Book Review: The 100 Greatest Console Video Games

Katie October 31, 2014 0 Comments

While there have been countless number of “Top 100” lists about video games published – there’s never been a book – until now! The book goes in to more detail – exhaustive detail, if you will. (Their words, not mine!)  Each game has details such as production histories, sequels, remakes, ports for current consoles, anecdotes, creator info, collector pricing, comparison to similar games, comparisons to lesser versions of the games and quotes from industry professionals.  See? Exhaustive. (I’m exhausted just typing all that out!)

The book focuses on games from 1977-1987 so I was curious to see how many I have played (if any) considering I was only alive for 3 of the years covered in the book. Turns out it was 4 or 5 – though probably not the same versions as are mentioned in this book. (With the exception of Mario Bros. We had that one when I was very little!)

It is interesting to see some of the captures from the game to see just how far technology has advanced in the last 30-40 games with videos games. I also liked seeing the cover art for the games to see how things have changed as well. Some of these covers are just SO 80’s!

If you are a gamer or just interested in the history of video games, then this book is certainly for you! I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

There have been many top 100 books before, but rarely one like this. Here are the best of the early video games, shown in over 400 color photos and described in incredible detail in the entertaining and informative text. Each game’s entry features production history, critical commentary, quotes from industry professionals, gameplay details, comparisons to other games, and more. This book celebrates the very best of the interactive entertainment industry’s games from this highly crucial, fondly remembered decade. This pivotal period was marked by the introduction of the indispensable Atari 2600, Odyssey2, and Intellivision, the unleashing of the underrated Vectrex, the mind-blowing debut of the next-gen ColecoVision and Atari 5200, plus the rebirth of the industry through Nintendo’s legendary juggernaut, the NES. Whether you’re young or old, new to the hobby or a hardcore collector, this book will introduce you to or remind you of some of the greatest, most historically important games ever made.

Book Review: Live From New York

Katie October 24, 2014 0 Comments

Live From New York is The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests.  And when they say it is complete – they’re not lying! The book comes in at over 700 pages and covers the show from 1975 to present day.  The story of the show is told through a series of interviews and quotes, which I thought was an interesting approach – but there’s really no better way to learn about the show than hear about it from the horses mouth. There’s interviews with Lorne Michaels, the writers, musical directors, cast, hosts, etc.

The book is broken down in to 9 chapters :

1. Exordium: 1975-1976
2. Heyday: 1976-1980
3. The Stars Come Out: 1980-1985
4. Behemiel Rising: 1985-1990
5. Overpopulartion: 1990-1995
6. Still Crazy After All These Years: 1995-2002
7. Politica: 2002-2008
8. One Man’s Family: 2008-2014
9. Lorne

I was obviously most interested in reading about the more current casts, since these are the shows that I have watched and the cast that I remember the best.  They even chat with Betty White during this part of the book – and really – who doesn’t love Betty White? (and yes, they talk to Justin Timberlake too! You know he was who I was looking for in this chapter for sure!)

The book ends with a bunch of photos from various seasons as well as the cast list for each of the seasons.

This was a really fun, inside look to the show and a really well put together compilation for the show. If you have any interest at all in the show, you should check this book out.

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

About the Book

Just in time for the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, a rollickingly updated edition of LIVE FROM NEW YORK with nearly 100 new pages covering the past decade.

When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary ofSaturday Night Live, LIVE FROM NEW YORK was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a dazzling galaxy of trail-blazing talents recalled three turbulent decades of on-camera antics and off-camera escapades. Now a fourth decade has passed—and bestselling authors James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales have returned to Studio 8H. Over more than 100 pages of new material, they raucously and revealingly take the SNL story up to the present, adding a constellation of iconic new stars, surprises, and controversies.

Book Review: Amy, My Daughter

Katie October 24, 2014 0 Comments

Amy, My Daughter is a biography about the late Amy Winehouse written by her father, Mitch Winehouse.  As such, there are a lot of personal stories in here about her life from the perspective of her father.  He says that she was always quite mischievous.  Throughout the book there are also photos of some of the birthday cards that Amy had sent Mitch over the years.  He also notes that him saying “I think she’s fine” did come up during a conversation about her going to rehab – and it made it in the song.  With the exception of Rehab – all the songs on Back to Black were about Blake.  This was the person that turned Amy on to drugs and it was around when they got together that her Dad started keeping a diary – which is probably why he can remember the stories recalled in the book so well.  It is quite a tragic tale – Amy truly was trying to get better and seemed to only have alcohol as her vice, but unfortunately she could not overcome it.  Such a talent, gone too soon!

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

About the Book

As an artist, she had few peers. Her lyrical prowess and timeless contralto vocals made her an instant revelation when her debut album Frank was released in 2003. And as her star continued to rise it became evident that this seemingly delicate girl from north London was much more than just a precocious talent.

Genius, inspiration, icon; there are many ways to describe Amy Winehouse, but it was her wit, charm and lust for life that cemented her place in the hearts of her fans.

Here, using exclusive extracts from his own personal diaries, Amy’s father and confidant Mitch celebrates what influenced his daughter. Documenting her early years from Sylvia Young to the Brit School, and the darker side of her life as she struggled to cope with her addictions under the glare of the media spotlight, he gives new insights.

With never before seen photos, notes and drawings, this book brings together the many layers of Amy’s life – the personal, the private and the public – to create an honest and intensely moving account of the life of the most talented recording artist of her generation.

Book Review: Three Nights with a Rock Star

Katie October 24, 2014 0 Comments

Three Nights with a Rock Star is about good girl church sunday school teacher Hailey. When her sister returns from time on tour as the merch girl for a band knocked up, she decides she is going to find out who it was that got her pregnant.  She meets the bands lead singer, Lock, who has her sign a contract – she can ask around on the crew but he gets her for 3 nights.

Things get hot and heavy and Hailey thinks she may have a lead – but Lock pulls her away from the roadie she was talking to since she is “his”.  The three nights seems to be going on for much longer than that – but just as things are about to end a sex tape between Hailey and Lock gets out to the press.

Hailey ends up running home – not sure if she’d even still have her job at the church.  Lock is left to let her go or follow after her.

I feel like my recap was really half-assed here but I don’t want to give away major plot points and I think I would if I truly recapped it how I wanted.  I really liked these 2 characters together – they seem very much different – rock star and sunday school teacher – but it seemed like they brought out the best in each other and when they got together things were always HOT!  This was a rather quick read and a lot of fun!

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

About the Book

Description

When Hailey crashes a Half-Life after party, she expects to find the bastard who knocked up her little sister. Instead she meets the sexy front-man who agrees to give her access to his crew if she gives him access to her body.

All Lock demands in return is three days of complete control over the Sunday School teacher. With a contract, because he’s been burned before. One misstep could send the band—and his tenuous sobriety—up in flames.

Hailey and Lock push each other’s limits… Against the penthouse window. Backstage. In the limo and on the elevator. But as the contract counts down, neither are ready for the party to end.

Author Bio:

Amber Lin writes edgy romance with damaged hearts, redemptive love, and a steamy ever after. Her debut novel, Giving It Up, received The Romance Review’s Top Pick, Night Owl Top Pick, and 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars, calling it “truly extraordinary.” Since then, she has gone on to write erotic, contemporary, and historical romances.

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Shari Slade is a snarky optimist. A would-be academic with big dreams and very little means. When she isn’t toiling away in the non-profit sector, she’s writing gritty stories about identity and people who make terrible choices in the name of love (or lust). Somehow, it all works out in the end. If she had a patronus it would be a platypus.

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Book Review: Ignited

Katie October 24, 2014 0 Comments

Ignited is book #3 in the Most Wanted Book series. (I have previously read Wanted and Heated) This book focuses on the 3rd of the Knights – Cole.  His love interest is Kat – who is also a con woman.  Cole has decided that he doesn’t date, but Kat is determined to change this and have her be the one that he dates.  She wants to show him that even though both of them are broken, together they can make each other whole.  The subplot of the book is about Kat’s Dad, who is also a con man and has gotten himself in pretty deep.  She asks for Cole’s help in keeping her Dad safe, but she doesn’t like it when she is kept out of the loop of what is going on with him.  Kat finds out that Cole has killed before and isn’t sure if he would kill again – though it seems like he may like to try if she can’t get to him in time.  There is also a little bit of blackmail going on when Cole and Kat are being spied on by someone.

I would have to say of the three books this was probably not my favorite, but it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read either.  I guess I just liked the other two Knights a bit better.

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

About the Book

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Mecomes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.
 
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
 
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.

Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.

I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?
 
Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Book Review: Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 1-3

Katie October 18, 2014 0 Comments

I’m really not sure what to say about this book series.  The illustrations are really great but the stories are a bit strange and not your typically written children’s stories.  The book is about Oliver and Jumpy – Oliver is a cat and Jumpy is his lady friend a Kangaroo.  The first book is about a mole the second a duck and the 3rd Jumpy’s secret.  The book is often featured for free on Amazon and I suggest that is when you check it out.  I really can’t put in to words just how dumbfounded I was about how weird these books were when I finished. In fact, I wrote “very weird” as my only notes for the book…

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

About the Book

Story 1: Molly the Mole
Jumpy falls over a mole and gains a friend.

Story 2: Saving Ducky
Oliver and Jumpy save a duckling.

Story 3: Jumpy’s Secret
Jumpy has a surprise!

Oliver and Jumpy are best of friends and experience all sorts of adventures together. Oliver is an elegant black tomcat, who is full of himself. As a matter of fact he says: “I love myself!” quite often. Naughty, isn’t he? But his best friend Jumpy, a kangaroo lady, is aware that it is only a front! Oliver has a soft heart and will always want to help others. The great thing is Jumpy’s pouch, which Oliver loves to ride in! He calls her his kangaroo taxi! These bedtime stories or fairy tales, as you like, are great for their marvellous illustrations you can zoom into, read the overlayed storyline or simply listen to the narrative (depending on publisher!). It gives parents the choice of how involved they want to become. Several talented illustrators are essential to bring these stories to you in quick succession. Love you all! Meow!

Book Review: Less Than Nothing

Katie October 17, 2014 0 Comments

Less Than Nothing is about a homeless girl named Sage who is busking to try and make a living in California.  One morning another guy, Derek,  decides to take her block and he is really good looking so she thinks that he is going to take all the money that she could have been earning from her.  He makes a deal with her that they will perform together as a duo and split the profits. If it is not more than what Sage had been making solo, he will find a new block.  It turns out that their voices sound great together and they made a ton more money than Sage was used to bringing in.  Then Derek drops a bomb that he is leaving in a few days to go from California to New York to audition for America’s Top Talent.  Sage wonders if she should go too – and then decides to do it.

The two hitchhike their way across the country meeting a lot of interesting characters and getting a lot of rides from 18 wheelers who have drivers who are lonely and do it for the company on their long trips.  They make a detour in Memphis because Derek is a fan of Elvis.

They make it to New York in time for their audition – but Derek’s guitar is stolen.  They end up buying one at a pawn shop and make it through their auditions to the live show.  After Derek’s brother shows up and Derek ends up coming home with a broken arm, Sage is fed up and asks the producers if they can no longer compete as a duo but 2 solo acts.  The producers actually agree!  I won’t say much more than that about the plot because you’ll have to read it to find out what else happens!

I really liked this book – it had a few of my favorite things, music, music competitions and road trips in it.  It was a pretty easy read and the characters were easy to like.  This is the first of 3 books (More than Anything and Best Of Everything are the next 2) and I am looking forward to hopefully reading those as well!

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

About the Book

Sage’s life as a teenage runaway in San Francisco is simple: Snatch a few hours of sleep on park benches and bus stops; dodge perverts, predators, and cops; and make enough as a street musician to eat. But her world flips upside down when she meets Derek – hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent take her breath away.

What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time – and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.

As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.

Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake that critics are buzzing about and readers can’t put down.

Book Review: Come Fly with Me

Katie October 17, 2014 0 Comments

Come Fly With Me is Michael Bublé’s Rise to Stardom, a Memoir – but it is not from Michael himself but rather from Beverly Delich, his manager.  The book starts out focusing on her life and in about Chapter 3 we heard about the first time that she had met Michael.  He had entered a singing contest at the age of 18.  He would have won – but unfortunately the age limit was 19 so he had to be disqualified.  This got Beverly the nickname of “Beverly the Bitch”. But eventually their paths would cross again and Michael would ask Beverly to be his manager.

I liked that this was the story of Michael’s early career but told from a bit of a different approach than your typical biography or autobiography. If the book isn’t written by the artist, then I’d have to say that the manager who was with him from the beginning and got him a lot of his earlier bookings is probably the next best thing!  Throughout the chapters there were also photographs as well, which I always think is a nice touch in such books.

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

About the Book

Come Fly With Me reveals Delich’s true behind-the-scenes story of the raw beginnings of Michael Bublé’s struggles and the stepping stones that led to his ascent to the top. “From the very beginning, deep inside his heart and soul, Michael wanted the brass ring and nothing less”, says Delich. “Even facing adversity, his desire for a major label and a major management company were the objectives.”

Michael valued dearly Delich’s professionalism, her belief in him and her dedication – even referring to her as his “safety net”. That was all Delich needed to continue on her decade long journey with him.

In eight warm, engaging and honest chapters, readers will learn how difficult the journey to superstardom was with countless early rejections, many naysayers and doors to the entertainment “moguls” that appeared to be closed. But with Delich guiding the path, the doors were always “slightly ajar.” With her tenacity, encouragement and whole-hearted belief in Michael, Delich did not stop until the record label was in place and industry legend Bruce Allen agreed to manage his next leg of international superstardom.

Book Review: The Geek Billionaire Makeover

Katie October 17, 2014 0 Comments

Caroline Parker is an image consultant. She is called by a “Mr X” and asked to help geeky CEO Joshua Martin in order to get close to him and find out about his new business venture – Aeon Industries.  If she can’t get the information within 2 weeks, Caroline’s brother is going to be framed for murder.  Caroline believes that Josh ruined her life as a teenager and she is all set on getting revenge and protecting her brother.

Josh and Caroline’s brother Conner were best friends in high school and the company that made Josh a billionaire was created with the help of Conner – and he’s seen no money from it.

Josh has had a crush on Caroline for years and agrees to have her be his image consultant in hopes that she will end up wanting him too.  One catch though – in order for this to work he has to be seen with a beautiful high profile woman – which she is not.

But slowly Caroline also begins falling for Josh. She thinks that she shouldn’t because he ruined her life but begins to realize that things may not be what they seem…

I really enjoyed this book and the characters and for a romance novel there was very little romance. Although I kind of liked things better that way. It got to flesh out more of the relationship and the history between the two characters.

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

About the Book

CEO Joshua Martin is the king of the computing world, but to successfully launch his new venture, Aeon Industries, he’s got to shake off his geek veneer, and he knows the perfect woman to help him…

Image consultant Caroline Parker knows she can get the chic out of the geek, but she’s got a deeper reason for signing on to the job. Helping her brother’s best friend from high school update his image gives her an opportunity to get close to him and get her hands on the plans for his latest project. If she doesn’t get them, her blackmailer will harm her brother, the very guy Joshua screwed over years ago.

Josh always thought getting the next business deal, developing new ideas, was the biggest rush in life, but after seeing Caroline again he realizes he’s been missing out—and that his attraction to her hasn’t waned at all over the years. Now he’s determined to make Caroline his, no matter the cost…

Book Review: I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters

Katie October 17, 2014 0 Comments

I Survived is the true story of five epic disasters – Tsunami, Blizzard, Tornado, Flood and Titanic.  The book is by Scholastic and is geared towards children, so it has large print and text that is easy to read and understand.  The author has written many “I Survived” Books about different disasters and tragedies so she knows what she is doing!  First there is a write up about the disaster and someone that survived it. At the end of each chapter there is “The __ Files” with more information about each of the disasters. That is followed by some surprising facts about the disaster as well as some additional information and photos as well.

Most of the disasters present in this book I’ve heard of before (and I’ve read many a book on the Titanic before) but the one that I hadn’t heard of before was The Great Boston Molasses Flood which occurred in 1919.  There was a large tank of molasses in Boston that broke sending molasses through the streets – moving at 35 miles per hour! (That’s pretty fast – I always thought the saying was that molasses was slow!)

This is a very interesting book for both kids and adults alike – especially if you like reading about triumph over tragedy.

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

About the Book

The New York Times bestselling I SURVIVED expands to include this thrilling nonfiction exploration of five true stories, from the Titanic to the Henryville Tornadoes.

I SURVIVED is the New York Times bestselling historical fiction series that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Now author Lauren Tarshis brings them 5 true stories in a narrative nonfiction companion that explores the real names behind history’s greatest disasters. Including:
Into the Black Water: The Titanic, 1912
The Wave: The Japanese Tsunami, 2011
Out of the Tornado: Henryville, Indiana, 2013
The Great Molasses Flood of 1919
In the Path of the Avalanche!