365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #120: Samantha Sanderson Off The Record

Samantha Sanderson Off The Record is the only book out of the series I have not read. I really like this series because the mysteries are engaging and Sam reminds me of Lois Lane. She's smart, resourceful and always on the lookout for a good story. And when she finds a mystery there is nothing that will keep her from trying to solve it. Which does result in her getting into a lot of trouble.

She does occasionally get a little help from her best friend Makayla but that is generally after needling Makayla into helping her. I'm going to try to pick this one up soon because I really would like to read it.

Book: Samantha Sanderson Off The Record (Samantha Sanderson book #3) by Robin Caroll

Description:

Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, so she’s always looking for articles to publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become chief editor). With a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply of writing material.

In the third book of the Samantha Sanderson series, when the school’s grades were tampered with, Sam must enlist Makayla’s help in hacking the system to discover the virus that was used and who committed the crime. But when the lead suspect is her newfound friend, Felicia, Sam must choose whether to stick by her friends at all costs or report the story as she sees it.

Art of the Day: Poison Ivy

Artwork: Poison Ivy by CaR-CaSS

Book Review: Dead Boy Detectives vol #2

Book: Dead Boy Detectives volume #2: Ghost Snow (issues #7-12) by Toby Litt with illustrations by Mark Buckingham,

Ink by Ryan Kelly, Al Davison, Emma Vieceli and Victor Santos
Color by Lee Loughridge
Letters by Todd Klein

Edition: Trade Paperback

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

I'm sad to see this series end, I guess it didn't quite register with some readers and was cancelled. Well, it is a rather kooky little series. But that's probably one of the reasons that I like it, it was different.

In this last volume, Charles finally met Clementine, the sister he never knew he had. From meeting her it led him to another mystery that he most desperately needed to solve. It centered around his family and Charles wanted to find the truth. This story also had Crystal, Charles and Edwin trying their best to help an old friend of Crystal's who was trapped in the ghost world before it was too late.

I thought this was a very interesting story with plenty of twists, reveals and suspense. However, I only rated this 4 1/2 stars because I felt like poor little Edwin was pushed to the sideline. This volume was very Charles and Crystal centric with Edwin feeling almost as an afterthought. I also felt like some of the humor and whimsy were missing, it was still humorous but it had a slightly more somber feel to it.

I love the artwork, it has this dream like quality to it yet with very dramatic elements included throughout. Below is small sample of the artwork:

Despite being cancelled, I thought the writer gave this a wonderful send off. The ending had a positive and upbeat feeling because although they were trying to help another friend who was still trapped in the ghost world, you could tell that the boys and Crystal were going to do everything they could to help her. And with the last few panels you get a sense that the mystery solving would never end.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #119: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Allies and Enemies

As I type this up I'm trying to find something to wear for my friend's party. She's having a little dinner party at her place, it should be fun.

For today's Book of Interest, I knew I had to post this. I'm a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. I love watching the cartoons (old and new), reading the comics and watching the movies (even the not so good ones).

I want to read this book mainly because April O'Neil and Casey Jones will both get a story. Surprisingly enough I'm actually interested in reading the stories about the turtles' enemies. I'm really looking forward to picking this up.

Well, I better get back to looking through my closet, I must find something to wear.

Book: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Allies and Enemies by various writers and artists

Publication: May 17, 2016

Description:

The spotlight shines on some of the Turtles best friends and fiercest enemies! These individual stories focus on Casey Jones, April O'Neil, Bepop & Rocksteady, and General Krang of the current ongoing series.

Art of the Day: Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike

Artwork: Night Reading by Maggwai

Fashion Meets Comics: Black Widow Inspired Workout Clothes

Looking for a little bit of workout inspiration, why not let Black Widow a.k.a. Natasha Romanoff be the source. Being a world class spy of her caliber requires being in good health which definitely includes working out. Need a little more inspiration, the Her Universe collection at Kohl's features several Black Widow inspired workout clothes that you can mix and match to create your own look. 

Here is a combination that I put together. I think it's cute and plus with this top you can easily wear a sports bra underneath.

Marvel Black Widow Burnout Muscle Tee     $15.99 (sale, regular price $24.00)   Kohl's (kohls.com)

Marvel Black Widow Capri Leggings      $24.99 (sale, regular price $36.00)    Kohl's (kohls.com)

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #118: Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

I still think about this documentary I watched last year called The True Cost which shined a not so great light on the fashion industry. It focused on the high demand for low cost clothing, the sweatshops that produce many of the garments and the impact on the environment.

This books appears to cover many of those same points, making me interested in giving it a read.

 

Book: Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline

Description:

Cheap fashion has fundamentally changed the way most Americans dress. Stores ranging from discounters like Target to traditional chains like JCPenny now offer the newest trends at unprecedentedly low prices. And we have little reason to keep wearing and repairing the clothes we already own when styles change so fast and it’s cheaper to just buy more.

Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the cheap fashion juggernaut. What are we doing with all these cheap clothes? And more important, what are they doing to us, our society, our environment, and our economic well-being?

Book Review: Octopus Pie vol #1

Book: Octopus Pie volume #1 written and illustrated by Meredith Gran

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

In this first collected volume of the Octopus Pie series, we follow grumpy twenty-something Eve and her stoner roommate Hanna as they navigate post-college life. They'll take on crazed childhood rivals, troubling art scenes, the discomfort of exes, and maybe even... friendship? All this and more in the fictional, totally made-up city of Brooklyn. 


Rating: 2 stars

Review:

Volume one of Octopus Pie started out really funny then in the middle quickly turned boring and repetitive. But later near the end it became slightly interesting again. This book features a collection of comic strips that follow the lives of two 20-somethings, Eve Ning who is rather grumpy, cynical and sarcastic and her hyper-active weed smoking roommate Hanna Thompson.

My favorite story from this book was "bicycle rights" it was so funny. It was about Eve's bike being stolen but she was planning on that never happening again. She ended up creating this complex security system for a bike she built. This story really made me laugh. As for the rest of the book, I thought it was okay, with a few stories that made me at least chuckle or two but nothing that had me laughing out loud.    

Please note, this comic is not for children there is an abundance of cursing and situations that are perhaps inappropriate for younger readers.

Art of the Day: Storm

Artwork: Storm by Carl Riley Art

Laurel Lance: The Reason I Kept Watching Arrow

Happy Super Hero Day!

I did not watch Arrow last night, I am sticking with my decision to no longer watch the show. It maybe called Arrow but the show wasn't just about Oliver Queen's journey it was Laurel Lance's as well.

Laurel may not have started out as a costumed crime fighter but her job as a lawyer was just as important. Being a lawyer wasn't some power hungry ego trip, no she used the law to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. Although she may have harbored some romantic feelings for Oliver she had moved on with her life with Tommy Merlyn. Which is why his death coupled with a few other issues she had been going through caused Laurel to spiral out of control during the second season. That season completely put her character through the ringer. But one good thing about that whole ordeal is that it showed what Laurel was made of, she might have fallen but she got back up ready to take on the world again.

By seasons 3 and 4, her life was back on track and she had finally become the Black Canary. Taking on the task to become a hero was through her own will and determination. Despite all the doubt she received from Oliver, she put in the training and hard work to effectively turn herself into the Black Canary.

There are two quotes that I recently found that made me think of Laurel, "The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything" by Edward John Phelps. During the 2nd and 3rd seasons Laurel made a lot of mistakes but the important thing is she learned something from them. The second quote is "The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next" by Mignon McLaughlin. Laurel was a recovering alcoholic and it took courage for her to eventually seek help and get sober. But staying sober took even more courage because there are millions of things that could trigger a relapse for her but with every moment she makes the decision not to drink.

Although, I ultimately believe the writers and the show's creative team failed Laurel on numerous occasions, she still managed to be one of the best things about this show. She went through a lot but she turned her life around and once her character was killed off, I no longer felt any need to continue watching Arrow because unfortunately Laurel's journey had come to an end.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #117: Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Godstorm - Hercules Payne vol #1

The Zenescope books that I have read that were written by Pat Shand I generally found to be rather interesting. My favorite is the Robyn Hood books and ongoing series which I just realized has been cancelled. Why does that happen to all my favorite comic books?

As soon as I saw that this new book Godstorm - Hercules Payne was being published I knew I had to read it. I'm a fan of mythology and it will be interesting to see how the author works it in. Really looking forward to reading this, too bad it's not out until July.

Book: Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Godstrom - Hercules Payne volume #1 by Pat Shand

Publication: July 12, 2016

Description:

Andre Payne grew up on the mean streets of south central LA where he learned early on that only the toughest survive and survival meant joining one of the ruthless gangs that run the streets. Andre never knew his real dad, but when his life of crime catches up with him and tragedy strikes, his estranged father finally shows up! Now, Andre’s about to realize the shocking truth about his life, as his father reveals to him that Andre is the modern incarnation of the demigod Hercules!

Currently Reading: The Little Paris Bookshop and Dead Boy Detectives vol #2

Here are two books that I can't wait to start reading. I love the premise for The Little Paris Bookshop because I do feel like there is a book for every situation. Now for the Dead Boy Detectives vol #2, I'm finally going to read the last six issues of this wonderful yet cancelled series.

Book: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But can he fix his own? 

Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself; he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened.

After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the south of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. Joined by a bestselling but blocked author and a lovelorn Italian chef, Perdu travels along the country’s rivers, dispensing his wisdom and his books, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself.

Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people's lives.

Book: Dead Boy Detectives volume #2: Ghost Snow (issues #7-12) by Toby Litt with illustrations by Mark Buckingham,

Ink by Ryan Kelly, Al Davison, Emma Vieceli and Victor Santos
Color by Lee Loughridge
Letters by Todd Klein

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

Edwin Paine and Charles Roland have a lot in common - they're both English schoolboys who love a good detective story, and they've been known to dabble in mystery-solving themselves. They're also both dead, a condition which has proven to be less of a hindrance than one might think.

Art of the Day: Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen

Artwork: Lois and Jimmy by Darwyn Cooke

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

To all the Administrative Employees who work extremely hard, Happy Administrative Professional Day! May you get all the respect, appreciation and gifts you deserve today (and everyday).

Book Review: The Nancy Drew Files: Sisters in Crime

Book: Sisters in Crime (The Nancy Drew Files case #19) by Carolyn Keene

Edition: Paperback

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I found this book at the thrift store, it may be a little battered but it was still a good read. In this story published in 1988, Nancy Drew found herself with a difficult and very dangerous mystery. This opens with Nancy arriving in California, she was asked by her friend Susan Victors to look into the death of Susan's roommate and sorority sister Rina Charles. Rina's death was ruled an accident but Susan didn't believe that to be true and wanted Nancy to find out what really happened.

To make it easier for Nancy to investigate while staying at the Delta Phi sorority house, Susan told her sisters that Nancy was her cousin. However, it appears that the moment Nancy started looking into the murder, someone was already on to her. Clues about the murder wasn't the only thing she uncovered, Nancy found evidence of some sorority members cheating while taking tests. Were they connected or just two unfortunate incidents concerning the sorority.

This case was difficult for several reasons including that Nancy was threatened at nearly every turn in her investigation. Her fighting skills really came in handy for her in this one. Despite the numerous times that Nancy has been in danger over the course of the Nancy Drew series, I thought the author did a great job of really conveying it in this story. The danger was more intense because she wasn't just solving a mystery, she was trying to find a murderer.

I found it interesting that Nancy was working alone in this mystery (she got a little assistance from Susan) but there was no George, Bess or Ned. You get a rare chance to see how resourceful Nancy was on her own.

I love a good mystery and this was definitely a good one. It's well-written, fast-paced and filled with plenty of drama and suspense. And one thing for sure, Nancy always finds herself involved in interesting mysteries. I like that it takes place around a college campus and in the sorority house.

News: The Revolution of "Prince and The Revolution" are Reuniting (Video)

Some good news that should add a little cheer for us Prince fans, The Revolution will be reuniting. How cool is that! They may be a little older but I'm sure they can still rock out. I do hope they will have a show in my city. So far no official dates have been announced.

This video announcement was first posted on BrownMark's facebook account. I wonder if Dez and Eric Leeds will also be joining them too. Even though Sheila E. wasn't officially part of The Revolution it would be so cool is she showed up but that probably won't happen.

Comic Book Wednesday: April 27th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday!

What's everyone picking up this week? My list is beyond full, I have 24 books on today's list and I think I just might scream. Why are there so many interesting books out?

Only three new books out today that I can't wait to read, starting first with Strawberry Shortcake (based on the Berry Bitty City animated series version), The X-Files (it's based on the recent TV miniseries) and Year of Marvels Amazing.

I really need to cut back on my books because whenever I'm at the comic book store I'm always the only person standing in line with a stack of books. Anyway, here's my list.



Archie Comics

Book: Archie Comics Annual Digest #268

Description:

What was supposed to be a fun trip to a movie set ends up in a real-life crime caper! Will it be up to Archie, Jughead and Raj to save the day? Find out in 'Go Figure,' the entertaining new lead story to this comics annual, featuring even more pages of fun!

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #116: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

I recently started watching the first season of The Mindy Project on Hulu and so far I'm enjoying the show. I mention this because earlier today while I was on my lunch break, I stopped by the bookstore. As I was browsing the nonfiction display table I spotted this book. Even before I started watching the show, I heard that this was a fun read.

Since, I'm trying to stick to my budget, I sadly didn't buy it. So for now I will add it to my wishlist.

Book: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Description:

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”

Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!

In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

Art of the Day: Catwoman and Batman

Artwork: Catwoman and Batman by Daniel Govar

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #115: The Assistants

How far would you go if you were fed up with your job? I guess that's the dilemma that the main character in this book is faced with. I'm interested in reading this to see if she actually goes through with her plan.

Book: The Assistants by Camille Perrie

Publication: May 3, 2016

Description:

A wry and astute debut about a young Manhattanite whose embezzlement scam turns her into an unlikely advocate for the leagues of overeducated and underpaid assistants across the city.

Tina Fontana is the hapless but brazen thirty-year-old executive assistant to Robert Barlow, the all-powerful and commanding CEO of Titan Corp., a multinational media conglomerate. She’s excellent at her job and beloved by her famous boss—but after six years of making his reservations for restaurants she’d never get into on her own and pouring his drinks from bottles that cost more than her rent, she’s bored, broke, and just a bit over it all.

When a technical error with Robert’s travel-and-expenses report presents Tina with the opportunity to pay off the entire balance of her student loan debt with what would essentially be pocket change for her boss, she struggles with the decision: She’s always played by the rules. But it’s such a relatively small amount of money for the Titan Corporation—and for her it would be a life-changer . . .

The Assistants speaks directly to a new generation of women who feel stuck and unable to get ahead playing by the rules. It will appeal to all of those who have ever asked themselves, “How is it that after all these years, we are still assistants?”

Art of the Day: Avatar Korra and Asami Sato

Artwork: Korra and Asami by nymre

Fashion Meets Comics: Cat Grant (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman's Catherine "Cat" Grant was totally outrageous but she was so much fun to watch on the show. Cat was all about the sex appeal and making a statement and her wardrobe exuded that. From form fitting dresses to bold accessories, she wore it all. Case in point, in the first season tenth episode "Man of Steel Bars", she actually wore bikinis to work when Metropolis was experiencing an extreme heat wave.

As the Daily Planet's Society Columnist, she's attends all types of social events as well as the occasional press conference. Although her look maybe more va-va-voom, she did surprisingly wear a few modest skirt suits from time to time on the show.

I always thought Cat's style perfectly reflected her personality. There was nothing shy about Cat, she's confident and out spoken and so was her wardrobe. What I like about this version of Cat Grant is that she had a sense of humor and enjoyed her life. She also was a good reporter.

For this Fashion Meets Comics I wanted to pick pieces that were fun, sexy and statement worthy. To me Cat is someone who knows who she is and isn't seeking anyone's approval. I took all that into account when I put together this post.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #114: Jupiter's Circle vol #1

I've mentioned this before but I love reading independent comic books. Image Comics is one out of the many independent companies that I keep finding books that interest me which include the Jupiter series.

Reading Jupiter's Legacy volume #1 turned out to be a surprisingly good read because it started out slow but quickly became very interesting. After reading that first book, I found out that a prequel series would be published. That definitely peaked my interest. I recently found this and added it to my wishlist, I really can't wait to give this a read. 

Book: Jupiter's Circle volume #1 (issues #1-6) by Mark Millar with illustrations by Wilfredo Torres

Description:

In midcentury America, a team of young superheroes faces epic threats in public while battling personal demons behind closed doors.

Art of the Day: Cyborg

Artwork: Cyborg by BEHEMUTH-TEAM (Kitt748)

You can't tell me this isn't amazing? Look at the details in this.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #113: Emma: A Modern Retelling

I love reading Jane Austen novels and No. #1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries so I'm very interested in reading Emma: A Modern Retelling. Especially since it's written by Alexander McCall Smith.

There is something so fascinating about Emma because she's totally annoying yet you can't help admiring her. I wonder how she will appear in this retelling.

Book: Emma: A Modern Retelling by Alexander McCall Smith

Description:

The summer after university, Emma Woodhouse returns home to live with her widowed father and launch her interior design business. Apart from cultivating grand career plans and managing her father’s hypochondria, Emma busies herself with the two things she does best: matchmaking and offering advice on everything from texting etiquette to first date destinations.

Happily, this summer presents abundant opportunities for both, as old and new friends are drawn into the sphere of Emma’s counsel: George Knightley, her principled brother-in-law; Frank Churchill, the attractive stepson of her former governess; Harriet Smith, a naïve but enchanting young teacher’s assistant at the local language school; and the perfect (and perfectly vexing) Jane Fairfax. Carriages have been replaced by Mini Coopers and cups of tea by cappuccinos, but Alexander McCall Smith’s sparkling satire and cozy sensibility are the perfect match for Jane Austen’s beloved tale.

In Honor of William Shakespeare

Off and on there have been controversies as to who really was William Shakespeare. But at this point in time, there is no way to find out. So unless someone finds an authentic letter stating who really was the writer of all these magnificent works of art otherwise I don't really care. All that matters is the work.

So in honor of William Shakespeare, here is a collector's worthy book:

Book: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Knickerbocker Classic edition) by William Shakespeare

Description:

Arm yourself with this volume from the Knickerbocker Classic series, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, including 16 comedies, 10 histories, 12 tragedies and all the poems and sonnets of the world's most influential writer. This collection includes poems and plays that were not included in Shakespeare's First Folio of 1623 to make one complete, authentic collection. For Shakespeare fans worldwide, this stunning gift edition has a full cloth binding, foil blocking on the spine, ribbon marker, and is packaged neatly in an elegant slipcase. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare contains essential reading like Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, Othello, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Julius Caesar and Henry V alongside many lesser-known gems for a complete Shakespearean education.

Book Review: Caillou, Lights Out!

Book: Caillou, Lights Out! story adapted from an episode of the Caillou animated series by Anne Paradise with illustrations adapted by Eric Sevigny

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A winter storm knocks the power out at Caillou's house. Caillou is confused when the lights don’t work. But soon the evening turns into an indoor camping adventure, complete with marshmallows roasted in the fireplace. Caillou is especially delighted when he gets to sleep by the hearth in his sleeping bag.

Caillou, Lights Out! includes glow-in-the-dark stickers.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Winter weather can sometimes bring bad storms which Caillou found out in this cute little picture book. This story follows Caillou and his family as they deal with the power going out during a snow storm. His parents try to make the entire experience a fun adventure by lighting a fire in the fireplace and roasting marshmallows to help Caillou not feel afraid. They also plan another fun activity, camping out in the living room.

Having the power go out can even be scary for adults, and this book could possibly help kids not feels so scared during a power outage. The illustrations were bright and colorful and makes you feel as if you are watching the animated series. I thought the author did a great job capturing the heart, warmth and humor of the show.

This is a quick read and the words are easy enough that a child could read the story for themselves if they wanted to.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #112: Wayward vol #2

I really enjoyed reading the first volume but it ended on a cliffhanger. And I'm still left wondering what was going to happen next. I really want to get this but I need to catch up on my reading because I have so many books to read they're piling up. The next time I buy books this will be at the top of the list.
 

Book: Wayward volume #2: Ties That Bind (#6-10) by Jim Zub with illustrations by Steve Cummings and color by Tamra Bonvillain

Description:

After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great pattern of destiny and power that will change Japan forever?

In Remembrance (Book Edition): Prince, Doris Roberts and Patty Duke

Writing In Remembrance posts are always hard because it's very sad. Which is why I have not posted one in a while. However today I decided that I had to post one about Prince, Doris Roberts and Patty Duke. Instead of writing about their accomplishments or why I admired them, I found several books on them. I think that is more fitting since this is a book blog.


Prince: June 7, 1958 - April, 21, 2016

Book: I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became An Icon by Toure

Description:

Celebrated journalist, TV personality, and award-winning author Touré investigates one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures in contemporary American culture:

PRINCE

Drawing on new research and enlivened by Touré’s unique pop-cultural fluency, I Would Die 4 U relies on surprising and in-depth interviews with Prince’s band members, former girlfriends, musicologists, and even Bible scholars to deconstruct the artist’s life and work.

Prince’s baby boomer status allowed him to play a wise older brother to the latchkey kids of generation X. Defying traditional categories of race, gender, and sexuality, he nonetheless presents a very traditional conception of religion and God in his music. He was an MTV megastar and a religious evangelist, using images of sex and profanity to invite us into a musical conversation about the healing power of God. By demystifying the man and his music, I Would Die 4 U shows us how Prince defined a generation.

Happy Earth Day! (Plus 7 Simple Green Living Tips & Four Earth Day! Children's Books)

I know that Earth Day is a great way to do something really special for the environment. However, everyday I try to do a little something even if it's recycling what I can or carrying my tote bag(s) with me when I go shopping.

Looking for simple everyday going green tips you can find a lot of them by searching online. Here are a few more that I like to do:

1. Turn off the lights and TV when not in use.

2. Use a reusable water bottle.

3. Feed the birds.

4. Donate my old stuff.

5. Although I buy new books, I also buy books from the thrift store or used bookstores.

6. I walk whenever possible instead of driving. I'm also looking into getting a bike.

7. Turn off the water when I brush my teeth.



Four Earth Day! books for children

Book: It's Earth Day! by Mercer Mayer

Description:

Little Critter is on a mission! After watching a film about climate changes at school, Little Critter decides to do his part to slow down global warming. With the help of his family and friends, Little Critter begins to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together they learn about the importance of not wasting water or energy. Join Little Critter as he plants a tree, makes a climate control machine, and helps the polar bears.

Book: Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard with illustrations by Xiao Xin

Description:

On Earth Day, we find ways to help the Earth. Trina plants trees with her class. She forms an Earth Day club with her friends. What can you do to make every day Earth Day? Do your part to be a planet protector! Discover how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and more with Tyler and Trina in the Planet Protectors series, part of the Cloverleaf Books collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

Book: Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day by Jane O'Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser

Description:

Being green is important to Nancy—so important that she wants her family to take care of the Earth morning, noon, and night!

Book: The Berenstain Bears Go Green by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Description:

The Berenstain Bears live in a wonderful place filled with green grass, blue skies, and lots of furry friends. But on a fishing trip at the creek, the Bear family discovers that the town dump is overflowing. It's spilling garbage into the water! Can the Berenstain Bears find a pollution solution before their beloved county is filled with garbage?

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #111: The Hating Game

From the description, I could easily see this being turned into a romantic comedy. It has all the settings for it.

I will be adding this to my wishlist because it does seem really interesting.

Book: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Publication: August 9, 2016

Description:

Debut author Sally Thorne bursts on the scene with a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.

Nemesis (n.)   1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
                       2) A person’s undoing
                       3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.

Trapped in a shared office together forty (ok, fifty or sixty) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date? After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong.

 Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Art of the Day: Lois Lane (Superman Returns)

Artwork: Lois Lane by anchan

Book Review: Dear Emma

Book: Dear Emma by Katie Heaney

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Rating: 1 1/2 stars

Review:

This was a very disappointing read, I knew I should have stopped reading it but I forced myself to continue hoping it would get better. There was no real purpose to this story other than main character Harriet obsessing over a guy named Keith. They barely dated before he stopped returning her text messages and stopped communicating with her altogether. And during that time she was constantly checking all his social media trying to see if that would tell or show her anything as to why he stopped contacting her. It was her way of trying to make sense of his behavior. But all it proved was that Keith was a jerk for not telling her he was no longer interested in seeing her. However, that didn't stop Harriet from obsessing over him instead of moving on. Even her friends told her to forget about him.

When she found out that Keith was seeing someone else, she still kept obsessing over him. The other girl turned out to be someone she works with at the library. I feel like Harriet has very stalkerish tendencies and instead of wasting her time looking through his and the other girl's social media she should have taken the time to go out and get a life. 

I really found Harriet to be so annoying. I find it ridiculous that she writes an advice column for her college newspaper, a column that she actually dishes out good advice. Yet for some reason she refuses to listen to or follow any of it.

From the description, I really thought this was going to be a fun read. However, it's nothing but Harriet's angst, drama and inner monologue over Keith. This story isn't all bad, I like that the author had a good grasp on college life, from stressing out over exams to staying up late talking with friends, all that stuff was great. It makes me sad that this story didn't really have much going for it. However, near the end Harriet does start to get herself back on track and stop letting Keith be the center of her life or the cause of her problems. I do wish that revelation had appeared sooner because that would have made this a much better read and would not have taken an entire story for Harriet to get her life together.

As far as characters go, they definitely could have used some development. Aside from Harriet, every character was the same from the beginning to the end. There was nothing that really made me care about any of these characters nor what was happening to them in this story.

Writing wise, this wasn't poorly written it was just dull and boring with a story that didn't seem to go anywhere. Overall, this was not a good read for me but I do love the cover. It's really cute.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #110: The Perfect Find

Can a 40-something make a comeback in the fashion journalism as well as find a new love? This seems interesting, most of the books that usually centered around fashion or magazines feature women who are in their 20s or early 30s. It's refreshing to see another age group being shown.

Book: The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Description:

Will a forty-year-old woman with everything on the line – her high-stakes career, ticking biological clock, bank account – risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback, for good?

Jenna Jones, former It-girl fashion editor, is broke and desperate for a second chance. When she’s dumped by her longtime fiancé and fired from Darling magazine, she begs for a job from her old arch nemesis, Darcy Vale. The beyond-bitchy publisher of StyleZine.com, Darcy agrees to hire her rival – only because her fashion site needs a jolt from Jenna’s old school cred.

But Jenna soon realizes she’s in over her head. She’s working with digital-savvy millennials half her age, has never even “Twittered,” and pretends to still be a Fashion Somebody while living a style lie (she sold her designer wardrobe to afford her sketched-out studio, and now quietly wears Walmart’s finest). Worse? The twenty-two-year-old videographer assigned to shoot her web series is driving her crazy. Wildly sexy with a smile Jenna feels in her thighs, Eric Combs is way off-limits – but almost too delicious too resist.

New Book Purchase: Wonder Woman: Earth One vol #1 and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film

These two books arrived last Friday which at the time was fitting since I was planning on going to see Batman vs Superman but that didn't go as planned.

I have been waiting to read Wonder Woman: Earth One ever since it was first announced back in 2013. I'm really looking forward to reading this. As for my second purchase Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film, I ordered it mainly because it's a reference book. And I happen to like reference books, I have quite a few of them. 

Book: Wonder Woman: Earth One volume #1 by Grant Morrison with illustrations by Yanick Paquette

Description:

From the masterful minds of Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette comes the most provocative origin of Wonder Woman you’ve ever seen — a wholly unique retelling that still honors her origins.

For millennia, the Amazons of Paradise Island have created a thriving society away from the blight of man. One resident, however, is not satisfied with this secluded life—Diana, Princess of the Amazons, knows there is more in this world and wants to explore, only to be frustrated by her protective mother, Hippolyta. Diana finds her escape when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor, the first man she has ever seen, crashes onto their shores. With his life hanging in the balance, Diana ventures into the long forbidden world of men. The Amazons chase after her and bring her back to Paradise Island in chains to face trial for breaking their oldest law—staying separated from the world that wronged them.

Thought-provoking yet reverent, thoroughly modern but still timeless, the power and courage of Paradise Island’s greatest champion—Wonder Woman—is introduced in this new addition to DC Comics’ New York Times best-selling Earth One original graphic novel series.

Book: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film by Peter Aperlo

Description:

Fearing the actions of a god-like Superhero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice sees Batman and Superman come together for the first time on screen.  With these two icons at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film, takes fans deep into this world, accompanied by insight and interviews with cast and crew, including an afterword by director Zack Snyder and a foreword by Geoff Johns.

This official companion takes an in-depth look at the artwork and design of 2016’s most anticipated movie, including the earliest concept sketches of the Batcave, all the way through the set-building process, to the final version seen on screen. It explores Metropolis and Gotham City from the streets to the skies and showcases the costumes, weaponry, vehicles, allies and enemies of our two heroes.

Packed with stunning concept art, Zack Snyder’s storyboards, blueprints, costume detail and behind-the-scenes shots from the set, this book is an invaluable insight into the world of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Comic Book Wednesday: April 20th Picks

It's that time of the week again, Comic Book Wednesday. This week's list has a lot of Superman (with three books) and the rest are mostly my regular books. There is only one new book Captain America: Road to War. I believe it's a one-shot. I also have Howard the Duck #6 but that's only because it's part of the crossover with Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.

What's everyone picking up this week?


Archie Comics

Book: World of Archie Comics Double Digest #58

Description:

When Betty and Veronica learn that Archie and his father have gone fishing and left poor Mary Andrews to deal with a mountain of chores, they decide she deserves a little vacation too! And the girls quickly discover that this overworked Mom has more moxie than they realized!

The big question is whether Archie and Fred will be able to handle what awaits them when they return home! Find out in 'Thrills and Chills,' the entertaining new lead story to this comics double digest!

Beauty: In Search of a Cruelty Free Sunscreen

Going cruelty free had several unexpected benefits for me, besides feeling good about my beauty choices. The first thing I noticed is that my beauty routine was simplified. Since, I was no longer using a million products, it didn't take me as long as it used to in getting ready. Second, it's saving me a lot of space in my bathroom. It's nice not seeing a lot of products lining my shelf or on the counter. Third, it's saving me money. As a former beautyaholic, I used to buy a lot of products and I mean a lot. I was so used to buying the latest product to see if it would work or do something different. But now that I'm sticking to a small group of products, I find myself with more money to save.

My beauty routine might be simplified but there is a product I realized I don't currently have and that's sunscreen. I had been using up the last sunscreen I bought prior to going cruelty free but now that it's gone I need a new one. I've been doing a little research and found three that interest me which are:

Goddess Garden Facial Natural Sunscreen   

Description:

Our certified organic facial sunscreen is packed with nourishing and natural antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients including coconut oil, green tea, and immortelle. Easily worn with makeup, this sheer formula is non-greasy and lightly scented with lavender essential oils. This is our most premium sunscreen formula and works well with dry and sensitive skin types. Using only invisible zinc oxide, this natural sunscreen is sheer and offers powerful broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen in Pure Lavender   

Description:

Alba Sunscreen Lavendar Lotion is water resistant (80 minutes) and has 100% vegetarian ingredients with no oxybenzone, PABA, nano-particles, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or artificial colors.

Kiss My Face Natural Sunscreen Sensitive Side 3 in 1 with Oat Protein Complex 

Description:

One gentle kiss will keep you protected from the sun without irritating your skin. Remarkably effective sunscreen made with oat protein and betaglucans that help fight the signs of aging. Our Antioxidant Defenders® in all our sun care products contains effective ingredients that only Mother Nature has to offer to keep your skin protected while getting sun kissed.

Our Oat Protein Complex formula provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant (40 minutes). Not only will your skin be protected, but it will be moisturized with safflower-based Hydresia oleosomes for hydrating protection!

Antioxidants offer an additional layer of protection to help fight free radicals and decrease the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants. Enriched with soothing Oat Protein, Antioxidant Defenders® such as green tea and carrot extract to help reduce inflammation from the sun.