Posted on November 14, 2017 by Abbie Lu

This weekend was Portland’s 2018 book festival Wordstock. The event was held at the Portland Art Museum and featured over 100 authors. Their was books signings and readings for all ages all and numerous historic locations in the area. It was a great day for writers and readers alike.

I came home with lots of information and goodies.
I chose to go the exploratory route and pick just a few random new books.

My 2018 Wordstock spoils:

Arms From The Sea by Rich Shapero

A young sculptor from the State of Salt swallows a poison pill that transports him to a watery heaven, whose monstrous, seductive creator reveals to him what it might mean to redeem a desolate world.

A confusing and interesting read so far, but I haven’t given up on it.

A Doctor A Day by Bernard Mansheim
Under white coats, behind caring eyes, beneath sterile stethoscopes is the human within the doctor. The one that bears bad news, holds pain and mires in a stream of death and the dying. In this fictional story, Dr. James is in crisis as his practice is further burdened by a crushing lawsuit. Unmasking the psychological burden experienced by many practicing doctors this work portrays one physician’s unbearable experience as examined and articulated by a seasoned MD

My choice cafe drink of the week:

Book Bean: Eggnog Spice Latte
Start with 1-3 shots of espresso to taste (or for the ‘Au Lait’ version try 4-6 oz of strong black coffee, 1-2 oz eggnog, and 1oz milk) stir in a tiny pinch of cayenne and pinch of pumpkin spice. Pour in steamed eggnog mix: 1 part (2-4 oz depending on number of espresso shots) rich creamy eggnog and 1 part non-fat milk (or milk of choice.) Finish drink off with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Vampire Boy (Adventures of Alex Vambarey)
by Aric Cuching
I chose this book because, first off books have no age, and secondly it seem like a clever synopsis. We shall see.

It seems it has also won quite a few awards, so I’m hopeful that it will not disappoint 🙂

Which local book events do you look forward to?

Sunday Funnies!

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Abbie Lu

Hehehe. Share a line from the poem if you get this!

Savory Seasonal Suggestion

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Abbie Lu

The leaves have almost all fallen and the colors keep changing all around us. The crisp cool breeze of Autumn will soon begin it’s transformation into a winter chill; this is the season for spices, warm hugs, and yummy pie slices.

So with rosy cheeks and cozy feet here are some falltastic books and treats.

(Click pictures and titles for more info.)

The Wretched of Muirwood – Jeff Wheeler
This is the first book in a trilogy (of which I have not finished) I cannot speak for the series but as for this first installment, it does not disappoint. This is a great fall book. The likable characters and murky undertones are perfect to read on a rainy day. Being the first of three it leaves you wanting more so if you’re shut up on a stormy weekend or need a holiday bundle, this is the book for you.

The Wretched of Muirwood Rated: 4.4 on amazon.com

Book Bean: This book screams apple cider. If you read it you will be happy to have some within your reach.

Chicken Soup For The Soul –
Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen
An oldy but a goody. There is something unbelievably cozy about sipping a warm drink reading Chicken Soup for The Soul. This book warms you from the inside out, it is full of classic uplifting stories that anyone can enjoy.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Sip some creamy butternut squash soup in a mug to really get in the spirit. Or try some honey ginger tea for just the right zing.

Harry Potter – J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is the perfect thing for fall. Start in October and you’ll have plenty of content to last you through. I personally was content after the first three but if you want more the series packs a wallop. Everything about the story is perfect for the season. Not only does it jive but it’s also the kind of book that you want to curl up with, escape from the world, and get lost in.

Harry Potter Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Pumpkin Latte or any other spiced latte
pairs oh so nicely.

The Turn of The Screw – Henry James
This eerie tale is dark and brittle and not for the faint of heart. It’s a classic but it does not fail to lift the micro hairs ever so slightly at the base of your neck. If you frighten easily read aloud with a friend for a fun twist. Make s’mores and sit around a fire pit take turns reading it aloud and see who squirms.

The Turn of the Screw Rated: 4.6 on a mazon.com

Book Bean: Hot Cocoa or Black Tea alongside your
s’more of course ; )

The Best of Poe – Edgar Allan Poe
What could be better on a cold gloomy night than setting the candle ambiance for the romantic loom of short stories and poems by the great Poe. There is a dark and sexy quality to Poe’s work that matches the Autumn breeze beautifully. Sit out on your porch wrapped in wool and read his words as they whistle with the wind.

The Best of Poe Rated: 4.5 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Get some dark chocolate to nibble, and sip your favorite black coffee brew.

Fun Fact: 65% of adults read for pleasure.

Now light some candles, get those fluffy socks on, and grab something to cuddle. Tis the season for book nooks and reading hooks

Amazon.com is the best place to get books fast and cheap
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

With some yummy Mulled Cider!

Quick Getaway Reads

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Abbie Lu

Last week I was given the opportunity to have a little adventure in Aruba.
So of course I was excited for the chance to do as much reading as possible.
However, I suspected (and was right) that this would be less of a relaxation vacation and more of exploration adventure. I knew I needed to pick a few quick reads and at most one full sized novel.
This was the only way I would fit in any reading.

Here are my book picks for a quick tropical getaway:

Interpreter of Maladies
by Jhumpa Lahiri
This collection of short stories was brilliant, beautiful and the perfect companion for any quick getaway. The wonderful characters in Jhumpa Lahiri’s elegant and touching stories, seek love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. A moving and timeless experience.
*

Rated 4.4 on amazon.com

The Island of the Blue Dolphin
by Scott O’Dell
I could not have picked a better book to be reading while sitting on the beach in the Caribbean. This is a fantastic read, that is super quick, and the perfect tropical island companion. It is a Newbery Medal-winning classic about the transformation of quiet courage, loneliness, and terror into strength and serenity.
*

Rated 4.6 on amazon.com

The Master and Margarita
by Mikhail Bulgakov
I don’t know what sparked my bringing this book along, it just felt right, and it was! This is a great vacation read for any destination. Bulgakov’s fantastical, funny, and devastating satire of Soviet life combines two distinct yet interwoven parts, one set in contemporary Moscow, the other in ancient Jerusalem, each brimming with historical, imaginary, frightful, and wonderful characters.