Book Review Contest winners!

Congratulations to our Book Review Contest winners:

Alexis
Danielle
Morari
Lisette

Looking for a book to read? Check out their reviews below!

Who saw the movie New Moon? Looking for the book now? You may be put on a hold list, but stop into the downstairs part of the library for a copy of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga Read-Alikes to tide you over til it comes in for you.

Book Review: Marked

By P.C. + Kristin Cast
A Review by Merari

Doesn’t everyone dream to be a vampire? Well, not where Zoey Heffer lives. The last thing she wanted was to be a vampire. Worst of all- she’s been marked. As in she’s a vampire. No worries, her boyfriend (Heath) will help her get out of being one. The only problem is that she was sent to the vampire “academy”- The House of Night. What happens when she starts liking another boy? Eric Knight is the most gorgeous guy ever. But Zoey crosses paths with the most popular girl in school. When Aphrodite guarantees to make Zoey’s life miserable, her and her friends plan to take her down. But then, Heath shows up, yes, Eric Knight is right there.

If you love a great book about life for a vampire, love, hate, and ghosts, this is the book for you.

Book Review: The Wee Free Men

By Terry Pratchett
A Review by Alexis

Things are getting weird for Tiffany Aching. After meeting the mysterious Miss Tick and her talking toad, she discovers that her home, the Chalk, is holding more secrets than she could’ve ever imagined. You can bump into monsters just going down to the stream for water. You find little blue pictsies, or the Wee Free Men, in your farmhouse.

At least she assumes they are blue. It’s hard to tell because of all the tattoos on these Nac Mac Feegles, whose favorite hobbies include drinkin’, fightin’, and fightin’ and drinkin’.

She learns that her world is colliding with another, more poisonous one, and her brother gets kidnapped into it. Determined to get him back, she journeys to the place where the Queen has taken him, a strange land where things are never as they seem and dreams come at you with the bite of reality.

With the help of the Wee Free Men, she takes the leap and finds that she can open her eyes twice.

One thing that I really love about this book is the Wee Free Men. They chant, “Nac Mac Feegle! The Wee Free Men! Nae king! Nae quin! Nae laird! Nae master!” Standing only six inches high, they protect Tiffany from monsters that are coming from the other world. Their slang and “swear words” are hilarious, I’ve started using “Crivins!” as an expletive. The way Terry Pratchett describes them, it has made me want my own following of Nac Mac Feegles.

If you decide to read this book, there are two others in the series, A Hat Full of Sky and The Wintersmith. They continue the story of Tiffany Aching and her band of Feegles.

“The Wee Free Men” was a great read. Anyone who says otherwise don ken anythin’, ye scunner!

Book Review: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

By Michael Scott
A Review by Danielle

The first book of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, titled the Alchemyst, starts at a bookstore in the heart of San Francisco. Working there is a normal boy named Josh, who’s fraternal twin sister Sophie works across the street. A man comes into the shop and inquires about a book, which normally wouldn’t be an odd thing to do in a bookstore. Except that this book is in fact the Codex, which holds all of life’s prophecies within its pages and the man isn’t about to take no for an answer. Suddenly a battle between the man, who reveals himself to be Dr. John Dee, and the storekeeper, who is actually Nicholas Flamel. During the squabble, Josh accidentally rips out the last two and most vital pages of the Codex, which Dee escapes with along with Flamel’s wife, Perenelle. Now Josh and Sophie must retrieve the Codex, for they are the Chosen Twins foretold in a prophecy in the Codex where they must prevent the Dark Elders from taking over the modern world and many other realms with it. In order to aid them and get back his wife, Flamel must take the twins across the globe so that they can awaken their powers and learn the four elemental magicks: fire, wind, water, and earth. Unfortunately for them, the Dark Elders want the twins so that they can use them for their own personal gain


In the second book, titled The Magician, the twins find themselves in Paris, France where they seek refuge with Comte de Saint Germain and Joan d’Arc. Dee is not the only one on the Dark Elders’ side, however, and they soon come across Niccolò Machiavelli. It doesn’t take long for Dee to arrive in Paris and when he does, he and Machiavelli team up and release Níðhöggr to wreak havoc on the streets of Paris. In all of the confusion, Dee and Machiavelli manage to convince Josh to join them for a time. They then take him deep into the catacombs that lie beneath Paris to meet the Roman god of war Mars to have his powers awakened.

Meanwhile, Perenelle Flamel, an incredibly powerful sorceress is being held prisoner on the island of Alcatraz. There, the Dark Elders have place creatures that have only been seen in fairy tales, mythology, and nightmares. Yet another precaution to keep Perenelle on the island is taken and the Dark Elders send the Morrigan, one of the three Celtic goddess sisters of battle, after her should she try to escape. Perenelle must use her wits to survive and flee Alcatraz.

Will the world be saved and the Dark Elders defeated? Or will the Dark Elders conquer and rule our world once again? Read and find out!

Review of Manga: Black Bird

By Kanoko Sakurakoji
A Review by Lisette

Black Bird involves demons and the prophecy of the bride - whichever clan claims her gives power to his whole family.

Misao Harada had been waiting for her childhood friend, lover for 10 years, Kyo. She barely remembers anything about him. Kyo is a Tengu. Yes, that means he is a demon and he wants Misao to become his bride. But would she ever agree to it when she finds out what he is?

This Manga is really funny, serious, and very maniacal.

Other demons come after her when she turns sixteen, the opening of the demons to get her or marry her. What could become of her?

I love the characters that make up this Manga. One of my favorite characters is Taro. He is also a Tengu, which makes him a demon. He is very cute and adorable. When he cries, it makes you want to hug him! I think that even though he is six years old he is very smart for his age. He is so cute that even Misao, the main character, agrees, even though she knows that he’s a demon.

I hope Kyo does get Misao. He is always there when she needs to be protected. To find out what happens you have to read it! It’s written by Kanoko Sakurakoji - she even drew the Manga. I really love her work.

This is my first time I ever read her Manga, but I love it. Even my friends agree that the book is interesting. That are some parts that are so funny that I start laughing because I think it is hilarious. You just have to read it. I have no bad things to say about this Manga, because I just plain love it.

If you love magic and myths, this Manga is for you. And if you have never read Manga, it is really easy and fun. When I first started to read Manga, it was really fun and I enjoyed it.

Have you ever wanted to know about the comments the author has about the book? Then this is really cool because the author writes little side things about herself and the book, story. You also get to know about the author, which I think is awesome. I really love this book and the author Kanoko Sakurakoji and also the company ShojoBeat.

I really enjoyed this Manga and whoever is reading my review should take the chance to read this really great Manga, because if you don’t you are really missing out. The myth is also a little weird but if you like supernatural things, you should love Black Bird because it is amazing.

Book Review Contest

Book Review Tip #4: Practice book talking.
Try talking about a favorite book out loud first. Talk it up to a friend, family member, or teddy bear. See what words are important as your describing the book. You can use casual, conversational style language in your book review. You're only point is... you should read it too!

We've got some great prizes for just writing about a book you like: a book store gift card and writers kits filled with all kinds of goodies. All entries will be posted to the blog! E-mail your Book Review to Betsy Bermant or submit them to the library by November 30th. Happy reviewing!

New Moon Gala Pictures

Pocket Edward declares it is party time!

Lead the way, Pocket!

Care for a cup of Bella's Adrenaline Rush?

Watch out, Jacob...

I heart Pocket Edward!

Pocket Edward...in a...pocket?

P.E. working the room!

Trivia Break!

Everyone thinks hard...

Don't give any answers away, Pocket!

We couldn't have done it without the TAG planners! Thanks Lisette and Bailey!

Winners and Writers Workshop

Congrats to winners of the Where in St. Francis is Pocket Edward Blog Contest:

Danielle
Liz
Ryan

Secret Pocket Edward locations revealed:

Day #1: Fixx Coffee Shop
Day #2: Bay View Park
Day #3: Foamation Cheesehead Outlet Store
Day #4: The St. Francis Seminary
Day#5: The YA area of the library!

Need tips for your book review? Tomorrow Tuesday November 17th, 4pm to 5pm we'll be having a Writers Workshop, downstairs in the library. Bring your books, ideas, and get tips for writing your book review. The book review contest runs through the end of the month, so you still have time to submit. We'll have fabulous prizes, just for writing about a book you like!

Day #5: Where in St Francis is Pocket Edward?

P.E. is going for a more fierce look. Yes, Pocket, your head does look big in that. Where did Pocket Edward find this headpiece? You might have to do some library research to find out. E-mail your guess to Betsy Bermant for your chance at the gift card drawing. Remember to include your name and a separate e-mail for each days' guess. You can guess about previous days' locations, just send a separate e-mail for each. Good luck! Check the blog on Monday--the winners names and P.E.'s secret St. Francis locations will be revealed!

Today is the last day P.E. is traveling around St. Francis, as he doesn't want to be late for opening night of New Moon, and because of his small, immovable legs, he needs a head start to the theater. However, he may be making an appearance at the NEW MOON GALA the day before the release. November 19th, 5:00-6:30. Come wearing something red and enjoy pizza, specialty desserts, music, trivia, and prizes! $1 gets you in!

Book Review Tip #3: Start with a hook. Ask a hypothetical question of the reader to get them thinking: "Did you ever dream that you could fly?" Or start with an assumption: "Everybody knows that you can't live forever, right?" Prove them wrong with the rules that govern the story you picked. Is there a really funny/sad/memorable quote in the book that gives the reader a glimpse into the story? Include it at the beginning to interest your audience--the authors own words can speak for themselves.

Buffy vs. Edward

Who would win if these two characters butted heads, Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Edward Cullen the Vegetarian Vampire? Cast your vote in the poll on the blog's sidebar. Here's one person's video vote:

Day #4: Where in St Francis is Pocket Edward?

Pocket finds something to lean on as he contemplates religion. Watch out for that shaft of light, P.E! E-mail your guess as to where P.E. goes to ponder to Betsy Bermant.

Day #3: Where is Pocket Edward today?

Pocket Edward wants to know if his head looks big in this? What a cheesy guy! Think you know where P.E. shops for headwear? E-mail Betsy Bermant with your guess for your chance to win!

Book Review Tip #2: Reach out to a certain audience.

If you know people like one kind of book, recommend a new title for them. For example, "If you liked City of Ashes, than you're sure to like...." "If you're a Terry Pratchett fan, then don't miss..." "If you like horror, then this one is for you!"

Day #2: Where in St Francis is Pocket Edward today?

Pocket Edward found a pocket of shade with a good view. Where is he? E-mail your guess to Betsy Bermant for a chance to win a gift card to go see New Moon or any movie of your choice at the theater!

Book Review Tip #1: Write about a book you like! Unlike a book report, book reviews are supposed to persuade people to read a book you think they should read. When you write about a book you like, your enthusiasm comes through.

Day #1: Where in St. Francis is... Pocket Edward today?

After discovering there was no coffee in that cup (what was he going to do with all that coffee, take a bath?), P.E. continued indoors where he decided to fill out a personal ad. Poor, mourning P.E.

If you think you know where he is today, e-mail librarian Betsy Bermant to put your name in the drawing for $10 movie gift cards! Good luck! :)

Where in St. Francis is...Pocket Edward?

Check the blog every weekday next week, Monday November 9 - Friday November 13 for your chance to win a $10 movie gift card. Whether you plan to see the New Moon movie or not, take a stab at Where in St Francis is...Pocket Edward? He'll be camped out at a new location in St Francis everyday. Send an e-mail to me, Betsy Bermant, with your guesses to be entered in the drawing. P.E likes to skulk around... he really is a bit creepy :)

Book Review Contest

Love to read? Love to write? Love to win prizes? The Book Review Contest gives you a chance to get published on the blog and recommend good reads...plus the chance to win fabulous prizes! Stop by the blog for tips and tricks. We'll also host a Writers Workshop for those with writers block, in the Ladish room, downstairs in the library on November 17th from 4-5:30. Bring your ideas, writings, and books!

New Moon Gala

We're up and running! And we've got a lot coming up throughout the month of November:

To celebrate the release of the Twilight saga: New Moon, we're hosting a New Moon Gala the day before the movie comes out. November 19th, stop by for music, trivia, prizes, and pizza from 5pm - 6:30pm in the Ladish room downstairs! $1 gets you in. Whether you're team Edward or team Jacob, come wearing something read...i mean red.