Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Wonder Woman: Fausta: The Nazi Wonder Woman (S1, Ep.2)

Watch the full episode of Wonder Woman: Fausta: The Nazi Wonder Woman (Season 1: Episode 2) online courtesy of the WB (part of Warner Bros. Entertainment).
Wonder Woman must use all her cunning and prowess when confronted by her evil Nazi counterpart. . - the WB (run time 50:25)


Friday, June 21, 2013

Library Books Read-A-Thon | June 21 - 28 2013

Easy peezy, nice and breezy!




The goal of this read-a-thon is to read as many library books as possible. If you are like me you always have books that are close to due that need to be done and fast so this read-a-thon is a great time to get those books done and get them back to the library. I'm not going to be picky.  
If you want to read your own books go ahead. I just love read-a-thons so I would love anybody who could join. - Rachael Turns Pages


Library Books Read-A-Thon hosted by Rachael Turns Pages. Another tool in my quest to read 100 books by August 31, 2012. I came across this read-a-thon on Darlene's Book Nook.

This read-a-thon is right up my alley. I always have books that are close to due that need to be finished fast. And I have some books of my own that need to be read and posted to find a new home. My shelves need more room. LOL!


Are you participating in this event? What are you planning on reading during this week?




Thursday, June 20, 2013

Watch Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1972) via Hulu




This all-star musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale will delight children and adults alike. This magical and intoxicating version explores Alice’s dizzying adventures both faithfully and metaphorically as a coming of age story.

  • Movie
  • Aired on 04/22/1972
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 1 hr. 36 min.



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman Meets Baroness Von Gunther (S1, Ep.1)

Watch the full episode of Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman Meets Baroness Von Gunther (Season 1: Episode 1) online courtesy of the WB (part of Warner Bros. Entertainment).

An American war hero is implicated in a Nazi spy ring in a confession given by a German spy in prison. - the WB (run time 49:45)




Join me for Wonder Woman Wednesdays!


#WWWxx

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wonder Woman: “Pilot: The New Original Wonder Woman”


Watch the full episode of Wonder Woman: The New Original Wonder Woman (Season 1: Pilot) online courtesy of the WB (part of Warner Bros. Entertainment).


  
  
"American war hero Steve Trevor is downed over the Bermuda Triangle and lands on "Paradise Island," home of the Amazons. The Amazons hold a contest and choose a champion among them - Wonder Woman - who will return with Steve Trevor to America and remain there to fight the Nazi threat. In the pilot episode, there is a Nazi plan to destroy a new bomb site to ruin America's war effort. The Nazis have a mole in Steve's office who is sabotaging him, and only Wonder Woman can stop this catastrophe." Cloris Leachman, Red Buttons, Stella Stevens, Fannie Flagg, and Kenneth Mars guest star. - the WB  (run time 70:53) 
  
     
StarringLynda Carter
Lyle Waggoner
Norman Burton
Richard Eastham


Join me for Wonder Woman Wednesdays!


#WWWxx

Monday, June 10, 2013

Devourer of Books: We’re Listening Audiobook Week 2013 Event

Thanks to Words And Peace for putting me on to Devourer of Books' week-long audiobook celebration. I love audiobooks!

There will be daily discussion topics (all prompts available on event page; I'll address one each day) during the week and possibly a few prizes. The event runs June 17-21.



audiobookweekbutton zpsdb6e126c picture


June is shaping up to be a busy month. I need to decide what to read during this event.

Are you participating in this event? What are you planning on reading during this week?


Monday, June 17


Devourer of Books asked:
2012-2013, Your Audiobook Year
Are you new to audiobooks in the last year? Have you been listening to them forever but discovered something new this year? Favorite titles? New times/places to listen? This is your chance to introduce yourself and your general listening experience.

Hello audiobook readers! I am pleased to be listening along with you. I recently finished up 3 book challenges so this event couldn't have come at a better time. My eyes need a rest.

I have been listening to audiobooks for years - primarily CD audiobooks. In the past year, I have joined a few audiobook services so I have been listening to more MP3 audiobooks. I listen to audiobooks in the car, on my computer, on my tablet, and on my iPod.

I listened to the entire Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mystery series (written by Charlaine Harris, narrated by Johanna Parker) this year. While I liked the series, I don't think that I could have made it through all of the novels if I had to "read" them. Sometimes a narrator can make (or break) a book for me. In this series, I think that Johanna Parker's performances saved some the books for me when Charlaine Harris' writing was losing my interest.




The final book in the series was released last month - too much fan anger. I was okay with the ending. I wonder if my feelings about the end were impacted because I listened to all of the audiobooks in a relatively short length of time. Perhaps, I didn't develop the same attachment that I would have, had I read the print versions as they were released.

Have you ever stopped listening to a book because of the narrator?

Tuesday, June 18


Devourer of Books asked:

How do You Choose Your Audiobooks? 
How do you decide what you’ll listen to? Do you mostly listen, or split time between listening and reading? Particularly if you split time, how do you decide what you’ll consume in audio and what in print?

My audiobook selection process is so random that hardly qualifies as a process. I mostly split time between listening and reading. My audiobook consumption is largely based on availability. I find that it is often easier to get an audiobook copy of a popular book than it is to get a print copy at my local library.


Wednesday, June 19


Devourer of Books prompted:

Current/most recent audiobook:

Right now, I am listening to Daughter of Smoke & Bone (by Laini Taylor, narrated by Khristine Hvam) because Liviania said that she was enjoying it (see comment below). So far, so good.

Jen at Devourer of Books says that Hvam is her favorite narrator that she has discovered recently.




Current/most recent favorite audiobook:

I don't really have a favorite audiobook.  Two that I have enjoyed recently:

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, narrated by Rebecca Lowman

This was my second time reading a Nicholas Spark book and my first time listening to one via audiobook.* This book was a slow burn. So I think that it was better for me to listen to it rather than read it. Lowman's voice and pace kept things moving for me.



*The other book was Dear John, not The Notebook. SMH! One day, I'll get around to reading The Notebook. I feel like everyone has read it except for me.

Enchanted Night by Steven Millhauser, narrated by Stefan Rudnicki

It is a novella of short stories set in a Connecticut town over one summer night. It was strange and rhythmic. I felt like Rudnicki was whispering secrets to me. I am still thinking about it.




Favorite narrator you’ve discovered recently:

I don't have a favorite narrator. I have been listening to some books with multiple narrators recently.  I occasionally receive audiobooks via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. I recently got Stories from the Golden Age audiobook CDs of The Red Dragon, Twenty Fathoms Downand The Iron Duke through the program. Written by L. Ron Hubbard, these American pulp fiction books are multicast performances with music and sound effects. They are a little hokey, but entertaining all the same. It has been an interesting change of pace.

 

One title from your TBL (to be listened) stack, or your audio wishlist:

I keep seeing this book everywhere: Life After Life: A Novel by Kate Atkinson. I am nosey so I'll have to read it to see what all of the hype is about.



Thursday, June 20


Devourer of Books asked:

Audiobook Tasks
What do you do while you listen? Any particular tasks or games that you find amazing for audio time?
Cleaning.
Driving (during long work commute)
Cleaning.
Cooking.
Cleaning.
Yard work.
Exercise (mostly while walking)

Did I mention cleaning?


Friday, June 21



Finding Audiobooks
Where do you learn about great audiobook titles? Buy your audiobooks? Share your secrets with the rest of us! We’d particularly love to know what narrators or publishers are active in social media or do a great job communicating with listeners.
I mostly learn about audiobook titles via my library and Audible.com (I follow on Twitter).

I borrow or trade to get most of my audiobooks. Sources:

  1. My library: CDs and digital audiobooks via OneClickdigital
  2. PaperbackSwap.com: CDs | I am on a book buying ban until the end of August so PBS has been really helpful.
  3. Local bookstore: CDs
  4. Amazon and Audible.com: CDs and digital audiobooks
  5. LibraryThing: See post above on Wednesday, June 19
This weekend, I am listening to Together Tea by Marjan Kamali, by narrated Negin Farsad.



What are you listening to this weekend?



Get 1 free audiobook credit at audible.com!



Friday, June 7, 2013

The 8th Annual MotherReader 48-Hour Book Challenge | June 7–9, 2013

Ms Yingling Reads Ms. Yingling is taking over 48-Hour Book Challenge hosting duties for MotherReader this year. Thanks Ms. Yingling! <in my best middle-grade voice> I have a number of middle-grade books that I would like to read this weekend. You can read middle-grade, young adult, or adult books in this challenge.




The game plan is pretty simple.
1. Sign up on the Mr. Linky on Ms. Yingling Reads when you start.
2. Post your starting line blog entry.
3. Read, blog and social network about reading (1 hour for every 5 hours of actual reading counts toward reading time) for 48 HOURS!
4. After 48 hours, fill in Mr. Linky at this blog’s Sunday post, fill out spreadsheet, and post your finishing line entry on your blog.

Ready to sign up? Need more detailed instructions? Swing by here.

You can select your own reading window for any 48-hour period within the Friday-to-Monday-morning window. I will be reading (and socializing #48hbc) from 4:00 pm EST Friday (June 7) to 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday (June 9).

I'll post my all of my 48-Hour Book Challenge updates to this page. Please drop by this blog post during the weekend to offer encouragement, say hello, discuss these books, or just peep at my status updates. I am also participating in the Wildfire Read-A-Thon week-long read-a-thon. It starts tonight! My eyes are scared. LOL!

I'll post my #48hbc reviews after the challenge is over. Be sure to check out the Ann of Green Gables Giveaway while you are here.

Good luck and happy reading!

Start Line

Friday, June 7

  • Hours Read: 5.75
  • Social Hours: 1
  • Books Read: 5
  • Pages Read: 685

What is your strategy for this weekend's reading challenge?

Gnit-Wit Gnipper and the Perilous Plague by T.J. Lantz (42 pages) [READ]

I am going to start off with Gnit-Wit Gnipper and the Perilous Plague. I intended to read it during another read-a-thon. I placed a magazine on top of it and it "disappeared" for 3 days. What? It's a thin book! I am going to redeem myself today. Gotta find out how Gnipper plans to get the recognition that she deserves.



The Kindle version of Gnit-Wit Gnipper and the Perilous Plague is free right now on Amazon. Gnipper is a mess! Tinkering with experiments without adult supervision will get you in trouble. The new cover above is better than the one on my copy.

I posted my paperback copy on PaperBackSwap.

Review posted at A. Literary Mafia

Flickering Hope by Naomi Kinsman (208 pages) [READ]

I read Shades of Truth (book review on ALM), the first book in the From Sadie's Sketchbook series, a while back. Check out my Pinterest board below. When I left twelve-year-old Sadie, she was trying to settle into life in a new town. I hope to finish the entire series during this challenge.

 


I posted my paperback copy on PaperBackSwap.

The Color of Bones by Tracy Edward Wymer (174 pages) [READ]

Oooh. A middle-grade mystery! Twelve year-old Derby Shrewd lives in a town divided by a strange force referred to as the Line.



Hhmm. This book had an unexpected dystopian feel to it. I posted my paperback copy on PaperBackSwap.

FISH TANK: A Fable for Our Times by Scott Bischke (144 pages) [READ]

This is a re-read. It reminded me a little of Animal Farm. It's an easy adult read and family-friendly. I think that middle-grade kids would enjoy reading it on their own. I had to look up some of the sea animals so I ended up creating a Pinterest board for it.





Breaking Through By Grace: The Bono Story by Kim Washburn (117 pages) [READ]

Another re-read. This book is listed as juvenile nonfiction. Do middle-grade kids even know who Bono is?



I posted my paperback Advance Reading Copy on BookMooch.


Saturday, June 8

  • Hours Read: 13.5
  • Social Hours: 1
  • Books Read: 7
  • Pages Read: 1384
My goal for today is to read at least 1000 pages. It will be a mix of adult and kid pages so hopefully I'll make it through.

What is the toughest part of reading challenges for you?

The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne (288 pages) [READ]

Have you read The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family yet? Check out the book trailer on ALM.




"An inspiring story of how a Mormon kid with Tourette’s found salvation in books and weight-lifting."

 
I am reading the following three books as part of Wonder Woman Wednesdays this summer.

Be sure to check out the documentary, Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. The full documentary is available for free online viewing via PBS/Independent Lens until June 14.

Can you recommend some middle grade books with a fictional or real-life superheroine as the main character?


The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera (152 pages) [READ]

From Goodreads.com: "Eight-year-old Kahu, a member of the Maori tribe of Whangara, New Zealand, fights to prove her love, her leadership, and her destiny."

The Whale Rider was adapted into an award-winning film. I am going to watch the film tomorrow after I finish this reading challenge. I'll post the film on this site (it's available for free online viewing).




Wonder Woman: Power Outage (Choose-Your-Fate Adventure Books) by Michael Teitelbaum (144 pages) [READ]

I have never been a big fan of comic books. I thought that I would give this choose your own fate book a try. It's my first time reading a "choose your own book."




Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein (256 pages) [READ]

Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture is recommended reading on the Wonder Women!'s resource list.





Last month, I participated in an Armchair BEA discussion on classics.

One of the questions asked was:
How would you convince them [people who claim to hate classics] to give classics a try?
I suggested reading classics that have been adapted by radio, film and/or television and then listen to/watch the adaptations. I am taking my own advice and reading a couple of classics this weekend.


Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by Allison Joy (144 pages) [READ]

This tales has been adapted many times. I listened to it as an audiobook a while back (after reading the adult novel, Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin]. This time I selected an illustrated version to get the full effect.




I am going to watch two of the film adaptations tomorrow after I finish this reading challenge. I'll post one of them on this site (it is available for free online viewing).

What is your favorite adaptation of this book?


The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (176 pages) [READ]

I don't remember reading this book as a kid, but I feel like I should have.




All the Right Stuff by Walter Dean Myers (224 pages) [READ]

This book is the winner of the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Award. Can't go wrong there.



I have two hard cover copies. I am going to donate one to my library. I can't decide if I want to post the other to PaperBackSwap. Decisions, decisions.


Sunday, June 9

  • Hours Read: 9.5
  • Social Hours: 2
  • Books Read: 3
  • Pages Read: 758

Whew! I am getting tired. I am going to read in the early morning and socialize in last couple of hours of the read-a-thon. Then I am going to check out the movie adaptations of the books that I read. And perhaps start a Pinterest board of my reads for this challenge.

How are you doing so far?

Chain Gang Elementary by Jonathan Grant (344 pages) [DNF]

This is an adult read set in a school. Doesn't this blurb from the cover sound crazy? And intriguing? "Welcome to Chain Gang Elementary, home to vast right-wing conspiracies, 3rd-grade gangsters, and bake sale embezzlers, where toxic childhood secrets boil over, reformers go stark raving mad, and culture wars escalate into armed conflict."




I posted my paperback copy on PaperBackSwap.


Darkness Shall Fall by Alister E. McGrath (214 pages) [READ]

"As the volcano's dark and deadly cloud draws closer, Peter, Julia, and Louisa fight to protect the people of Aedyn, attempting to shelter themselves from the strengthening dark forces."

I hate reading books out of sequence. I think that this is the final book in the series. I am going to have go back and read the first two.



I posted my paperback Advance Reading Copy on BookMooch.


In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger (224 pages) [READ]

This book has been in my TBR pile for a while.



I posted my hardcover copy on BookMooch.


Diviner by Bryan Davis [DNF]

I need to read a book with a reptile on the cover for the Seasonal Reading Challenge on Goodreads. Dragons count. I don't expect to finish Diviner (Dragons of Starlight) within my 48 hour reading period. I hope to make a dent in it though.






The Eyes of the Desert Sand by Edwin Wolfe (320 pages) [READ]

"A charming debut from an author who is sure to draw comparisons to none other than J.K. Rowling - where Harry Potter made everyone wish they could go to Hogwarts, Edwin Wolfe's The Eyes of the Desert Sand makes you want to discover the world of the Chrysalis - a delightful story that glows with rare magic, unearthly wonders and true friendships." --AuthorsOpen



I have never read any Harry Potter books so I am not sure about the comparison. I know. I know. Don't judge me. Perhaps I'll pick up the Potters in next year's #48hbc.

I posted my paperback Advance Reading Copy on BookMooch.


Finish Line


Well, I was looking at my TBR picture (which I see that I failed to post) and realized that I missed a must-read book (The Eyes of the Desert Sand) and had to do a quick substitution for Sunday. Sorry Chain Gang Elementary, I was getting really tired [I blame Dr. Laura Schlessinger <gives her book the *evil* side eye>.]

I didn't finish Chain Gang Elementary or Diviners because I ran out of time (also I didn't get to the remaining Sadie books). I will pick them up again later on in the week for Wicked Wildfire. That probably won't be until at least Wednesday - when my eye recover. I am done reading books for a few days. LOL!

I enjoyed visiting all of this challenge's participants. You folks read A LOT of books. A LOT of books. I picked up some new reading suggestions - which is both good and bad considering my TBR list.

This was my first year participating and I am pleased with my results.

  • Hours Read: 28.75
  • Social Hours: 4
  • Books Read: 15
  • Pages Read: 2827
 
 

What is your favorite middle-grade book?




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines [VIDEO]

Dig into the documentary, Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. We'll start discussing all things Wonder Woman next Wednesday.

Join me for Wonder Woman Wednesdays!  



  
Directed by Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and produced by Kelcey Edwards, Wonder Women! is a fun and warmly witty look at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation. - Independent Lens
 


Be sure to check out:

#WWWxx

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Won't you join me in the Wicked Wildfire Read-A-Thon?

I am determined to read 100 books this year. In looking at my reading patterns on Goodreads, I discovered that I read on pace up until September. Then, I tend to fall off. My plan this year? Front load.

I am trying to reach my 100-book goal by the end of August. Or at the very least, read as many as I can by then so that I can coast during the remaining months of 2013. I have found Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon and Bout of Books 7.0 Read-a-Thon helpful in keeping up my pace and motivation.

So I have decided to join the Wicked Wildfire Read-A-Thon to keep things moving along.

Won't you join me?


WW Read-a-Thon


The Wicked Wildfire Read-A-Thon is a time when we all get together to dedicate the days of June 7-14 to as much reading as possible. You read as much as you can in order to get yourself a little further through that huge to-read pile! We know real life gets in the way and even if you can’t participate more than one day, you’re welcome to join in on the fun!

In the meanwhile, we will be hosting book-related challenges where you can win some awesome prizes and have a Twitter party at the hashtag #WWReadathon! You can posts updates on your blog, Twitter, Goodreads or Facebook — as long as the profile is public and we all can enjoy your reading progress! - My Shelf Confessions




I'll post my all of my Wicked Wildfire updates to this page. Please drop by this blog post during the week to offer encouragement, say hello, discuss these books, or just peep at my status updates. I'll also be participating in the 8th Annual MotherReader 48-Hour Book Challenge this weekend. Whoa mama! That's a lot.


Saturday, June 8


  • Hours Read: 13.5
  • Social Hours: 0
  • Books Read: 7
  • Pages Read: 1384

You can see what I read here.

Sunday, June 9


  • Hours Read: 9.5
  • Social Hours: 0
  • Books Read: 3
  • Pages Read: 758

You can see what I read here.

My eyes are super tired. I may try to get in an audiobook tomorrow.

Monday, June 10


  • Books Read: 1
  • Pages Read: 124 (based on the paperback)

Today, I am listening to The Red Dragon (Stories from the Golden Age) by L. Ron Hubbard.  It's an action-adventure (American pulp fiction) story set in 1930s China. It is a multicast performance with music and sound effects.



I had planned to save this for Devourer of Books' We’re Listening Audiobook Week 2013 event next week. My eyes need something quick and easy - so I going with the flow. I posted my CD audiobook copy of The Red Dragon (2 CDs, approx. 2 hours, unabridged) on PaperBackSwap.


Tuesday, June 11


  • Books Read: 1
  • Pages Read: 128  (based on the paperback)

Today, I am re-listening to The Iron Duke (Stories from the Golden Age) by L. Ron Hubbard. It is a multicast performance with music and sound effects.



I posted my CD audiobook copy of The Iron Duke (2 CDs, approx. 2 hours, unabridged) on PaperBackSwap.

Wednesday, June 12


  • Books Read: 0
  • Pages Read: 248 (based on the paperback)

Today, I am starting the audiobook of Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.


Thursday, June 13


  • Books Read: 1
  • Pages Read: 528 (based on the paperback)

  • Today, I am finishing up Beautiful Darkness. I am not liking it as much as Beautiful Creatures.



    Friday, June 14


    • Books Read: 1
    • Pages Read: 320

    Today, I am re-starting book 2 of the Jane Wheel Mysteries series, Dead Guy's Stuff by Sharon Fiffer. This book has been floating around on TBR for months.




    This was a great reading week for me. I am getting closer and closer to my 100-book goal. I can see it in sight! Sadly, I didn't get a chance to do much socializing during this event. I am going to try and visit the other participants later on in the month.

    I hope to participate Wonderfully Wicked Read-A-Thon II later this year.


    Monday, June 3, 2013

    Join me for Wonder Woman Wednesdays!

    Back in April of this year, I watched Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines on PBS during the Independent Lens program. I also participated in a lively Twitter chat with other viewers watching the premiere.

    It is now June and I am still thinking about that documentary. I have got to get it out of my head!

    So, I am declaring this summer, The Summer of Wonder Woman. [Unofficially, of course.] I am going to dig into all things Wonder Woman. I am talking the television show, books, Wonder Women!'s resource list, cartoons, and other Wonder Woman-related stuff.

    I invite you to drop by this blog on Wednesdays to discuss what I am reading and watching. I'll be tweeting using the hashtags #WWWxx and #WonderWoman.




    I am starting the summer early because you will only be able to watch the full length documentary through until June 14 on the PBS website (befo to the official start of summer). I'll post the video on Wednesday to kick off things.




    Synopsis from WONDER WOMEN! Press Kit:

    WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES traces the fascinating birth, evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman and introduces audiences to a dynamic group of fictional and real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls, both on screen and off.

    From the birth of the 1940s comic book heroine, Wonder Woman, to the blockbusters of today, WONDER WOMEN! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about strong and healthy women.

    WONDER WOMEN! goes behind the scenes with actors Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman)and Lindsay Wagner (the Bionic Woman), comic writers and artists, and real-life superheroines such as feminist icon Gloria Steinem, riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna, and others, who offer an enlightening and entertaining counterpoint to the male-dominated superhero genre.

    Sunday, June 2, 2013

    I won TCK's FUEL YOUR FIRE event!

    So, I start this morning off multi-tasking.

    I am eating breakfast.

    I am listening to Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl on MP3 audiobook.

    I am entering all of the fabulous giveaways being hosted by Armchair BEA participants. You should really check them out. You still have a little time.

    I am checking my Twitter feed. THEN...

    I discovered that I won Thrills Chills and Kills' FUEL YOUR FIRE event.

    I won a Kindle Fire. Huzzah!

    <high fives the dog, pumps fists, does ugly victory dance>





    Special thanks to TCK and it authors. Be sure to drop by and check them out.