, MacLeod reveals their long-kept secrets and deftly explains how these lost and hidden subterranean passages, spaces, and caves answer decades-old puzzles, help us understand our own past, and lead us to discover what life was really like in eras gone by.


Rating: 3 stars

Review:

Informative? Yes. Interesting to read? Yes and No.

I found some of the information in this six chapter book to be really interesting but since I'm not really the target market for this book I wonder how it will keep young readers motivated to read it. The first two chapters I thought were the most interesting and exciting while the others fell short with being dull and boring. Although the other chapters may not have be the most engaging there were various sections that were.

I like that the book provides a lot of historical information (such as some parts of San Francisco is built over abandon ships, isn't that an interesting fact), I just wish the book was more exciting but that's a completely different issue altogether. Because it's so rare to find a history book that's not boring.

This book is a good read for the history and I would recommend it to young readers who are total history buff. Secrets Underground would give them quite a bit of information to read through. Reading this I can tell that the author enjoyed doing research for this and finding out information about that has been forgotten over the years.

Illustration of the Day: Birds of Prey

Illustration: Birds of Prey issue #108

Book Review: Supergirl vol #1 (New 52)

Book: Supergirl volume #1: Last Daughter of Krypton (issues #1-7) by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with illustrations by Mahmud Asrar

Edition: Read the single print issues

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Right off the bat, whose bright idea was it to give Supergirl this awful costume. This was not a good update and it's really sleazy even more since she's a teenager. Why did Smallville Season 11 do a better job with their update to Supergirl's costume than they did?

The first seven issues gives the reader an introduction to the New 52 Supergirl whose origin didn't change too dramatically because she still arrived to Earth several years later than her cousin but this time when she meets Kal-El she's less willing to listen to him which results in a whole issue (#2) of the two having a huge fight.

However, before Superman showed up, Kara was being attacked by a group who were sent to acquire items from space including her. Amidst the attack, Kara was becoming startlingly aware of all the new powers and abilities that had suddenly manifested.

Despite not knowing what was going on and why she was on this new planet she was more than capable of dealing with that group but as things were starting to get out of hand Superman showed up. He tried to talk to her but she didn't believe a word he said and things went from bad to worse.

Superman tried to talk with her after a few more fights and she did eventually listen but she still didn't believe him and then took off. She went back to find her ship or pod to see if she could go back home but it had been taken by the group. While standing there she was sent a message from the guy who orchestrated the retrieval.

Nothing seems to be working out for her because following that message turned into a trap from a crazy Lex Luthor wannabe. All this girl wanted to do was go home. She does that after getting away from the Luthor wannabe but all she found was the last remnants of Argo City and someone else looking for her. The person wanted information that she thought Supergirl could help them both gain the information they both seem to be missing. Kara refused resulting in her being left on Argo City while the woman took off to Earth.

Kara after getting away from the rapidly descending Argo City made her way back to Earth to stop not just the powerful lady but more like her. What I like was that Kara did her best to keep people from being hurt she tried to take the fight away from them.

Awful costume aside this first volume was pretty good. It's understandable that Kara would be upset because she doesn't understand what has happened to her and why's she on Earth instead of being on Krypton. And that guy couldn't possibly be her cousin because he was a baby the last time she saw him. The writing shows all the emotions that Kara was going through.

There are things I like about this series (since I'm still reading it) and things I don't (Kara constantly being angry and that costume) but as far as some New 52 series go this one isn't bad and it does get better (and a little worse at times) but I'm glad I stuck with it.

Art of the Day: A Sunday on La Grande Jatte with Sesame Street

Artwork: Sesame Street: A Sunday on La Grande Jatte inspired by Georges Seurat's original artwork

Book Review: Batwing vol #2 (New 52)

Book: Batwing volume #2: In The Shadow of the Ancients (issues #7-12 and #0) by Judd Winick with illustrations by Dustin Nguyen (issues #7 & 8) and Marcus To (issues #9-0)

Edition: Read the single print issues

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

To me the strongest issues (#9-11 and 0) were the ones when Batwing (David Zavimbe) was on his own or getting just a little help from Nightwing. The other issues were good but not as good as those because the story felt crowed with unnecessary characters.

Issues #7 and 8 continued where the first volume left off with Batwing trying to stop Massacre from going after former superheroes who he feels have committed a horrible act. In these two issues the Batfamily (Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing) were there for assistance and the reader finds out the truth behind Massacre's motives and who's behind everything.

Issue #9 was a tie-in to the Night of Owls storyline, in this story David and his mentor/assistant Matu Ba were invited to a Gotham Batman Inc. gala along with Lucius Fox. Even though David really didn't want to go, it was a good thing he was there because one of the Owls' Talon assassins showed up.

Issues #10-12 had Batwing attempting to stop pirates but inadvertently stumbled upon an even deadlier crime with ties to one of Gotham's top criminals. With clues that lead Batwing and Nightwing to China, they were in the process of gathering information when they were attacked. While they were there, Batwing's assistant Matu Ba was experiences a horrific family tragedy but the worst of it was that the information and Matu's tragedy led them to a isolated stronghold in Africa. Justice League International were there to provide assistance.

Issue #0 told David's backstory of how he became a masked vigilante which eventually led to him becoming Batwing. Because although he was a police officer he felt like he wasn't making any real difference. He continued to see the corruption within the police department and criminals getting away due to bribes. David fed up, figured out a way that he could make a difference.

Although I thought this was a good group of issues, I felt like some scenes were over crowded with characters that didn't really need to be there. The appearance of the Batfamily felt like they were trying to pander to those fans who felt like Batwing should have a connection to Batman. It's obvious he does and didn't need the entire family to show up. The story also didn't need the appearance of the JLI which felt like another way to promote that series instead of actually adding to the story.

I wasn't disappointed reading this because Judd Winick is at his best when the focus is on Batwing and the story telling. David was great as Batwing and it makes me wonder why he was replaced later on in the series that's not a spoiler since DC announced who the replacement was going to be. They never can seem to keep their secrets a secret can they.

Friday Summary: Writing and Relaxing

The day after Thanksgiving which businesses lovingly refer to as Black Friday. And instead of heading out to any store, I'm taking time to catch up on writing some of my reviews and enjoying another day of relaxing. I did go out and meet a friend for coffee (well tea for me) but that's the only outing for me.

I still have not wrote my review for Wonder Woman #36 yet, well one thing is I was so disappointed and mad with the whole book I decided to just toss aside and forget about for a while. It was that bad.

Something I realized, I haven't posted that many New 52 (including Wonder Woman) and Marvel Now reviews and I'm going to start doing that soon. The problem is I read so many series that I didn't want to bombard my blog with lots of reviews. But I guess that's the whole point of having a book blog, right?

Well that's it for now and good luck to anyone out looking for deals. I hope you find them.

~ Book Girl

Book Review: Last-But-Not-Least Lola and the Wild Chicken

Book: Last-But-Not-Least Lola and the Wild Chicken by Christine Pakkala with artwork by Paul Hoppe

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Lola’s back! She patched things up with frenemy Amanda Anderson, but it’s not happily ever after for these two best friends, at least not yet. Lola doesn’t want to share Amanda, especially not with Jessie, who seems to be around . . . all the time. Can there be more than two best friends? And what does a wild chicken have to do with anything? Hint: The answer involves a class trip to a farm. When Lola is around, you never know what will happen next. This second book in Christine Pakkala's dynamic series is sure to capture the hearts of readers who love a spunky heroine and some unexpected antics.




Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I thought this was even funnier than the first book. In this book, Lola Zuckerman continues to be annoyed with always being selected last for everything (because of her last name) but this time her problems are due to friendship which cause even more problems for her. Although she made up with Amanda Anderson in the first book, Lola feels like Amanda is spending a lot of time with Jessie Chavez and there is also a new girl Savannah Travers who Lola feels has latched on to both her and Amanda. Why can't Amanda just hang out with her?

Things get complicated with both Lola and Jessie being mean towards each other with Savannah being caught in the crossfire. Poor Lola she just can't stay out of trouble. With her parents away on separate business trips, Lola and her older brother Jack are being cared for by their grandmother Zelda Zuckerman who just happens to be a terrible cook.

Friendship problems are not the only things on her mind, she keeps forgetting to give her grandmother her permission slip for the class trip to the farm. With all the trouble she keeps getting into that's just another issue added on.

This is such a delightful book, Lola tries so hard to not to get into trouble but yet she does. But somehow things always work out. A well-written and funny story that's a good read for children. And I just love the artwork by Paul Hoppe.

Illustration of the Day: Rogue and Gambit

Gambit and Rogue, those two are just so right for each other.

By the way if anyone knows what book this is from please let me know, love to see if I could find it.

Book Review: The Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine: Friendship Over

Book: The Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine: Friendship Over by Julie Sternberg with illustrations by Johanna Wright

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Ten-year-old Celie has quite a few things on her mind -- fights with her sister Jo, secrets at school, an increasingly forgetful grandmother, and worst of all, a best friend who won't speak to her. How can a girl who hates change survive, when everything in her life is changing? By writing, of course! Celie's often comical and always heartfelt diary entries include notes, e-mails, homework assignments, and pages from her top-secret spy notebook.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This was a cute and funny story but it was also a little sad. It was told through journal format. I would categorize this as Judy Blume meets Wimpy Kid Diary. Because the reader gets a funny look at the drama and happy moments in the life of Celie Altman.

The story is about 10 years old Celie Valentine Altman who is dealing with changes in her life from her and her best friend Lulu no longer being friends to her grandmother who lives in Louisiana who was having some memory problems. The whole family was really worried.

Celie didn't know what was the cause of her and Lulu's friendship ending but the school has them both attending Friendship Forward meetings with a guidance counselor with the goal of improving things between them.

She was also dealing with the normal disagreements that occur between siblings as well as dealing with her older sister Jo spending more time with her friend Trina (who Celie doesn't like very much). Arguments and disagreements aside, in the end they're sisters and will always look out for each other.

This was a light and fun read that would be great for young readers. The illustrations are simple and seem like something a kid would make.

Art of the Day: Spider-Man vs Venom

Artwork: Spider-Man vs. Venom by Sebastian Drewniok

Book Review: The Black Bat Omnibus

Book: The Black Bat Omnibus (issues #1-12) by Brian Buccellato with illustration by Ronan Cliquet and color by Matt Lopes and Viviane Souza

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: December 9, 2014

Description:

The classic pulp vigilante, reimagined for a new generation!

Tony Quinn is a brash defense attorney to the mob who compromises his ethics for financial gain.

When he refuses to cross the line and commit murder, he is tortured and blinded by his gangster employers.

When a fortuitous meeting with a covert agency gives him a chance to make amends, Quinn transforms into the Black Bat and embarks on a redemptive quest to right the wrongs of his past.

Collects the complete storyline from issues #1-12 of the Black Bat comic book maxi-series.

Includes a bonus cover gallery, featuring over three dozen pieces of gorgeous artwork by such industry greats as J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl), Jae Lee (Superman/Batman), Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius), Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika), and more.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Prior to reading this the only Black Bat that I heard of was Cassandra Cain (DC Comics) but after reading this now I can say I'm glad there are two of them.

The Black Bat is Daredevil meets Batman with a little bit of the Punisher added on.

The Black Bat follows Tony Quinn a former attorney who used to defend some of the worst criminals around but after refusing to lie he was tortured by having his eyes gorged out. Feeling as if he had nothing left to live for he tried to end his life by jumping off a bridge but he survived. He was then approached by a mysterious organization that offered to outfitted him with everything he needs including training him and giving him special eyes so he could to try to make a difference in the city.

Tony did so many questionable and shady things while he was a lawyer, he thought that going out there as The Black Bat he could really change things and make the city a better place. Things started out well with him taking out some low level criminals but things quickly changed when he started going after one of the big crime bosses. He also tries to help find several missing police officers which may have a connection with the crime boss.

But there was an even greater evil going on behind the scenes that could ruin everything that The Black Bat has tried to do. With chaos in the city brewing is there a way that Tony can put an end to everything.

This was a very well-written action packed story that kept me engaged throughout. I thought the ending was unexpected and I didn't see it coming. There was a lot going on in this story but the intricate mystery had me not wanting to put it down. The art was really good and went perfectly with the story.

I love finding something new to read that turns out to be an awesome read.

Currently Reading: The Full Cupboard of Life

Sitting around relaxing made me want to read a book. I decided to go with one of my favorite series, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I'm nearly finished with the other three books and should have reviews up soon for them.


Book: The Full Cupboard of Life (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency book #5) by Alexander McCall Smith

Description:

In the fifth book in the series, traditionally built, eminently sensible Precious Ramotswe continues her enterprise at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a country that is indeed fortunate.

Still engaged to the estimable Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe understands that he has other concerns, especially a hair-raising request from the ever persuasive Mma Potokwane, matron of the orphan farm. Besides, Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on the intentions of several suitors. This may be a difficult case, but it's just the kind of problem Mma Ramotswe likes and she is, as we know, a very intuitive lady.

Thanksgiving comics: Smallville, Mutts, Calvin and Hobbs and more

That DC Comics Thanksgiving art can be a bit morbid so I thought I post a few funny holiday comics.

Again I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.


Smallville Season 11: Olympus arc
(Slight Cheat, but there is a turkey on the table)

Mutts

Calvin and Hobbes

Garfield

PHD comics

Foxtrot

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!  I hope everyone is having a very good day.

This DC Comics artwork by Jason Fabok was inspired by "The First Thanksgiving, 1621" by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (see below).

Book Review: The Mark of Athena

Book: The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The journey for Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Hazel, Frank, Jason and Piper continue first with Annabeth, Leo, Jason, Piper and satyr/chaperone Coach Hedge arriving at the Roman Camp Jupiter to reunite with Percy who had been missing for nearly six months (and not to mention he had gone on a Camp Jupiter quest with Hazel and Frank). The group was also there to see if they could join forces with Camp Jupiter to stop the reawakening of Gaea. The arrival of the group also would have had Jason meeting fellow camper and praetor Reyna but due to his "relationship" with Piper he doesn't seem to want to acknowledge their friendship. Reyna also has a connection with Percy and Annabeth, she met them while they were on another quest (see book: Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters)

Despite some slight animosity between Camp Jupiter and the group it seems as if there might be a united front. However, something awful happened and it caused Camp Jupiter to issue a call of war. This impromptu change of plans had the group which now includes Frank and Hazel immediately leaving the camp and start their quest to find Hazel's brother Nico di Angelo.

Keeping away from the Romans is not the heroes only worry, Annabeth is trying to redeem her mother by trying to follow the Mark of Athena which hopefully will lead her to something that has been lost for centuries. The lost treasure could also mend the rift between both camps.

This was a fast-paced and exciting story. The only downside to me was Piper Mclean, she is a useless annoying character and to some extent so is Jason Grace. I thought Jason was a total jerk in regards to how he treated Reyna and throughout the story he was really dull and useless most of the time. It's hard to argue against Piper being useless when she states it herself in one scene and the story backs up her claim because she hardly did anything beside obsess over Jason. Throughout the story all she does is think about Jason and how they will live happily ever after. Her every waking moment is centered around Jason and nothing else really. She wasn't that bad in The Lost Hero but in this story she was unbearable.

And the last thing I wanted to read was Piper's Jason obsessed point of view that slowed down the story but unfortunately she was one out of the four point of views the reader got, the others were: Percy, Annabeth and Leo.

I thought the story and all the characters minus the two I mentioned above were amazing and the story was great. The story was full of action and adventure. Annabeth continues to be awesome and showed that who needs powers when you have smarts. This was also a very relationship heavy story with Percy and Annabeth, Hazel and Frank (and possibly Hazel and Leo) and Jason and Piper.

To end my review I love that you get growth and development with these characters (minus Jason and Piper) you get see how Percy and Annabeth have grown since the first book. I love that Leo is stepping into the spotlight and no longer feels like he's a 7th wheel and Hazel's past is also connected to Leo in an interesting way. I also like how the adventures have become even more intense. This really was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read the fourth book.

Side Note: Since the book was sort of Annabeth centric with her quest, I wish she had been the one on the cover. That would have been awesome.

Art of the Day: Ahsoka Tano

Artwork: Ahsoka Tano by Anna Rettberg

Book Review: David's Selfie

Book: David's Selfie by Daisy Harris

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

When David, a single father, vows to get laid just once before the year ends, he doesn’t figure on losing his cell phone—and with it one very revealing picture. Lucky for him, his phone is found by a disarmingly handsome man who might be perfect for the kind of casual Christmas fling David is after.

Go-go dancer Craig never would have guessed that the guy with the cute cock shot would turn out to be a doctor. Or that he’d find himself lying about his night job and worrying David will find out the truth. To complicate matters, each of their hook-ups requires days of planning. Yet before he knows it, Craig has a new boyfriend, and possibly a whole new family.

David’s ready to dive head-first into something new, but if Craig’s going to commit, he’ll need to come clean about his job, his past, and—most of all—the naughty picture that drew him to David in the first place.

Warning: Contains a male exotic dancer and extremely intimate photography. May contain traces of Zumba, bad roommates, and sad childhoods.

Call your doctor if after six hours you still can’t get the grin off your face.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I'm sure by now everyone knows that nothing good comes from taking nude pictures but in this case it might be an exception.

In this story, widower and 30 year old father Dr. David Letterer was trying to get back into dating by doing something completely out of his norm. He took a nude picture with his cellphone and sent it to a guy he met on a online dating site.

That picture ended up scoring David a date and they were to meet at a local bar. David was already a little nervous but he was even more nervous when he spotted his would be date. The guy wasn't quite what David was expecting - too intense and leather clad for the mild mannered doctor. Escaping to the restroom was his first thought and after getting his breathing under control he left the bar unaware he left his cellphone in the men's room.

This is where part-time bar dancer/Grad student/exercise instructor Craig Harding figures into the story, he found David's cellphone which also still happens to contain that certain picture. The only reason Craig saw it, was because was hoping he could spot the owner from the pictures. But there were no pictures of the face of phone's owner but just when he thought he would just leave it with the bartender, the phone rings leading to the two of them to eventually meet.

David's Selfie is a funny sexy look at dating but it also deals with some sad issue of abandonment from Craig whose back story is centered around his time as a foster child and trying not to think about them as he meets David's 3 years old daughter Maia.

Due to Craig's abandonment issues he always has his survival instincts at the ready and is always trying to be independent with never wanting to rely on someone else who may not be there for him.

I think the author did a good job with the characters because they seem like ordinary everyday people and didn't seem stereotypical or anything. I even thought Maia was well written she seemed like a regular 3 year old.

Since this is a novella (with less than 200 pages) I did wish the story was longer but the reader does get a complete story. However, be forewarned there are some rather racy scenes in the story. This was charming light read that dealt with love and family.

Comic Book Wednesday: Nov. 26th Picks

Kind of a late start today but here are the books that I'm going to be picking up.

There is nothing new but there are few series (and minis) that are ending today: New Warriors - I had no idea that series was cancelled, POP - this the last issue for the mini and The X-Files Year Zero - also the last issue for the mini.

So, what's on everyone's list?


Archie Comics

Book: Betty & Veronica Friends Comics Digest #241

Description:

Santa is reviewing his gift list and his elves are working overtime to supply him with spreadsheets regarding the behavior of kids of all ages. But he notices a discrepancy in one of his Riverdale spreadsheets: Betty Cooper - naughty? Veronica Lodge - nice??

Santa's puzzled, usually it's the other way around! He decides to find out what caused this change and travels to Riverdale to see what happened to the girls. Santa goes undercover to learn what is behind the Betty and Veronica turn around in the best possible disguise-as a shopping mall Santa!

Find out what caused this merry mix-up in 'Naughty or Nice?' the fun lead story to this comics digest!

Art of the Day: Shego

Artwork: Shego by Mineiti

Currently Reading: The Black Bat Omnibus

I have never heard of The Black Bat and hopefully reading this will give me a good understanding of who the character is and the story will be good.


Book: The Black Bat Omnibus (issues #1-12) by Brian Buccellato with illustration by Ronan Cliquet and color by Matt Lopes and Viviane Souza

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: December 9, 2014

Description:

The classic pulp vigilante, reimagined for a new generation!

Tony Quinn is a brash defense attorney to the mob who compromises his ethics for financial gain.

When he refuses to cross the line and commit murder, he is tortured and blinded by his gangster employers.

When a fortuitous meeting with a covert agency gives him a chance to make amends, Quinn transforms into the Black Bat and embarks on a redemptive quest to right the wrongs of his past.

Collects the complete storyline from issues #1-12 of the Black Bat comic book maxi-series.

Includes a bonus cover gallery, featuring over three dozen pieces of gorgeous artwork by such industry greats as J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl), Jae Lee (Superman/Batman), Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius), Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika), and more.

Nesting: My New Wonder Woman Mug

Yeah, I know. I bought another Wonder Woman mug. I really like this, it's very similar to the tumbler I bought a few months ago. And like the tumbler it's very sparkly.

This is definitely worth adding to my mug collection.

Book Review: At Home with Madame Chic

Book: At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life by Jennifer L. Scott

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Publisher: Simone & Schuster

Description:

Approach life at home the Madame Chic way: a beautiful, illustrated toolbox of tips and ideas for organizing, entertaining, and savoring a stylish life.

When she arrived at Madame Chic’s Parisian apartment as a foreign exchange student, Jennifer Scott was a casual California girl who thought sweatpants were appropriate street attire. Madame Chic took Jennifer under her wing and tutored her in the secrets of how the French elevate the little things in life to the art of living.

Years later, Jennifer was back in California with a husband, two young daughters, a dog, and her first home. Every day she confronted mundane duties like folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher, and she began to think about Madame Chic’s home—how the breakfast table was set beautifully the night before, the music that always played in the background, the calm of Madame and Monsieur Chic’s ritual cocktail hour together. Jennifer wanted that life. She decided to see what would happen if she didn’t perform her chores impatiently or mindlessly, if, instead, she could live like Madame Chic.

At Home with Madame Chic reveals the secrets to having a happy, fulfilling, and passionate life at home. Jennifer explains the morning send-off need not be chaotic, it’s possible to look stylish with minimal time and effort, a little forethought makes it possible to serve a home-cooked dinner every night, and details like music and scented candles can set the tone for the whole family’s evening. Organized by the pleasures that can be found throughout the day, this charming, helpful book is full of ideas, playlists, recipes, beauty routines, and advice that can turn an irritating day into an enjoyable experience.



Rating: 3 stars

Review:

At Home with Madame Chic is a light read that focus on the author detailing how she reclaimed her chic-ness that she felt she had lost. The author had spent some time in Paris when she was younger and had stayed with a family there. She had picked up tips from observing the mother of the family and for a time incorporated some of them into her life.

But over the years, after getting married and having children she sort of let her chic way of life wane and with this book she described how she went about changing her lifestyle.

I thought the beginning was interesting with the author describing how being chic for her means gaining inner peace and being comfortable in one's own skin. And enjoying life and everything in it, even chores. Throughout the book she does try to encourage readers to have a good attitude.

However, with most books like this a majority of the information is something that I already read or heard about. It didn't feel like I was being offered anything new. The title also feels misleading because although Madame Chic is mentioned a few times it's mostly the author detailing how she strives to be chic again.

Since the author is a stay-at-home mom most of the tips and information she gives is more geared towards them. But the information can apply to anyone following a few adjustments.

Even though the information in the book is something I heard before it's still good and the author does have a way of making me think about how I go about my day. Am I really taking time to enjoy it?

I would probably recommend this book to new moms or that friend who has sort of let themselves go and maybe need a little help restoring or rejuvenating themselves again.

Art of the Day: Superboy's prank on Supergirl goes horrible wrong

Artwork: Superboy Supergirl - Busted parts 1 and 2 by chou-roninx

Kara is stronger than Conner and I guess he learned the hard way not to play pranks on her.

10 Thanksgiving Books: Two for Adults and Eight for Children

Thanksgiving will be here in a few days and besides being a day for being thankful it's also a great day for reading.

Here are a few books that should have you enjoying the holiday even more:


For the Adults, Two Mysteries:

Book: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (A Domestic Diva Mystery book #1) by Krista Davis

Description:

Gracious living can be murder. First in an all-new mystery series? includes delicious recipes and great tips on entertaining!

Few can compete with Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight and Sophie's husband but Sophie is determined to rob her of the prize for the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredient.

But Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder or she'll be serving up prison grub.

Magazine Picks: Glamour, People Style Watch and People magzine

Wow, it's been a while (how about months) since I've bought a magazine and I guess I made up for it by buying three over the weekend.

People Style Watch

Glamour

People


Glamour has the Women of the Year picks and tons of other great reads while People Style Watch is full of fashion and beauty stuff.

Does anyone else think People magazine made up for last year's Sexiest Man Alive! choice Adam Levine by picking Chris Hemsworth. I still think last year they should have picked Idris Elba but anyway, I'm happy with Hemsworth being picked.

Since I'm not a huge celebrity person, I didn't know that his wife (Elsa Pataky) was the actress who played police officer Elena in the Fast and the Furious movies (5, 6 and she will also be in the upcoming 7th movie). I've seen those movies plenty of times but who knew.

Book Review: Shopaholic to the Stars

Book: Shopaholic To The Stars (Shopaholic book #7) by Sophie Kinsella

Source: Library

Rating: 1 star

Review:

I'm so glad I didn't buy this, Shopaholic to the Stars was not one of Sophie Kinsella's better books and it's definitely my least favorite out of the Shopaholic series. This was a jumbled boring mess of a story that went no where. Honestly, there was really no plot in this.

In this story, the Brandons are heading to Los Angeles (temporarily) because of Luke's job. Even though they are only planning to stay there for three months, Becky has decided to start a career as a personal stylist and has her heart set on styling for one of Luke's clients the fabulous Sage Seymour, a famous actress.

While taking her daughter Minnie to her new pre-school Becky runs into an old acquaintance Alicia Billington who has a connection to the school. In between trying to get Minnie settled and trying to break into personal styling, Becky was taking new age classes at Golden Peace to help her stop shopping. Becky was only taking those classes at that high profile and expensive new age center to meet celebrities. Those classes didn't help because she was still spending a lot of money if anything Golden Peace seems like a scam and a cult. Meanwhile, Becky got the chance to hang out with her best friend Suze who came to visit L.A. with her husband and kids. Unfortunately, Suze's husband Tarquin may have been enticed by Golden Peace's cult like philosophy.

Becky's father also goes to L.A. because he said he needed to fix something. With all of this going on, Becky has been enjoying the limelight of Hollywood and neglecting her family and friends to concentrate on her career as a stylist. Luke's mother was also in town looking to reconcile with him.

There was not much happening in the story but from time to time there were some funny moments but not enough of them to save this dreck of a story. There was really no purpose to this story and at one point, Becky and Suze were extras in a movie which somehow led to Becky finally getting closer to being a personal stylist.

After reading this all I can say is, oh Becky, what happened to you. This is not the Becky that had me interesting in reading about her funny adventures through six books. This Becky is shallow and immature and not so bright. All she cares about is herself. What happened to the kind hearted, fun, smart Becky who just so happened to have a shopping problem? She's gone and was replaced with this celebrity obsessed vapid person. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Luke because Becky was so exasperating and extremely selfish and she barely spent any time with their daughter Minnie who went from being adorable to being a brat.

But one thing I did have to agree with Becky that Alicia had not changed and was still being a huge jerk to her. But now she's hiding it all behind her new age transformation which Becky wasn't buying.

There is a scene near the end of the story were Becky says "I think I lost the plot a bit" and I have to agree. The plot for this was so thin it was nonexistent. I can't reiterate enough how selfish and celebrity and famed obsessed Becky was. She didn't care about anything or anyone but herself.

What makes me even more annoyed with this less than stellar book was that it ended with a cliffhanger.

I have really enjoyed reading the Shopaholic books they were fun and well-written, now it just feels like the author has lost sight of her own series.

10 More Convergence Tie-in Books

I have to say I think DC may have actually thought this event out before launching it. So far from the book titles and descriptions I've read over it seems like they are trying to give readers a broad selection of stories.

Book: Superman: Man of Steel

Writer: Louise Simonson
Artist: June Brigman and Roy Richardson, with color by John Rauch

Description:

Metropolis was taken when Superman was missing, so it’s up to Steel to guard the city from the heroes of GEN13 in his absence.

Throw Back Thursday: Mystique (Rebecca Romijn)

I know Jennifer Lawrence seems to get most of the publicity or is talked about the most in regards to the character Mystique. But in my opinion, I think Rebecca Romijn did a much better job as the mutant. She seemed to capture the personality of Mystique and she had more of presence on screen compared to Jennifer Lawrence.

Romijn's Mystique was just so strong minded, ruthless, cold and devious. Her confidence showed in every scene. I just think Romijn's performance was simply amazing.

Nothing against Lawrence's performance but her Mystique was too weak and emotional and didn't really stand out. Her acting didn't seem very good in those two X-Men movies and to be honest I think she was a total miscast. I wonder if another actress could have played the young Mystique better but Lawrence seems to be Hollywood's It Girl.

Well, she does have another opportunity to improve on her performance with X-Men: Apocalypse. Hopefully, she can transform herself into Mystique because when I see her in the X-Men movies all I see is her and not the character while Romijn was perfect in the role.

Illustration of the Day: Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor (Secret Origins)

Illustration: Secret Origins issue #6

Love the artwork and I love seeing Steve and Diana together. See DC Comics she has her own love interest and it's not Superman and his name just so happens to be Steve Trevor. So can you please lose the Superman/Wonder Woman fauxmance.

Book Review: Twitter Girl

Book: Twitter Girl by Nic Tatano

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Meet America’s Tweet-Heart.

She’s network reporter Cassidy Shea, better known as @TwitterGirl, with more than a million followers thanks to her sarcastic tweets. One hundred forty characters that can take anyone down a notch.

But while brevity may be the soul of wit, it can also get you fired.

When a controversial tweet goes viral the snarky redhead finds herself locked out of the career she loves… and watches her boyfriend take a hike.

Alas, no industry values sarcasm more than politics, and Cassidy becomes a marketable commodity for Presidential candidate Will Becker, a squeaky-clean, stone cold lock to be the next occupant of the White House. This candidate is unlike any other; he’s the country’s most eligible bachelor. He’s also looking for a running mate, and we’re not talking about a Vice President.

Twitter Girl has caught his eye.

Cassidy finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance that turns her into the next Jackie Kennedy and becomes the favorite to be the next First Lady. The country can’t get enough of America’s First Couple… will Cassidy and Will Becker bring back Camelot?

But an anonymous tip triggers her journalistic curiosity. Is Will Becker all that he seems? The search for the answer teaches Cassidy the meaning of love.



Rating: 3 stars

Review:

Well, this was an easy breezy story with a little drama and a slight mystery added on. The writing was fun and of course witty but one little issue I had with the story was after the mystery was solved the romance part and dialogue at the end was a tiny bit on the cheesy side.

The story is about 35 years old Cassidy Shea who found herself fired from her job as a TV reporter following a career ending tweet. Following an impromptu break up with her boyfriend, Cassidy suddenly had an opportunity to get another job working on the Presidential campaign for Senator Will Becker.

Becker is seem as one of the best hopefuls as President but he's also a very eligible bachelor who has caught Cassidy's eye but the attraction is mutual. However, she get a sort of vibe about him that something just wasn't right but she chucks it up to him being out of the dating game since he's a widower. It wasn't until she got a mysterious text telling her to look a little deeper at Becker because he's not as he appears.

In between being swept off her feet and being the nation's sweetheart she tried to look into the mystery. Finding information about Becker wasn't easy but after getting a little help from a few friends the information was starting to reveal itself.

And after an injury with Tyler, one of her friends and fellow campaign workers, Cassidy was also starting to realize that maybe Becker wasn't the right guy for her as well as for the country.

I thought the other characters in the story were interesting, Sam (Cassidy's younger brother and roommate), Ripley (her best friend), Tyler (her friend) and the Senator's daughters were also a good addition.

This was a fun and fast paced read that gives you a look at what goes on behind the scenes during campaign season. I like Cassidy she was different not a total girly girl or tomboy but some where in the middle. She was snarky and a total foodie. I would say Cassidy is a combination of Lois Lane and Eliza Dooley (Selfie). By the way loved the cover.

Toy Corner: Target Exclusive 2014 Disney Princess Collection Set Seriously Lacking Diversity

Disney® Princess Ultimate Collection 7 Pack 2014   Target Exclusive


Okay, something is really wrong with this doll collection and I will give you four guesses:

1. Princess Jasmine

2. Mulan

3. Tiana

4. Snow White

and a bonus guess:

5. Pocahontas (who is rarely promoted at all now a days)

So all the dolls with either dark brown or black hair are missing in this collection. And not to mention the lack of diversity which is so glaringly obvious. Since Frozen is really popular I guess they decided to take out a few dolls to promote this already over publicized franchise.

I don't know who's responsible for creating this collection: Disney, Target or Mattel but someone should have really looked at this before signing off on it.

Art of the Day: Jason Grace (Heroes of Olympus)

Artwork: Jason by SmarsPD

Jason Grace the son of Jupiter (or Zeus in Greek Mythology).

Comic Book News: DC Comics' most anticipated new event: Convergence 2015 (and 10 upcoming tie-in miniseries)

Why is it the most anticipated? Because DC Comics is planning on bring back the old DCU (pre New 52)....well, for a little while. There will be a break in the regular comics being published to showcase this event.

From what little information I can gather, Convergence is going to be some huge crossover event (yeah again) that will start April 1, 2015. According to DC Comics, the story will focus on Brainiac attempting an experiment by taking some of his bottled cities to various timelines and planets and see how the bottled inhabitants will thrive in a new environment. Another new villain will also be introduced.

Two series to keep an eye on, Futures End and Earth 2: World's End will both lead up to the event. Convergence will be written by Jeff King with art by Carlo Pagulayan and Stephen Segovia. There will also be 40 two-part tie-in miniseries that will be bringing back some fan favorite characters such as Stephanie Brown as Batgirl, Wally West as The Flash and more as well as the marriage of Lois and Clark. I hope DC brings back Helena Bertinelli as Huntress because that would be awesome if they do.

For Batgirl I'm really surprised Bryan Q. Miller wasn't the writer for that mini. It's been a while that DC had something I was actually excited about reading. I really can't wait for this.

Several of the tie-in books have already been announced, below are the first 10:

Book: Superman

Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Lee Weeks and Dan Jurgens/Norm Rapmund

Description:

Superman and Lois deal with the impending birth of their child as he is called in to protect the city.

Comic Book News: Smallville Season 11 Has Officially Ended

I must have been living under a rock to not have heard about Smallville Season 11 will not be continuing with a 12th season. Continuity is the last arc for the series.

A really good interview by Comic Book Resources with series writer Bryan Q. Miller and cover artist Cat Staggs describes both the TV series and how it evolved into what I think is an amazing comic book series.

The series has already ended with the digital edition but for those of us who read the print edition we still have a few more issues before it's over for us as well.

One good thing about Smallville ending is no more Chloe and Oliver never did like those two together.

Update: here is another wonderful interview with Miller and Staggs from DC Comics.

Art of the Day: Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano (Heroes of Olympus)

Artwork: She's So Roman by Isuani

Reyna is the daughter of Bellona (no Greek Mythology equivalent).

I really like Reyna and the more I read about her the more I like her. She's just so cool. It's hard to see where Rick Riordan is going with the way he wrote her out as Jason's love interest for Piper. Maybe things change as the story moves forward in the last two books or it stays the same but regardless of the romantic situation, Reyna is totally amazing.

Book of Interest: A Tale For The Time Being

The description makes this seem really interesting and very different and makes me want to read it.


Book: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

Description:

Ruth Ozeki's third novel, shortlisted for The Man Booker Prize 2013.

In Tokyo, sixteen-year-old Nao has decided there’s only one escape from her aching loneliness and her classmates’ bullying. But before she ends it all, Nao plans to document the life of her great-grandmother, a Buddhist nun who’s lived more than a century. A diary is Nao’s only solace—and will touch lives in a ways she can scarcely imagine.

Across the Pacific, we meet Ruth, a novelist living on a remote island who discovers a collection of artifacts washed ashore in a Hello Kitty lunchbox—possibly debris from the devastating 2011 tsunami. As the mystery of its contents unfolds, Ruth is pulled into the past, into Nao’s drama and her unknown fate, and forward into her own future.

Full of Ozeki’s signature humour and deeply engaged with the relationship between writer and reader, past and present, fact and fiction, quantum physics, history, and myth, A Tale for the Time Being is a brilliantly inventive, beguiling story of our shared humanity and the search for home.