Book Review: EVERY DAY IS AN ATHEIST HOLIDAY

Katie November 15, 2012 0 Comments

Every Day is an Athiest Holiday is book by Penn Jillette, one half of the magic act Penn & Teller.  The book’s chapters revolve around holidays (for the most part) and Penn tells various stories about his life and career that kind of revolve around the holidays.  He starts at the end of the year and works his way forward.

There are also quite a few mentions of his stint on The Celebrity Apprentice and many of the mentions revolve around how he didn’t like Clay Aiken.  At the end of the book though he says he has nothing against him – but he goes on and on about him in the chapters – so if you are a Clay fan you might want to go into those pages with an open mind or skip them entirely.  ( I know that many Clay fans have misconstrued things that I have written about Clay, so that is why I give the warning)

It talks about his family, his career, his childhood, etc.  Definitely an intersting read for fans of Penn & Teller or more casual fans (such as myself)  He really has a way with words and I especially liked his phone conversation with one of the cast members at EPCOT… but you’ll have to check out the book to hear more about that!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

The larger, louder half of legendary magic act Penn & Teller, and New York Times-bestselling author of God, No!, is back with a new collection of spiritual rants and hilarious ravings – the perfect year-round gift, when you consider that Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday.

Book Review: Dr Seuss: The Cat Behind The Hat

Katie November 14, 2012 0 Comments

Dr Seuss: The Cat Behind The Hat is about 90% art gallery and 10% biography of Ted Geisel (Dr Seuss).  It shows a lot of his artwork in “chronological-ish” order and at the same time tells a bit about his life during that era.

Did you know that during the war he drew propaganda posters? He also worked on the cartoon “Private Snafu” which I actually remember watching in History class in High School though I don’t remember the teacher mentioning that Dr Suess was involved in it.  I do remember seeing some of his posters over the years though.

There are also artwork and excerpts from some of his books as well.  Oddly enough only 1 of the one mentioned in the book I actually remember reading.  I don’t think I’ve ever read Horton Hears a Who or Oh The Place You’ll Go.  Maybe if I ever catch up on the list of books I have to review, I’ll have to sneak to the library and catch up on my Dr Suess.

Definitely an interesting read and so cool to see so much of his artwork – even sculptures of some of his characters!  Check if out if you are even the least bit interested in art and/or Dr. Suess.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

This comprehensive look at the breadth of art that Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime is an eye-opening peek behind the public persona into the real story of the man who was Dr. Seuss.

Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Ted Geisel created a body of previously little-known work during his leisure hours that he called his “Midnight Paintings,” and which is now known as “The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss.” This irrepressible and soulful collection redefines Ted Geisel as an iconic American artist. For sixty years, his “Secret Art” allowed Geisel to expand his artistic boundaries without the confines and pressures of commercial deadlines and influences. These paintings afforded the peaceful distraction that he craved, and through this work, the tenets of surrealism-surprise and juxtaposition-energized his sensibilities. This volume exuberantly juxtaposes Geisel’s “Midnight Paintings” with his best-loved children’s books because this was how Dr. Seuss constructed his creative life-his days devoted to literature for children, his nights to letting his mind and palette wander to even stranger shores. Inevitably, Geisel created images in his private artworks that would find their way into his literary projects. Though he fiercely protected his “Secret Art” from criticism during his lifetime, his intention all along was for these works to be seen when he was gone. It is downright absurd to make an art book on Dr. Seuss that attempts a straight chronology on the life and work of this multitalented author, illustrator, painter, sculptor, political cartoonist, adman, doodler, practical joker, and Cat Behind the Hat. Chronology is, in this case, an elusive term. His life meanders between so many facets of artistic impulses, with images cross-pollinating over years and even decades, that the chronological line of his life is as dippy and curved as the architectural elements of a house in Who-ville.

Therefore, this book is “chronological-ish.” That is to say, some things come at the right time and some at the wrong time. But just as Dr. Seuss taught us to look at life “through the wrong end of a telescope,” the iconic artwork packed into these pages helps us understand that it isn’t always a straight line from here to there that matters . . . but rather the fun of the journey that really counts. Chapters include: As Early as It GetsDr. Seuss and His Midnight Paintings Very EarlyAdvertising and Editorial Work Pretty EarlyCollection of Unorthodox Taxidermy  Still EarlySecrets of the Deep Less EarlyThe War Years No Longer EarlyThe Post-War Years Later
La Jolla Birdwomen

A Little Later
The Cat Behind the Hat

Even Later
The Grinch

A Smidge Later Than That
Happy Birthday To You!

Somewhat Later Still
Green Eggs and Ham

Significantly Later
Seussian Abstractions

As Late as it Gets
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!  This book is published by Chase Art Companies and distributed by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Book Review: Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up

Katie November 13, 2012 0 Comments

Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up is the sequel to Lemonade Mouth, both written by Mark Peter Hughes.  Lemonade Mouth has also been made into a Disney movie.  Going in to reading this book – I had not read the first book nor had I seen the movie (aside from a few commercials and maybe a clip here and there while watching Disney in passing).  All I really knew was that Lemonade Mouth was a band formed by some kids who go to school together.  A lot of the details about the books and the band can be found at http://lemonademouth.com.

The style of the writing in the book is interesting.  It has portions written by different band members and other people associated with the band, portions that look like it is a movie script or a play, and then regular narratives as well. Usually I don’t like when things change around like that, but somehow the set up of this book works.

The story follows the band on their summer break – getting signed, being on TV shows, starting a revolution over being yourself and not conforming to the media’s views on what is acceptable, leaving their label as well as personal struggles in the band members lives.  Olivia’s mother is in the picture after being away since she was 2.  There are relationship struggled, a family friend from India coming to visit and so much more.  Definitely enough to keep your attention so you won’t be able to put the book down! I had no problem reading it all in one sitting, and it is just under 300 pages.

While this is a book geared more at teens, it’s no secret I enjoy the occasional YA novel, especially if it revolves around a band! I think I am going to have to go back and read the first one (and check on the movie as well) and hope that there are plenty more books in store about Lemonade Mouth!

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

Becoming Rhode Island’s most legendary band was just the beginning.

This is what happened after five outcasts in Opequonsett High School found each other, found the music, and went on to become Rhode Island’s most influential band. What’s next for this group of musical misfits? Whatever is it, it will be nothing short of revolutionary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARK PETER HUGHES was born in Liverpool, England, and grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island. Mark’s obsession with music has led to many ups and downs. Setbacks include getting ejected from eighth-grade music class for throwing a spitball and the heartbreak of learning that the accordion has no place on a thrash-metal stage. Success came later when Mark fronted an alternative-rock band. Lemonade Mouth is Mark Peter Hughes’s second novel. Learn more about the book and visit Mark at MarkPeterHughes.com and LemonadeMouth.com.

Book Review: All About Boats

Katie November 11, 2012 0 Comments

All About Boats is an A to Z book by David and Zora Allen.  David also illustrated the book.  The book has words from A to Z related to boats.  The book is geared towards kids, but there were quite a few words that I didn’t know! (Although I am not a sailer or boater or whatever the words are, if I was I would probably need to know all this!)

This would be a great book for a beginning reader who is interested in boats.  It can help teach the child to read while teaching them a lot of things they’ll need to do before hitting the open seas!

Each page has the letters written in upper and lower cases and some of David’s wonderful illustrations.

I received a free e-copy from the publisher in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Boating time is family time as everyone often shares both the work and the fun. Even young children are eager to help and, once their curiosity is aroused, they’ll look for ways to learn more about boating. All About Boats: A to Z shows the youngest crew members the purpose of the many things they see while boating. Each letter appears on a separate page. The featured word is explained by a verse and an illustration, showing how it fits for boating. “B” is for bell. Though there are many types of bells, a ship’s bell is used to send signals, which can be a safety factor in fog or rain. This book is a great conversational tool on the aspects of boating as families develop their onboard teamwork. For children in grades K-2.

Zora and David Aiken have collaborated on nine books, including five for children. They live on a sailboat and meander along coastal and inland waterways gathering material for their work.

Book Review: Star Watchers

Katie November 9, 2012 0 Comments

FREE STAR WATCHERS EBOOK, EDGAR ALLAN POE INSPIRED, 2 DAYS ONLY 11/18-11/19/2012: at Amazon.com

Star Watchers: Inspirational, Romantic and Dark Poems that Merge to Tell a Single Story is a book by Kelly Vang.  This book is interesting because on the surface it contains over 50 different poems.  Several of the poems have characters that overlap and tell another story, so you have to pay attention.  The poems are written in an Edgar Allan Poe inspired way and if you enjoy his work (like I do) I think you will enjoy these poems.

The challenge is to figure out which poems piece together the larger story, called Star Watchers. The key is to pay close attention to the reappearance of characters and phrases; particularly, the series of poems also entitled, Star Watchers.

My favorite of the poems was called “The Fall”, I seemed to relate to that one the most.

This is definitely an interesting approach to a book – with only some of the poems interlinking to create a completely different story.  It definitely made you pay extra attention and think while you were reading each of the individual poems.

About the Book

Star Watchers uses fantasy, horror, and inspirational elements to provoke new ways of seeing the human condition. The poetry depicts unhappy, nervous, bitter and clever individuals; they found themselves in both triumphs and defeats. Unfortunately, these characters often met with the fate of tragedy and unexpected twist. Their misfortunes serve not only to entertain but also to inform its readership. Each poem and each character draws out a meaningful message for readers to take away with them. Yet, after piecing the poems together, there is an even bigger story–left for readers to determine for themselves.

Contact the author at: starwatchersbook@live.com

Visit the author: www.kellyvang.com, www.facebook.com/officialkellyvang

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free usingTomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.