Illuminae #AtoZChallenge

One of the best audio books I have listened to is Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. Normally I wouldn't expect to like a book that features sound effects, but wow did it enhance this space odyssey!

Strong characters, space (the final frontier), an AI that would give Hal a run for his money, a sprinkling of zombies and a surprising ending left me hoping for a sequel (which I just found out is coming out in October!!). If you're not an audiobook listener, check out the physical book which is filled with maps, diagrams, briefings and more. One of the few books I want to own in multiple formats.

Here's the official summary:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

      The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than a speck at the edge of the universe. Now with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship in hot pursuit.

     But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a web of data to find the truth, it’s clear the only person who can help her is the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.

      Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, maps, files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Speaking of Audio books... even if you don't have a long drive, you can still enjoy audio books. I sometimes listen to them when I clean the house and wow does the time fly by. I also sometimes listen to them while putting together a puzzle or coloring; toss in a glass of wine and you're in for one of the most relaxing evenings ever.

Hunger Games #AtoZChallenge

Have you watched the Hunger Games movies? They are very well done and most enjoyable. How about the books, have you read them? They are very, very well written.

I must admit that the third book left me a little flat. Katniss was so strong in the beginning, but by the third book she's... well she's just not the same. I struggled with how the series ended until I tripped over a blog post that put it all into perspective for me. Katniss suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. Boom... now everything makes so much more sense. In fact, I realized that the third book wasn't disappointing, it was amazing; raw, deep and spot on.

I would imagine that many people suffer from PTSD. Any major stressor that changes your life is bound to leave a scar. Sure, it might not be to the degree portrayed by Katness, or those returning from active duty, but stress always leave a mark.

Many breast cancer survivors suffer from PTSD. When you look in the mirror and expect to see yourself, but instead see a bald, eyebrowless, scarred fat woman it leaves
a mark. But things get better, eventually your hair grows back, you lose the weight, the scars fade and the face in the mirror becomes more familiar again.

So what's the point of today's post... well first, you should read the Hunger Games series, it is excellent. The movies are also fantastic; I love Jennifer Lawrence. And finally... life isn't always easy and stress, no matter how big or how small it may seem to others, leaves its mark. Be kind to yourself and to others. Never lose hope. Some day you'll love the face in the mirror again.

Books to Time Travel With #AtoZChallenge

I recently started reading/listening to the Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jodi Taylor and haven't been able to stop bingeing on them since. I'm now on book six of the series and am already looking forward to the seventh, which comes out next month.

I stumbled upon the series a few years ago actually, bought the first book (very likely on sale) and never got around to listening to it. Although I listen to audiobooks for two plus hours a day, I never get caught up because Audible has so many good sales.

The Chronicles of St. Mary's is centered around a group of eccentric, accident prone historians who travel back in time to witness historical events. They never intend to get involved, but often find themselves in some sort of trouble, right in the thick of things. The main character, Max, is hilarious; she's got amazing wit, is very smart and has me laughing and slapping my steering wheel every day. I like her so much, I want to be more like her.

I also recently read Jodi Taylor's The Nothing Girl, which was also fabulous. Jenny has a stutter and very low self-confidence and at the lowest point of her life finds a friend in a golden horse only she can see... ok, I admit that's a bit odd, but somehow Ms. Taylor makes it work perfectly. Jenny's family is overprotective and intent on keeping her sheltered, but a chance meeting has her breaking away from her solitary existence and taking a chance on actually living her life. I highly recommend it.

I admit, I've been a sucker for time travel books since I was a teenager. Do you like the genre? Which one is your favorite? Mine is Outlander, but I could rattle off dozens of others too :)

I just wanted a little more Joe Ledger...

I've mentioned Jonathan Maberry's Joe Ledger series before - Joe is a former cop and Army Ranger who now works for a the mysterious Mr. Church in an elite, secret government agency. These books are gripping, the action is non-stop, the characters are well written and you won't come up for air until you've made it through all of them. The good news, the series isn't over yet. The bad news, there are only seven books in the series so far, plus several handfuls of short stories.

Does that sound like a lot? It's not... I wanted more.

So I started reading the Rot & Ruin series because I'd read that Joe was in them... even if he didn't appear until the third of the four book series. I figured he'd just have a cameo, but frankly that would still have made me happy.

It sort of makes me sad too... Joe saved the world several times from doomsday plots, but apparently at some point he failed. A little more than thirteen years later we meet Benny Imura, a fifteen year old living in the zombie-infested Rot & Ruin. Benny was 18-months old the world as we know it ended forever and the zombie apocalypse began.

Don't let the age of the main character, nor the series' young adult "status" scare you off, these books are fantastic. Once I started listening to the audiobooks I couldn't stop; not only did I listen to and from work, but in the evenings as well.

By the way, listening to an audiobook, drinking a glass of wine and putting together a puzzle may be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing things you'll ever do.

But I digress... If there's one thing Maberry is a master at, it's writing characters. Within just a few sentences he can create characters that are unique, interesting and that you want to know more about. The action, emotions and realism in his novels is also top notch; and that's saying a lot considering that he sprinkles in a good dose of the supernatural in his stories.

Oh, and as for Joe... well his appearance was very much not a cameo. He's back with his wonderful wry sense of humor, non-stop-action and stories about "First Night" that will have me reading future Joe Ledger novels holding my breath because now I know how things ultimately turn out for him.

I'd suggest you read Joe's novels first, then follow with the Rot & Ruin series. However the two series, although connected, can be read independently of each other - but really,you won't want to.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield #AtoZChallenge

I stumbled upon The Thirteenth Tale about a year ago. I forget how, but likely another impossible to resist Audible sale.

The story begins with a famous, reclusive novelist's decision to have her biography written. She chooses a young shopkeeper, Lea, for the task. What follows is a Gothic suspense with so many twists and turns that you'll be guessing right up until the end as it switches between present day and long ago.

The characters are well written and interesting. The story is intriguing, spooky and filled with surprises. I highly recommend it, even if it is a departure from your typical reading genre as it was for me.

There was a movie made based upon the book. It was pretty good, but the book is almost always better, right?

Samantha Shannon and The Bone Season series #AtoZXChallenge

Yet another series set in a Dystopian world - I guess I just gravitate towards them. Plus Audible knows my tastes very well and dangles series novels in front of my nose and I can often not resist. I think that's how I came across The Bone Season.

This series is scheduled to be seven books long - only the first two have been published so far. The books have been very well received and I know I have enjoyed them a lot. I hope that eventually they'll be picked up for a television series - I don't think a movie would do them justice.

These are Dystopian with a supernatural/paranormal twist. Many of the main characters have some type of clairvoyance, and are shunned and feared because of it. They also often disappear, just like our main character Paige does.

The Bone Season is all about that disappearance and how Paige manages to return. The Mime Order finds her fighting to bring the truth of their world to people, despite those in power either not believing her, or wanting to block that knowledge for their own reasons.

Gripping novels, unique world and deep characters will keep you turning the pages. I do suggest, however, that you read the two books back to back. The second book picks up immediately after the first and you might find yourself quickly lost, like I did, if you wait for a long time between books.

Pawn, Captive, Queen - a great series by Aimee Carter #AtoZChallenge

Set in a dystopian world where one's place in the world is based upon how well they do on a test, one girl is offered a choice - either be a III and live a hard life in a strange town away from everyone she knows and loves. Or become a VII and live a life of luxury with the highest ranking family in the land.

The only catch... she will lose her identity and become a Pawn.

The second novel finds Kitty the reluctant center of a rebellion, a Captive in many ways.

The third book in the trilogy will be released this fall, and I can't wait to read it. Although these are labeled as young adult novels, the story is gripping, the characters have depth and the premise is interesting.

I highly recommend these novels - check out Aimee's website at: http://www.aimeecarter.com/blackcoat-rebellion.html

Ledger, Joe Ledger - Amazing Series by Johnathan Maberry #AtoZChallenge

Joe Ledger is a character in a series of novels by Johnathan Maberry. Currently there are seven books in the series and several novellas as well.

Joe works for a covert government agency that tackles global threats like madmen looking to unleash a zombie-virus epidemic using super high-tech gadgets, ingenuity and a very healthy dose of dry wit and sarcasm. I have listened to all of these novels on audiobook and frankly I think that makes them even better. Ray Porter does the narration and trust me when I say that he could read the phone book and make it compelling. Fantastic voice actor.

If you like action, adventure, sci-fi, strong characters, interesting story lines and a whole lot of fun you should definitely check out these books.

Extremely Average Brian Meeks is not #AtoZChallenge

A few years ago I met Brian Meeks on Twitter - he goes by @ExtremlyAvg. But I assure you, average this writer is not.

On January 2nd 2010 Brian made a promise to himself that he'd blog every day. First he started with a story about a detective set in 1955. Since that day not only has he blogged every day, he has written and published nine novels in several different genres with a wide variety of fun, interesting characters. 

To suggest that I admire him would be to put it too lightly. I am constantly amazed by what he has accomplished and I have purchased every book he's published so far. 

I highly recommend you check out Brian's books.

 If you like Mystery, there's the Henry Wood Detective series.

 Satire more your speed? Be sure to read Underwood, Scotch and Wry.

But my favorite so far is Killing Hemingway, and not just because the main tortoise character was inspired by my Russian Tortoise NomNom, but because it's just a great novel. 

D&D, how I miss thee #AtoZChallenge

I am currently "reading" (I listen to audiobooks) a very charming novel by Drew Hayes called NPCs. It's a tale about the non-player characters in D&D Games.

Four gamers start a new campaign and their characters are killed off. Four NPCs witness the death of those adventurers and take up their quest to protect their town from the wrath of their king, who would be put out of the original four never appeared at court as instructed. I recommend it, even if you've never played D&D.

It brings back memories of when I played D&D games years (and years and years) ago. Good times. If you're lucky enough to have a great GM, which I was, then playing D&D is rather like living in a novel with the ability to effect the story.

Have you ever played? I wonder if there are any online games I could join - I have dice!

V is for Veronica Roth #AtoZChallenge

Have you read the Divergent series by Veronica Roth? If you haven't, you need to stop what you're doing and go read it - seriously. Better yet, listen to Emma Galvin read it to you on Audiobook. 

They recently released the first movie of the series and it was really good, but as you know the book is (almost) always better than the movie.

Tris, the main character, has just turned 16. She lives in a dystopian world in Chicago's future and must choose which of the five factions she wants to belong to. The tagline for the book is "One choice can transform you" and so it does... Tris begins a journey of self-discovery that leads her to "ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another".

Tris, Four, Christina, Will and the others are the types of characters that stay with you.

Excellent. I wish the series had never ended. However, if you haven't read them, you're in luck - you won't have to wait forever for the sequels to come out. :)

S is for Maria V. Snyder #AtoZChallenge

Yet another great author that Audible is responsible for me finding - you see, sometimes when you use your credits they give you the opportunity to purchase a book for $4.95. Some of those books - usually the ones that sound really interesting - are a part of a series and zoop! I get sucked in.

So anyway, the first book by Snyder that I read was Poison Study. A young lady, about to be executed for murder, is offered a job as the food tester for Commander of Ixia. Why does he need a food tester? Because people routinely try to poison him. Bonus, the chief of security feeds her a poison that will kill her if she doesn't take the antidote daily - thus keeping her from running away.

These books are set in a world filled with Magic, intrigue and mystery. Poison Study is the first of three books - and I highly recommend the series.

Next I read Touch of Power, another books set in a Magical land. Avry is a Healer - in addition to herbal medicine, she can assume the wounds or diseases of her patients into herself, thereby healing them. The bad news, there was a huge plague that killed off a huge portion of the population and the Healers were blamed for it. So, all of the Healers have been hunted down and killed.

Avry becomes deeply entrenched in the various plots to rule what's left of the world. Luckily all three books of this series are out, so you can tear through them one after the other with no waiting!

You can read more about these, and Snyder's other books, on her website here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books.php

I should note that I listened to these on audiobook. They were narrated by Garbra Zackman and very well done.

M is for Jonathan Maberry #AtoZChallenge

Here we are, half way through the AtoZChallenge! Pretty proud of myself :)

 I saw this on Corinne O'Flynn's blog and had to share it

I mentioned Jonathan Maberry in my D is for Dystopian post the other day and now that I am on book three of his Joe Ledger series I have determined that he deserves his own post. 

Apparently my taste is books is morphing, because I find myself leaning more towards these types of books lately. There's very little romance, a lot of crazy and powerful bad guys, quite a lot of fighting and gore, zombies (although only in the first book, so far) and a secret government agency. 

The characters Maberry writes are excellent. Joe has a wry sense of humor, even at the worst of times. Church, the leader of the agency, is as bad-ass and mysterious as they come, but is rarely without vanilla wafers to nibble on. Then there are Grace, Rudy, Bunny, Topp and Dr. Hu - each with their own quirks and rich personalities. All in all, great books. 

So far there are six books in the Joe Ledger series and Maberry has another series I plan to check out when I'm done with the one called Rot & Ruin, a four book series set in a "zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America". 

If you like action/adventure stories, this series is for you. Also, the narrator of the audio books, Ray Porter is excellent. I would listen to just about any book this guy has read.

In fact, before I started on the Joe Ledger series, I had listened to 14 by Peter Clines. 14 was a really good, and very unusual book; along the lines of John Dies at the End.

J is for Jumping Around (through Time) #AtoZChallenge

I have read/listened to several time travel novels over the past few years. This is a genre that I have long enjoyed. As much as I love my technology, there's something compelling about going back (or perhaps forward) in time. And further how little actions can cause huge ripples through time.

Years and years ago, one of my favorite authors was Constance O'Day Flannery who writes time travel romance. I still own all of her books from the 80s and 90s, and have read them all several times. It looks like many of her books have been re-released. If you're a time travel romance lover, you'll enjoy these. Timeless Passion was my favorite.

Side note... most of the books I "read" these days are audiobooks and let me tell you... listening to romance novels is not for the weak of heart. In fact, I generally avoid them now, because it's just... uncomfortable to listen to sex scenes while driving in my car. But hey, if you like that stuff, you go for it! :)

Time and Again by Jack Finney was an interesting and quirky novel all around. There was time travel (of course), a mystery, a murder, how the past links to the future and a little romance to keep things interesting. Great book.

No grouping of time travel books would be complete without Stephen King's 11-22-63. I've been interested in the JFK Assassination story since high school. My all-time favorite teacher, Mr. Also, spent a whole week on the topic my Sophomore year and I was hooked.

This book wasn't just about the assassination though, it was so much more. And no, there are no freaky clowns in sewers in this book, it's virtually monster free... but as you may know, no King book is ever 100% monster free. It's just that most of his monsters dwell in the minds of mankind.

Replay by Ken Grimwood is a completely different kind of time travel. Our main character, Jeff, dies at age 43 and wakes up in his 18-year old body. His memory is intact, but he is again living his life from age 18. He has the opportunity to change his life completely, because he knows how his choices turned out the first time around. Interesting concept, no? It's a book that will make you think about your own life and the choices that brought you to where you are today.

To Say Nothing of the Dog: or, How We Found the Bishop's Bird Stump at Last by Connie Willis is "a comedic romp through an unpredictable world of mystery, love and time travel". I really enjoyed this book, it was so sweet and quirky and funny. The characters were well done and hilarious. The story was interesting from beginning to end. Loved it!

And finally... Outlander by Diana Gabladon. Have you read this series? There are only two books that I have read through, then immediately started over again and this is the first of them. Wow... you can smell the dirt and hear the horses in these books. Be sure to clear some time for these books, they're long and will suck you in so deeply that you'll lost sight of just about everything else. Superb! I've read and reread these books, and then I bought the audio versions and listened to them too!

Exciting news! Starz is making these books into a series that starts this summer. I am hoping to figure out some way to watch - since we don't have cable.

Have you read any time travel books? Have any recommendations? Let's hear them! :)

I is for The Iron Druid Chronicles #AtoZChallenge

The Iron Druid Chronicles is (yet another!) favorite series of mine, written by Kevin Hearne. I honestly think these books are probably better on audiobook... why? Because the voice actor, Luke Daniels, does a fantastic job with these books. That and Oberon...

The series is about a 2,000 year old Druid named Atticus O'Sullivan. Sorry, no vampires in this series, but there are plenty of Gods from Mythology, Magic and a whole lot of humor to make up for it. Oberon is Atticus' Wolfhound; and while Oberon doesn't really talk, Atticus can converse with him (because he's a Druid). Their conversations, and Oberon's observations, provide great comic relief for the story, even when drama is high. These books are action packed and highly recommended for all audiences.

I think I stumbled over the first book (Hounded) because it was on sale - Audible is always having sales (and sucking me into series books!) - and I bought all of the other books in the series just as soon as my monthly credits rolled in.

As an added bonus, the book covers are also easy on the eye...

Yum!

You can follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook, and Oberon on Twitter. Happy reading!

H is for Harrison and Harkness #AtoZChallenge

Two of my favorite authors grace today's post... Kim Harrison and Deborah Harkness.

Kim Harrison writes The Hollows books - there are currently 12 books in this series, with a 13th and final book due out early next year. I stumbled over Ms. Harrison on Audible.com because of a sale on a collection of her short stories titled Into the Woods. I was intrigued by her alternate reality world and quickly sucked into the world she has created. These books live in today's world, but in an alternate reality where instead of jumping into the Space Race, we jumped into genetic engineering. An accidental release of a virus then killed off much of the human population, revealing to the world that witches, vampires, werewolves and other non-human's really do exist.

If you like Stephanie Plum, you'll love Rachel Morgan.

Then there's Deborah Harness. The third, and final, novel in her All Souls trilogy is due out in July and I can't wait! These books also feature witches and vampires, but these ones are still largely hidden from society. Throw in a little time travel, a few mysteries and the fact that vampires are basically immortal - plus a dash of forbidden love and you'll find yourself glued to these books, and very likely looking up some of the history and art online. Ms. Harkness is a history professor and her love of libraries and history shines through.

I recommend both of these authors without reservation. I am looking forward to the final book in both of these series, but am also dreading seeing the great characters they write leave.

D is for Dystopian #AtoZChallenge

Dystopian novels are sometimes referred to as apocalyptic novels - in other words, the world as we know it has ended. These novels are very popular right now, although this really isn't something new.

Here are some of my Dystopian novel recommendations. Note, I listened to all of these on audio book from Audible.com, and all were very well produced, which only added to the story. I drive two hours a day and audio books are my saving grace - I HIGHLY recommend them if you have a long commute.

The Divergent series by Veronica Roth - wow are these books good!! The first book, Divergent, was recently made into a movie, and I assume the others will follow. The movie was great too, by the way, but the books are almost always better.

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - you've probably heard of these ones, but if you've only watched the movie, you missed out on half of the story. The books are fantastic.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand - this book was published in the 1950s, but its message as still as relevant today. I have read that this book is one of the top 10 most influential books ever written. If you're going to listen to the audio book, get the one by Scott Brick - he's a phenomenal narrator. I was so moved by this book that once I finished it (all sixty hours of it), I immediately listened to it a second time.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon - this twist to this one is that it's set in 2059 and features people with psychic abilities and aliens. Sounds pretty crazy, but trust me, this book was action packed and compelling. The second book in this series is due out in October 2014.

Daemon and Freedom by Daniel Suarez - these books feature high tech toys that actually exist today, but are not yet on the market. Really interesting stuff, the first book is pretty terrifying (not in a horror way, but more in the dismantling of society way) and the second book is inspiring - a vision of what society could become. Amazing books that I have listened to more than once.

Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry - this is more of an honorable mention, because in the end the heroes were able to stave off the end of the world by zombie infestation. I am currently listening to this series, and I'm really enjoying it. The main character, Joe Ledger, has a great sense of humor which makes the books that much more enjoyable.

The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cronin - wow... these books... just wow. They start off in present day and before you know it the world just spins out of control, then BAM it's 100 years later. There are some interesting twists and turns, and a lot of things I never saw coming. The final book in the trilogy isn't out yet, but I'm waiting for it with baited breath!

The Stand by Stephen King - I read IT when I was in high school, and pretty much avoided King's books for about the next 20 years, but somehow I ended up reading The Stand and I loved it! I have read several of his non-mad clown books now and have really enjoyed them.

All of these books have been out for awhile, so you can get them in softcover for a steal. If you're interested in audio books, I highly recommend Audible.com, but I have also heard that some local libraries have audio books too. Happy reading, or listening!

Note: Sorry... I had links in here for each book, but something got goofed up with them :(

E is for Extremely Average (@ExtremelyAvg) #AtoZChallenge

I have a friend named Brian, and he's extremely average... well, at least that's what he calls himself on Twitter (@ExtremelyAvg) and that's what his blog is called (extremelyaverage.com). However, I assure that there's nothing average about him. He is extremely though, an extremely good writer, an extremely dedicated writer. He has written every single day for the past several years. Years!

I don't know about you, but I've been having problems writing for the past several nights!

Brian has already published one novel, Henry Wood, Detective Agency, and he's about to publish the sequel - three weeks from today. I really enjoyed the first Henry Wood story and its unexpected plot twists, and am looking forward to it's sequel! I encourage you to check Henry Wood out - right now it's on sale for only $2.99!

You will also enjoy his current writing endeavor, Killing Hemingway, which he is currently writing and posting on his blog. I can almost guarantee you will immediately be entranced with the young hero of his latest endeavor. I know I was.

Extremely average? Not even close. To boot, he's one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever had to pleasure to "meet" on the interwebs. :)
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A quick note about my product endorsements - since I have been doing so many lately. I have occasionally been offered free products in the hopes that I would writing glowing reviews about them. I basically hated all of them... yep, if you give me something to review, there's a good chance I won't like it. Just my luck.

So, if you see me reviewing something - like a book or an appliance or a service - I guarantee you that I not only loved it, but am getting nothing out of promoting it other than the pleasure of spreading the word about how great it is. :)
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Today's photo prompt... Egg

I don't think they've figured out yet that tomorrow they'll be starring in some egg salad...

D is for Divergent #AtoZChallenge

On my apparent theme of book recommendations (really that was not my intent...), how could I not post about Veronica Roth's Divergent series?! These are fantastic books. If you liked The Hunger Games, you will love Divergent.

The story revolves around a young girl living in a dystopian world where society is divided into five "factions." At sixteen, the children of this world must choose which faction they want to be a part of - they can stay with the one they were raised with, or leave their family behind and join a new faction. It has a very interesting story line, and richly detailed characters.

Yes, it's technically young adult fiction, but so was The Hunger Games, so don't let that stop you. I used to let it stop me, but no more!

It seems like so many novels today are post-apocalyptic in nature. Lots of fictional zombies running around as well. One of my favorites is yet another Stephen King novel - The Stand. Have you read it? Great book. Believe it or not, I only started listening (reading) King within the last year. That's me... I find an author or a series that I like and I do not rest until I have read all of their books. I've mentioned it before, I love series books. If I find characters I really enjoy or connect with, I am reluctant to "let them go" after only one story.

Why, some of my best friends live in the pages of books... :)
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Today's picture prompt is bloom. Angie and I found these flowers in the middle of a dry riverbed near our house... and then she promptly picked them :)

B is for Books #AtoZChallenge

As you likely know, I love books. Ever since my dad handed me a Nancy Drew novel when I was 7, I have been hooked. I was that kid who stayed up way past bedtime with a flashlight reading under the covers.

Nowadays I do most of my "reading" during my commute. Just about everyone asks me how I can stand driving two plus hours a day (one to work, one back). and the answer is simple... audiobooks. As much as I love books, I love audiobooks even more!

Here are a few of my favorites that I have listened to over the past year...

I read IT by Stephen King as a teenager, and basically avoided his books after that. However, since I am quite the JFK buff, I had to get this time travel novel. What would happen if someone attempted to stop the JFK assassination?? Sign me up! Great books

Which lead me to...

Wow, this book was just fascinating! Suddenly an entire town is cut off from the outside world inside this huge bubble. It's a compelling journey into how people react under pressure. This novel is going to be made into a mini-series sometime soon.

By this time I was fascinated by Stephen King novels. Not enough to listen to IT, or The Shining, or any of his other scary novels, but he has quite a few that don't involve creepy clowns, like...

The Dark Tower series has seven books in it. The series is now complete, so it's a good time to check it out... i.e. no waiting for the next book to come out! 

These links will take you to Amazon, not to Audible.com, in case you still read books. However, if you have a long drive, or want to listen to a book while you clean the house (seriously, you get soooo much done, without hardly even realizing you're doing it!) then I highly recommend audiobooks. Audible.com typically has an offer of one or two free books if you sign up - no obligation. That's how they hooked me - three or four years ago :)

And here's today's Picture of the Day - On the Wall (had I found a Bug on the wall - tonight's post would have been totally different LOL). You can see my collection of JFK Assassination Conspiracy books up on the top here and that envelope under the bear? In there are newspaper clippings my grandmother saved from the days after... how's that for neat?? :)

One of my bookcases... on the wall... :)