The Legend of Ranger: The Reindeer who Couldn't Fly

Not to long ago I was asked to review Retired Commanding General Alan Salisbury's book The Legend of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly. I was very excited when the book arrived in my mail box a few days ago and I promptly got to reading to to Evelyn each night. It took us about 4 nights to finish, but could easily be read in 1-2 nights depending on the reading level and attention span of the reader. Evelyn enjoys being read too, and I think she really liked this story, it gives you a behind the scenes peek at Santa's workshop from the Ranger, one of the reindeer. 

We really enjoyed reading the adorable story about Ranger, who happens to be Rudolph's brother, and his journey to try to learn to fly. Ranger is struggling with the fact that he doesn't know how to fly, and is trying so hard to learn the secret to flight. One I night a couple other reindeer fall ill and it's up to Ranger to secure the medicine for them as Christmas is fast approaching. Will Ranger save the day? Well I don't want to ruin the needing for you!

It's a very cute story and one I am sure we will read over and over again. 

You can get your own copy of the book from Amazon (but hurry if you want a copy because it looks like there are only a few left!)

I was provided with a copy of the book, free of charge for my review, all thoughts on the story are my own. 

Fifty Shades of Grey

Everyone is reading it, Everyone is blogging it. Are you?

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If you haven't read it, it's the story of Ana Steel, a young, passive, shy, almost college grad and her whirlwind romance (can you even call it that?) with agressive, dominant, extremely wealthy, Christian Grey, who is a few years her senior.
Christian takes Ana into a world of sex and erotica that she, a virgin, has never known.
As much as Ana tries to resist him they are electrically drawn to each other, be it a mutual passion, or something else, they simply can't stay apart.
The book explores in great detail a world of dominance and submission, hot and heavy sex, and naughtiness that makes the book so hard to put down.

stop biting that lip.

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When entertaining the idea of casting the books, many people feel that Kirsten Stewart and Rob Pattinson are ideal. I can see how they would see them in the roles, but that is because these books started out as Twilight Fan Fiction. Fan Fiction is more or less when the fans take the characters from books or movies, and make their own stories. 

Please don't take that information and write these books off. They only slightly resemble Twilight, and it's not that noticeable unless you know. They are still good books. Well I've only read the first, and it's a good book. 

This erotic romance that has EVERYONES panties in a bunch, is rumored to be a movie someday. Although I can't imagine how they will do it without at least an NC-17 rating.

The book features some very torrid sex scenes, and as one friend put it "makes you cross your legs".

So without further adiu

Christian Grey: 

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Jonathan Rhys Myers

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Paul Walker

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William Levy 

Anastasia Steel:

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Emma Watson

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Leighton Meester 

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Ana Kendrick 

(even though I would like to leave all the original twilight cast out of it.)

So there you have it, My choices for Christian and Ana.
Agree? Disagree? I'm curious what other people are thinking.


Now on to my next book. 

Read the book first?

I've been reading a lot of books lately that have been made into movies. I like books where I can watch the movie and see someone else's vision.

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I've read all the Harry Potter, all but the last Twilight, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo & Girl who Played with Fire. I read The Help last week. Now I am reading Water for Elephants.

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So I am wondering, when a book comes into your life that has been made into a movie do you read first then watch the movie? Or movie first and then read the book?

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I always read the book first, and then, even when the movie is good, I still critique it.

I guess that's to be expected.

But I always end up just a little disappointed in the movie. I watch it and wish there was more. Wish they could have developed the characters better, or shared more of the story. 

I feel for the people who don't read the book, I wish for them to read the book so they can be a part of the whole story. 

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When I read a book I form a bond with the characters, They become a part of my life. I feel like I am there with them.
When you see someone else's vision of the story that was a part of your for however short or long the time you were reading it, the way they see the story is sure to be different from your vision.

Or maybe I just take things too seriously, or read too passionately.

I love reading. I love diving into something and letting it completely consume me.

So do I finish the book then watch the movie, or watch the movie then finish the book?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I have been trying to read this series for months now. I don't know what my problem is. Perhaps I just don't have the time to get so into a book that I cannot put it down. Or perhaps it's just not as exciting as I think it should be. But it took me nearly 3 months to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and I feel it's taking nearly as long if not longer for The Girl Who Played With Fire. I like the books but I don't think I will read the final book right away. I just don't want too. I also have a backlog of at least 15 books that I need to read. But as much as I want resolution, which I am fairly certain I won't get at the end of this one, I just want something new. Or old, Harry Potter anyone? Or I could finish Twilight series. Or any of my other books. I just look at how I usually go through a whole book in a weekend or maybe a week and although I do like this series, and it does have me intrigued, I need a break. Maybe it's too heavy for me. Or maybe murder mystery just isn't my thing, maybe I need a really trashy romance novel to clear my head.
Okay well back to my book 123 pages to go.

flying cat attack!!!!


so i just finished Harry Potter, i am now done with the entire series. that makes me quite sad. i dont know what i will do now! i guess i can now devote my late nights to knitting. sigh.... i am a cranky B today. but its supposed to snow tomorrow. yeah right, we have been calling for snow all week and it has yet to arrive, i doubt it will come. elusive snow you have avoided me again.