Sunday, July 31, 2011

Creepy Classic: Jack London’s The Call of the Wild

This month’s Creepy Classic is Jack London’s The Call of the Wild.  Although not entirely creepy like the usual classics I post, this story is still filled with eerie intrigue.  The story centers around a domesticated dog named Buck, a Saint Bernard-Shepherd, who was kidnapped, sold and then sent to Alaska to be a sled dog.  Reading the story as it unfolds through a dog's eyes was mesmerizing.  It was gut-wrenching to read how Buck discovers the evil that lurks in some men.  He learned firsthand about abuse and how the man in the “red sweater” wielded the club that demanded obedience.
Buck’s character had more depth than most heroes I read about today. Sad but true.  I loved how London described how he took his beatings, bided his time and waited for the right time.  Buck was constantly tested by people, canines, and the dangerous elements of Alaskan terrain. And nearly every time…he persevered.  I loved that about him.

This book was a captivating read, and what made it even more of a classic was how the author cleverly peppered the tale with dialogue from exceptional characters like François and Perrault and especially John Thornton.  My heart broke so many times reading about Buck’s trials that when he finally found salvation through John and then of course, the wild, I found the tale inexplicably brilliant.
I’m a huge dog lover and also used to have a Saint Bernard so it’s not a stretch for me to adore this book.  It has all the elements of a classic. London wrote a book from a dog’s view and delivered an authentic, lovable tale that was easily a 4.5 for me.  If you haven’t read this, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Looking for an original classic? Try a Creepy Classic and how about...London’s The Call of the Wild.
Mina B. 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fridays With Fred: Chewbacca Fred

Hey, minions!  This is longest  I've gone without posting!  Whew!  What can I say?  It’s been a crazy week.  How’s everyone’s summer?  Well, Fred got back from his brief vaca and boy did he have a blast.  Truthfully though, he’s beyond happy he’s home, and we (his devoted family) are positively elated to have him back.  Anyway, while I sort through all the pix he took during his getaway, I wanted to share with you one of Fred’s idols. 

Y
ep.  You guessed it.  Fred’s a Star Wars fan, and Chewbacca is his absolute favorite.  He's the biggest, badass canine there is, right?  Anyway, I took a picture of Fred and morphed him with his icon, Chewy.  What do you think?  Fun, huh? Want to morph one of your own images? Go to MorphThing and get your morph on!

See Fred's eyes and nose?  Cool huh?
Hey, check out Fred when he was a puppy here.  Remember to check out Schatze over at Mary's (Bookhounds.)  
Have a great weekend.
Mina B.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Fridays with Fred: Getaway

TGIF, minions!  As you can see, Fred is packed and ready to get away.  Seriously, Fred has so many friends, everyone wants him to visit.  For the next few days, Fred’s going to stay with a sassy Papillon that we call the rat.  Piper is a perpetual spaz, but somehow…Fred and her connect.  Is it love?  I doubt it.  Let’s just call it a vacation.  I think he gets sick of us, and I know he appreciates the break in the monotony.  He’ll be basking in the sun, frolicking through the field and maybe he'll take a dip in the pool.  It will be endless fun combined with a whole bunch of treats.  Anyway, it feels a bit odd to have him gone ,but it’s only for a couple of days. *sniffle*  Plus, if we miss him that bad, we’ll might have to go and pick him up.
Have a great weekend.
For another crazy shot of Fred try here. Remember to check out Schatze over at Mary's (BookHounds).
Mina B.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Lionsgate's Countdown for The Hunger Games

Oh, minions...isn't it beautiful?  I know.  I know!  *hyperventilating* Lionsgate just released this along with the poster and I am beyond thrilled!  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is seriously one of my most treasured books - not to mention series.  If you missed my review, click here!  Thanks to Mandy / Twimom101 for posting this.  I couldn't resist reposting!  Want one of  your own?  Check out the Hunger Games movie site here.

Hunger Games the movie releases March 23, 2012.
Until next time...are you getting hungry yet?

Mina B.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Hot News: Richelle Mead's Bloodlines Chapter 1

Ooooooh, I’ve been waiting for this for some time now!  There has been so much buzz about this that I had to do a special post.  As you know, Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spin-off series, Bloodlines is set to release on August 23rd.  And thanks to a post I saw from MTV.com …they’ve finally released Chapter 1.  No, I haven’t read it yet.  And yes…I can’t wait! *squeals* Yipee!!!!


This series is one of my fav YA series.  If you haven't read the original Vampire Academy series yet, you're completely clueless.  But there's still hope for you.  How?  Check out some of my old reviews and get with the program.  I'd start with Book 1, Vampire Academy, of course, and then my favorite of the series, Book 2, Frostbite.

Happy Reading!  I'm so psyched for this book!
Mina B. 


Fridays with Fred: A Wizard Wannabe

Well, minions…Fred looks quite the part, wearing my glasses and all.  Don’t you think?  I wanted to dress Fred up in Harry’s gown & Gryffindor scarf so that you knew he was representing all those JK Rowling/ Harry Potter fans.  Fred would be a killer wizard, indeed! 
Anyway, today’s the big release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and so we thought we’d celebrate in our own way.  This weekend, we – Fred & my demonic hellions – will be making wizard wands…Mina Burrows style! 

For those interested...the Wall Street Journal posted their review of the movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.  Can't wait to see it too!

Have a great weekend!

For another crazy shot of Fred try here.   Remember to check out Schatze over at Mary's (BookHounds).
Mina B.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Book Review: The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands

The Reluctant Vampire is latest paranormal romance novel by Lynsay Sands and another terrific addition to her best selling immortal vampire books, the Argeneau series.   Lynsay is one of my favorite authors and last year I was honored to interview her.  If you missed my author interview with her, click here!

If you’re not familiar with the Argeneau series…boy, are you missing out! The series begins with A Quick Bite (my review), but honestly, my favs are Vampire, Interrupted (my review) and The Accidental Vampire (my review.)

If you recall, in The Accidental Vampire, Harper Stoyan was one of the gorgeous immortal suitors who lined up to date Elvi.  Towards the end of that novel, Harper discovers his lifemate, Jenny, and believes he’s finally found happiness.   In The Reluctant Vampire, we learn that, unfortunately, Jenny died during her “turning”which in return crushes Harper’s dreams of happiness.  Lucky for Harper, Drina Argenis/Argeneau enters the story and changes his outlook considerably.

Sands was on point with the “reluctant” part of the tale. I mean…how many immortals get a second chance at fate? Or better yet, get two lifemates during one eternal life? Despite being attracted to Drina or any of the other “tell tale” lifemate signs, Harper tried to ignore the obvious.   And if it wasn’t for their teenage charge, Stephanie, both Drina and Harper would proably still be at opposite ends.   For as brooding as Harper tried to be, he had no chance.  Drina’s character was witty and no nonsense –the perfect female to take on the reluctant male.    

Lynsay continued with an interesting plot on mind-reading/no-fang vampires. I loved Stephanie’s back story and can’t wait to read more about her.   And as much as I love the town, Port Henry, I’ve had enough of those backstabbing citizens.   I won’t tell you what happens.   Buy the book, read it and find out for yourself.

The Reluctant Vampire was a 4 for me. I thought it was classic Sands; a humorous, sexy paranormal romance book about love.

Until next time…write this down, the A R G E N E A U series. Got it? Good.  Now go get it!

Mina B.