Career no longer under construction :)

I did it!!!  Finally!!!  I am a TEACHER!!!!  Surprise!!!  So now my blog might be less about reviewing books and more about reviewing my life as a teacher (maybe this calls for a title change).  Even though I still will be reading or at least trying to get a few good reads in, I will be more involved with teaching and figuring out what I should be brushing up on for my classes and students.  For now, I will rejoice in the fact that I can get started on my career and I will be back with updates either about teaching, books, and everything else in between. :)

What I aspire to be...

What will really happen... 

Tee-hee-hee :)

In a reading frenzy!

Well, it's official...I can't stop reading at all.  I seriously can't stop reading and since I am on here blogging once again, I am obviously finished yet ANOTHER book.  This reading addiction must be a hereditary problem since both my grandmother and my eldest sister were/are librarians.  But, before I go into detail about my next fabulous fiction piece, I must let you all know something...I got a call back!!!  Yup, that's right!  From that job I said I thought I maaaaaaaybe would here from on Monday.  Well, I got a call THURSDAY for a second and final interview for this coming Monday.  It's between me and one other candidate for a REAL teaching job.  Finally, all of my schooling and hard work paying off after all this time.  It would be a miracle!  I guess I shouldn't be that dramatic and I don't want to count my chicks before they hatch, I do have to beat out one other person.  Hmmm, well I guess I better sharpen some of my answers and interview skills before Monday.  Let the best teacher win! (well I mean, I guess that's not really right but you know what I mean). :)  So, here is the latest book that I finished in two days...

The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch (translated by Lee Chadeayne)

 

Amazon's Summary:

 

  "Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at play. So begins The Hangman's Daughter--the chillingly detailed, fast-paced historical thriller from German television screenwriter, Oliver Pötzsch--a descendent of the Kuisls, a famous Bavarian executioner clan." - Amazon

 

My Review:

 

Definitely a great summer read!  Once again, this was a Kindle recommendation and I whizzed through it in two days (would have been one if, you know, life didn't happen).  Loved the historical content and the fact that the author was related to the main character, the hangman.  I really do love when history mixes in with fiction, whether it's 100% true or not it really livens up the past for me.  The characters were all entertaining, even though I really didn't think they were THAT developed...except the hangman, I got to know him reallllly well.  What was odd to me is that the title of the book is about the hangman's daughter, and to me the daughter really wasn't that awesome or dynamic of a character.  I guess you can't judge a book by it's title.  Even though I thought it was a fabulous, fun, and intriguing read, I did find it a bit choppy (which I read in other reviews BEFORE I read the book).  I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the German to English translation or if that's how the German language goes, I did feel like it moved either really fast or pretty slow at different times.  The imagery was great and I felt like I could really visualize the scenery in my head and create a movie in my mind, which I typically do.  I had in mind what all the characters looked like and I could possibly see this as an Encore or HBO mini-series, like the one I've been wanting to see entitled The Red Crimson and The White.  I know this is based off of a book and that will probably be one of my many reads along the way.  I digress. 

 

The Final Word

 

 Great quick summer or casual read that you can really get lost in.  Nothing too heavy or intense, just something fun and very intriguing!  Even though I thoroughly enjoyed it, the choppiness kind of messed me up (I had to re-read a couple times since I get easily confused and distracted, my silly mind is not the author's fault).  Which is why I think I'm going to go with Amazon on the star rating.  Nevertheless, if you enjoy historical fiction or something that is enjoyable and captivating, gotta read it!

Stars: 3.8 out of 5! 

 

Author

 

Click here to check out the Amazon Exclusive with some interesting questions answered by the author!  Also, click here to learn more about the author, what he has written, and what he is working on next (but only if you know German or have translating software on your computer lol).

 

Summer, So Long!

  A good amount of things have happened since my last post!  I now have two job offers and one maybe offer!  This may not make sense but I'm pretttttty sure I'm getting a call back from one of my interviews, they said they would call this coming Monday if I was a candidate and not to sound cocky or anything but...I NAILED IT!  I'll keep you posted on what my job status is as soon as I find out what pieces are moving where in my little game of career chess.  Also, I've been trying to soak up as much literature as I can before September starts.  Not matter whether I'll be at a school or an office, I will be working after Labor Day weekend so I need to take advantage of the free time.  My husband is finally OFF from working two jobs for the past three months so I'm probably not reading as much as I should be but he is a fabulous distraction (love him like crazy!).  

  On a side note, I am kind of getting tired of summer...is anyone else or am I just really nuts?  Don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather and the time off, but I really love autumn and the changing colors.  Also, autumn nights are SOOO nice for sleeping here at the Jersey Shore.  If you haven't figured out yet through my screen name and blogging title, I am a red head so I really embrace cooler months so I don't have to worry about being tan.  Being pale and freckly isn't ever really an attractive look unless you're a duchess or queen during the 1600's.  I love bundling up on a cool fall/winter night with a good book (and now that we have one, yay!!) in front of the fire place.  Mmmm, I'm smiling just thinking about it.  Anyway, here is what I have just finished reading and what I thought!

 

The Ghosts of Varner Creek by Michael Lee Weems

Amazon's Summary:

 

  "In the summer of 1909, in the small town of Varner Creek, Texas, twelve year old Solomon Mayfield awoke one morning to find his mother and sister had disappeared. Through a series of cover-ups and denials, some aimed at protecting Sol, others at hiding the worst of secrets, Sol lived the rest of his life in a fog of half-truths and shadowed lies, haunted by ghosts of the dead with whom he suddenly found himself sharing an inexplicable bond with that he could never fully understand. But when Sol passes away as an old man so many years later, the truth is waiting for him, as are the ghosts of his past. Sol finally discovers what really happened that summer and it is a truth that will change everything he thought he knew about the life he lived and the people he thought he knew. For as Sol is about to find out, even the dead have secrets." - Amazon

Author's Note:

  "Caution: Book contains adult content and themes. Reader discretion advised.  18+ only, please, as some of the subject matter is not suitable at all for younger readers. Also, a few comments noted book starts slow before revving up. The beginning becomes something different by the ending which is how it was written, but fair disclaimer to readers who hate slow starts . . . this one does lay a foundation before it gets going that some may find slower than to their liking. Also, The Ghosts of Varner Creek is more than a ghost story. It could fit into a number of genres . . . historical fiction, southern fiction, mystery, paranormal, and family drama. So for readers seeking a straightforward horror novel, I wouldn't want to disappoint as this isn't really in that category. Otherwise, if you do read, I thank you in advance and hope you enjoy the book."- Michael Weems (Amazon)

 

 

My Review:

 

  Oh my GOOD Lord!  Holy Smokes!  Sufferin succotash!  Okay, I'm done with my "explicit" language but honestly I was NOT expecting what happened in this story.  As I have said previously, I'm really embracing the whole fall/autumn/Halloween thing and I've been reading paranormal stuff non-stop.  So when my Kindle Fire "recommended" that I read this book and I saw the cover/title, I said surely Kindle I'll give it a try (I may have actually said that, I have a tendency to talk to inanimate objects).  As stated in the author's note, it did start off slow and I wasn't really into it at first.  I would read a few pages then go find something else to do or get distracted by something shiny or play Wii with my husband.  But then I sat myself down and told myself to just get through the first two to three chapters and if I am still not liking it, then I would find something else.  By the end of Chapter 2 and the beginning of Chapter 3, I said OK where is this author going with this.  I thought this was supposed to be about ghosts and even though the main character DOES see ghosts, Weems takes the plot in a complete different direction than I thought a "paranormal" book would go.  I really wish I read the author's note BEFORE I read the book so I could have been prepared for what I was getting myself into.  Not that I regret it, I really appreciated the book in a sense.  I appreciated that the author took extremely sensitive, inappropriate, and I would say "taboo" topics and handled them with care.  Even though there really is no way to handle these topics in a nice way, Weems prepared the reader for it and gradually lead the reader to assuming what was next instead of slapping you in the face with it.  I'm not sure if that makes sense, but if you read the book you'll get it.  Also, I felt the book had a cliff-hanger ended and could definitely have a sequel.  Whatcha think Mr. Weems, are we going to have seconds??

 

 

The Final Word

 

  This is a toughy!  I definitely enjoyed the book but I didn't love it.  Definitely did NOT hate it, but was very taken aback by how the book went.  It kept me wondering and guessing "why the heck is that character doing that" and "OMG, I cannot believe that!" which to me is a sign of a good book since I want literature to make me have real reactions.  If you read the author's note and my review, then I think you will be more prepared and equipped to handle the "heavy" issues within the story.  Being an English major and having taught high school and middle school English classes, this is not a young adult book.  Definitely a college age and older read and a must-read at that!

Stars: 4 out of 5! 

 

Author

Click here to learn about what Michael Weems has written and possibly what he may be working on next!

New Year, New Adventures!

  

  A lot has changed since this time last year.  August of 2011 had the Hurricane Irene where my boyfriend and I were in hiding in North Jersey with my parents at my aunt and uncle's home.  We survived the hurricane and I am now a wife!  Big change, right?  I know my previous blog's focus was mostly how I was unemployed and how I wanted to vent to other young 20-somethings out there that I, too, sing unemployment.  Even though I have still been a substitute on and off at different school districts and I have nothing solid lined up for September, I am no longer holding any angst or anger or bitterness towards the situation.  I realize that are more important things in life than going on and on about things that aren't going your way.  Everything happens for a reason, which is definitely one of the many mottoes I live by...I mean, how else could I explain ending up with my amazingly fabulous and cute husband, huh? ;-)  

  This new, revamped, remodeled, re-everything blog will be about more enjoyable things...BOOKS!  Yes, my amazingly fabulous husband bought me a Kindle Fire and I've been reading non-stop.  Nope, I haven't hopped on the 50 Shades of Grey bandwagon since I always tend to read the hot-list books after they've cooled off (I've always been that way...did it with the Twilight books, haven't even started The Hunger Games..I'm getting there!).  I really enjoy reading books that are rarely talked about or even mentioned at all. Yes, that's right, the FREE Kindle books!  OK, OK, these books are not mysterious and unknown novels that with me reading them, I will unlock all the answers to all of the questions of the world.  But hey, if I like reading and reviewing and you like reading, reviewing, and commenting on my blog...it's worth it right?  

  Knowing I have an endless supply of free books on my Kindle (when it's charged) really does excite me.  Yet, I have never written a book review before on a blog or really ever for that matter...unless you count book reviews in elementary/middle/high school which I'm not.  I did go to college and major in Education and English Lit Studies, so I do have somewhat of an idea of what I am doing and where I am going with this.  Even though I am an English major, please do not hold it against me if my grammar/syntax/diction/punctuation is a little off.  I do get carried away with all of the commas and slashes and semicolons, I apologize for that now.  I'm not used to writing online and I want to write as it flows through my brain to my fingers onto the keys.  So, let me start off with what I've been reading lately and why.  

  Summer is coming to a close and I have always loved Halloween and how kids get so pumped for the candy, the decorations, and the scary movies.  To get me in the mood, I typically watch scary movies and one of my staples is my ultimate favorite Halloween movie, which is obviously Halloween (Jamie Lee Curtis, awesome yet completely unlucky heroine).  Instead of watching spooky movies, I thought I'd read some free, spooky novels.  And to be completely honest, I have been pleasantly surprised.  I will start off with my most recent read My Dear and Loving Husband and Her Loving Husband's Curse, aka the Loving Husband Trilogy written by Meredith Allard.  

My Dear and Loving Husband by Meredith Allard 

 

Amazon's Summary:

"James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it is years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on. Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again? " - Amazon

My Review:

  During one of my long-term subbing stints as a high school English teacher, I taught The Crucible and loved every minute of it.  I would get a bit animated and the students seemed to enjoy that part the most.  After reading this novel, I realize that Ms. Allard REALLY did her homework with the Salem Witch Trials.  Because of that research that was placed in the novel, I was really enthralled and that was definitely the drive for me to keep reading.  I am more open minded when it comes to novels, I'll read anything from any genre and give it a chance.  At first I was little put off by the character developments.  The main female character, Sarah, came from LA and seemed completely and understandably lost in her new surroundings (Salem, Massachusetts) yet seemed to makes friends with her boss quite quickly.  When the main male character was introduced, James, I wasn't sure why the author decided to introduce him they way she did before really giving the reader a chance to feel comfortable with him (I was confused and blind-sided to be honest). Yet, a magical and amazing thing occurred...everything fell into place!  I completely understood why the author introduced them in that way, but you really do have to keep reading for it all to make sense.  My favorite part was the history that was put into the story and since Ms. Allard was/is a history teacher, it made complete sense.  The history definitely strengthened the story for me personally.

  Readers, if you do not like hocus-pocus, fantasy, paranormal romance novels...then this is NOT the material for you.  Like I said, I'm open to anything so it didn't really put me off knowing I was reading a paranormal romance novel.  I've read a couple of these sort of novels recently and I think I'm starting to really have a craving for it (no pun intended ;-) ).  So, of course when I realized there was a PART TWO to this novel...I downloaded it!

Her Loving Husband's Curse by Meredith Allard 

 

Amazon's Summary:

"And then, as if he could read her mind, he said, “We’ll be all right, Sarah. Just the two of us. I’ll never leave you ever.” Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. With his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago. But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?" - Amazon

My Review:

  The only thing I can say about this novel, besides it being as good as the first and maybe better, is that the ending NEARLY killed me.  I could NOT believe it and I literally shed a few tears at the end.  I must admit I am somewhat of a crier but come on!  I really was not expecting it and now I am dying for part three of the trilogy.  Even though things came together at the end of the first novel, all loose ends and/or confusing aspects are tied together by the second novel.  I really don't want to say much more since I want readers to get into it.  But I will say this...if you enjoyed the first novel, you HAVE to read the second one. 

The Final Word

  If you are into fantasy, sci-fi, romance, paranormal romance, mystery, and history and you are open to the world of magic and the paranormal love, then these are the books to read!

Stars: 4 out of 5!

 

  Welp, that was my first official, non-collegiate book review...hopefully it wasn't that bad. Also, I hope I get some followers! I really would love some feedback! Going along withe the "followers" topic, if there are any novels that I should read or definitely have to, NEED to read please let me know. I would happy to comply and possibly write a review or two. Thanks again! :)  

Author 

 

Click here to learn all about Meredith Allard, what she's working on next, and other things about the author! 

Good Night Irene

Well, this is Ocean City, NJ BEFORE high tide...good luck everyone

I live at the Jersey Shore and once my family and I got wind of (pun possibly intended) of Irene, we skipped town.  We are now in the Cherry Hill/Marlton area which is about an hour north.  Though, I did leave two sisters and their families at the Shore, they are reporting that they are fine.  Between Irene, possibly tornadoes, and frequent break-ins (people from the sea-side cities are seeking shelters...and realizing they are ending up in nice areas for robberies)...what is this, the mini-Apocalypse or something?

Another pic I found...of the Wildwood beach (the most HUGE beach I have ever been on...takes 20 years to walk it...or least it feels like it) looks like this...

Annnnnd this is Atlantic City....

This whole thing is wild...I know I have 0 followers but if anyone has any info...please send it this way..thanks!!!  GOOD LUCK!

Still looking...

The school year is coming up and all I have to say is that I have a job, for three months, at the "country club of high schools".  After those three months of sort of decent pay, I will then be unemployed once again.  Sure, I really appreciate that they are giving me a chance...again.  I worked at this school with the same position for two months last year hoping I'd obtain a salary job.  But, alas, all of the "of course you'll get hired" and the "so many teachers are retiring, it would only make sense for you to get the job" encouragement didn't pan out.  I guess all of the positive talk about me fell on deaf ears when it reached administration.  Oh well, I'm sick of complaining and bitchin' and moanin' so I better "nut up or shut up" (thanks to Jason and Zombieland).

Speaking of zombies...I sometimes witness some weird things pretty much every day and today was not any different.  I went grocery shopping with my mother today (sad, I know, but I still live at home...even sadder, yes) and all of the lights were out.  We have been getting a lot of random yet strong thunder and lightening storms and I guess it hit the local food store.  As we walked around the creepy and darkened aisles of the local grocery store, I could not help but to think this would be a PERFECT setting for a zombie movie.  Ready?  Lights, scene, action!

Setting:  Darkened grocery store
Characters: A mom and a little boy
Scene:  Mom is grocery shopping and pushing around her little boy while he is sitting in the child seat of a shopping cart


Boy:  Mommy, why are all the lights out?
Mom:  Must have been a storm, but it's OK..I'm right here.  That's weird...it looks like no one is really working here today.  Must be because of the storm.  So, what would you like for your breakfast?  Cheerios or Raisin Bran?
Boy:  Can I have some of those Pop-Tarts?
Mom:  No, no honey...they are full of sugar and will rot your teeth out.
Boy:  Oh Mommmmmm, c'mon...pleaseee
Mom:  Nope...how about some nice Raisin Bran instead?
Boy:  (Huffs and puffs) That stuff is icky!!!

The boy, ignoring his mother's words, reaches his tiny hand out of the cart to grab the sugary tarts.  As he reaches, something grabs back.

Boy:  AHHHHHHHHH!!!! MY HAND!!! MY HANDDDD!!!

Out of the cereal and Pop-Tart boxes of aisle seven comes a a rotting, grotesque-looking person that looks like they work at the store.  His name tag reads "Ted" and he has fed on about two people at this point and is craving some dessert.  All of a sudden, the mother sees Ted and begins to scream.  She turns around and sees more people slowly walking towards her and her son, their skin seeming to melt off their bodies as they venture to find more flesh to replace their own.  As they come closer, the perimeter around mother and son becomes tighter and tighter.  She screams.  Lights out.

This story and many other scenarios popped into my head as I walked around the store today with Mom.  Plus, while I was running on my treadmill down in the basement this morning, we lost power and all of the appliances went bonkers.  Try running on a treadmill at a steady and sweaty pace and it just suddenly shutting on and off, the lights flicker, the TV going nuts, and the stereo systems CD changer popping in and out.  That will certainly get your heart rate up more than any work-out.  Between my haunted basement scene and my zombie-esque shopping experience, I feel like I've had enough paranormal tricks played on me for one day, even if it was just the electricity being shotty. 

First Post of the Post-Grad Life

Hello to all you post-grads out there that are searching for jobs.  And hello to all the other current-college kiddies that believe that once senior seminar is over it will be smooth sailing.  Well, just to prepare you, it won't be.  Sure...college is fun and a blast and considered one of the most (if not the most) challenging educational experiences one will have.  Unfortunately, I learned my lesson too late and realized if I could've stayed in college forever...I should have.  Life on the outside is extremely depressing compared to campus life.  So, my point?  Enjoy it while you can.

Like in my "about me" section, I am certified (to teach English in PA and NJ) and degree-ed (aka Bachelor of Arts degree) with no job to my name.  I've been a long-term substitute, daily substitute, and worked at minimum wage jobs since I've gotten out of college.  My college's rate of employment after graduation was at least 70%...guess they didn't factor me in.  Even though I have gone through several interviews, majority of them not panning out, I know what TO say and what NOT TO say.  So, don't worry, this blog won't be all about me complaining about how I'm getting by with crappy jobs.  I'll also be talking about interview processes and what people want to hear, see, and know about you.  Mind you, I haven't gotten a real, fully contracted job yet in my journeys.  But, hey, any help is good help. 

This blog is probably going to become more of a venting post for me to get my frustrations out.  Also, I've really missed writing.  While I'm doing my subbing and unemployment time, I'll keep my hobby of writing alive.  So, to end this first post, know that I'm here to help you and hopefully you're here to help me.  Any kind of feedback, comments, advice, tips, etc. is extremely appreciated and if I can help out, I'll be there.  You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, so...let's start scratching!