Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them RC Houses

The House

Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin

Here is where you will find your housemates and your total house points.

Template for Fantastic Beasts Reading Challenge

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Reading Challenge 2016

January 1, 2016 to November 14, 2016


Keep a look out for your O.W.L.s in May and N.E.W.T.s in November. Special assignments may pop up periodically. Remember you are still a student of Hogwarts so each beast (book you read) you find will count towards your house points.
                                                                                            -Professor Neville Longbottom

So there you have it. The Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them Reading Challenge 2016. Basically in order to complete the magizoology part of the challenge you need to read at least one book that fits the description of a fantastic beast or can fit Care of Magical Creatures. Learn more and sign up at Worth Reading It? Use hashtag #FantasticBeastsRC


My House is       and we are winning the House Cup this year!

Tracking my reads below

15point reads:
AP Newt Scamander - Read a book that is about, has on it's cover, in the title an animal that fits part of the description of a fantastic beast.

1. Book One

10point reads:

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

1. Book One

5point reads

Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anything having to do with changing one thing into another

1. Book One

Defence Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries

1. Book One

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

1. Book One

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

1. Book One

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi

1. Book One

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

1. Book One

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

1. Book One

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols
Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc

1. Book One

1point reads:
History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

1. Book One

Divination - read any book about physic abilities

1. Book One

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better way to understand Muggles than to read what they read

1. Book One

Dumbledore's Army (D.A.)

Welcome to Dumbledore's Army (D.A.)
We all know that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is out there with his Death Eaters waiting for the right opportunity strike. The spells and charms we learn here will enable us for the eventual day we will have to fight! Books read for Defense Against the Dark Arts class can be listed here.
To join just leave a comment below

Points Breakdown

Defense Against the Dark Arts Class = 1 point


D.A. Club = 5 points


Defense Against the Dark Arts Class & D.A. Club = 6 points


D.A. Club 2 or more members same book = 15points + 5points (if for a class) + 1point (if also listed under Charms class) You must leave a comment with your partner or partners name and the book you all are reading

D.A. Club 2 or more members same book = 15points + 10points (if for a lesson)You must leave a comment with your partner or partners name and the book you all are reading

All you have to do is list the book where they should go. I will take care of the points

January - D.A. Club lesson cannot be listed under you Defense Against the Dark Arts class. This is for 5points only listed under the D.A. Club

We will master Accio this month. The accio charm is used to summon an object to you.
How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have works like summon, grab, demand, bring... In other works, the title should be a form of what the Accio charm is meant to do.
Also is important to this club because you just may be in the position of being away from something in the middle of a fight that may aide you in winning it.

You charm assignment should look like this
D.A. Club
January - Accio
Then list your books

February - D.A. Club lesson can be listed under you Defense Against the Dark Arts class. This is for 5points listed under the D.A. Club plus 1 point if you list it under Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

We will master Stupify this month. The stupify charm is used to stun a person or halt an moving objects.
How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have works like stun, halt, pause even wait... In other works, the title should be a form of what the Stupify charm is meant to do.
The benefits of learning the charm is pretty obvious. It is an important charm to learn if one wants to defend his or her self.

You charm assignment should look like this
D.A. Club
February - Stupify
Then list your books

March/April - D.A. Club lesson can be listed under you Defense Against the Dark Arts class. This is for 5points listed under the D.A. Club plus 1 point if you list it under Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

We will master Patronus Charm this month. The Patronus charm conjures an animal who is your protector. The animal is different for everyone.

How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have the name of your patronus in it's title or on the cover.

The benefits of learning the charm is pretty obvious. It is also an important charm to learn if one wants to defend his or her self.

*Think hard on this one. Your patronus usually doesn't change.

You charm assignment should look like this
D.A. Club
March/April - Patronus
Then list your books

Soundtrack Challenge: Dirty Dancing

Duration: Up to you!

Levels:
Somebody’s Baby: 3 - 5 books
Hungry Eyes: 6 -11 books
Overload: 12 books.
Rules: Audiobooks, anthologies, and re-reads are fine. Post as you go, or all at once. Indicate your total near the top of your post, preferably in bold. Thanks! Example: 3/6 for three books read out of a planned six.

Spell It Out option: Choose one of the following song titles to spell out with book titles, series titles and authors. Or choose your favorite soundtrack to spell!

I’ve Had the Time of My Life (Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes) (Hyperlink is to Final Dance.)
This song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1987. Read a book first published in 1987. Or read a book that had has an Academy Award winning movie; and yes, that means any academy award, such as for song! Or has a white dress on the cover. Read a book that is the first in a series. Or has characters or an author named Bill or Jennifer.
First Truth by Dawn Cook

Be My Baby (The Ronettes)
Read a book with a body of water on the cover or has the word “baby” in the title. Or has a character or author named Ron or Ronette. This is the second song on the CD; read a book that is #2 in a series.
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

She's Like the Wind (Patrick Swayze) {Movie Scene}
Read a book with the word “wind” in the title or has a sad good-bye scene. Or has a character or author named Patrick or Johnny. This is the third song on the CD; read a book that is #3 in a series.

Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen)
Read a book with an eye on the cover. Or had the word “hungry” or “hunger” in the title. Or the genre is fantasy. Or the character is learning to dance. Or has a character or author named Eric or Carmen. This is the fourth song on the CD; read a book that is #4 in a series.

Stay (Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs)
Read a book with the word “stay” in the title. Or has a character (or author) named Maurice or William. Or has one of the signs of the zodiac on the cover or in the title. This is the fifth song on the CD; read a book that is #5 in a series.

Yes (Merry Clayton)
Read a book that is a positive/affirmative/uplifting book, or has “yes” or “merry” in the title. Or shows a wheel(s) on the cover. This is the sixth song on the CD, so read a book that is the #6 in a series.

You Don't Own Me (The Blow Monkeys)
Read a book where someone breaks free from something or someone. Or has monkey(s) in it. This is the seventh song on the CD; read a book that is #7 in a series.

Hey! Baby (Bruce Channel)
Read a book with a predominately baby blue cover, or has the word “baby” in the title. Or a character calls another character “baby” or “babe” or Bruce. Or there is a baby in the book. This is the eighth song on the CD; read a book that is #8 in a series.

Overload (Alfie Zappacosta)
Read a book with a predominately dark blue cover, or has the word “overload” in the title, or has a character with a baritone voice, or has a character/author named Alfie. This is the ninth song on the CD; read a book that is #9 in a series.

Love Is Strange (Mickey & Sylvia)
Read a book that’s genre is romance. Or has the word “strange” (or a derivative of the word) in the title. Or the cover shows money. Or has a character or author named Mick, Micky, or Sylvia. This is the tenth song on the CD; read a book that is #10 in a series.

Where Are You Tonight? (Tom Johnston)
Read a book where someone gets lost or the protagonist is looking for a missing person. Or has a character named Tom (or it is the author’s name). This is the eleventh song on the CD; read a book that is #11 in a series.
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
In the Still of the Night (The Five Satins)
Read a book with a predominately black cover, or has the words “still” or “night” in the title. Or there is a satin dress on the cover. This is the twelfth song on the CD; read a book that is #12 in a series

Example of “Spell It Out” option (ignore articles – “a, an, the” – unless you need them) using titles, series names, or author’s name. You can use any of the song titles above.

S. -Seabiscuit: An American Legend, by Laura Hillenbrand
T. - Travises, #3; Smooth Talking Stranger, by Lisa Kleypas
A. - Adair, Cherry = Hush
Y. - Yours To Keep, by Shannon Stacey

2012 Read Your Own Books Reading Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

This challenge is for those of us who have books that we’ve purchased and just haven’t gotten to. Rules:

Starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012
Anyone can join
You don’t have to have a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers feel free to share your list of books in the comment section of the monthly link up post.
Reviews though not required are always nice.
Audio, E-books, Bound all count
Re-reads DO NOT count
There is no need to come up with your list of books in advance.
Challenge crossovers ok
Create a sign up post and link up in the linky below.
What qualifies for this challenge?:

Any book that you have personally purchased, been gifted, or swapped, BEFORE January 1, 2012 and just have not gotten the chance to read yet.
What DOES NOT qualify for this challenge?:

Any book that has been purchased AFTER January 1, 2012.
Any book that you have been asked to review
Tour sites, Netgalley, GalleyGrab, etc.
Library Books
Levels:

Level 1 – Read 1-5 Your Own Books
Level 2 – Read 6-10 Your Own Books
Level 3 – Read 11-20 Your Own Books
Level 4 – Read 21+ Your Own Books

My Level - Read 1-5 Your Own Books
The Rocky Road to Romance

2012 Romance Reading Challenge

2012 Romance Reading Challenge

This reading challenge is for any genre of Romance with the exception of YA and Erotica. Have fun with this one peeps!

Rules:

Anyone can join
You don't need a blog to participate. For non-bloggers, please leave a comment with a link (if you review somewhere else) to the review or leave a list of the books you read on the monthly link up post.
Audio, ebooks, and bound books are ok.
No re-reads
Create a sign up post and post the link in the linky here.
Challenge goes from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Challenge Crossovers are ok.


Levels:


Level 1 - Read 4 Romance novels
Level 2 - Read 10 Romance novels
Level 3 - Read 14 Romance novels
Level 4 - Read 15+ Romance novels

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Run's January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.

The Rules:

Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post on Jamie's blog.
Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
There are four levels:

The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.

My book list:

2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge

2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge

Rules:


Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate. If you are a Non-blogger please leave a comment with a link (if you review elsewhere) to your review or with the book(s) you read.
Audio, ebooks (some libraries allow ebooks to be checked out), bound books are ok.
No re-reads
Create a sign up post and post the link in the linky here.
Challenge goes from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Levels:


Level 1 - Read 12 library books
Level 2 - Read 24 library books
Level 3 - Read 36 library books
Level 4 - Read 37+ library books

My book list:

Bump by Megan McCafferty

2012 ARC Reading Challenge

2012 ARC Reading Challenge

What qualifies for this challenge?:


1. Actual Advance Reader Copies - this includes from tour sites like ATW Tours.
2. Any book that YOU ARE ASKED by either an author, publisher, publicist, media group, etc. to review.
3. Book Sneeze, Pump Up your Books, Tyndale and S&S Galley Grab ("they send out a monthly list & the first ~100 to get to their site gets the book to review").


What does NOT qualify for this challenge?:


1. Any book that YOU personally asked for a review copy of.
2. Netgalley


The Rules:
Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the monthly wrap-up post on Jamie's blog.
Audio, eBooks, and bound books count.
No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
Create a sign up post and link to the linky here.
Challenge runs from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.
Crossover challenges is ok

There are four levels:

The Mini ARC Challenge – Read 4 ARC's.
The "Fun Size" ARC Challenge – Read 10 ARC's.
The Jumbo Size ARC Challenge – Read 20 ARC's.
The Mega size ARC Challenge – Read 21+ ARC's.
NOTE: You may UPGRADE your challenge but you can NOT DOWNGRADE your challenge.

I'm doing The Mini ARC Challenge - 4

Setting Up Hogwarts Reading Challnege Post

This is how you Hogwarts Reading Challlenge post should look. Having your post this way helps me keep track of points. To make things easy just copy and past this example. Remember to link your post back to the sign up page. This post should be the one you linked to Mr. Linky so that I can easily find it.


Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012 Jan 1 to Dec 31

In the Hogwarts Reading Challenge you are a student of the school. You will be sorted into houses. Each book you read must fit in to the subject of one the classes. You do not have to read books that fit all the subjects. Each book equals one point (toward the house cup).

You must read at least 5 books (audio books counts) before you are enter in to the drawing. At the end of the Challenge one person will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card and one house will win the House Cup (purely a pride thing).

There are mini challenges that has it own prize

To be eligible to win prizes you must have a blog and sign up using Mr. Linky. Then start a Hogwarts Reading Challenge post and link it back to this post.
****You can be eligible for prize if you become a member of I Love Reading Challenges on Shelfari and keep the list of the books you read for this challenge under the Hogwarts Challenge post there. You can also become a fan of the I Love Reading Challenges Facebook fan page and keep you list there as well.
Reading one of the 7 Harry Potter books earns you 25 house points. You can only read this books once during the challenge. 15 points for any other Harry Potter related book such as Tales of Beedle the Bard or A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter, again these books and only be read once during the challenge.

The Houses
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin


COURSES
Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anythiThing having to do with changing one thing into another
1. book
2. book

Defence Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi
1. book

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols

Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc
1. boook

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better way to understand Muggles than to read what they read

CLUBS & SPORTS

Charms Club
list book
Lesson:
list book

Dumbledore's Army (D.A.)

Music Appreciation and Great Intonation Club (M.A.G.I.C.)

Slug Club

Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.)

Potions Club

Charms Club

Welcome to the Charms Club. You will earn an extra 5 points for reading books that are Charms Related (see Charm Class ). This means any book that is read for Charms class can be listed here. We will also learn how to do certain charms. If you learn the charm it will be worth 5 points. Learned charms are ONLY listed under the Charms Club.

Use this post to communicate with your fellow Charms Club members if you like. It would be in your best interest to do so as books read by two or more members will have a value of 15points.

To join Charms just leave a comment



Point Breakdown:


Charms Class = 1 point


Charms Club = 5 points


Charms Class & Charms Club = 6 points


Charms Club 2 or more members same book = 15points + 5points (if for a class) + 1point (if also listed under Charms class) You must leave a comment with your partner or partners name and the book you all are reading

Charms Club 2 or more members same book = 15points + 10points (if for a lesson)
All you have to do is list the book where they should go. I will take care of the points.

Charm Club members:
Kari


January - Charms lesson cannot be listed under your Charm class. This is for 5 points only listed under Charms Club.
The charm we will master this month is Accio. The accio charm is used to summon an object to you.
How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have works like summon, grab, demand, bring... In other works, the title should be a form of what the Accio charm is meant to do.

You charm assignment should look like this
Charms Club
January - Accio
Then list your books

February - Charms lesson can be listed under your Charms class. This is for 5 points listed under Charms Club plus 1 point if you list it under your Charms class.
The charm we will master this month is Lumos. The lumos charm is used to light your wand tip. In other words your wand becomes sort of like a flashlight.

How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have variations of the word light (also words like see, sight would work since its hard to see in the dark...getting where I'm going). In other works, the title should be a form of what the Lumos charm is meant to do.

Your charm assignment should look like this
Charms Club
February - Lumos
Then list your books

March/April - Charms lesson can be listed under your Charms class. This is for 5 points listed under Charms Club plus 1 point if you list it under your Charms class.
The charm we will master is the Disillusionment Charm. The Disillusionment Charm makes something or someone invisiable or close to it.

How do you learn how this charm? Read books with that have variations of the word. In other words, the title should have a word that is some form of what the Disillusionment charm is meant to do.

Your charm assignment should look like this
Charms Club
March/April - Disillusionment
Then list your books

Sign Up: Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry Reading Challenge 2012
UNIFORM
Items that make you feel comfortable and cozy. May we suggest soft cotton or wool pajamas and a comfy blanket?

SORTING HAT
If you would like to be in Slytherin House. Leave a comment you do not have to be sorted for that house. Previous challengers can choose to stay in the house they were in last year just leave a comment stating that.

THE HOUSESGryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin

COURSE BOOKS
All students are allowed to choose books that fit the criteria of the courses.

COURSES
Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anything having to do with changing one thing into another

Defence Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols

Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better way to understand Muggles than to read what they read

CLUBS & SPORTS
To find a description of a club and to join it click on it and add your Hogwarts Reading Challenge post link to the Linky. You can converse with members of the club through comments on that post. Check posts regularly for club activities (they will also be tweeted).

Charms Club

Cheerleading Squad – not active - while trying a new a triple back flip spilt the professor well…is unavailable

Dueling Club – not active - professor was hit with an unknown jinx No worries we are sure that the healers at Saint Mungo’s will straighten things out

Dumbledore's Army (D.A.)

Inquisitorial Squad – disbanded

Gobstones Club – not active at the moment - someone jinx the stones
with booba tuba puss

Music Appreciation and Great Intonation Club (M.A.G.I.C.)

Slug Club

Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.)

Wizard's Chess Club – not active – all pieces need repair Helena Hornsnout and Ramus Romshack marathon chess games It was quite a sight and amazingly long Rumor goes that Romshack is still sleeping it off after two weeks

Potions Club

Qudditch - Professor Umbridge, the High Inquistor has suspended alll Qudditch games per Educational Decree 24. We are working on this.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 lamp
1 comfy chair or sofa
1 set brass scales
1 notebook, pack of note cards, or electronic device *for your reviews and tracking points

Students may also bring and owl OR a cat, a toad, or any pet of your choice. Please try to keep them small so that they fit into your dormitory.


WE MUST REMIND YOU THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS"




How the challenge works:
You must read at least 5 books (audio books counts) before you are enter in to the drawing. At the end of the Challenge one person will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card and one house will win the House Cup (purely a pride thing).

Mini challenge has its own prize

To be eligible to win prizes you must have a blog and sign up using Mr. Linky. Then start a Hogwarts Reading Challenge post and link it back to this post. Follow this example! It makes it easier for me to keep track of points which is done once a month.
****You can be eligible for prize if you become a member of I Love Reading Challenges on Shelfari and keep the list of the books you read for this challenge under the Hogwarts Challenge post there. You can also become a fan of the I Love Reading Challenges Facebook fan page and keep you list there as well.

Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry Reading Challenge 2012


Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)


Dear Student,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Reading Challenge. Please click the crest to find a list of all classes and clubs. As well as instructions on how to get sorted, how to choose books for classes, and information on school clubs.
Term begins on January 1. We await your owl.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

The Harry Potter Project

The Harry Potter Project

I love the Harry Potter series. I'm sure you all know that since I'm hosting the Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012. I am also going to re-read the series again. This time I am going to do an indepth review. If you would like to join me please do. I would like to have a discussion about the meaning of the books. What did you found interesting? What did you get from the story? Dicuss the characters. Who is Nicholas Flamel? Tales of Beetle the Bard, what other stories does it remind you of? Let dig in. The more people the better. First book review/discussion end of January 2012.

Blogoversary 11/22/2011

Blogoversary 11/22/2011

I must say that I am surprised at the lack of reponse for these 3 free books. I have read She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True. I liked them both (read before I started blogging). There was one comment on the Blogoversary post Marce. So Marce if you would like the books they are yours.

Blogoversary 11/22/11

It's been 3 years?! WOW time has flown. I thank you all for the support and fun. I love do this. To say thank you I'm having a Blogoversay Giveaway. This is not to gain new followers; this is a thank you for the followers I already have. All you have to do is leave a comment to this post that you would like to be entered into the giveaway and since this is a book blog recommend a book you would like to see reviewed here. The winner will be announced on 11/22/11.

The giveaway: I got these from a library book sale (support your local library...they need it)

3 books authored by Wally Lamb
She Come Undone
The Hour I First Believed
I Know This Much Is True

Thanks again y'all

Stepahnie Plum the movie

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

I know I'm late but they have release the trailer for Janet Evanovich's One for the Money. The movie is based on the first book in the Stephanie Plum series that is 18 books deep now. Explosive Eighteen is slated for release on November 22nd. I have to read the Plum series from the beginning. I listened to most of the series on audiobooks. If any of you have ever listened to an audiobook you know that the narrator makes or breaks the book. The narrator for the first couple of books was flat but the Lorelei King either found her voice (since I'm not sure she hasn't narrated the whole series) or she saved the series in audiobook format. She gives the story life something that was missing in the first couple of books. Anyway on to the movie.

I am not thrilled. I watched the trailer and it did not have me wanting to see the movie. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to wait for the DVD. So here's what I think. The Plum series would work better as a tv show. Not everything work as a movie. And if they wanted to go the movie right I would've done a HBO, Showtime, or even Lifetime movie. Hey it works for Nora Roberts. It was the right decision for her to make. Like I said, the Plum series would have been great for tv. There are many cop/detective/crime shows but none that has the comedic action that make the Plum series different from the pack.

I am also not in love with the casting choices. Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum. She may be ok but I know that Sandra Bullock would've nailed it. I know y'all may disagree but Julia Roberts would've done a good job. And believe it or not Alyssa Milano would've made a great Stephanie. Yeah I said it, Alyssa Milano! Jason O'Mara as Joe Morelli. Eh, I think this may work. He is cute and a little rugged looking. He can pass as a cute cop. Daniel Sunjata as Ranger is a no. Sunjata is cute. He is sexy. But he is NOT Ranger. Rey Curtis, Mario Lopez, Benjamin Bratt there's more but you get the point. Ranger is suppose to...well...make us have to change our panties. And Sunjata just doesn't do that. The actress who's playing Connie doesn't quite fit the image either.

What they may have gotten right. Sherri Shepherd as Lula. Sherri is funny and will probably bring the sass and attitude that is Lula. By the way, Lula is favorite character (ok so Ranger is but we're not counting him). Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Mazur seem to be a good fit from looking at the trailer.

Watch the trailer and let me know what you think. I just think they could've done better. All these books and years to think about making the books at "reality" and this is what they came up with. For all you authors out there, when you are contemplating making your books into a movie consult your fans. Yes it's your vision but we are the audience. We are the people you are trying to get double the money out of (paying for the book & paying to see the movie). Listening to us, take what we want in consideration and you'll probably be rewarded in sales.

Reading Challenges

It's getting towards the end of the year so you know what that mean. 2011 reading challenges are coming to an end. So how did you all do? I did horrible. I had many setbacks toward middle of the year and did no reading for months. However, that doesn't mean that I'm going to join less challenges next year. NAY! I will have just as high of a reading goal.

If you are already planning what challenges you are going to join next year head over to my bookclub on Shelfari call I Love Reading Challenges. You will find many reading challenges for the upcoming year (we will start updating on December 1st). My coadmins Tenia F (Slytherin student in the Hogwarts Reading Challenge) and Cora R are friendly and will answer any questions you may have if I am not available. I fact if it wasn't for the two of them I just don't know what I would do...they are great!

If you have a reading challenge you would like us to know about please either join I Love Reading Challenges and post it there, leave it in a comment along with any links, or tweet it to me. 274 people are members of I Love Reading Challenges so chances are someone will be interested in joining your challenge.

**Coming soon more updates and information about Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012

Announcement Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012

Announcement Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2012

I am still working on the new challenge. The subjects will remain the same. So if you are like Hermione you will be able to start planning your reading list. Now, something new...in the books there ate mentions of different clubs and groups so this year you will be able to sign up to a club or group. I will be posting a sign up page soon. I can tell you that there will be quidditch teams, a music/choir club,a homework club, and others. Mini challenge theme announcement coming soon! Leave a comment if you would like to see a particular club.


Clubs:

• You must have at least 3 classmates to be a club.


• Books read for the club will have the same point value as a mini challenge book (10 points)


• Books read for a club can also be listed under a class and mini challenges
  

Points:

• each book is 1 point for the main challenge.


• books read for the mini challenge is worth 10 points each (the minimum books to complete a mini challenge will vary this year), plus 15 points for each additional, plus 1 point if you also list it under a class *you must list this books under your classes I will not do it for you this year.


• Harry Potter books are only worth 25 points. They can NOT be listed under your classes nor can they be used for any mini challenge.


• Harry Potter related books are worth 15 points (example Tales of Beedle the Bard, Guides to Harry Potter, basically any book that has Harry Potter in its title or is about the Harry Potter world). The CAN be listed under your classes and for mini challenges.


• 10 points for books read for a club *see above for points involving clubs

MIA 2...Yeah need another one

So I ended up disappearing again. This time it was because I got laid off. I, of course, had to go on an job search. It hasn't been a long search. I was lucky and found something fairly quick. Unfortunately, it pays less so I'm now having to get use to trying to figure out how to pay my overpriced rent and other bills. So there you have it. This is why I had to disappear again. Many changes this year but hey...that's life right.

M.I.A....Sorry

Things have been crazy for me in the past couple of months. Unfortunately, I have had alot I have had to deal with in my personal life and the blog and giveaways had to take a backseat. I am so sorry to all the winners. However, I have gotten most of the things that had to be dealt with in my personal life and can get back to the fun stuff....my blog and the giveaways.

Midsummer Eve Giveaway winner TeamWolf1988 your books are on the way...I am added two older books No Love Lost by Eleanor Woods and Haunted Spouse by Heather Allison

Anja Kasup I don't know if you sent me your email address but I do need it for the gift card. Please email me at bunnitaz@hotmail.com in subject line put in Hogwarts Challenge.

Kari, Andrea, and Tenia your items have to be sent to me and then sent to you. They will not let me send them to you directly so it will take some time. I will be in contact with each of you.

Every time I do a giveaway, contest, or challenge I learn so much. My lesson this time around. Have all prizes boxed up and ready to go ahead of time. So the Hogwarts Reading Challenge is coming back but instead of September it will start January !st most of the rules will be the same but the mini challenges will be different. And yes, I will have the prizes on hand already (which is why it is not starting until Jan 1st).

Once again sorry everyone...and thank you for participating and joining my blog

Little Ghetto Girl by Danielle Santiago

Little Ghetto Girl by Danielle Santiago
Hardcover pgs 197
06/19/2011
rating: 3stars

from back of book:


After a successful life in the drug game, twenty-one-year-old Kisa Kane plans to retire - settle down, find a good man and raise a family of her own. Done with the thug life , she has everything a ghetto girl would want: plenty of money, drop-dead-gorgeous looks, and two thriving legitimate businesses. Until she falls in love with Sincere Montega, a powerful drug dealer whose down-and-dirty money pulls Kisa back into the world she is trying so hard to leave behind. With lies, cheating, and conflict, Kai, their newborn, may be the only reason for this couple to stay together, but their lives are ineviably changed in the most unexpected way the only way the streets of Harlem can.


My Review:
I have said it before, I will say it now, and I will say it again. What is with all the brand name dropping in urban/street fiction, hell name dropping period? It is so not necessary for a good story. The characters are always ghetto beauties. Will anyone break the forumla? I am in search for it. Anyway on to the review. Good looking girl meets good looking guy. Both are involved in the streets. They love, they fight, they have beef with others, and in the end they have a happy ending.

What did stand out for me in this story is the jealousy of Kisa's sister Shea (same father different mother). Shea is as grimy as a sibling can get. All and all this is a good urban/street fiction story. I did not like the writing style of the story though. Kisa said. Sincere said. And it jumped forward too much. Also the sex scene where not written out which is actually a change for this genre. I missed the explict sex scenes. I rated this 3 stars because there were points when I was really interested in what was going to happen next. TBR list #4 really there's no rush.


Challenges:
Off the Shelf Challenge
What's in a Name 4
2011 Where Are You Reading

Follow Friday 06/20/2011

Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee
Feature blogger Nicki J Markus

Q. The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?

A. Ok if I had to choose a character it would be Harry Potter though I would much rather just be a student at the school. I love that magical world. Ummm so it wasn't that hard of a choice.


To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. (Required) Follow the Featured Bloggers - Beackseat Reader!!!!!
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing at Parajunkee.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say "howdy". Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "hola."
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the love...and the followers.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Ebook pgs 496
05/20/2011
rating: 5stars


Overview: Beatrice is living in dystopian Chicago. The city is broken up into 5 factions. When a person reaches the age of 16 he or she has to take an aptitude test. The test tells the recipient which faction he or she is best suited for. After the aptitude test, there is the Choosing Ceremony where the person announces which faction he or she has chosen from that point on the person has limited contact with his or her family (if they choose to live the faction they were born into) “motto faction or blood.”
Where to begin with this book? Let’s start with the factions. There are 5 of them. Dauntless faction values bravery. Abnegation faction values selflessness. Erudite values intelligence. Amity values peace and friendship. Candor faction values honesty. The factions came about to rid society of those negative traits that make a society least than harmonious. The problem with factions is that people have to live by one trait I do think that people have one dominant trait but they are other traits that cannot be suppressed. Humans are too complex creatures to live in a “box”.
The faction’s values are not all they are cracked up to be. Amity is not really explored in this book so I cannot speak on them. Candor honesty is more like tactlessness. There is a way to be honest and not so abrupt. Erudite’s intelligence is more like arrogance. Abnegation’s selflessness is servitude. Dauntless’s bravery is needless danger for danger stake. Or at least this is what the faction’s values have turned into.
Next is Beatrice as a character. She is not the most likable character at the beginning. I think it was because in her head she thought she was this nice girl weakling but she also was cold and heartless at times. The character I liked best was Four. I pretty much figured out his background and the side plot with him. The rest of characters were good as well. The story felt sluggish in the beginning but for me it picked up quickly. I cannot wait for the second one.
Comparisons to Harry Potter….so you saying you didn’t see me doing this LOL I’m hosting a Harry Potter Reading Challenge for heaven’s sake you know I have to go there. Here we go:
The factions somewhat remind me of the houses in the HP series. Dauntless would be Slytherin and Gryffindor. The two houses are not that different they are just good twin evil twin. Erudite would be Ravenclaw.. Amity and Abnegation would be Hufflepuff. Candor really doesn’t fit into any one house. Erudite in this first book can also be Slytherin but an explanation would contain a spoiler so I won’t get into that.
I heard people make comparisons to Hunger Games so I must read them now. TBR list #1…LOVED IT! I cannot wait to see what is going to happen in the second book. The first book we left with the city is chaos.

Discussion with Lah of Lazy Girl Reads and Lisa at Baffled Books will be added later tonight.

Challenges
2011 Where Are You Reading?
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011

Follow Friday June 3 2011

Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee

Feature blogger Amy from Backseat Reader

This week's question is: What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen? (Both of which could be terrifying.)

Well first for the zombie apocalypse...I'm doing nothing. I think I should be going the shooting range and stock piling weapons. As for Mel Gibson, I was too much of a fan to begain with so not watching his movies is not an issue for me.

I think that one of the best thing that anyone can do (and this goes for any celebrity, business, etc) not support the person. If you don't agree with his view points then don't help him make a living. Stop watching the movies he's in.



To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. (Required) Follow the Featured Bloggers - Beackseat Reader!!!!!
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing at Parajunkee.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say "howdy". Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "hola."
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the love...and the followers.

Wednesday's Wonders 06/01/2011

Wednesday's Wonders and it's where you talk about a song that has been stuck in your head that week or reminds you of one of the books your reading. Started by Jessica @ Reading with Style

Okay so the song that has been stuck in my head is the theme song from the Fraggle Rock! LOL

"Dance your cares away, Worry's for another day. Let the music play, Down at Fraggle Rock"

Baby-sitters Little Sister #59: Karen's Leprechaun

Baby-sitters Little Sister #59: Karen's Leprechaun by Ann M. Martin

Paperback pgs.93

rating: 2stars

05/31/2011

From back of book:

Karen and Andrew are going to be in the St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade director is a funny little man dressed all in green. He tells Karen he is a leprechaun.Karen is not sure if she should believe the leprechaun. But Karen loves his tales about rainbows and pots of gold. Could the leprechaun stories be big trouble for Karen?

My Review:

Karen and her brother Andrew were asked to be in the Stoneybrook St. Patrick's Day parade by the eledrly couple down the street. On their way home they spot a dog on their front stoop. After looking for the dog owner they end up keeping the dog (with their parent's permission) but their other pets don't get along the dog, Lucky. At the end Karen finds Lucky and home.

What I didn't like about the book? At one point they thought someone was breaking in. Karen's mom and stepfather told them to stay in the bedroom. Of course Karen thinks she can come to the rescue. The parents did not address the fact that she disobey what they told her and that if it had of been a real burlger she could've made things worse. I would have liked that addressed. I also didn't like that Mr. O'Casey apologize about telling her he was a leprechaun. He is an adult, her going off on her own is another act of disobeying whether she believed he was a real leprechaun or not. The last was that O'Casey ending up seeming a little creepy with the letters.

Challenges:

YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge

The Baby-sitters Club Challenge

Baby-sitters Little Sister #21: Karen's New Teacher by Ann M. Martin

Baby-sitters Little Sister #21: Karen's New Teacher by Ann M. Martin

Paperback pgs. 103

Rating: 4stars

05/31/2011

From back of book:

The meanest teacher ever
Karen loves her second-grade teacher. Ms. Colman never yells, and she makes school interesting. Karen's class is learning about math by making pizzas!

But now there's bad news. Karen and her friends are getting a substitute teacher. Mrs. Hoffman has lots of rules, like NO TALKING. She even makes Karen clean the sink.

Please come back, Ms. Colman

My Review:

Karen has a very close attachment to her teacher so when Ms. Coleman announce that she will be out for a month she is gigundo (her favorite word) upset. She doesn't like the first substitute because she treated them like little kids by doing things like reading from a picture book. She doesn't like the second substitute because she had way to many rule, especially no talking.

Mrs. Hoffman was indeed a strict teacher that most kids would hate. I find that I really kike the Little Sister series. Karen is a little girl who speaks her mind. I feel that she is written older than the seven year old she is suppose to be but so far each story has something that I remember I would have related to at that age. For this book it would be the favorite teacher mine at the age range was Ms. Clayton.

Challenges:

The Baby-sitters Club Challenge

YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge 2011

It's Monday! What Are Yu Reading? 05/30/2011

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey.

Books I finished last week:

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown - Great mystery & suspense story. Has a subplot of romance. Keep me interested to the very end.

The Baby-sitters Club #2: Claudia and The Phantom Caller - Claudia and friends receive calls where the caller hangs up without saying anything. It just so happen that there is a robber who is doing the same thing. Are the calls they are receive from the Phantom Caller?

Baby-sitters Little Sister #9: Karen's Sleepover - Karen has a sleepover but a too-grown-for-her-own-good classmate is ruining the fun. On top of that Karen had a fight with her best friend. Will she make up with her bestie? fav line from this story: "we are not best friends, we are best enemies."




Books I'm reading this week:
The Baby-sitters Club #1: Kristy's Great Idea - When Kristy Thomas has the great idea to form a baby-sitters club-a chance to earn money and spend time with her friends all while doing something they each love to do-she has no idea how much the club will change everything.

Crank calls, uncomfortable toddlers, wild pets, untruthful clients ...running a business is hard work! Kristy and her co-founders , Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey, are sure they can handle anything. But only if they stick together...


Baby-sitters Little Sister #21: Karen's New Teacher - Karen loves her second-grade teacher. Ms. Colman never yells, and she makes school interesting. Karen's class is learning about math by making pizzas!

But now there's bad news. Karen and her friends are getting a substitute teacher. Mrs. Hoffman has lots of rules, like NO TALKING. She even makes Karen clean the sink.

Pleas come back, Ms. Coleman!


Baby-sitters Little Sister #5: Karen's Leprechaun - Karen and Andrew are going to be inn the St, Patrick's Day parad3\e, The parade directr is a gunny little man dressed all in green. He tell Karen he is a leprechaun.

Karen is not sure if she shold believe the leprechaun. But Karen loves his tales about rainbows and pots of gold. could the leprechaun stories be big trouble for Karen?


The Baby-sitters Club #39: Poor Mallory! - There's some bad news in the Pike family: Mallory's chlad has just lost his job. And since money is going to be tight until Mr. Pike finds a new job, all eight of the Pike kids decide to help out.

Nicky gets a paper route, Vanessa tries selling her poetry, and Mallory takes a baby-sitting job in Kristy's ritzy neighborhood. But being around the Delaneys only makes Mallory feel poor. They have a cat that cost $400 and tennis courts in their backyard!

Poor Mallory-she needs the Baby-sitters now more than ever!

It's my birthday so I'm not sure how much reading I will get done today but this is the plan thus far.

The Baby-sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

The Baby-sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
paperback pgs.156
rating: 4stars
05/29/2011

From back of book:


When Kristy Thomas has the great idea to form a baby-sitters club-a chance to earn money and spend time with her friends all while doing something they each love to do-she has no idea how much the club will change everything.

Crank calls, uncomfortable toddlers, wild pets, untruthful clients ...running a business is hard work! Kristy and her co-founders , Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey, are sure they can handle anything. But only if they stick together...

My Review:
It was a great idea. I wish that I could have been apart of a baby-sitting club. Well I would have had to live in an area where there were baby-sitters. I thought it was smart of them to keep records and a notebook of experiences and all of that (be carefully the IRS may audit you for not paying your kiddie taxes). Kristy is very relatable character. She is a preteen who is smart, upset about the divorce of her parents, she is jealous of her mom new boyfriend, and she tries hard not to like him. I think most people who have had parents who'd divorce when they were young can relate to Kristy.tbr list #2 I gave this such a high position on the tbr list because of its iconic nature.

Challenges:
YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge 2011
The Baby-sitters Club Challenge

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown
Audiiobook 12cds
rating: 4stars
05/25/2011


From Goodreads:
Hard-living detective-turned-P.I., Dodge Hanley tries not to dwell on the past. But when he gets a call from Caroline King, “the one” who got away, there’s no time for looking back; their daughter is in trouble.

Caroline has told Berry that Dodge is an old friend they can rely on to prove she didn’t shoot her ex-lover, even though she’s already told the cops she saw the real culprit. It was Oren Starks, Berry insists, a former co-worker fired for stalking her. Dodge believes his daughter…and he’s pretty sure Deputy Ski Nyland does, too, considering how hard he’s working to find Starks. Berry’s told them he’s depraved, and from what they learn, she’s got him pegged. But nut jobs play by their own crazy rules. The only thing clear to Dodge is that Starks is obsessed with having Berry…or killing her, and neither is acceptable to a man who’s determined to right some old wrongs, even if he has to risk his life—not to mention his heart—to do it

My Review:
This was a great story. It had several little stories going on. The main plot is that the main character Dodge is called by his ex, Caroline, to help their daughter Berry. Berry is being stalker by a previous co-worker, Oren. Deputy Nyland is called to the house when someone has called in a 911 of someone being shot.
It is apparent that Nyland has developed feelings for Berry right off that bat. Berry also feels something for Nylan too though the two fight it for awhile. Dodge and Caroline are not honest about their relationship to Berry but she soons figures it out. All the while Oren is killing and creating havoc. There is a pretty good twist in the book. And the ending is expected but still goood. tbr list #2 the narrator voice keep the story moving forward. he changed tones to differentate characters.

Challenges:
Whisper Stories in My Ear 2011
2011 Where Are You Reading?
Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge

Do you ever feel like you’re in a reading rut? That you don’t read enough variety? That you need to branch out, spread your literary wings and explore other genres, flavors, styles?

Oh my yes. Right now I am reading a lot of urban fiction. I would love to read more literary works but they just don't seem to hold my attention as much right now. I am really into quick reads right now and I find that the books I would like to read would take awhile to get through. Maybe once falls rolls back around I'll be more willing to cuddle up with a more serious book.

Baby-sitters Little Sister #9: Karen's Sleepover by Ann M. Martin

Baby-sitters Little Sister #9: Karen's Sleepover by Ann M. Martin
Paperback pgs 102
rating: 3stars
05/23/2011

From back of book:
Karen's having her first sleepover ever! She and her friends are going to tell spooky stories, try on makeup, and raid the refrigerator.

But then Karen and Nancy get into a big fight. Karen doesn't want Nancy to come to her party. A new girl comes instead, and she is no fun! What will Karen do now?

My Review:
This is about Kristy little stepsister Karen. Karen is a smart seven year old who's a little too smart for her own good. She decides that she wants to have a sleepover and after her dad and stepmom ok she invites all the girls in her class to it. Then she gets into an argument one of her best friends and it just so happen a new girl enters the class named Pamela. Pamela is way too grown for her age and it soon becomes apparent that she shouldn't have been invited to the party. Good story about friendship and also about how people are not what you think they are by just looking at them.

Challenges:
YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge
The Baby-sitters Club Challenge

The Baby-sitters Club #2: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls

The Baby-sitters Club #2: Claudia and the Phantom Caller by Ann M. Martin -
paperback
4stars
05/23/2011


from back of book:
Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, and Stacey have had some strange adventures since they started the Baby-sitters Club. But nothing's been as spooky as what's going on right now. The baby-sitters have been getting mysterious phone calls whn they're out on their jobs. When a phone rings and they pick up, there's no one on the other end of the line.
Claudia's sure it's the Phantom Caller, a jewel thief who's been operating in the area. cluadia has always liked reading mysteries, but she sheoesn't like it when they happen to her. So she and the baby-sitters decide to take action-with some very mixed results!


my review:
This story revolves around Claudia Kishi. She is a smart pre-teen girl in the seventh grade. She loves art and have an...unique sense of style. The baby-sitters include Claudia, Stacey McGill, Kristy Thomas, and Mary Anne Spier. The story is about a jewel theif who calls the household (presumelying to make sure no one is home) before breaking in. The girls get paranoid as two of them get calls where the caller never says anything. And the other two are just spooked from the thought of the caller. The side story is about Claudia and her crush on a boy named Trevor Sandbourne. (YA)tbr list #3 it's a fun quick story but if you been waiting to read other books did it count definite wait

Challenges:
The Baby-sitters Club Challenge
YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge
2011 Where Are You Reading?