The Initial Impressions Tag!

Sometimes my memory is perfect.  I can remember things from when I was two years old.  I can't remember what I had for dinner the night before.  So we'll see how this tag turns out.  A special thank you to Jillian at Jillian's Books for tagging me!

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Publication Date:  February 11, 2003
Publisher:  Random House
Series:  Stand Alone
Pages:  447
Genre:  Nonfiction
Synopsis:  Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that 'The Devil in the White City' is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel. Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. 

Burnham's challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous "White City" around which the fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair's incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. 

The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World's Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Writing 101

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week they wanted the blogger to choose what subject of books they would teach to a class of impossibly bored and likely sobbing students (can you tell that I am NOT excited about my first day of school today?).  I  chose to list books with extraordinarily good writing.  I'm not talking about plots, world building, or character development.  I mean the actual words that the author chose and how they might as well be made from unicorn tears and fairy dust because of how beautiful they are.

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Publication Date:  May 26, 2015  

Publisher:  HarperTeen  

Series:  Tiny Pretty Things #1  

Pages:  448  

Genre:  Contemporary  

Synopsis:  Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Auto-Buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  Today I'm listing only seven auto-buy authors (aka, authors whose books I would buy automatically, no questions asked).  This is all kind of a lie--I always ask questions.  It's up to several different factors, not just who the author is.  But these seven authors are ones I would at least be unbelievable excited for.

Travelling With Books

I clearly love books.  I wouldn't run a blog dedicated to them if I didn't.  And, obviously, I cannot venture out of the comfort of my home without at least one book.  This isn't usually an issue.  I mean, sure, reading at a restaurant and while walking in stores isn't the easiest task, but if I leave my book at home I may very well drop dead.  

This is what I look like on a typical day out.  Only without the singing.  

And the sheep.  But if someone offered to buy me a sheep, I wouldn't refuse.

1984 by George Orwell

Publication Date:  June 8, 1949
Publisher:  Secker and Warburg 
Series:  Stand Alone
Pages:  339
Genre:  Dystopian
Synopsis:  Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent - even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101 . . . 

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  Today the theme is the authors that I have read the most books from.  I have trouble with starting series and not finishing them right away, so we'll see how this goes.  But just remember:  it's quality, not quantity that matters.  Not all books I have read on this list have been my favorites, even though I may have read a million of them.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Publication Date:  July 8, 2014
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Series:  Stand Alone
Pages:  308
Genre:  Contemporary
Synopsis:  Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble; it has been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems beside the point now.

Maybe that was always beside the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts...

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Top Ten Tuesday: Fairy Tales I Love

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  Today's theme is all about fairytales!  I chose to list the top ten classic fairytales I adore, mostly because I am a Disney freak.

Recap: July 2015!

I cannot believe that July is over!  The start of school keeps on creeping closer and closer...