Book Reviews by Today, I Read…

Welcome to another edition of Mailbox Monday where I regale you with the books I received during the previous week.

There’s going to be a double helping of Mailbox Monday this week because I didn’t post last week. (It was hectic, what with Christmas only a few days away! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it….)

Week of Monday the 22^nd

Into the Land of the Unicorns (The Unicorn Chronicles Book 1) by Bruce Coville.

In Luster, Cara meets many wonderful creatures, but the most magnificent of all is Lightfoot, a rebellious young unicorn. Cara’s band of friends comes to include a hairy creature named the Dimblethum and the monkey-like Squijim. Together, they set out to reach the Unicorn Queen before the mysterious man following them does-and to prevent the destruction of all unicorns forever.

I’ve already finished reading this book and found it delightful. Now to actually finish writing the review.

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This is just a quick post wishing you all a very happy holiday season. May you be safe, eat lots of deliciously decadent food, delight in the company of friends and family, and read plenty of wonderfully entertaining books.

(And in case I don’t see you before the new year, may your 2009 be brought in with a bang, not a whimper!)

Welcome to another edition of the Sunday Salon where I discuss the book of the moment, along with titles I’ve finished (and are still in need of reviews), and what’s upcoming on the TBR list.

I know that there was another book on the TBR list ahead of this, but I couldn’t resist Duma Key any longer.

Plus, I’m not quite in the mood for another historical right at this moment; it seems my internal gearshift is stuck in fantasy, horror, thriller mode and won’t easily come out.

As a result, my eye-sockets are firmly glued to Mr. King’s words. It’s a nice change of pace from the fantasy, fairytale style reading I’ve been consuming lately—not that it hasn’t been wonderful. (See the ‘in need of review’ section for more details.)

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By chance, I happened across a new-to-me blog called She is Too Fond of Books, and it was a treat. The blog is rather warm, cozy, and friendly (well, that’s the vibe I got).

After a bit of reading, I ran across a watercolor giveaway which caused me to to something I should do more often (in fact, everyone should do more often): reflect on the pleasures of staying put. On a whim, I decided to throw my tuppence into the hat.

Watching the tangy colors of twilight kiss the lake while a cool breeze grazes my bare arms.

Watching my two-year-old niece run up and down the block (closely guarded, of course) to ooh and aah at all the holiday lights.

Warming my bones with a piping hot shower followed by sipping a cup of cinnamon-laced hot chocolate while tightly tucked under a thick hand-made comforter with a good book close at hand.

In the grand scheme of things, the pleasures are innumerable.

I’m only about halfway through When Wanders Cease to Roam (had to put it down since technically I’m still reading another book), but so far, it’s a lovely and easy read. And what I’ve learned so far is that you should read this book if for no other reason than to be reminded of the little (and large) luxuries of staying close to home.

There’s not much time left on the clock. Steph at Reviewer X is hosting a book blogging bonanza (I’m all about the alliteration today) called Girl Week and it features guest blogs, author interviews, book reviews, and contests.

My head is spinning trying to keep up with all the goodness. Luckily, she’s set up a table of contents for easy access to all the posts.

And I’m shamelessly promoting it because I really want to win the signed Gemma Doyle trilogy (there’s also an interview with Libba Bray, the author). Now to figure out that secret criterion.

These books have been taunting me on Amazon and at Borders and even at Wal-Mart. Buy me, buy me, they plead—it’s like they know I’m weak or something.

So, if you’re a fan of YA and estrogen, head on over, look around, comment, participate, and have fun.