Member of the Month - Keri Recommends...

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September is upon us my friends. Thanks for sticking with me all this time. I can't believe that we're already on our fifth read as a group! You've all been wonderful discussion partners, and it's been a blast sharing books with you.

Our current Member of the Month is just about to give up her throne, but not without giving you some insight into new books you should read! Let's see what Keri has for you to add to your overflowing TBR, shall we?

The idea of picking a 5 books out of all the many that I consider my favorites made me really anxious, so Jess has been gracious enough to allow me to choose my top 5 favorite authors instead!

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Neil Gaiman- Neil Gaiman's books are always so special to read. His children's books, adult novels, and his graphic novels always make me feel butterflies in my tummy (much like love). American Gods may be my favorite, but it's a close call since Stardust is also fantastic (much better than its movie counterpart). Good Omens, which is a collaboration between Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (another amazing author), is also one of my all-time faves!!! Gaiman's short story books are always great, so is The Graveyard Book, and the Sandman graphic novel series. There are also many other works from him that I love. If you haven't read much of Neil Gaiman I suggest you remedy that as soon as possible!

Tom Robbins- I started reading Tom Robbins books when I was 18 years old, and 12 years later he is still one of my favorite authors! I have read almost all of his books, and though I haven't fallen head over heels in love with every single one, I tend to enjoy them enough to finish them. Jitterbug Perfume, Villa Incognito and Still life With Woodpecker are my top 3 picks from him, but he has many others that are definitely worth picking up! His writing style is so interesting and I absolutely love the way he goes off on random tangents throughout his novels. His books are so unique.

Sarah Addison Allen- Sarah Addison Allen's novels always leave me with a sense of longing, but in a good way. Her stories are always set in some quaint southern town, with some aspect of magic, yet not magic at the same time. Magical realism, I suppose. I sincerely loved all of her novels. They make me yearn for something more.

Anne Rice- Now, not all Anne Rice novels are created equal, but there are some that so fantastic that you want to read them over and over again. I have been a fan of Rice for so very long, I started reading her books when I was still in high school. She may be the reason I love fantasy as much as I do. The Witching Hour, The Vampire Lestat, The Mummy or Ramses the Damned.... So many books that I love. I've not read any of her "Christian" books, but I plan on reading her Werewolf books.

Jasper Fforde- I honestly think that all book lovers should pick up the Thursday Next series by Fforde. His Nursery Crime novels are also so very fun! That's why I love Jasper Fforde's book, they are just so much FUN! His books are fantastic when life is stressful, and everything seems to be going wrong, the world created by Fforde is such a wonderful escape from real life!

Honorable Mentions: DR. SEUSS (of course), Illusions by Richard Bach, The Song of the Lioness series and The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce, The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester, and weirdly enough I am a HUGE John Steinbeck fan, so like all of his books.

Magic Bites - Discussion Post #3

Can you believe that it's already almost the end of the month? I tell you, time flies when you have a good read! Little birdies have told me that many of you already finished this book, you naughty readers you ;). I'm glad you loved it! Let's discuss chapters 7-9.

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Discussion Questions:

* As one of our members mentioned last week, Kate may seem tough on the outside but she's definitely breakable. What do you think of her now that you've seen deeper into what she can do?

* What did you think of the dinner between Crest and Kate? Could you have seen them as a permanent couple?

* Any new thoughts on Curran? Are you a fan of the Beast Lord?

* We're well on our way to a showdown between Bono and Kate. Opinions on how the story has progressed? Kate's Atlanta is definitely not always a pleasant place. How do you predict this story will end?

* Show of hands, be honest! How many of you already finished this book? *giggles and tries to look stern*

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My Thoughts?

The very fact that Kate is human, above all else, is what makes her one of my favorite characters. She might be a bad-ass mercenary, she might push people away to protect herself and them, but at the deepest part of it all she just wants to be whole. I can promise those of you who loved this story that if you keep reading on, you'll slowly find that Kate is one of those characters who is impossible not to love. She's strong, but underneath that there's a veneer of cracks. I love Kate for just that. She's flawed. She's human. 

I have to say, I do like Crest. A lot in fact. I love that Ilona Andrews uses him to show all the things that Kate isn't. He's refined, she doesn't care about that. He wants to treat her like at trophy, she just wants to feel cared about. From the moment I met Crest, I never felt like they'd actually be together. In fact, the thoughts flowing through her head when she was with him at the opera were priceless. Kate isn't a trophy wife. She's a warrior, and stubborn as hell.

Curran, on the other hand? Still my favorite cat! The fact that he will put himself in harms way, time and time again, to save Kate makes me swoon. She may not want to be saved, but he doesn't care. He reminds her that sometimes we all need a little help. Plus, their banter just gets better and better. There is no more perfect person to match Kate's stubborn ways than Curran. Those two are fire and fire. All that makes? Is more fire.

Oh gods, I totally forgot about Bono and his horrible Upir form until I was re-reading this with you guys. The first time I read this I remember cringing at the awful description of the monster that he was, and what he created around him. Now that I've read to this part, I can tell you that a big showdown is coming and it isn't going to be pretty. There will be blood friends, and that's all you'll get from me. Oh, and no. I haven't finished this yet. I'm sticking to the reading schedule! Even though it's hard as hell. LOL. Otherwise I might spoil something for you all. 

The September Book Pick Is...

A wondrous and redemptive debut novel, set in a stark world where evil and magic coincide, The Enchanted combines the empathy and lyricism of Alice Sebold with the dark, imaginative power of Stephen King.

"This is an enchanted place. Others don’t see it, but I do." The enchanted place is an ancient stone prison, viewed through the eyes of a death row inmate who finds escape in his books and in re-imagining life around him, weaving a fantastical story of the people he observes and the world he inhabits. Fearful and reclusive, he senses what others cannot. Though bars confine him every minute of every day, he marries visions of golden horses running beneath the prison, heat flowing like molten metal from their backs with the devastating violence of prison life.

Two outsiders venture here: a fallen priest and the Lady, an investigator who searches for buried information from prisoners’ pasts that can save those soon-to-be-executed. Digging into the background of a killer named York, she uncovers wrenching truths that challenge familiar notions of victim and criminal, innocence and guilt, honesty and corruption—ultimately revealing shocking secrets of her own.

Beautiful and transcendent, The Enchanted reminds us of how our humanity connects us all, and how beauty and love exist even amidst the most nightmarish reality.

Once again, The Enchanted won the day by only one vote. Side Effects May Vary came in second for the second time in a row. So here's the deal I'll make to all of you. 

The Enchanted is our official read of September. However, I'll also be hosting a discussion for Side Effects May Vary on Saturdays!

So you can either choose to just read one of the two, or read both. It's up to you, and whatever your little bookish heart desires. I know not everyone can read two books simultaneously, so don't feel bad if you only join us for one or other. We'll be discussing both!

Get your copies! Our reading schedule on both of these starts on September 1, 2014.

Magic Bites - Discussion Post #2

Ready for another discussion post? If you've been keeping up with our reading, I'm sure you are! Things are picking up in Kate's Atlanta, and it's time for you to shout out how you feel.

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Discussion Questions:

* Now that you have a little more insight into Kate and her background, what questions do you still have about her?

* What do you think of Curran and his Pack? About the People?

* Urban Fantasy tends to be a little heavy on the action. How are you feeling about the fight scenes? Love them or leave them?

* We finished this set of chapters on quite a cliffhanger! What are your predictions for what is coming next?

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My Thoughts?

Since I've already read this, I'll refrain from answering the first question and instead say that Kate's background is definitely interesting! You'll slowly learn more and more about her as the series goes on, should you choose to continue it of course. It's amazing! Kate isn't just a woman, she isn't just a mercenary, she's so much more. It's no wonder she's one of my absolute favorite female characters!

Curran and his Pack are one of the parts of Kate's Atlanta that I love the most. I love the fact that shape shifters aren't just rogue individuals, but that they actually have a pack and a leader. The dynamics of their political system add an interesting part to this whole story. You'll see! As for the People, they creep me out. As much as I love this new take on vampires, well, they're pretty creepy. Living inside a dead person's head in order to pilot them? No thank you. Nataraja is just one odd guy. Rowena though? I kind of like.

I LOVE the fight scenes in this book. I think they do a great job of showing how fierce Kate is when she needs to be, but also how human and frail she is at the same time. Watching her fight has a certain kind of elegance to it. As for Curran? His fighting is just pure, animalistic violence. He's strong, and he knows it. Paired up? These two are a force to be reckoned with, for sure.

I'm not giggling as I type the fact that I know what's coming next. I swear, I'm not! Okay... maybe I am. I'll leave this here. Enjoy my friends! I can't wait to see what you have to say!

August Voting is Open!

Time to pick your favorite and get your vote in! Based off the suggestions that you put together, here's your poll. Remember, you only get one vote. So choose wisely! The results are hidden, so you won't find out what wins until the post goes up :). Happy choosing!

Polls close on 8/17/14 at 11:59 PST

online poll by Opinion Stage

September Book Suggestions

Here's the list of books that have been submitted for September!

Remember, you only get one vote. So choose wisely my friends. ;)

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See this on Amazon

Suddenly named the acting president of her uncle’s record label, former pop princess Sabrina Walker is finally ready to grow up. While her professional life moves forward, she still clings to the last fragment of her past life in the form of an uncertain relationship with her manager, Beau.

When Sabrina hires handsome, young assistant, Wade Lawson, he awakens in her the hidden confidence she’s always desired. What starts as a casual affair quickly intensifies to something much more.

Sabrina must decide—return to the familiar life of an insecure one-hit-wonder, or embrace Wade and the woman his passion has helped reveal.

Chosen by: Tina
Length: 328 pages      Genre: Romance

Why should we read this?
Cause it's awesome. Haha no really it's a well written book with a strong female lead in the music industry. It is a new adult so you might hate it but I think it would still be fun to discuss.
P.S. There are sex scenes so it may not be for everyone.
Special Notes: Self-Published.

See this on Amazon

What if you'd been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?

When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, who she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that's as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her archnemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger). But just when Alice's scores are settled, she goes into remission.

Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she's said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she caused irreparable damage to the people around her—and to the one person who matters most?

Julie Murphy's Side Effects May Vary is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality.

Chosen by: Kari
Length: 336 pages      Genre: Young Adult Fiction / Contemporary
Why should we read this? This is one of my all time favorite books, that will make an amazing discussion book. Alice is not always a really likeable person, but I so understood her, and there were so many wonderful nuances in this story! Plus, what would YOU do if you were a teenager and had terminal cancer?
Special Notes: Traditionally Published.

See this on Amazon

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door.

With three older brothers, Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, has always been more comfortable calling the shots on a basketball court than flirting with the opposite sex. So when her police officer dad demands she get a summer job to pay for the latest in a long line of speeding tickets, she's more than a little surprised to find herself working at a chichi boutique and going out with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game. Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with her neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden, sitting back-to-back against the fence that separates them. Braden may know her better than anyone. But there's a secret Charlie's keeping that even he hasn't figured out—she's fallen for him. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

On the Fence is a sweet and satisfying read about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect it.

Chosen by: Kari
Length: 304 pages      Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why should we read this? This is a cute, funny, sweeter YA romance by a crazy talented author. It has a really great family element to it and its one I think will tap into a lot things for us.
Special Notes: Traditionally Published.

See this on Amazon

For centuries, the Furies have lived among us. Long ago they were called witches and massacred by the thousands. But they’re human just like us, except for a rare genetic mutation that they’ve hidden from the rest of the world for hundreds of years.

Now, a chance encounter with a beautiful woman named Ariel has led John Rogers into the middle of a secret war among the Furies. Ariel needs John’s help in the battle between a rebellious faction of the clan and their elders. The grand prize in this war is a chance to remake the human race.

Mark Alpert's The Furies weaves cutting-edge science into an ingenious thriller, showing how a simple genetic twist could have inspired tales of witchcraft and sorcery, and how the paranormal could indeed be possible.

Chosen by: Keri
Length: 321 pages      Genre: Thriller
Why should we read this? This is a book on my TBR, and I'd love an actual reason to get it and read it. Before suggesting it I made sure it was at my local library for those that don't want to have to buy it. And for those that don't mind, I saw it at Barnes and Noble... In the spirit of full disclosure I'd like for everyone to know that I was attracted to this book originally because of its cover, but once reading the description I was hooked!
Special Notes: Traditionally Published.

See this on Amazon

When Kate Pierce-Keller’s grandmother gives her a strange blue medallion and speaks of time travel, sixteen-year-old Kate assumes the old woman is delusional. But it all becomes horrifyingly real when a murder in the past destroys the foundation of Kate’s present-day life. Suddenly, that medallion is the only thing protecting Kate from blinking out of existence.

Kate learns that the 1893 killing is part of something much more sinister, and her genetic ability to time travel makes Kate the only one who can fix the future. Risking everything, she travels back in time to the Chicago World’s Fair to try to prevent the murder and the chain of events that follows.

Changing the timeline comes with a personal cost—if Kate succeeds, the boy she loves will have no memory of her existence. And regardless of her motives, does Kate have the right to manipulate the fate of the entire world?

Chosen by: Ari
Length: 374 pages      Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Why should we read this? It's well written, has a strong female protagonist, and is about time travel!
Special Notes: Self-Published.

See this on Amazon

A wondrous and redemptive debut novel, set in a stark world where evil and magic coincide, The Enchanted combines the empathy and lyricism of Alice Sebold with the dark, imaginative power of Stephen King.

"This is an enchanted place. Others don’t see it, but I do." The enchanted place is an ancient stone prison, viewed through the eyes of a death row inmate who finds escape in his books and in re-imagining life around him, weaving a fantastical story of the people he observes and the world he inhabits. Fearful and reclusive, he senses what others cannot. Though bars confine him every minute of every day, he marries visions of golden horses running beneath the prison, heat flowing like molten metal from their backs with the devastating violence of prison life.

Two outsiders venture here: a fallen priest and the Lady, an investigator who searches for buried information from prisoners’ pasts that can save those soon-to-be-executed. Digging into the background of a killer named York, she uncovers wrenching truths that challenge familiar notions of victim and criminal, innocence and guilt, honesty and corruption—ultimately revealing shocking secrets of her own.

Beautiful and transcendent, The Enchanted reminds us of how our humanity connects us all, and how beauty and love exist even amidst the most nightmarish reality.

Chosen by: Tricia (TBalla)
Length: 261 pages      Genre: General Fiction / Fantasy?
Why should we read this? I have been wanting to read this for awhile now, and thought it sounded like a book bound to inspire some great discussions! Also it's described as, "A wondrous and redemptive debut novel, set in a stark world where evil and magic coincide, The Enchanted combines the empathy and lyricism of Alice Sebold with the dark, imaginative power of Stephen King."
Special Notes: Traditionally Published.

Magic Bites - Discussion Post #1

Good morning, and happy Tuesday bookish people!

My deepest apologies for how long it took to get this post up. The benefit of having a Blogger site is that we don't have to pay, so no book club dues! The downside is, that sometimes it has a spastic moment and we have to wait for it to be fixed. Ah, well. That's life!

Hopefully I've given you all enough time to devour the first three chapters of Magic Bites, and you're ready for a rousing discussion! Let's do this!

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Discussion Questions:

* Starting with the basics, are you a newbie or a veteran in the Urban Fantasy genre?

* You've had a few chapters to be introduced to Miss Kate Daniels. What is your opinion of her so far?

* How do you feel about the world-building in Ilona Andrews' book? 

* Is there anything you have questions about? Anything that you're looking forward to discovering?

* So far we've had a glimpse of Curran, our Beast Lord. Any opinions?

* As always, shout out anything else you're passionate about!

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Don't forget, this discussion is spoiler free and a bully free zone! We love your opinions, but be polite to our other members as well. Thank you!

My Thoughts?

I made sure to let everyone know ahead of time that I've already read this series the entire way through and am totally in love with it :). Kate Daniels is one of my favorite characters of all time, and I don't care who knows it. That being said, I'm not new to Urban Fantasy. Kate was just my first foray into this genre, and I've been reading them ravenously ever since. So again, yes I do love Kate! She's sassy, intelligent, and as kick-ass as they come. I can't wait for you to be further introduced to her.

I think the world building in Ilona Andrews' book is solid, but one that you really have to let go to enjoy. This Atlanta is filled with magic and monsters so, if you're not able to accept that and move on? It's tough to enjoy the story. I, for one, love the idea of shifters, monsters and wild magic. It makes for a fun way to get lost in a new place. 

I'll hold my comments about Curran in check until you get to meet him more later, but trust me when I say that he and Kate are evenly matched in the sarcasm department :). I think this first set of chapters gives a good insight into the type of character he is. Strong, noble, and willing to do whatever it takes. You've seen a little bit of the banter between these two. I can promise you, there's more to come. I love them so much. I really really do.

I'm eager to hear what you think! Don't be afraid to be honest. If this wasn't a book for you so far? Shout it out! I'll never fault anyone for their opinion. That's the lovely thing about books: there's something for everyone.

August Member of the Month!

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It's that time of the month again! Time to spotlight another one of our fabulous members, and their reading tastes. Like I said before, I love these posts! Giving you all the opportunity to get to know one another makes me happy :). I hope you love it too!

August's Member of the Month is Keri!

I was lucky enough to meet Keri through one of our mutual friends. Once we found out we were both bookworms? It was all over for us. It's like that moment when you find someone else who loves the same flavor pie as you. Bookish love makes you soul-mates for life.

ANYWAY, Keri is an eclectic reader like me. We both devour everything we can get our bookish little hands on. In fact, she's written up some thoughts on books before and then I've transferred them into reviews. When she has time, she's my "ghost reader" for my book blog, and she rocks at it :).

I hope you have a ton of fun getting to know her! My only regret is that you can't meet in her in person !

* If you had to describe yourself in just one word, what would it be?

Delightful

* Okay now that you have us in suspense, elaborate! Why did you pick that specific word?

By choosing delightful I also get its synonyms! All of which describe me wonderfully, if I do say so myself.
I am many things to many people, but I always try to be delightful.

* Inquiring minds want to know, why did you join Bookishly Delighted?

I joined this fantastic book club because my amazing friend, Jessica, asked me to. Plain and simple.

* What's your favorite type of book to get lost in?

My favorite genre seems to be fantasy. I'm not sure when that came to be, but it is what it is. I love magic, always have.

* Do you have any other bookish hobbies besides participating in the book club?

I don't have any other bookish hobbies, except maybe that I always try to find a used bookstore when I travel. I have certain books that I look for in every used book shop, and if I find them at an acceptable price, I always buy them, because I always keep spare copies to give away.

* Where might we find you reading?

I'm a bed reader. I love to read in bed with my cat.

* Who's your favorite male lead in a book? Your favorite female lead?
Favorite male lead? Are you kidding? Um, I don't have one, but if I have to single someone out, possibly Shadow from American Gods by Neil Gaiman, but I can't really tell you why.
I also don't have a "favorite" female lead, but I am partial to Thursday Next from the Jasper Fforde series. I would love to jump in and out of books, and interact with the characters like Thursday does!! 

* What are you reading right now?

Right now I am reading our book of the month, duh... I'm actively reading What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver,Tibetan Peach Pie by Tom Robbins, The Blight by Rachel E. Fisher, No and Me by Delphine De Vigan, The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr, Scourge by David H. Burton. I'm slowly reading (off and on) The Portable Dorothy Parker, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Periodic Tales by Hugh Aldersey-Williams, Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn, War and Peace by Tolstoy, The Social Contract by Rousseau, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente.

* Any final thoughts?

Final thoughts kind of remind me of Jerry Springer when he says things like, "It's just a show. It's not the end of Western Civilization. It's chewing gum."

Or Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey, "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

Let it be known that I have no shame when it comes to messing up Keri's pictures ;). Do I look terrible? Probably. Is it hilarious? Definitely. Ha! Thanks Keri for letting us get to know you! Check back soon for her TBR recommendations!