I don't know if you've noticed, but I seem to be getting a little paranoid in my old age. Yesterday, it was sci fi/fantasy books I missed out on as a child; today, it's book blogs. I've been around the book blogosphere for awhile now, but I'm still finding new ones. I love it. I'm just stressed about all the wonderful blogs I might be missing out on. I know you're wondering, "Doesn't she have anything better to worry about on a Sunday afternoon?" Well, I stayed home from church with my sick 10-year-old; my husband took two of the others to church; the baby's asleep; I have ground beef thawing in the microwave so I can have dinner ready by the time the hubs gets back; I'm caught up on reviews, so no ... I guess I don't have anything else to worry about on a Sunday afternoon.

Last week, my Microsoft feeder went all wonky on me, refusing to update and such. So, I showed it by converting to Google's reader. I'm sure there's a way to export feeds from one to the other, but I haven't the foggiest idea how, so I typed in each and ever one of my blog URLS manually. I have hundreds. It took hours. The good news is I have all my favorites together and Google's working fabulously for me. Since I was overhauling my feeder, I also cleaned up the links on this blog. So, would you do me a favor and give the list a glance? It's on the bottom of the left sidebar. If you write a book blog, make sure I haven't forgotten it. Also, tell me which ones I'm not reading that I should be reading. I just don't want to miss anything. See what I mean about paranoia?

Oh, and if you haven't commented on yesterday's post, I'd love to hear your recommendations :) And, yes, some day I will post an actual book review.

The other day, my 7-year-old closed her Nancy Drew book and sighed. "You know what I hate about mystery books?" she asked. "You can't re-read them until your memory gets old." True, that. Even though my memory has gotten very old, I still can't re-visit anything I've read in the past 2 decades or so. Fortunately, though, my memory's aged enough that I can re-read books I enjoyed as a child. Thanks to Melissa's fabulous Top 100 list, volunteering with my kids' school reading program, and a recent IM chat with a friend, I have been re-visiting books I loved as a kid. In doing so, I've come to a grim realization - I seem to have skipped over an entire genre of children's literature. Yep, it's true. My reading repertoire included Nancy Drew, Amelia Bedelia, Babysitter's Club, Pippi Longstocking, etc. but few princesses, wizards, dragons or robots. In other words, no science fiction/fantasy. Looking back, I can remember reading only two books that fit into this category: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and A Wrinkle in Time. That's it, unless my memory's really, really, really bad. Once I had this epiphany, I raced to my computer and promptly put Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper and The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander on hold. Then, concerned that I might be missing newer children's sci fi/fantasy, I stuck the first Spiderwick book on my list, too. I'm still worried that I'm missing out, so I thought I'd ask all of you a question. It's this:


Help me remedy the mistakes of my past. I'm working on The Dark Is Rising books as well as the Chronicles of Prydain (all of which I will review when I'm done with the series). I believe I still need to finish the Chronicles of Narnia, but at least I've read The Hobbit and LOTR (although I experienced both of these as an adult). So, what am I missing? Help out an ignorant reader, will you?

Think about how many times a day you switch on your t.v., log on to your computer, scroll through playlists on your iPod, or answer a call on your cell phone. Now imagine that an evil alien - say Number 5 on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma - decided to use popular technology to hypnotize humans into doing exactly what he told them to do. Well, it wouldn't be pretty.


That's exactly the freaky kind of situation in which Daniel finds himself in Watch the Skies, James Patterson's second book (the first with contributor Ned Rust) starring the cool-headed Alien Hunter. Although Number 5 professes to be melting humans merely for alien endertainment, Daniel senses the slimy monster has ulterior motives. He just has to figure out what they are. And, oh yeah, stop a notoriously bad, bad alien outlaw. Luckily, he has the help of his super powers, a minivan decked out with every high-tech gadget imaginable, and his butt-kicking imaginary friends. Yes, I did say imaginary. How exactly are they going to take down Number 5? Very, very carefully. And with some rocking, superhuman stunts. He may even capture the heart of Judy Blue Eyes in the process. That's if he survives to take her on a second date, of course.

If you liked the first book in this series (you can see my review here), you'll enjoy this one, too. It's got everything readers love about James Patterson - fast action, snappy dialogue, quick humor - without any of the racier elements found in his adult books. If you're looking for developed characters, a complex plot, or writing that will make you swoon, you'll definitely want to look elsewhere. But if you - or the tween boy in your life - long for a light, action-packed, funny read, this is your (or his) series. Oh yeah, and if you want to frighten said tween boy away from technology overload, Watch the Skies just might just do the trick. After all, what's scarier than a bloodthirsty alien bent on taking over the world via iPod? It's enough to make you pop out your earbuds - a least long enough to devour the 250 pages of this fun, thrilling adventure. It's just plain ole' good endertainment.



Grade: B-

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for fantasy violence and a few (non-graphic) reference to "stoners," making out and a "booty call."

First off, can I say what a happy day this is? My two oldest are back in school. My preschooler starts tomorrow. As I was snapping the kids' official First Day picture, I told them to pretend to smile and I would pretend to cry. Ha ha. Seriously, though, we're all so ready for this.

Random.org did its magic and the winner is ... STACIE! Unfortunately, I don't have an email for you and your blog is private, so please jot me a note (blogginboutbooks[AT]gmail[DOT][COM]). If I don't hear from you within a week, I'll choose another winner. Congratulations!

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If you didn't win this time, don't fret. My airheadedness has again worked in your favor. Lest you think I do this on purpose (I really, truly don't), I have to say that I received two copies of one of these books in the same mailing envelope. So, I don't think it's that I'm a complete idiot, I think it's that Disney is just amazingly efficient and generous. So, thanks again, Hallie!

I got double copies of both these YA titles, so I'm giving away one of each. I haven't had a chance to read either, so click on the book cover for plot summaries courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Here we go:

1. Secrets of Truth & Beauty by Megan Frazer (Published July 2009)

2. Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson (Published August 2009)

You may enter to win only one book or both - either way, just specify which in your comment. Contest is open internationally. When you comment, PLEASE leave a valid email address, especially if you don't have a public blog. I need some way to get in contact with you :)

Okay, here's the nitty gritty: Now that summer's over (for me, anyway), I'd love to know what books you read and loved during the long, hot break from school. I'm always looking for recommendations, especially now that I'm going to have so many hours of free time on my hands (I wish!). That's it. Easy, right? If you post about this contest on your blog or on Facebook (sorry, I don't know anything about Twittering or Tweetering or whatever it is), I'll spot you an extra entry. I will draw the names of the winners on August 30 (my 12 year wedding anniversary!). Good luck, everybody.