7 Places To Find That Book You've Been Wanting!

Hey there awesome reader friends! I was thinking about the fact that some of you out there might not know what resources are available to you when you want to snag our monthly books! I know I'm lucky, as a person who has a stellar library system. I've been on the other side of that though, and I know it's tough to locate books you might want to read without spending a ton of money. So get ready, here's your guide to all the places you can spend that bookish cash!

1. Your local library

As I said, I know that not everyone has access to a local library. If you do though, this would always be the place I'd check first. Remember, libraries exist because you support them!

2. Amazon

This is the next place most people think of when they're looking for a book. Yes, I know not everyone supports Amazon. Don't worry, there are more options coming. If you have a Kindle, or a tablet/phone with the free Kindle app, this is a great place to buy books. They'll automatically transfer to your device, and all you have to do is download them to read them. Don't have a smartphone or tablet? You can also download a free Kindle app for your computer! Or, read in the cloud and never download anything at all.

3. Barnes & Noble

The last man standing in the big box book stores, Barnes & Noble is another great choice to find your book! If you're not in the mood to buy a brand new paperback, you can also buy ebooks through them as well. Own a Nook? This is your destination for easy to download, easy to read books. Once again, if you don't own an e-reader, Barnes & Noble offers free reading apps for phones, tablets and computers! They also have cloud reading available.

4. Abe Books

Not an e-reader person and want a paper copy? Well, at Abe Books you can probably get it cheaper! They list thousands of used copies of many of the books we read. Their site is easy to use, and has some great deals. Hey, look at that! Cycle of the Werewolf for only $3.50 and free shipping? Done.

5. Half Priced Books

Another great choice for inexpensive reads is Half Priced Books! I've ordered through them many times, and never been disappointed. Their price points are low for used books, and they run sales all the time on new ones too. Sign up for their newsletter! Every year they run a crazy 50-75% off sale. Your TBR pile has been warned. Here's We Have Always Lived in the Castle for about $2.34.

6. IndieBound

For those of you who want new books, but also want to support small bookstores, check out Indie Bound! Their website allows you to find a local bookstore near you, and shop with them through the website.

7. Book Depository

I love Book Depository. First off, they ship for free nearly everywhere. Their International is quick too. Secondly, they run sales all the time on even new books. You can get a brand new title for anywhere between 15% and 30% off normally and check out the bargain bin for books that are 50% off. Once again, sorry TBR pile. You've been warned.

Know of any other great places to shop for books? Shout it out in the comments! My whole point in doing this is to let you know that it's always possible to get the book you want. Most of the time, for cheaper than you think. So join us! We're all bookish here.

Discussion Post #3 - The Enchanted

Confession of the week? I totally teared up while reading this set of pages. There, I admitted it. I'm smitten, and I don't care who knows it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This week we've been given a lot more information about our characters. We've seen into their pasts, and finally know more about how they are. What are your thoughts on these new revelations?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

So this set of chapters has cemented fully in my mind that this is a book I'm going to love. Unless the ending is horrible, which I doubt, this will rate highly on the "Jessica loved this" scale. All of the new things we've learned about our characters floored me. I don't even know where to start. From the quotes about life that glare at me off the page, to the fact that even the "good" characters in this story are so deeply flawed, this is nothing but interesting to me.

First off, it was startling to finally see names present on the page. Our Priest and our Lady still have no names, but it made me smile a bit that she knows all the names of the inmates. Perhaps even more than the guards around them do. I was also agape at the fact that the Lady has so many similarities to York. Up until now, I just assumed she was doing the same work for him as any other case she'd been assigned. Now that we've met her mother, and heard her story, I think there might be something more to it.

When it comes to the Priest, his story broke my heart. You can see the deep sorrow inside him. The fact that both he and the Lady are broken, and that they are now reaching out to one another, makes me feel a bit happier but also wary. Am I rambling? I'm rambling, I know. This book seems to do that to me. Even our still nameless inmate, and his story are so dark. I don't know what else to say. I just love this book.

Discussion Post #3 - Side Effects May Vary

Your next post is here! Can you believe it's the first day of Fall? So Cal isn't feeling it yet, by any means, but still. I'm all for sweater, latte, and boot weather! Bring it on!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussion Questions:

* There's been a few more peeks at Alice's bucket list in these chapters. Have these events changed your views of Alice? How about Harvey?

* What do you think about Eric and Deborah's inclusion in the story?

* We've now seen that Harvey is definitely capable of holding his own against Alice's sway. What do you think will happen in the next chapters?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

Now we come to the part of the book that made this inch up on the rating scale for me! Yup, this book was a roller coaster of a ride the first time, and it's the same this time around. Alice's stunt at the play was actually pretty humorous, and I wasn't upset with her for it. We all know Celeste is an ass, and honestly? It wasn't even that terrible. At least she didn't have to flash her naked behind to the whole world ;). Add in the fact that Alice gives a puppy to a little girl, and you start to shatter the ice around my heart. Plus, Harvey starts to show some balls, so he's off my list too.

Eric and Deborah play an essential part in this story, each of them giving our main characters a chance to be apart. I think Eric was good for Alice because she realized how much she wants something stable, but how afraid she is to hold onto it. I also think Deborah is great for Harvey. She not be his Alice, but she keeps him grounded. Plus it gives Alice a glimpse at that envy that she harbors inside her. When she admitted that she wants him, but she also wants him to be happy? Huge freaking grin on this girl. Progress girl. Progress.

As I said before, this is when Harvey starts to come into his own. He realizes that he needs something of his own, and that he can only be there for Alice so far as she'll let him. I've already read the ending, so I'll leave it to you to predict what'll come next. Make sure you don't spoil :). I don't doubt some of you have already finished this!

The October Book Pick is...

Fall quick approaches my friends. Well, for those of you who live in Southern California like I do, it's not quite so quick as we'd like. Nonetheless, October generally means cooler weather, and also the promise of Halloween! 

In honor of that, we'll be reading two classic horror novels. Both are rather short, and I have faith that you'll love them!

***********

First up is We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson. This weighs in at only 160 pages, and should be a quick read for everyone!

Visitors call seldom at Blackwood House. Taking tea at the scene of a multiple poisoning, with a suspected murderess as one's host, is a perilous business. For a start, the talk tends to turn to arsenic. "It happened in this very room, and we still have our dinner in here every night," explains Uncle Julian, continually rehearsing the details of the fatal family meal. "My sister made these this morning," says Merricat, politely proffering a plate of rum cakes, fresh from the poisoner's kitchen. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson's 1962 novel, is full of a macabre and sinister humor, and Merricat herself, its amiable narrator, is one of the great unhinged heroines of literature. "What place would be better for us than this?" she asks, of the neat, secluded realm she shares with her uncle and with her beloved older sister, Constance. "Who wants us, outside? The world is full of terrible people." Merricat has developed an idiosyncratic system of rules and protective magic, burying talismanic objects beneath the family estate, nailing them to trees, ritually revisiting them. She has made "a powerful taut web which never loosened, but held fast to guard us" against the distrust and hostility of neighboring villagers.

Or so she believes. But at last the magic fails. A stranger arrives -- cousin Charles, with his eye on the Blackwood fortune. He disturbs the sisters' careful habits, installing himself at the head of the family table, unearthing Merricat's treasures, talking privately to Constance about "normal lives" and "boy friends." Unable to drive him away by either polite or occult means, Merricat adopts more desperate methods. The result is crisis and tragedy, the revelation of a terrible secret, the convergence of the villagers upon the house, and a spectacular unleashing of collective spite.

The sisters are propelled further into seclusion and solipsism, abandoning "time and the orderly pattern of our old days" in favor of an ever-narrowing circuit of ritual and shadow. They have themselves become talismans, to be alternately demonized and propitiated, darkly, with gifts. Jackson's novel emerges less as a study in eccentricity and more -- like some of her other fictions -- as a powerful critique of the anxious, ruthless processes involved in the maintenance of normality itself. "Poor strangers," says Merricat contentedly at last, studying trespassers from the darkness behind the barricaded Blackwood windows. "They have so much to be afraid of."

The chapter/page breakdown is coming in the next newsletter. I'm waiting for my copy of this to arrive from the library. You should be able to find it there as well, or at the following places:

Amazon / B&N / Indiebound / Book Depository / AbeBooks

**********

Second book of the month is Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf, which has been praised quite profusely by many readers I know! This book is also short, coming in at a 128 pages in length.

The first scream came from the snowbound railwayman who felt the fangs ripping at his throat. The next month there was a scream of ecstatic agony from the woman attacked in her snug bedroom.

Now scenes of unbelieving horror come each time the full moon shines on the isolated Maine town of Tarker Mills. No one knows who will be attacked next. But one thing is sure.

When the moon grows fat, a paralyzing fear sweeps through Tarker Mills. For snarls that sound like human words can be heard whining through the wind. And all around are the footprints of a monster whose hunger cannot be sated...

Again, chapter/page breakdown is coming soon. Just waiting on a library copy :). Links below for this book as well:

Amazon / B&N / Indiebound / Book Depository / AbeBooks

It's time for the first annual SPOOKY SWAP!

ARE YOU READY? You'd better be, because it's time to swap!

To start, please make sure you read the General Guidelines post. If you get to the end of the document and still have a burning question, email me or comment here! I'm always happy to help.

ON TO THE DETAILS!

This swap is Halloween themed, or Fall themed if that's better for you. I understand not everyone celebrates Halloween and so please don't be worried that I'll run you off if you don't. The theme is open to interpretation!

The following items are required in your package:

* One Fall/Halloween item that is wearable (socks, gloves, beanies, earrings)

* One Fall/Halloween item that is edible (CANDY! Ahem...or something less sugary)

* One Fall/Halloween book 

* One Fall/Halloween themed item of your choice (think pumpkins, leaves, etc.)

* A note to your swap partner! 

Money Limit: 

Your box must contain items that add up to at least $20. Anything beyond that is your own personal choice, if you'd like to add extras. You may also add items that are not on the theme list if you so choose!

        * Some helpful hints:

                 - Check out dollar stores. You can get lots of fantastic and fun items there!

                 - Shop the dollar spot at local stores like Target or Walmart.

                 - Go thrift store hunting. This is perfectly okay! Just make sure the item is in good condition.

                    (A good rule of thumb is to think, "Would I want to receive this?")

                 - Re-gift something of yours (in good condition of course) that you think fits the box.

                 - Make something. It's cool to include something handmade. Again, just make sure it's something     

                    you'd like to receive yourself.

Shipping Information:

This swap is open to all our members, but please make sure to include if you are not located in the U.S. or, if you are in the U.S., whether you're willing to ship internationally. All delivery confirmation numbers must be in no later than October 25th. This also means your box should be shipped no later than this date. You must procure a delivery confirmation number when sending your package, and include it in the form located here. No delivery confirmation means you won't be eligible for future swaps.

Ready to join in?

Fill out THIS FORM completely to sign up. 

I'll match you with a swapping buddy and send out information as to who you will be mailing to. Please know I try to keep this a surprise, so you won't know who is mailing to you unless you specifically ask.

***Sign ups will be open until October 3rd***

Late sign ups will not be accepted. I need that time to match people up and still give you ample time to go and do some shopping!

REMEMBER:

If you sign up, your are promising to send a package. Please make sure you can follow through! I never want anyone to end up without a box. Thanks!

General Swap Guidelines!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Periodically we run member swaps, giveaways, and buddy reads here on the book club blog! There's nothing going on at the moment, but check back soon!

*Next scheduled swap: FEBRUARY 2015*

SWAP GENERAL GUIDELINES

The Basics:

WHAT EXACTLY IS A SWAP?

A swap consists of a group of people who sign up to send packages to one another. The specific details will change, but the main guidelines will always stay the same. Give a package, get a package! That's the way it works!

THEME REQUIREMENTS:

Each swap will have its own separate theme, which will always be explained. There will be a general set of items thatmust be included in each package according to the swap guidelines. For example, a Halloween swap might include a candy item, and something orange or black. Which candy item or orange and black thing you include is up to you! Thus the general requirements.

SHARING INFORMATION:

One of the most important parts of a swap is allowing your partner to know what you might like to receive! In order to make sure you get a package that is tailored to you, it is asked that you share some personal information. Be assured that this information is entered into a locked document and will never be shared with anyone except for your swap partner. Once the mailing deadline has passed, all information is purged from the system.


Official Rules and Regulations:

OPEN TO:

Depending on the swap, and how much time there is to set it up, they may or may not be International. Please pay special attention to this section to see who the swap is open to.

MONEY LIMIT:

Each swap has its own money limit! Most will be no more than $15, with the ocassional bigger swap being $20. You must agree to spend at least this amount on the items included in your package. Whether you choose to spend more is up to you. This does not include your shipping costs.

DEADLINES:

Each swap will have a set of deadlines attached to it. There will a sign-up deadline, along with a date at which all packages must be sent out and delivery confirmation numbers sent in. Please do not sign up for a swap if you cannot meet the deadlines. It might cost someone else their package.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPPING:

Members are required to get Delivery Confirmation with their packages. A Delivery Confirmation  form will be put up following participant information going out. Please make sure to fill it out! Failure to obtain Delivery Confirmation may result in you being excluded from future swaps.

WARNINGS:

Just to be on the safe side, please do not send the following to ANYONE: tobacco products, alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, weapons, or pornographic material. If shipping perishable items, consider the heat!


When You Get Your Package: 

SAYING THANK YOU:

Once you get your package, please share a photo or write your swap buddy a thank you note! Our Facebook group is a great way to do this. If you're not a part of the Facebook group, send me an email with a picture and your note and I'll post it here for you!

Discussion Post #2 - The Enchanted

Does anyone else feel like this book just keeps getting better? Maybe it's just me, but I'm excited to see what you guys have to say about it this week!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This week, let's talk atmosphere. What do you think of the overall atmosphere of this book? Is it still keeping you interested? Is there anything that you're eager to find out?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

I've said it above, but I honestly feel like this book just keeps getting better the more I read. Is it a different style of writing? Yup, definitely. Is it a little vague at times? Yes to that as well. In this case though, I feel like it works well for the story. Not having anything particularly concrete to hold onto adds to the overall atmosphere of this book. It makes it feel almost like you're intruding on a dream, or a nightmare depending on how you swing it. There's something lilting about the way this is written, and it charms me into wanting to read more every single damn time.

I love that this week we were able to learn more about "The Lady" and her past. Her interactions with the aunt, her thoughts on the peaceful setting that is the woods, all of it made me feel like she is someone who I'd like to know. It seems like she might not always enjoy her job, but she does it with a zealous fervor nonetheless. I'm hoping for more about her. I also like that this story hasn't sugarcoated the terrible things that happen in this prison. I can't remember the exact line, but the one about how tv shows and stories make prison out to be one place, when in fact it's something all together different, amazed me. I don't even know what else to say.

I can't put my finger on why, but I like this book. Looking forward to more.