I Need Followers

Help me out people! If you follow me, I will follow back. I would like to build up my blog and just need to know that someone is reading my post. I will host a giveaway for all my new followers from today until Monday. So, if you are a new follow, please leave me a comment with the way you followed and a way to find you. I will select a winner on Monday. The winner may be from anywhere. I won't reveal the prize until I get 25 follows. If I don't get 25 follows then the prize will remain a mystery. If you are the winner you will be emailed and you will be announced on this website. Please be kind and patient as this is the first giveaway I have hosted. Only one entry per person. Spread the word, the more followers I get, the better the prize will be. Have a great week everyone!! A US winner may have a prize mailed to them or receive an electronic prize from Amazon. An International winner will only receive an electronic prize. Prizes may include, books, swag, ebooks, and/or gift cards. The winner chosen on Monday will have 3 days to reply with information I ask for. If the winner does not reply, I will be forced to choose another winner. Now come on, help a girl out!!

My blog is an entertainment blog. There will be book, movie, and television, and game reviews, weekly memes, and other surprises, maybe even a giveaway, or blog hop. When leaving your comment, let me know if there is anything else you would like to see on this blog. Enjoy your week!

When the Dead

When the Dead is a zombie novel by Michelle Kilmer. BUT, it is not your typical zombie novel. Sure, there are zombies and fighting, and blood and guts. There are also real people with real problems. A woman with an eating disorder, a violent recluse, a child with lots of questions, a teen girl, a gay man, an older couple, a pregnant woman, and others. This is a diverse cast of characters who decide to "trap" themselves in a secured access apartment building with three floors. Who will triumph? Who will die? What will they do for food and supplies? These and many more questions are answered throughout the story. The book does a wonderful job of presenting each character and their unique stories and worries. The zombies are here, but so are real human people who are doing everything they can to survive. Will they do well staying "trapped" or should they escape?

This story is filled with suspense, mystery, and surprises around every corner. You will feel sympathy for certain characters, and want to hurt others. Kilmer does such a great job of fleshing out the people that you will feel as if you are living alongside them. Ms. Kilmer is also just an all around awesome person. I made a comment about how "I could totally be friends with her", and she friended me on Facebook. She's a gamer and occasionally dresses up in full zombie gear. She also lives very close to a cemetery. See, I told you she was cool! What are you waiting on? Go out and get this book! You won't be disappointed.



You can find Michelle at Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6482303.Michelle_Kilmer

Top Ten Tuesday: The Top Ten Authors I Own the Most Books By

http://www.brokeandbookish.com

My top ten authors I own the most books by:

1. V.C. Andrews 17 books
2.  Jodi Picoult 8 books
3.  Jennifer McMahon 5 books
4.  Mary Downing Hahn 5 books
5.  Ann Rule 5 books
6.  Sarah Addison Allen 4 books
7.  Leslie Rule 4 books
8.  Julie Kagawa 4 books
9.  Willow Cross 4 books
10. Carol Goodman 3 books

I guess it probably doesn't look like I have favorite authors. I just get most of my books from the library. If I do own a book, I don't keep it unless it is something special.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Would Want With Me on a Deserted Island

Top Ten Tuesday from http://www.brokeandbookish.com/
Characters I would want with me on a desert island would be the following ten.
1. Jude, from The State of Decay Omnibus
2. Carey, from If You Find Me
3. Bobby, from Undead
4. Dean, from Monument 14
5. Tobias, from Divergent
6. Cassie, from The Fifth Wave
7. Cole, from Alice in Zombieland
8. Anya, from All These Things I've Done
9. Katie, from The First Days
10. Katniss, from The Hunger Games

I have various reasons for picking them. Jude, Bobby, Cole, and Katie cause they are tough. Carey, Dean, Tobias, Cassie, and Anya because they know how to deal with anything that comes up since they have been in strange situations before. Katniss because she would be able to get food for us.

What do you think? Who would your picks be?









 

Girl at the End of the World

I received an invitation from Blogging For Books to join their community. My first book selection was Girl at the End of the World.



I enjoyed the book. Having read several cult books, this one did  have a unique story to tell. I felt so sorry for Elizabeth. I can't imagine what it was like as the "cult" was made up of all of her family members. Her family were all in power positions and it was very hard for her to stand up to them.  The cult was the only life she had ever known. Meeting her husband was a huge turn around in her life. Starting her family also made her look at her own past differently. She was finally able to turn away from the only life she had ever known. A life of spankings, and will breaking, from the age of six months. A life with no outside influences. A life of strict adherence to rules and commands. A life with no choices or options.

Elizabeth and her husband Matt were finally able to break free from the cult. Elizabeth became slightly obsessed with TV and wanted everything on all of the commercials. She also includes some awkward stories of trying to make friends for her and  her children. Elizabeth was not used to life on the outside world. Can you imagine not even knowing how to talk to a stranger? What to say to make someone interested in you? It is actually hard to read. You will feel nothing but sympathy for Elizabeth and her family.

The book goes on to tell how Elizabeth suffers from PTSD, depression, and general unrest. It is extremely hard for her to attend church. She suffers from terrible flashbacks at strange times and places. Obviously escaping the traps of cult life is not something that can be easily done. She documents her struggles to find a place where she is comfortable with her life.

Her story is one that needs to be told. There are many out there who are brainwashed into these fundamentalist groups and cannot escape. They know no other way of life and don't know how to handle the outside world. The fact that Elizabeth and her family escaped is Amazing! The fact that she has the guts to tell her story is something that cannot be overlooked. Elizabeth lives in California with her husband and five children.

More about Elizabeth can be found here:
http://www.elizabethesther.com/
https://twitter.com/elizabethesther
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Esthers-Blog-Friends/113030458735509

*** I received this book from http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/ in exchange for this review.

The White Wolf of Icicle Creek

This is a Nancy Drew PC game. It is the 16th edition of this type of game. I have been enjoying these games for years. This one was played by the whole family. It is a perfect way to get everyone together. Some of the puzzles are easier for the younger ones while others will require the help of adults. The games are perfect for the whole family as they are clean and safe. No improper anything included here. The games are based on the Nancy Drew series of books, so there are many mysteries and puzzles, and surprises.



This game was fun. The fox and geese game was hard, even for adults. The snowmobiling was hard for adults and easy for kids. This is a learning game. This one had different types of fish and birds. The wolf was really cool and the kids liked that part of the game. I encourage you to try out the Nancy Drew games if you want to try a fun, clean, family game. I don't think you will be disappointed.

You can find out more, along with hints, at http://www.herinteractive.com/. You can also purchase the games at this site.

Top Ten Tuesday!

So, this is a weekly topic which is from http://www.brokeandbookish.com/. This weeks suggestion is Top Ten TV shows. I am going to do my rundown of what I have watched and loved. Some of my choices are older and not currently on air, while others are still going strong. On with the countdown!

10.  Roswell



Starring Katherine Heigl before Grey's Anatomy, Brendan Fehr, who is in the new show "Night Shift" on NBC (which I must say, I am enjoying)! Jason Behr, very hot! and Shiri Appleby. The show didn't do so well in the ratings department and was moved from WB to UPN. It did have a faithful following and was a cult hit. To me it was a great balance of science fiction, mystery, high school drama, and teen friendship. My husband and I both enjoyed the show and we were not teens when we started watching.
You can find out more at http://www.tv.com/shows/roswell/

9.True Blood



This one is not for children, or for the faint of heart. Filled with hot Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies it is a creature lovers dream. The storylines are interesting and you just never know what might happen on this show!
You can find out more at http://www.hbo.com/true-blood#/

8.  Everwood



Everwood is the story of a brain surgeon, who loses his wife, and moves his children to Everwood, Colorado. This is a wonderful family show that is excellent to watch with your children. It addresses teen issues, racism, and moral issues. It also showcases Emily VanCamp the star of Revenge on ABC. I highly recommend that you check it out.
You can find out more about Everwood at http://www.tv.com/shows/everwood/

7. Dawson's Creek



Sigh...Pacey, Joey, Dawson, and Jen. Your typical teen soap opera. I loved it and still do like to revisit it occasionally.
You can find out more here: http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/dawsonscreek/

6. Life Goes On


I loved this show when I was young. I could relate to Becca and her problems and of course I thought Tyler was hot. This was one of the first shows I remember that showcased a character with a disability. It was family oriented and dealt with some tough topics, but was a show that should have been seen by more of the public.
You can find out more here: http://www.tv.com/shows/life-goes-on/

5.  Pretty Little Liars


Love this show. In fact my whole family loves to get wrapped up into the mysteries and mayhem that follows this group of girls. I wish I had the money they have when I was a teen. Patiently (NOT) waiting for the next season on DVD.
You can find out more at http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars

4.  Revenge



I must admit, it's my Sunday night guilty pleasure. It is sometimes so far-fetched that you enjoy a good life about the plot lines, but it always has me on the edge of my seat.
You can find out more at http://abc.go.com/shows/revenge

3. American Horror Story



I love how the series switches up each new season with a fresh new storyline. This show is so bizarre and out there, that you can't help but love it. It is new, different, and mind-bending.
You can check it out here: http://www.fxnetworks.com/ahs

2. The Walking Dead


Okay, so I love me some horror! I never thought I would see a zombie TV series. For me this is a dream come true. The storyline is fast moving and surprising. I look forward to each new episode.
You can find out more here: http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead

1. Felicity


I admit it, I am a die hard Felicity fan. Ben or Noel?, a constant question for me back in the day. Did I love the haircut?...ummm...NO! Did I get way to involved in the story?...umm...YES. This show was on right after I got out of college so I found it to be a great escape for me, and a chance to look back. I have seen it so many times and when I am having a bad day I search out the best episodes. If you have never seen it, You really should!
You can find out more at: http://www.tv.com/shows/felicity/

I am a little lost right now. I have been searching for hours for my library card in every area of my house and car and have yet to find it. Is devastated too big of a word for this? Of course I can replace it, but it's going to cost me a dollar, and it's my LIBRARY card. To me it is SO important. Anyone else have these problems?

What do you think of my TV picks? Agree, Disagree?! What is something you recommend I check out? Please leave me a comment so I know that someone is reading my posts. I sometimes wonder if anyone sees them but me :(!

The Girl Who Came Home: A Novel of the Titanic By Hazel Gaynor

This is the second novel I have read where there are two interconnecting stories, one contemporary, one historical. I find myself loving the historical part of the novel, and just liking the contemporary part. Maybe the problem is that the contemporary characters are boring. The other story that reminds me of this one is Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline. I recommend it, if you enjoyed this one. The contemporary character, well "1982" character is Grace. The star of the story is Maggie, Grace's great-grandmother. I highly recommend reading the whole novel through. The story can be slow in parts, but don't give up, stick with it. Grace becomes more likeable as the stories diverge. I also suggest reading the author notes. I had no idea that some of the characters were based on real life people. I have read many Titanic books and had no idea that dogs were saved in the boats, that blew my mind. Reading the notes will open up the story. Also that was not the ending I saw coming. I was left satisfied, but surprised. I truly hope Ms. Gaynor chooses to write more historical novels. I will gladly line up to read anything she is willing to write.


You can find more about Hazel Gaynor at http://www.hazelgaynor.com/
You can find more about Christina Baker Kline at http://christinabakerkline.com/

Louis Zamperini-Lost, but still Unbroken

Louis Zamperini was recently lost to this world, when he passed away at the age of 97. His story is told in Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Lauren Hillenbrand. If you have not read Unbroken, you simply must read it. It is so inspiring and the story of a true hero. I really don't know of anyone who could have went through what he did, and survived. Lauren Hillenbrand does a wonderful job of telling Mr. Zamperini's story. She did so much research not only on him, but on other's who were there, so she could get a full grasp of his story. It is important to see Zamperini through other's eyes, as like most heroes, he doesn't believe he is one. I encourage you to find out more about Mr. Zamperini and to read Unbroken. Your thoughts on World War II may be changed, and you may get a realistic grasp on the War that you don't get from other publications.

Mr. Zamperini. Thank you for being a hero and for persevering through life and for telling us your wonderful story. Rest In Peace, and know that you will not be forgotten!

Louis Zamperini in 2003
 

    
You can find out more about Louis Zamperini at http://www.louiszamperini.net/.
You can find out more about Lauren Hillenbrand at http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com/

Favorite Magazines

Recipes
     


TV Show and Book Coverage

  

I love to read, and that includes magazines. What are some of your favorites? Any suggestions on some little known publications I should check out?

Lone Survivor: The Movie

SPOILERS AHEAD:



.Last night I watched Lone Survivor. The movie was really well made. Those falling scenes were gruesome beyond words. I could feel my body aching from the fall. I thought all the actors did a very good job and were a fitting tribute to the men they were playing. I honestly had no idea that Marcus would be saved by the "enemy". I recommend this movie to anyone who loves a great action flick, true stories, and military movies. Be forewarned it will bring tears to your eyes.  I have yet to read the book, but I would love to.


          



What do you think? Have you seen the movie? Did you "feel" the action? Were you surprised by the ending? Have you read the book? I love to read your comments!