However you celebrate, I wish you all a wonderful, joyful time with family and friends!
Merry Christmas!!
Luanne
Luanne
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Friday, December 20, 2019
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #294
- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.
But you can like one cover version better than another...
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| US cover. |
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| UK cover |
I read Sarah Pinborough's first book, Behind Her Eyes. I was
completely caught up in it, until that ending, taking the book from a 5 to a 4. Not sure if I'll get to her forthcoming book, Dead to Her, coming out in Feb in North America and August across the pond, but let's have a cover look-see. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both are in the sun as evidenced by the sunglasses and pool. The shadows on the woman's face on the US cover make her look like a cyborg to me. And there's an ominous figure reflected in the sunglasses. The UK cover transmits that ominous tone through a red font and the word murder as part of the tag line. Hmm, not a fan of either this week, but if pressed I'll choose the UK cover, simply because I don't like the cyborg picture. What about you?
Any plans to read Dead to Her? Which cover do you prefer?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Over the Counter #431
"Ghost Hunting for Dummies by Zak Bagans.
From Dummies Books:
"Dive into the ghostly world of the supernatural with America’s leading paranormal investigator
Inside, paranormal investigator, star, and executive producer of The Travel Channel's hit series, Ghost Adventures and founder of the award-winning Haunted Museum (Las Vegas’ most popular attraction), Zak Bagans takes readers on an exciting journey into the supernatural world. With insider information on the history of ghost-hunting to learning about ghosts with all kinds of temperaments, Ghost-Hunting For Dummies is peppered with true accounts and stories from Bagans' famous cases and investigations.
Featuring expert advice on picking a haunted location, setting up cameras, and dealing with unwieldy ghosts, this book shows how today's investigators use the tools of modern science to study a wide range of paranormal activity.
Take an exciting adventure into the supernatural world. Explore haunted sites. Get messages from beyond the grave Read true accounts from famous cases and investigations. If you're one of the countless fans of Ghost Adventures itching to get off the couch and track some spirits on your own, this book provides everything you need to know to conduct a successful paranormal investigation."
(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Perception: A Photo Series - KC Adams
KC Adams has just released Perception: A Photo Series - 'a project to combat racism and present First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the way they see themselves.' This was initially a project in Winnipeg.
Two photos. First you see the one taken while hateful words are hurled at the sitter. And on the following page, the same person, but now thinking of joy and happiness. And the truth.
The result is powerful. I sat and pondered every face and then the flip side. And the difference is 'in your face', if you will. Truly eye opening. Perception should be in schools as a starting point for discussions that need to happen.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Giveaway - Hindsight by Iris and Roy Johansen
What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:
"Investigator Kendra Michaels -- whose former blindness has left her with uniquely insightful observational skills -- must put her life on the line to catch a terrifying murderer setting his sights on some of society's most vulnerable in this electrifying new novel from the #1 New York Times and Edgar Award winning writing duo Iris and Roy Johansen.
Dr. Kendra Michaels, blind for the first twenty years of her life before gaining her sight via a revolutionary surgical procedure, is a renowned investigator known for her razor-sharp senses--honed during her years in the dark--and keen deductive abilities.
Now her skills are needed uncomfortably close to home. Two staff members have been murdered at a school for the blind where Kendra spent her formative years. But the murders are puzzlingly dissimilar: one victim was brutally stabbed, while the other was killed by a bullet to the head. Are the crimes related? Or is Kendra on the hunt for more than one dangerous killer?
With the killer (or killers) still on the loose, Kendra must put her life on the line to unravel a terrifying conspiracy. But Kendra soon discovers that she herself may hold the key to the deadliest secret of all." Read an excerpt of Hindsight.
And if you'd like to read Hindsight, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflectopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends January 2/20.
Friday, December 13, 2019
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #293
- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.
But you can like one cover version better than another...
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| US cover |
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| UK cover |
I've not read the last few Temperance Brennan books from Kathy Reichs, as they were getting a bit stale for me. I might give this latest a go on audio though. A Conspiracy of Bones releases in March 2020 on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. The US cover had me looking twice. At first I thought the image was of a shrunken head with hair. And then realized that it was trees! The red and black are quite effective. And then there's the UK cover - I swear I've seen this image many times before. A woman running from danger ( I gathered that there was danger from the cut fence). Honestly kinda ho-hum. So, easy choice for me this week - US. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?
Any plans to read A Conspiracy of Bones?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Over the Counter #430
I am determined to make knitting a winter project this year. And One-stitch Baby Knits: 22 easy patterns for adorable garments and accessories using garter stitch by Val Pierce looks doable. And what baby wouldn't look cute in a cow hat?
From IMM Lifestyle Books:
"Welcome a new baby into the world with lovingly knitted garments!
22 adorable projects for baby clothing and accessories
Step-by-step instructions and photos for blankets, hats, bibs, booties, mittens, burp cloths, and more
Techniques and methods such as casting on, binding off, and creating slip knots
Expert tips for choosing yarn, working with different types of needles, and avoiding problems
Skill-level ratings, materials, gauges, and measurements for each project
Easy-to-understand charts for conversions and abbreviations
Create handmade cuddle-worthy knits!
This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you'll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 22 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from booties to hats to blankets. Whether it's a kimono-style jacket that you don't have to pull over a newborn's head, or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love.
Made from the heart, One-Stitch Baby Knits is the perfect project book for any knitter on any level. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them both accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Every project also features a skill level rating of beginner, intermediate, or experienced, so you know where to start based on your current knitting skills.
Designed with small babies in mind, Val's patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that's cheaper and sturdier than anything you'll find in stores. Nothing is more special than a hand-knit garment, especially when it's for a rosy-cheeked baby!
With the step-by-step instructions and photography inside One-Stitch Baby Knits, you'll complete the cutest ever pieces, including blankies, diaper covers, cardigans, scarves, shoes, rompers, clothes, and accessory sets.
Whether you gift your hand-knitted garments or keep them for your own little one, these designs are sure to make you say "Aww," all while you become a skilled knitter along the way!"
(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)
Monday, December 9, 2019
Giveaway - Vanishing Girls - Lisa Regan
What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:
"The USA Today bestselling thriller that “keeps the dramatic reveals coming” as Detective Josie Quinn desperately chases a killer hidden within her close-knit town before they claim another victim (Publishers Weekly).
The little girl curled into a tiny ball as the chamber grew colder around her. “Please,” she whispered, rocking back and forth. “I want to go home.”
When Isabelle Coleman, a blonde, beautiful young girl goes missing, everyone from the small town of Denton joins the search. They can find no trace of the town’s darling, but Detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn’t even know was missing.
Mute and unresponsive, it’s clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle’s.
The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. When the trail leads her to a cold case labelled a hoax by authorities, Josie begins to wonder is there anyone left she can trust?
Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses their life?" Read an excerpt of Vanishing Girls.
"Lisa Regan is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Education degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter, and a Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip." You can connect with Lisa on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.And if you'd like to read Vanishing Girls, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends Dec 21/19.
Friday, December 6, 2019
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #292
- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.
But you can like one cover version better than another...
 |
| US/Canadian cover |
 |
| UK cover |
Elly Griffiths pens one of my favourite series - The Ruth Galloway mysteries. This twelfth entry releases in February across the pond and not until June in NA. I can't wait to read it! The US/Canadian cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both versions follow the look of previous versions. The UK cover seems to be set on the salt marshes - a setting oft used in the books. I love that little stone cottage with smoke form a fire. That one bright window could be ominous or welcoming. The UK cover seems to literally represent the title with a lantern and also set on the marshes. I know I've gone with US versions of previous titles as it's the 'look' I'm used to...but this week I'm going to go with the UK cover. I love lonely houses. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Lantern Men?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Over the Counter #429
A unique running partner....Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall.
From Knoph Books:
"From the best-selling author of Born to Run, a heartwarming story about training a rescue donkey to run one of the most challenging races in America.
When Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder, he thought it would be no harder than the rest of the adjustments he and his family had made after moving from Philadelphia to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. But when he arrived, Sherman was in such bad shape he could barely move, and his hair was coming out in clumps. Chris decided to undertake a radical rehabilitation program designed not only to heal Sherman’s body but to heal his mind as well. It turns out the best way to soothe a donkey is to give it a job, and so Chris decided to teach Sherman how to run. He’d heard about burro racing–a unique type of race where humans and donkeys run together in a call-back to mining days–and decided he and Sherman would enter the World Championship in Colorado.
Easier said than done. In the course of Sherman’s training, Chris would have to recruit several other runners, both human and equine, and call upon the wisdom of burro racers, goat farmers, Amish running club members, and a group of irrepressible female long-haul truckers. Along the way, he shows us the life-changing power of animals, nature, and community."
(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)
Monday, December 2, 2019
Christmas Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella
Those of you familiar to the series will be happy to hear that this latest is a return to the 'old Becky' if you will. (I must admit that the last two books that took Becky to the US fell flat for me.)
Becky's love of shopping has not lessened. Or the predicaments she gets herself into. (And these are so much fun!) All of it is done with the best of intentions of course. But the pressure is on this year - Becky will be hosting the family Christmas.
It takes a bit to make me laugh out loud at a book, but Kinsella had me giggling many, many times throughout Christmas Shopaholic. Just what I needed! Just beneath that humour are some truths as well - family, friends and what is truly important.
I enjoyed catching up with Becky and all of the supporting players. I feel like I've come to know them all and hearing what they're up to is like catching up with old friends.
This latest was perfect reading for the season. The door has been left open for the tenth entry in Becky Brandon, nee Bloomwood's life. I look forward to it! But for now - here's an excerpt of Christmas Shopaholic.
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