Ten Things: Favorite Series Still Going

I'm a big reader of series and I'm strict about reading them in order (I have the same issue with TV series). This week, here's my list of series I can't live without and can't wait to devour when the next book arrives.

Again, I might have a different view for series. To me, a series as at least four books in it.

Gallagher Girls: I'm a sucker for spy books and love the idea of an all girl spy school


Canterwood Crest: I went through the horse faze and these books bring it back. There's horse riding, friendship drama, and boys. I devour these books - luckily they come out every two months.


Blue Bloods: Awesome vampire series. I love the historical elements and the twist to their new lives this cycle.


Alchemyst: An action packed read full of danger. I love how mythology and history is woven together.


Alex Rider: Another spy novel series - the first that hooked me on teen spy novels. I loved the gadgets. I love how just when Alex thinks he's getting out of the spy world, they suck him back in.


Sure Fire: Two twins discover their father is actually a spy and come to his rescue several times.


Clique: Five girls trying to be friends while maintaining their independence.


Secrets of My Hollywood Life: I absolutely adore this series. I hate to see it end in January.

Artemis Fowl: I didn't love the last book, but I love the characters. I love Artemis and his evil way and snarky comments. I love Holly and her team.


S.A.S.S.: While this isn't a normal series - with the same cast of characters, it works. I love reading about the girls' adventure in amazing cities around the globe.

Happy Veterans's Day

Thanks to all Veterans and their families past and present who made it possible for us to live in the world with so many privileges and so little fear. My two grandfathers fought in WWII, my grandmother was in the Navy, my father-in-law did a tour in Vietnam, and my father's orders to go to Vietnam were canceled two days before deployment. I don't know much about their stories, but here's a poem I wrote in college about an imaginary conversation with my grandfather who survived D-Day. He died when I was five or so and I have no recollections of him. He's Welsh and the world for grandfather is Taid, which I what I called him.

Overload on the Shores of Omaha

"I don't want to talk about it
and that's final."
I had heard these words
time and time again.

Taid never wanted to talk about his vacation in France
I would ask questions
from stories that I heard at school.
He could complain that I was bothering him
and my mother took me away
so he could rest in peace.

Then one day, he called me
to his side.
Finally he shared his story.
Only once he started,
I wanted to beg him to stop.

I didn't want to hear how afraid he was
or how the sea surged crimson
at the crack of dawn
when they landed on the shores of France.

I didn't want to hear about the bodies lying on the beach
or the ones floating
who would never swim back to shore.
He told me about the recurring nightmare,
his friends would call out for help
but there was no where to turn
and no where to run.

The next day, Taid took his last breath.
I stood proudly by his gave
but I did not cry
not even when they folded the flag
or when the shots rang out.
I played the role of his brave soldier.

Movie Review: Karate Kid

I recently watched the remake of the Karate Kid.

Differences from the original
namely the age of the characters - lower
the location - China
the teacher had his own issues
the teachers didn't fight

I found it funny and sweet at times
I loved Jackie Chan - he was funny yet showed off a serious side
I loved the dancing scenes

While I really loved paint the fence and wax on - wax off, I found the coat sequence interesting, I loved that it tied into Dre's family life too.


Overall, I'm glad I watched it.

Have you seen it? Did you like it?

Review: Into the Gaunlet

Amy and Dan have an impossible task before them. They must find the last clue, which will lead them to power. However, they also must bring the family branches together to conquer the clue and conclude their mission. They have no idea how to accomplish this.

As usual, the branches of the family stand back and let Amy and Dan figure out the clues. Once the two have discovered the final resting place of the last clue, all of the family descends on the deserted island.

On the island, Amy and Dan try to impart their wisdom of working together. They fail to reach the adults, but they've already been working with several peers. When they reach their destination, they realize they need a member of each branch to continue. Will Amy and Dan discover the final clue and understand the implications?

My Thoughts: Greed, action, and danger each increase as the end of the hunt nears. Although it ties up the loose ends nicely, the final chapter of THE 39 CLUES leaves room open for more books in a new series coming out next year. I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every book in this series.

The Cover: Love it!

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Spotted: Nightspell

The companion novel to Mistwood (read my review), comes out May of next year

Read the description

Looks good. I'll be checking it out, will you?

Meanicure Contest Winner

And the winner selected by random.org is....

Chica Latina

Review: Just Add Magic

While cleaning out the attic, Kelly Quinn discovers an old book. Normally, that might not catch her eye, but when she opens it, she discovers recipes. Kelly adores cooking and she can't wait to try out some new recipes.

Now that she and her two BFFs are starting seventh grade, it could be time to start their very own cooking club. as she reads the recipes, some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to her. She wanders into a store to gather the ingredients. After purchasing the items, the store owner tells her to beware of the laws of return.

Kelly, doesn't think much of this warning at first. It isn't until she witnesses the results of their cooking experiments to become suspicious. Did she make her brother stop talking? Did she hex her frenemy? Did she cause her cranky old neighbor to fall dangerously ill?

Kelly isn't sure if it's the book working it's magic or if these incidents are simply coincidences. Either way, the magic is ruining her life. She's forced into helping her frenemy. Her best friends aren't happy with her. Can she reverse all the spells she's cast through her cooking?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this tween read - great novel about friendship, karma, and mistakes. I loved the magical elements combined with cooking. I enjoyed Kelly's pesky younger brother, the craziness that ensued due to the spells, the bits with Charlotte, and the friendship between the three girls. Plus, I'm now craving a thick milkshake.

Cover: Really cute

Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Cindy was sweet enough to send me bookmarks and they're fabulously cute!

Readalike: Meanicures by Catherine Clark