Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Under A Tree

The weather here has been unseasonably beautiful.  Most of me is upset 'cause it's November and I should be cuddled up in my chair with a blanky and something hot to drink, but since the sun is out
Reading Under Tree
 and the leaves are falling I guess I could just curl up under an awesome tree instead!  In fact I think that is exactly what I am going to do.  Happy Reading Everybody!

Monday, November 2, 2015

In My Mind

We have made it to November folks.  I like November because it is a couple weeks of pause between school starting, my birthday month and the holiday season.  It is also a bit of a reading break for me.  October is full of spooky books, scary movies and all kinds of awesome darkness.  As much as I
absolutely adore all the terror, I have to admit it gets me stuck in my head a bit.  A good book gets into my mind and sticks with me, and can even affect my mood to some degree.  A really good book keeps me thinking of the setting, the emotions and makes it hard to get away from, even after I have put it down.  The plus side to this is that I know I am reading a pretty good book when this happens.  The down side is if the book is sad or scary or melancholy...well I can dwell a bit to much on the dark side.  That brings us to November, a time where I let myself read a couple of the more light hearted books, some easy reads that I don't have to worry about needing a xanax at the end.  I like to think of it as a palate cleanser before I dive into my holiday reading.  On that note, aside from a few ramblings on books I have already read, expect my current reading list to be a bit on the silly, easy, relaxing side, recommendations are welcome.  Happy Reading Everybody!

Friday, October 30, 2015

Inhuman And Undead

Who is ready for one last bit of spooky yummyness?   I totally forgot that I had this short story collection on my Nook, so yay happy surprise.  The book is Strange Afterlives edited by one of my faves A. Lee Martinez.  The premise is a collection of stories about undead creatures and objects that are not human...here are my favorites as always SPOILERS AHEAD!
Mouse Trouble by A.Lee Martinez - Magic mice, mummified cats, a mystical exterminator.  This little story has all the signature humor and everyday magic that I have come to expect from this author.  This right here is why I read pretty much every book/story he has written.

The Late Mrs. Buttons by Sally Hamilton - After watching Annabelle  at the firehouse last week, I am now terrified of dolls.  This story gives us another reason to treat these spooky human facsimiles with respect and a bit of terror as well.  After reading this, you might think twice about how you dispose of old toys.

An Undercover Haunting by Kristi Hutson - Speaking of humorous, this story features a haunted afghan...yep you heard me right a blanket that speaks from beyond the grave.  The addition of it being a bunch of college boys who are being possessed makes the tone of this tale spot on.

The Runner by John Bartell - This is one of the creepiest retellings of a children's story that I have ever read.  If you thought the tale of The Gingerbread Man was already a little dark, then this version takes to a level that is pitch black.  A bit of sadness and a twisted friendship make this story pack a huge punch for its small page count.

The Scavenger Hunt by J.B. Sanders Jr. - Zombie cars...not much else to say other then what a cool concept.  The author manages to pack a whole spooky story in just a couple of pages.  The setting is chilling, the idea is terrifying and the ending is perfect.

All of the stories in this collection are very creative and different, making it a book that has something for everyone.  At just 5 to 15 pages each, all 11 stories can be read very quickly.  After reading this I am now terrified that just about everything in my house is going to come back to life and kill me.  Happy Reading Everybody!