Saturday, December 26, 2009

A writers life WIP

I just had to write an insanely hard to write chapter. Well, really it was just the ending of the chapter that had me so irrate. I am trying to sooth myself by explaining, yes to myself, that it was a realistic decision my Heroine made.
I always have to ask myself while writing, "Casse, would you ever make that choice and is it realistic?" In this case I had to say HECK NO I would never make that decision but quickly had to tell myself that it was a realistic choice. Though this heroine has a lot of my qualities...we aren't the same. Our fears drive us to do completely different things and because we are so much a like on somethings its harder to get in her head.
Truth is, I would make a horrible romance novel heroine. Even though I have some of the traits (don't laugh at what follows. Well, go ahead its pretty hilarious.) I am a sexy bookish nerd who is shy but head strong but has no idea how truly gorgeous she is. I am smart but insecure but that is where good rom heroine trait ends. I have a smart mouth and I hate being told what to do. I don't take much crap and I am boring as hell. So yeah no novel would ever be written about me.
Cheers!
Casse

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Fade by Lisa McMann Review



I am always weary about starting the next book of a series I love. What if it is terrible and it ruins it? Rarely does follow ups live up to an awesome series debut.


Janie and Cabel were perfect in Wake by Lisa McMann. But in Fade I felt the spark of what they were but they were not those characters anymore. Janie was strong but didn't make you want to set check her. Now she just does shit just because Cabel doesn't feel comfortable with it. Cabe went all bitch on me. And became not quite alpha not really beta but some lukewarm washy-version them both.

But the story was good. I love McMann's style of storytelling. It fits the story. I love how she doesn't do too many BIG twist and surprises. I like the teacher aspects and I like the way Janie played it up until the actual event. She annoyed the hell out of me then. But still I guess it was a normal and natural way to handle the situation and realistic.

Janie and Cabel's relationship, I just don't get why the drama. It seemed manufactured to give the story another sub-plot but it made absolutely no sense and was pointless except to drive a story and try and force emotion from readers.

I still enjoy the dream catcher series and will look forward to reading Gone. Janie and Cabel are no longer my book ideal couple. Its fine but this is prime example why I am hesitant and scared to read 2nds in the series.

Lisa McMann is still one of my favorite writers.



Keep reading,

Casse.

Troy High by Shana Norris Review


A week or so back I read Troy High. I heard about it on Jeri Smith-Ready's Blogtober fest in October. It was a cute little modernized re-telling of The Trojan war.


Two High schools the Trojans and The Spartans have a gigantic football rivalry. Cassie and Greg are best friends that met at a band camp and connected. Each one goes to the rival school.

Cassie has two brothers who are the Trojan football stars and Greg's brother is the football star on Spartan's team. Elena, who is Greg's brother's, Lucas, girlfriend is forced switch to the rival school due to zoning. And becomes infatuated with Perry...Cassie's annoying brother. She is the "Helena" in the story.

Mythology makes my geek-ness tingle so I dove right in. And though I didn't love this novel it was okay. And though it wasn't lackluster it just was alright to me. It was a solid re-telling but I never really connected with the characters. Cassie needed a backbone, Perry needed to be molly whopped, Greg- dude man up and grow some. Hunter was my favorite. Not because he was likable. But he reminded me of my oldest bro. The fact that he was believable had me getting involved with his character.

I say this was a good book to read and despite the fact that I am not raving about it. And despite it took me weeks to even bother with this review, its not a bad story. I think I just like series because its almost impossible to wrap up a novel to my liking in one book. Same with Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe.

Give it a read,

Casse

Saturday, December 19, 2009

I've got mail & She's got swaaaaag

I've got class of 2K10 swag.  Bookmark and Post Card.   On the back of each has the list of the class members.  I have to say it's a class full of cool kids!  (@classof2k10) They are on twitter.

This is the prize I won from Shannon Delany (@shannon_delany) http://13-to-life-a-werewolf-tale.blogspot.com/
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers. (via Jay Asher's website)

I can't wait to read this book.  I think I will relate to this book.  I was very agnsty, to say the least, as a teen and considered committing suicide numerous of times.  It's an issue I hold close to my heart.  So YAY!

Thanks SHANNON!  She also sent 2 window decals, chocolate which are gooone!  Myco-workers were all over it.  And a mini post-it pad...I laughed so hard at it.  Its a joke.  I completely love Shannon Delany, who is part of the class of 2010 with her debut book 13 to Life: a werewolf's tale






I also won this in a contest at LibraryThings.com and St. Martin Press sent it to me! Yaaay!  I am a valentine's baby so I loooove cupid books. :-}  Truly, Madly by Heather Webber (Heather Webber)

I also got some scecksea swaaaag from Katie MacAlister

One of my favorites for obvious reasons ;-p




Hope you enjoyed my swaaaag.
Casse

Friday, December 18, 2009

Book Blogger Holiday Swap/Secret Santa


I received my gift from the looovely WilowRaven (redhousebooks.blogspot.com)

I have been wanting this book but you know how it is...so many books you want and small book budget.  Eventhough I lack a lot of self control, there is no way I can buy them all and this book always seemed to fall through the cracks so. HUGGIES to Emily!


I also received another book on my wishlist but fell through the cracks list from Meryl (Mybitofearth.net)


Thank you sooo much ladies.  Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tis the season,
Casse

Check what other people got...book blogger holiday swap-age

Library semi-fail

So I hate to admit but my city's library is pretty lame. Selection-wise. They don't have any of the books that we bloggers are talking about. So once a month I feel it's my duty to send in my new release and sometimes not so new but insanely popular book request. Then for the next I watch the emails roll in. Saying they are getting such and such book I requested. They should really hire me or go to the list of book blogs I suppy them with when they order books for the library. It is so embarassing. And then the good books they have they get only 1 copy so the hold list is insanely long that I end up just ordering the thing. But that said, I did find some good books to check out.



I guess I should list them okay starting from the top.
Devoured by Amanda Marrone-Rising high school senior Megan has been haunted by her twin for ten years, but now Remy is trying to warn her about terrible danger surrounding Megan's summer job at an amusement park called the Land of Enchantment.
Angel Time by Anne Rice
A kiss before the Apocalypse & Dancing on the head of a pin : a Remy Chandler novel  by Tom Sniegoski
Storm Glass & Poison Study by Maria V Snyder
Once aWitch by Carolyn MacCullough-Born into a family of witches, seventeen-year-old Tamsin is raised believing that she alone lacks a magical "Talent," but when her beautiful and powerful sister is taken by an age-old rival of the family in an attempt to change the balance of power, Tamsin discovers her true destiny.
Time of the Witches by Anna Myers-Orphaned Drucilla finds a home with the beautiful but troubled Mistress Putnam as accusations of witchcraft start to swirl in Salem Village.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan-Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the Unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.
Darkborn by Alison Sinclair
Not Pictured: Fade by Lisa McMann-Using her ability to tap into other people's dreams, eighteen-year-old Janie investigates an alleged sex ring at her high school that involves teachers using the date rape drug on students.
I also got Under the Dome by Stephen King The small town of Chester's Mill, Maine, is faced with a big dilemma when it is mysteriously sealed off by an invisible and completely impenetrable force field. With cars and airplanes exploding on contact, the force field has completely isolated the townspeople from the outside world. Now, Iraq war vet Dale Barbara and a group of the town's more sensible citizens must overcome the tyrannical rule of Big Jim Rennie, a politician bent on controlling everything within the Dome. On audio but my mommie snagged it for her commute to work.  She is the one who turned me on to King as well as Anne Rice.   Which see the new book by her in the picture.  Angel Time.

Ciao,
Casse

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Resolutions 2010

It's almost the New Year so I have been thinking a lot about the future and the future of this blog and my career. I will be 27 in February so I desided {see update} to devote a lot more time working on my writing career and this blog. [*updated* I also DECIDED to learn how to spell! jeeze] I want it to grow. So expect to see a lot of me in 2010 and if you like it share it please. Thank you. I have to get back to agent researching so I can submit my manuscript. Wish me luck. Next week I will do a lot more reviews and a calendar of Class of 2k10 releases. And every month next year I am posting the next months releases. So look for January's next week. I have been reading my tail off, that's the only thing procrastination is good for, reading time!

God Bless yall and keep reading good books.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe REVIEW




Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe is a solid story of an outcast turned vigilante bent on revenge. It is filled with a bunch of likeable characters and I found the ghosts more interesting than the living characters but then again so did the protag Cass.
Cass was pushed out the popular ranks by her middle school bestie Danielle after a fit of jealousy. And when she starts outing everyone’s secrets the school begins to wonder about her. They can't figure out how she is getting her info. Maybe she is psychic.

When class popular Vice Prez starts spending time with Cass they think she has put a whammy on him. Cass tries to find it in her heart to socialize with what she hilariously calls breathers.

I thought this book had a lot of potential. Not that I didn't enjoy it but it was sort of lukewarm all the way through. It wasn't cold but neither did it heat up. I was hoping it would venture into 'freeing' some ghost and helping them 'go into the light' ghost whisperer style but it mainly focused on her inability to connect with the living. Which isn’t a bad thing it just could have added more layers.

Cass was the kind of teen I was sans the angst but a misfit who has a huge chip on her shoulder and socially awkward. I found it easy to be on her side and cheer her own even when she was being rude-ish because heck I was her again sans the ghost.

I think this was a solid novel and think it would be enjoyed by everyone. Not too heavy and not too light. Goldilocks style it was just right.
Cheers,
Casse

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wake by Lisa McMann REVIEW



I will admit, I am very hard on heroines. It takes a lot for me to like one. I liked Janie right away. She wasn't perfect but she was real and believable as a person.


Lisa McMann has a fast passed style of writing that grew on me after my initial distraction. I liked the passing and flow because it was an easy feel and pace for a super light yet entertaining story.

Wake is unique and not the cliché stories that we are use to getting nowadays. I also love how McMann took the time to grow Janie and Cabel's relationship and romance. Its one of the rare YA that you could feel the connection and not have to read that these two are liking each other. In Wake, we are showed the relationship growing into what it is and we see why they would feel that’s way. There are a lot of butterfly moments and I cannot wait the read book 2 Fade.

Wake has a lot of plot and a lot of twist that make you say I didn't see that coming awesome. I loved this book. It was never predictable. Which is a very good thing. I was compelled to read it to the end. And it never got too heavy and cumbersome. It reads quick passed and it leaves you refreshed when finished.

I don't think any YA readers will be disappointed when they read this book.

Cheers,

Casse

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst Review



Ok confession time. I don't like the fairy tale beauty and the beast. I get grossed out by the fact that Belle falls for what looks like a Giant St Bernard. So imagine my doubts when I started reading a book with a girl cuddling the coca cola bear! Add to that the words on the bookmark: "a polar bear, true love, and one girl's impossible quest..." The story has also been described as a "deeply romantic story." by Juliet Marillier. But a girl. A bear. True love? I gave an internal what the hell? Then, I opened the book and read the first line: Once upon a time...


I was gone from there. I can't explained what happened with me. What-where did I go wrong? How did Bear get me? I guess I should say what went right. Ice by Sarah Beth Durst did everything right. Bear, that's the polar bear king's name, was oh my heck loveable. And not because he was a giant teddy bear. Very rarely I do I fall in love with a book hero yet when I closed my eyes one night I saw a waltzing polar bear and a girl with her head thrown back in laughter. And holy heck! That girl was none other than me! ME! With a dang polar bear. I knew right then...Ice was my undoing. Ice had me. But Bear is so much more than that more than a polar bear, more than a human. He is just more. He is honest, strong, funny, vulnerable, reasonable, caring, patient and easy. He is all a girl could dream for. Cassie, the books heroine (not me lol) had no choice but to go head over heels gaga for him.

Cassie, was a well written character. I always find it hard to find a heroine I like. I didn't particularly like Cassie but she wasn't too stupid to live so it's a plus. I will say maybe she was too STUBBORN to live. Her stubbornness and unwillingness to understand is what caused the whole conflict that happened in this story to began with. I know it had to happen but the fact she tried to somehow put what she had done on purpose, on Bear and what he had done out of naiveté and misunderstanding, helped demonstrate her immaturity. And you saw her sort of grow up while trying to get love back. So at first I told myself that, Bear loves her so, like a good Bear groupie, I can put up with her if she is what makes him happy. Then I saw her mature majorly at the end of the story. Her display and bond with whom she loved brought a tear to my eye. I was surprised.

But, like I said Cassie is a great heroine. Durst knows how to write great, believable and flawed characters. You can imagine meeting these characters in real life. I love that. The secondary characters, the munaqsri to be specific, whom Cassie gave adorable names too. For example she called the artic fox, Fluffy. I grew to love every single character especially Cassie! Her forgiveness also demonstrated her growth from child to woman.

The amount of love Cassie has for Bear is touching. She is literally willing to go to the ends of the earth for that man. Its heart warming to read a story where its not one sided. The love, you can see it flowing both ways. Its not one of the stories where you have to be constantly told, these two people love each other. But you ask yourself 'uh ok? Why? and where?' If they never said they loved each other once in this book, you'd STILL know that they did and why.

I love this book so much, that I am giving this book away. Well, rephrase. I won a copy of Ice. Mrs Durst signed it and made it out to ME. So I am not giving this (points to mine) away but I am buying a copy and giving that one away. Contest ends on Christmas eve. To enter to win just leave a comment on what you have done, are willing to do or the sweetest thing that you have done...for love. Because really, that’s what life is all about...Love.

Thanks Jeri Smith-Ready for the blogtoberfest contest that I won Ice on and Thanks Sarah Beth Durst for sending me the book! I truly enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Thanks for writing a book that I think of now when I picture a true love story. Casse

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Angry me Win for you... playing with fire CONTEST


This is the awesome original cover

This shows what kind of person I am. I have been wanting to do a contest for well months. But harlequin pissed me off! Their covers are getting lazy! And generic.


  Okay look at My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent's cover NOW look at the re-issue of (my favorite book) Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter's cover. Same dang cover! Why would they eff up the cover? Gena's cover was awesome a chick holding a fire ball!
So the contest is easy. First comment gets a copy of old cover book. I'm ordering it (used) sorry) from amazon, so you will get it directly from them. I would say follow me on twitter but I'd never make subjecting you to my rambling a part of a contest. But if you want you can follow me. @catholickittie also tell someone about this blog. Just a request not part of contest. leave email address so I can contact you dear winner! Some of their other re-issues look twilight-ized and the covers have nothing to do with the dang books (Divine by Mistake/Choice/Blood all three by P.C Cast)
Cheers,
Casse!


[UPDATE]  Okay I got the first comment but I had so much fun, I love giving and sharing books.  Next week, I am giving away another favorite.  Dead Sexy by Amanda Ashley.  Used from Amazon Market.  The following week is Forever Yours By JanMarie Anello.  It's Casse's Fav giveaway month! Surprise and I am also giving away a brand new copy of ICE by Sarah Beth Durst.  Just because Sarah Beth Durst sent me a copy that I won.  It's signed and I treasure it so I am buying one luck follower their very own copy.  You will love it!  I will blog more on it later. 

Thursday, November 12, 2009

PEEN-atration please?

What do yall think of sex in YA books? How do you feel about it? I mean yes I supposed some teens are having sex (I want to go on record and say, I did not and I do not agree with minors having sex. It's complicated enough for adults and kids are not ready for the complications. Heck I'm still not. Yes I am old fashion and YES I'm good little Catholic girl who doesn't agree with pre-marital lovin that said moving on.) But that said, I am on the fence about sex in YA books. The house of night series by Cast squared (P.C and daughter Kristen) had a sex scene with minor-teacher no less and it kind of pulled me out the story. But should it be included? I remember thinking "oh, is this?- oh they are really?- They are really going to take it there. Woah!" Felt sorta like hebe-porn! I am not sure if as a teen would I have appreciated sexing invading my book. Teens are curious about it, so would it help them explore there sexuality without doing anything or would it make them want to try it? I am not sure. I would love to hear from yall. Leave a comment please.

Ciao,
Casse

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Its not the new Vampire...Nothing is.

Im so tired of the "werewolves are the new vampire" thing. Because be honest, its not. As awesome as were-things are vampires always have been and will be top of the paranormal 'sexy' list. I mean they are mysterious, usually broody and dark and sensuous and well they will never need you to give them a flea dip or get that wet dog smell. I mean yes they are known most because they suck blood. OkayYes, that is icky but I'd rather date a blood sucker than date my dog. I have nothing against werewolvies! I love animals...just not like that. They aren't sexy. And the shape shifting seems so painful! Big Ouch. Vampires are the same ol Vampires so who needs new ones?

That said Werewolves are werewolves so why would they want to be the new Vampires? Say that to them and I'm sure they'd eat your butt alive. I am reading a wolf book so awesome, its like the first draft but it wil be out next year the author is on twitter follow her @shannon_delany, let me just say I read Twilight when it first came out years ago before it became "twilight" and I get the same tingly awesome oh my gosh this book is good feeling I got when I read this book. First draft or not! I cant wait to get the final project and see how it comes out. Its going to be a huge thing guys! If the world is ready for werewolves. I mean I pride myself on knowing the next huge thing. Not that I am Miss Cleo- at work I say that and the people look at me like I Am Crazy. Too young I Guess. I'm getting old I Need To Remember That. But I Dream To Be An Editor. so I Like To Think I Am Good At Spotting The Next "Big Book." 13 to Life by Shannon Delany
She may be able write a novel on a cell phone but I Find Writing A Blog On Mine Tedious! Cheers! Casse

Friday, October 30, 2009

About me...well sort of. Idea I'm working on.

Since I have had time on my hands with no reliable internet connection I have had more time for work. I was doing research for ALL my books. Which all include angel research. Angels are my 'thing'. Its my schtik I guess and I'm not jewish. Well during this research I came across a bound rough draft of a novella I wrote to introduce my Desecration Series that I want to write. Its called Born Through Desecration. Its short think Alpha Omega Novella in On The Prowl by Patricia Briggs that's sorta what I did way back in 2003 when I wrote this. I have a bound copy with handwritten edits and a pdf copy no edits. I am going to post the prologues in the next couple days. If you read it and think its something you are interested in reading. You are welcome to the bound (very) rough draft or the pdf file. Just keep in mind that, though I already started the next one in the series, Daughter of Desecration it may never be finished. Since its a dead project and only write it for me. But if you really like it and it is torturing you not knowing I would consider trying to finish DOD to give to limited people. Thats just an idea I'm working with. Death Knows My Name's Hero appears in Daughter of Desecration. I fell for him and thus had to give him his own story. Actually he hijacked the story from another guy.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A little differently this week

Okay, since I am having minor well okay major internet problems. The problem being my u-verse internet connection isn't working I am stuck updating my blog with my cellphone. It's a drag. I can't upload pictures for my reviews, mail call (and I got awesome books too), I can't do about me or Zoey's pick (She picked a good one too!) Ice by Sarah Beth Durst. Sadly I can't even link to her page. But she is fabulous and I know yall will love her! The cover of her book looks so frosty. I love the book too. Hopefully I get this internet problem fixed by the weekend. Oo one more thing- I forgot to tell yall I joined Textnovel.com and I am posting my novel Death Knows My Name there. It's under my pen name Casse NaRome, the first 3 chapters are up. I am also looking for help naming the chapters so you can go join the site as a reader or a writer. Cheers! Casse.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Skin Game by Ava Gray



SKIN GAME


Berkley Sensation (November 3, 2009)

A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.


Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.



A hit man who never misses the mark.

Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.


Read an Excerpt from SKIN GAME  and as always click the picture to pre-order and/or order this book.  Click here for author's site.

Monday, October 26, 2009

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare Review


If you follow me on twitter, you probably saw me do a huge gigantic face palm earlier in the week while reading this book.


Clary, the City of Bones' protag was totally annoying me to the point of burning the book! I was so annoyed By Cassandra Clare's book I considered demanding she change her name this instant from Cassandra. I found this book very hard to get into despite all the good things I have been hearing for years.  I found Clary Fray an annoying twit, Simon came off ass gay, Jace was arrogant but likeable and Alec was just my type lol. Clary's mom was just as unlikable as Her daughter and I wished they both got sucked into an inescapable portal to hell!

I mean really I was not sure what all the hype was over Immortal Instruments series. Clary was the kind of heroine I hate. Hard-headed, annoying, never listened, with people claiming she was smart but really she borders on too stupid to live and doesn't know how beautiful she really is blah blah. *shakes head* I was going to quit but fellow twitter-ers as, @darkartist (http://aworldofmakebelieve.blogspot.com/) said it got better, I doubted it. But, I am always willing to admit when I am wrong. SO I was wrong She was Right. Boooy did it get better! I read this book everywhere even at work. I do customer service at a grocery store so do you think I was attentive to my customers that day? I’m guessing no.

Jace is what every girl dreams of taming. He is hott and bad ass. He has a deep rooted seed of loyalty, honor and training almost rooted as deeply as his pain. I think I heard a collective YUM. He is tall, blond and sarcastic and here enters Clary, a mundane who can see him and his friends, bro and sis: Alec and Isabel (both equally hot).

Of course they buttheads with Clary. Adventure, jealousy and lurve ensue. Along with a plot twist that will have you going oh UH-UH EWL. Even though I saw the twist come a mile away I am not buying it. I know it is supposed to be the drive to make you keep reading the series but since I am not believing thus not buying what she is selling I am finding it hard to start the next book.

I guess I could read it to see how Ms Clare plans to un-do what she has done. I say read this book only if you are into twisty plots that keep on going.





Cheers,
Casse

Friday, October 23, 2009

Mail Call! Books I received...


These are the books I bought in the past week: 
Those girls by Sara Lawrence
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (review coming!)
Renagade Hunter by Lynsay Sands


I won this Galley book of The Primitive by Mark Nykanen during BBAW from Bell Bridge Books.
I also won an ebook copy of Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger also from Bell Bridge Cooks.




These are the books I received from Swaptree.com
Unholy Empire by Brian Shafer
City of Ash by Cassandra Clare
The Undead Nest Door by Kerreyln Sparks (cover dude is HOT! In fact the hottest I've seen! lol)
The Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands (again hot cover dude!)
Witch Fire by Anya Bast
Dark Lover, Lover Awakened, Lover Unbound by J.R Ward
Dream Chaser, Dream Warrior by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Thursday, October 22, 2009

About Me...Hi I'm Casse and I write creepy books. (Phobias)


  Hi again, it's me Casse.  A little bit more about me.  I am often described as the weirdest chick you'll ever know.  I like it.  *grins*  I am catholic.  In fact I am the only Catholic in my family and I have been since I was 14.  So for 12 years.
 I am an introverted person, reading and writing allow me to express myself the way I NEVER will be able to in "real life."  I am extremely shy.  Actually technically its "Social Anxiety Disorder."  But why be technical?  I hate talking on the phone but I LOVE texting and you will NEVER see me without my cellphone in hand, much to my bosses' chagrin.  Twitter is like texting the world so I love it!
  I graduated high school a year early because I was a huge nerd.   
  For a long time I was afraid to wear glasses because my oldest brother told me, okay don't laugh...,that if I fell they would break and stab me in the eye!  So you can imagine I would rather walk around blurry than get glasses!  Aren't older siblings awesome?  Lucky me, I have three.  My dad finally made me get glasses when I was 17 years old, after My mom and he, forced me to get my driver's permit and I wasn't able to because...I couldn't pass the eye test!  I was kind of relieved.  (I didn't want to learn to drive.)  I fail the eye test horrible.  I convinced them it was broke because all I saw was boxes of light and no writing at all because it was so blurry, they believed me until they made my dad look and see (he has better than 20/20 vision *rolls eyes*) He took one look in the headset, and dragged me down to the America's Best eye doctor THAT DAY!  But trust me I got shatter proof lenses!
  Also I am very short 4'11 and I never felt self-conscious about height, which surprises people.  Most the time I forget how short I am until my neck starts hurting from looking up all the time. lol.
  I love being outside in the rain, but hate sunny days because I oddly get sad when I see the sun.  I love animals but hate bugs.  I am not afraid of lizards, amphibians or reptiles...I guess lizards ARE reptiles huh?  But I have a lot of phobias-including heights (good thing I am so short lol) the dark and small spaces.  And I have a real fear of going blind because I am nosey and hate the thought of being unable to see, which explains my fear of the dark.

Okay thanks for caring to know my craziness.  See ya next week.
Casse

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

A Glimpse of Grace by Mary Forsythe



Last year I had the pleasure of hearing Mary Forsythe speak at a girls night at my church.  And I bought her book A Glimpse of Grace it is her story of her salvation.

  A Glimpse of Grace is the gripping tale of Mary Forsythe's spiral to life's rock bottom and the amazing account of her journey to triumph. It is a story of dreams and disappointments, of heartache and hope, of tragedy and tenderness, of loss and love.


Walk with her through an innocent childhood in small-town America to a glamorous life in the capital of ritz, through successful business and investment endeavors to a grueling government investigation and a federal indictment that landed her in prison.

Join her as she learned to live in the last place she thought she would ever be, as her life was completely re-directed. Discover with her the strength to survive and the grace to overcome. Find, as she did, secrets of victory and treasures in darkness.

And realize that the glory of this modern-day miracle is that it can happen to you.
[via Kingdom Living]
  My cover doesn't look like the picture I posted.  My cover has jail cell bars...it is powerful.

Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly



It's no secret that I am a Catholic.  I mean I go by the name Catholic Kittie.  Well last year I went through a big stuggle that really had me struggling with my faith.  I was really trying to find myself and going to give up on having faith completely, when this book really helped.  Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly  I went to Catholics Come Home and requested the book absolutely FREE! 

I must admit I was WANTING to be convinced to have faith.  It worked.  I know that everyone who reads my blog is not a catholic book reader but my best friends aren't either and I shared this book with them via my personal blog, and they found some of it very inspirational.  So I am going to post a blurb/excerpt from the book and hope you like it enough to check it out.

Imagine this...



You're driving home from work next Monday after a long day. You tune in your radio. You hear a blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It's not influenza, but three or four people are dead, and it's kind of interesting, and they are sending some doctors over there to investigate it. You don't think much about it, but coming home from church on Sunday you hear another radio spot. Only they say it's, not three villagers, it's 30,000 villagers in the back hills of this particular area of India, and it's on TV that night. CNN runs a little blurb: people are heading there from the disease center in Atlanta because this disease strain has never been seen before.



By Monday morning when you get up, it's the lead story. It's not just India; it's Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and before you know it, you're hearing this story everywhere, and they have now coined it as "the mystery flu." The President has made some comment that he and his family are praying and hoping that all will go well over there. But everyone is wondering, "How are we going to contain it?"



That's when the President of France makes an announcement that shocks Europe. He is closing their borders. No flights from India, Pakistan, or any of the countries where this thing has been seen. And that's why that night you are watching a little bit of CNN before going to bed. Your jaw hits your chest when a weeping woman is translated in English from a French news program. There's a man lying in a hospital in Paris, dying of the mystery flu. It has come to Europe.



Panic strikes. As best they can tell, after contracting the disease, you have it for a week before you even know it. Then you have four days of unbelievable symptoms. And then you die. Britain closes its borders, but it's too late. South Hampton, Liverpool, North Hampton, and it's Tuesday morning when the President of the United States makes the following announcement: "Due to a national-security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been canceled. If your loved ones are overseas, I'm sorry. They cannot come back until we find a cure for this thing."



Within four days, our nation has been plunged into an unbelievable fear. People are wondering, "What if it comes to this country?" And preachers on Tuesday are saying it's the scourge of God. It's Wednesday night, and you are at a church prayer meeting when somebody runs in from the parking lot and yells, "Turn on a radio, turn on a radio!" And while everyone in church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made. Two women are lying, in a Long Island hospital, dying from the mystery flu. Within hours it seems, the disease envelopes the country.



People are working around the clock, trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working. California, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts. It's as though it's just sweeping in from the borders.



And then all of a sudden the news comes out. The code has been broken. A cure can be found. A vaccine can be made. It's going to take the blood of somebody who hasn't been infected, and so, sure enough, all through the Midwest, through all those channels of emergency broadcasting, everyone is asked to do one simple thing: Go to your downtown hospital and have your blood analyzed. That's all we ask of you. When you hear the sirens go off' in your neighborhood, please make your way quickly, quietly, and safely to the hospitals.



Sure enough, when you and your family get down there late on that Friday night, there is a long line, and they've got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it. Your spouse and your kids are out there, and they take your blood and say, "Wait here in the parking lot, and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home." You stand around, scared, with your neighbors, wondering what on earth is going on, and if this is the end of the world.



Suddenly, a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me." Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. "Wait a minute. Hold on!" And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has the right blood type."

Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses crying and hugging one another-some are even laughing. It's the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, "Thank you, sir. Your son's blood is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine."



As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying. But then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and says, "May we see you for a moment? We didn't realize that the donor would be a minor and we...we need you to sign a consent form."



You begin to sign, and then you see that the box for the number of pints of blood to be taken is empty. "H-h-h-how many pints?" And that is when the old doctor's smile fades, and he says, "We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren't prepared. We need it all! .... But...but...I don't understand. He's my only son! .... We are talking about the whole world here. Please sign. We...we...need to hurry!"



"But can't you give him a transfusion? If we had clean blood we would. Please, will you please sign?" In numb silence you do. Then they say, "Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?"



Could you walk back? Could you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, "Daddy? Mommy? What's going on?" Could you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never, ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be! Do you understand that?" And when that old doctor comes back in and says, "I'm sorry, we've got to get started. People all over the world are dying," could you leave? Could you walk out while he is saying, "Dad? Mom? Dad? Why...why have you abandoned me?"



And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son, and some folks sleep through it, and some folks don't even bother to come because they have better things to do, and some folks come with a pretentious smile and just pretend to care, would you want to jump up and say, "EXCUSE ME! MY SON DIED FOR YOU! DON'T YOU EVEN CARE? DOES IT MEAN NOTHING TO YOU?"



I wonder, is that what God wants to say? "MY SON DIED FOR YOU! DOES IT MEAN NOTHING? DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?"


Chapter 3

It also should come as no surprise to us that, in this modern environment, the relevance of Jesus is being seriously questioned. The reason is simple. The philosophy of Christ is very different from the prevailing philosophies of our modern culture. In fact, they are completely opposed to each other. And yet, the teachings of Christ and these modern philosophies both claim to be the key to the fulfillment of a yearning that is common to us all.




Our Quest for Happiness



The human heart is on a quest for happiness. Every human heart yearns for happiness like the desert yearns for rain. You have a desire for happiness, I have a desire for happiness. This desire is universal, common to every member of the human family. We simply desire to be happy, and we act from this desire.



We often do things that we think will make us happy, but which in fact end up making us miserable. Under the influence of philosophies such as Individualism, Hedonism, and Minimalism, we often seek the happiness we desire through pleasure, possessions, power, and the path of least resistance. Each of these may offer moments of happiness, but they end too soon, having lasted ever so briefly, and our quest for a lasting happiness continues. These moments of happiness are of course real, but only as real as a shadow. The shadow of a person is real, but it is nothing compared to the actual person. So many of us spend a large portion of our lives chasing shadows.



The modern search for happiness is governed by Individualism, Hedonism, Minimalism and their fruits: greed, lust, laziness, gluttony, selfishness, exploitation, and deception. And yet, as these philosophies become more and more the focus of modern lifestyles, people seem to be filled with a greater discontent and unhappiness with each passing day.



Is it possible that these philosophies cannot deliver what they promise? Is it possible that there is something lacking in these philosophies that makes it impossible for the human person to find happiness through them?



God and Happiness



I believe God wants us to be happy. I believe God gave us the yearning for happiness that constantly preoccupies our human hearts. It is as if God placed this yearning within each human heart as a spiritual navigational instrument designed to reunite us with our destiny. As a Father who takes a sincere and active interest in the lives of his children, God sent his only Son to respond to humanity's yearning for happiness, and to offer direction in satisfying that yearning. After all, God himself is the author of our yearning for happiness.



The philosophy of Christ is the ultimate philosophy of human happiness. At the same time, the philosophy of Christ is one of self-donation. This is the great paradox of God's teaching. In our misguided adventures, we may catch glimpses of happiness living outside of the philosophy of Christ. You may even taste happiness for a moment living a life contrary to the philosophy of Christ, but these are stolen moments. They may seem real, but they are just shadows of something infinitely greater.



The Attitude of Christ



Jesus never asked, "What's in it for me?" He was not motivated by the Individualist creed; he was motivated by a spirit of service. Far from advocating a Hedonistic deification of pleasure, Jesus gently proclaimed a life of self-denial, saying, "Whoever wishes to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross" (Matthew 16:24). He certainly didn't ask himself, "What is the least I can do and still bring salvation to humanity?" No, he asked, "What is the most I can do?" For this is the question of the lover. The attitude of Christ forms a stark contrast to the philosophies of Individualism, Hedonism, and Minimalism.



The life that Jesus invites us to live is very different than the lifestyle our modern culture invites us to live. Individualism, Hedonism, Minimalism - and their various sundry ally philosophies such as Relativism and Materialism - encourage us to do whatever we want, wherever we want, whenever we want. On the other hand, Jesus invites us to a life of discipline.



Having appeared to Mary Magdalene after his Resurrection, Jesus summoned the disciples to Galilee. When the eleven were gathered together on the mountain, Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of every nation" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus did not say, "Go and make followers of every nation."



It is easy to be a follower, but to be a disciple requires discipline. Christ invites us to a life of discipline not for his sake, but for our sake; not to help him, but to help us; not to make him happy, but to allow us to share in his happiness.



The Role of Discipline



Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have it to the fullest" (John 10:10). The path that leads to "fullness of life" is discipline. There are four major aspects of the human person - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. When we eat well, exercise often, and sleep regularly, we feel more fully alive physically. When we love, when we give priority to the significant relationships of our lives, when we give of ourselves to help others in their journey, we feel more fully alive emotionally. When we study, we feel more fully alive intellectually. When we come before God in prayer, openly and honestly, we experience life more fully spiritually. All of these life-giving endeavors require discipline. When are we most fully alive? When we embrace a life of discipline. The human person thrives on discipline.



Are you thriving? Or are you just surviving?



Discipline awakens us from our philosophical stupor and refines every aspect of the human person. Discipline doesn't enslave or stifle the human person; rather, it sets us free to soar to unimagined heights. Discipline sharpens the human senses, allowing us to savor the subtler tastes of life's experiences. Whether those experiences are physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual, discipline elevates them to their ultimate reality. Discipline heightens every human experience and increases every human ability. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ invite us to embrace this life-giving discipline.



Many people consider Jesus irrelevant today because he proposes a life of discipline. Is discipline then to be considered the core of Jesus' philosophy? No. Christ proposes a life of discipline not for its own sake, and certainly not to stifle or control us; rather, he proposes discipline as the key to freedom.



In the midst of the complexities of this modern era, we find ourselves enslaved and imprisoned by a thousand different whims, cravings, addictions, and attachments. We have subscribed to the adolescent notion that freedom is the ability to do whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want, without interference from any authority. Could the insanity of our modern philosophy be any more apparent? Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want. Freedom is the strength of character to do what is good, true, noble, and right. Freedom without discipline is impossible.



Is freedom then to be considered the core of Jesus' philosophy? No. What then, is the core of his philosophy? Well, as it turns out, the people of his own time were curious for an answer to this very question.



One day, while Jesus was teaching a large group of people in the synagogue, a man asked Our Lord a question from his position in the multitude. He was a learned man, one of those doctors of the law who were no longer able to understand the teaching revealed to Moses because it had become so twisted and entangled in the ways of men. He questioned Our Lord, saying, "Teacher, which is the greatest of the Commandments?"



Jesus opened his divine lips slowly, with the calm assurance of somebody who knows what he is talking about and replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul. This is the first and the greatest of the Commandments. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Upon these two rest the whole law and all the prophets" (Matthew 22:34-40). (Continued on page 5)



Love is the core of Jesus' philosophy. But, in order to love you must be free. For to love is to give your self freely and without reservation.



Yet, to give your self - to another person, to an endeavor, or to God - you must first possess your self. This possession of self is freedom. It is a prerequisite for love, and is attained only through discipline.



Jesus in History



Before Christmas last year, I saw a Jewish scholar interviewed on television. The topic of discussion was the influence Jesus has exerted on human history. In summary, the scholar concluded, "The impact this man has had on human history is undeniable. Because of this man we call Jesus, the world will never again be the same. Because of Jesus, men and women will never think the same. Regardless of whether or not we believe he was the Son of God, because of this man who walked the earth two thousand years ago, men and women will never live the same, will never be the same."



Sometimes, in this turbulent cultural environment, which can be particularly anti-Christian, we can lose sight of the impact Christ has had on history. Caught up in the day-to-day challenges of our busy lives, it is sometimes easy to forget the unfathomable influence this one man has had.



There are a great many people today who think that Jesus is irrelevant in the modern context. I suspect these people are suffering from a modern madness caused by an ignorance of self and history. As we get to know ourselves, our deepest needs, and the history of humanity, the relevance of Jesus Christ to modern man becomes startlingly clear.



Is Jesus still relevant?



Gather all the books that have been written about the life and teachings of Jesus. Add to them all the artwork Christian life has inspired. Now consider all the music inspired by Christ. Not to be forgotten is the fact that the Church nurtured and nourished the development of the arts for centuries. Christianity was the moral foundation upon which America and many other nations built themselves. Now con-sider the fact that prior to Christ walking the earth, there was never any such thing as a hospital. Where were the sick when Jesus walked the earth? They were on the side of the road, left there to rot and die by relatives who feared for their own health. How is it that we have also collectively forgotten that until the Church introduced education for the masses, there was never any such thing as an education for the common man? Education was only for the elite until the Church recognized and proclaimed the dignity of every human person and introduced education for the masses.



All of these represent aspects of the measurable impact Christ has had on human history. And yet, these are all just dim reflections of the person who was and is Jesus Christ. Adding all of these together is still nothing compared to the impact Christ can have on your life, on my life. All the worldly success of Christ and the Church are insignificant compared to the change Christ can effect in your heart, in my heart.



The life of Jesus Christ is indelibly engraved upon history, neither the erosion of time nor the devastating and compounding effects of evil have been able to erase his influence. Some people thought he was crazy, others considered him a misfit, a troublemaker, a rebel. He was condemned as a criminal, and yet, his life and teachings echo and reverberate throughout history. He saw things differently, and he had no respect for the status quo. You can praise him, disagree with him, quote him, disbelieve him, glorify him, or vilify him. About the only thing you cannot do is ignore him, and that is a lesson that every age learns in its own way.



You can't ignore Jesus because he changed things. He is the single greatest agent of change in human history. He made the lame walk, taught the simple, set captives free, gave sight to the blind, fed the (Continued on page 6) hungry, healed the sick, comforted the afflicted, afflicted the comfortable, and in all of these, captured the imaginations of every generation. His teachings are not complex or exclusive, but simple and applicable to everyone, everywhere, in every time in history, regardless of age, color, or state in life. Beyond life's complexities, there is simplicity. Beneath life's confusion, there is understanding. It is the Gospel, the Good News. Within it, through it, we find salvation. And I believe that part of that salvation is happiness - not the foolish, empty happiness that this modern age associates with getting what you want. It is a happiness deeper and higher than any happiness we could imagine or design for ourselves.



Christ came to reconcile us with the Father, and in doing so, offered the satisfaction of this craving for happiness that preoccupies our human hearts. Love is our origin and our destiny. Our yearning for happiness is a yearning for love. Created to love and be loved, we seek out the fulfillment of our purpose. "God is love" (1 John 4:8), and our yearning for happiness is ultimately a yearning for God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church wastes no time in addressing this truth. The opening point of Chapter One, Section One, reads, "The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will man find the truth and happiness he never stops yearning for."



Our desire for happiness is not going to go away. It is part of the human condition. Our quest for happiness is a quest for God. This is the genius of God. Our yearning for happiness is the ultimate and eternal homing device, designed to draw us gently toward our eternal home. Our yearning for happiness is a yearning for union with our Creator. As Augustine pointed out so simply and eloquently, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, Lord." Wherever men and women yearn for happiness, Christ will be relevant. He alone is the fulfillment and satisfaction of this yearning, and so for every person in every place and time he remains, "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).

Teaser Tuesdays (Oct. 20th)





Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


  • Grab your current read


  • Open to a random page


  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page


  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)


  • Share the title; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers:
"Haven't you ever heard that modesty is an attractive trait?"  "Only from ugly people," Jace confided.  "The meek may inherit the earth but at the moment it belongs to the conceited.  Like me."  He winked at the girls...
Page 86 City of Bones by Cassandra Clare 

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (Review)



Ok this is hard to say because my personal policy of not giving reviews of books I didn't like. I always say I just won't review it if it is bad or don't like it.  And I find it hard to like anything other than Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy.  But I promised I would read and review. That said,


I didn't like the Postmistress by the awesome Sarah Blake right away and if not for my book club giving me the ARC with the promise I would read it, I wouldn't have finished.  Blake is so talented that it oozes from every page so it was easy to fight through the stuggling to get past the boredom. The book is beautifully written.  And though a lot of people had a problem with the jumpy, choppy flow of the book as well as found it confusing.  Even though it took me about 5 chapters to get into the book  I understood what she was doing.  She was demonstrating the feel of wartime the only way she possibly could in a book, that would do it more justice than just saying it blandly.  War is unpredictable, its not straight forward and it has a way of effecting different people, different ways for one event a thousand different rays go in a billion directions. That gets choppy a little less than chaotic.  The holocaust is a big dirty inhumane stain on humanity's history and how we ignored it for so long is a even bigger atrocity to our history.  This book is a snap shot of how it effected different people, of different types.  It was candid and honest as well as true to life.

I just like my books wrapped up in a happy little bow and neatly handed to me at the end. Not the case with this book. No happy all is well bow. No neatly and no bow at all. This was complex. Realistically so. I started reading this book feeling like I was on the cuspate of a book so great the world was going to fall in love with it. I still believe it to be so.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake is so real it almost doesn't feel like fiction.  It plays out like a movie in my head.  Or a story being told to me by a grandmother.  People who like this type of stuff will eat this book up.  They will laugh. They will cry.  They will find themselves stuck with this book inside of them for times to come.  It makes you feel, it makes you hurt.  These people are closer to you than most anyone else it seems and their pain, joys and relationships are real.  And your emotions will be raw when finished.  So no, I did not like this book.  I lived it.  I recommend you live it with me.

Casse

Thank to Barnes and Noble for the First Look.

I Got a First Look at Barnes & Noble. Get Your Copy Now

Friday, October 16, 2009

Zoey's Pick...



My new feature which is going to be weekly. My niece with her favorite (hehe) book. This week its Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick Okay so it's my pick.  But I won't review it since EVERY BOOK BLOG already has, what more is there to say?  Yeah right! I will so review this book a little later.  xoxo.

Cheers!
Casse

Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm Contest...

Okay so I like free stuff, I like to enter contest and cross my fingers hoping I win.  I have entered Billions and only won twice.  A BBAW Bell Bridge ARC and Sarah Beth Durst's ICE via blogtoberfest (THANKS JERI SMITH-READY!)  But there is this insanely huge...I mean MASSIVE contest giving away YA books! so click the pic and go enter...eventhough you may win and not me!  But enter anyway!  And who ever wins just know I will be eternally jealous. 

Cheers!
Casse


Iron Kissed- Patricia Briggs Review



Iron kissed - Patricia Briggs


After completely devouring the first two in the series, I was worried. Could P. Briggs, (my all new nickname Briggs.) But could she keep her streak of awesome-ness up?

The answer, Hell yeah! She did not disappoint!

This adventure leads Mercy, deep into the fae‘s, out in the open/or is it? world. When her former boss and mentor Zee, a goblin- which we learn is a made up term, is accused of a crime; Mercy takes it on herself to prove his innocence...even if it kills her. And it just might or even worse. The Fae aren’t some cute tinkerbells who live with Peter Pan in Neverland. They are scary, powerful, ruthless and straight up BAD-ASS. But we should always remember, humans can be just as bad. Iron Kiss shows that element too.

I am trying not to spoil anything because it unfolds, so perfectly. The characters continue to develop nicely and roundly. In this installment some of the minor players become major and some majors become HUGE.

I love the boys, Adam and Sam. And Mercy is forced to make a choice between the two, once and for all because her indecision was endangering the pack. I didn't 100% like that spin, but it worked, as well as pushed the storyline forward. I liked how it resolved itself and the guy she choice was good too. I have to admit I was pulling for them both so I would be happy and sad for whoever she picked. But the way it was done I was more happy than sad. But still someone needs a spin-off series to heal his heart in my opinion.

Adam’s pack, mainly Ben won my heart. He comes through for Mercy and helps her in his weird, rude way. But we come to understand him better. And frankly I love him now.

This book is also more heartbreaking and devastating as a woman. As I was forced to sit and watch, Mercy experience something meant to destroy. Not many books in this genre can touch me the way Iron Kissed did. I admit, I cried. Sounds silly now, but wait until you read it.  Mercy is always so bad ass most of the time it is interesting to see her most vulnerable side.

It was wonderfully done. It wasn't done just to be dramatic and be forced drama and tension like a lot of writers mistakenly do. This book pushed Briggs above all those who are in her genre.



I was tingling to get my hands on Bone Crossed, even enough to shell out a hardcover price.

And I agree with Mercy, To Wong Foo WAS a great movie.



Cheers,
Casse



As always click on the COVER to order your copy. Or click Here for Patricia Briggs’ site.  I feel obligated to say Book Depository has it for a good price $3.99 and free shipping.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

About Me...Hi I'm Casse and I write creepy books.


  Okay, I am back for a little more sharing.  So we know I go by Casse, I am 26 and I love reading and writing creepy books that involve lurve.  So on to what we don't know yet...
  I am the youngest of 4 kids.  I have two older brothers and one older sister.  I am an Air Force Brat and have lived all over the place including Japan and Alaska.  I love Edmonton Alberta Canada!

  I am a bit of a sexist when it comes to reading, I don't know how this happened but I have a hard time reading male Authors, which is probably why I gravitate to romance novels.  It is a mostly female dominated genre.  It's weird.  I don't know how this happened truly.

  More random facts...I cannot drive.  I mean it.  I never learned how, or wanted to learn.  I still don't.  I am allergic to most fruit but I love it and will suffer for this love of it. 
  I have an irrational fear that the world is going to run out of good books, so every store I go into I must head to the book section, find a book I think sounds great (which is sometimes harder than one would think.)  And buy it, like I am stock piling.  If I can't find one, I get terrified.

  I had more interesting things to say, but the little monter, who I call my niece won't allow me to take my attention away from her for more than 6 seconds, I counted lol.  So this is what you get.  See you next Thursday.  I promise more interesting things.

Cheers!
Casse

My wish list-YA version...

Awesome books I can't wait to read...once I buy them lol.



Once a Witch- Carolyn MacCullough
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search--and the stranger--will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant. [Book Depository]



Give up the Ghost- Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody...and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers "her" secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees. As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad--and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance....[Book Depository]



Time of the Witches- Anna Myers

An orphan named Drucilla has finally has a place to call home with the Putnam family in Salem. Although her adopted mother is strange--haunted by a troubled past--Dru feels drawn to her as the mother she never had. When a new reverend and his family move into town with their servant Tituba, life takes a strange turn as young girls begin to fall ill and accusations of witchcraft begin to swirl. Reluctant to turn her back on the Putnams or her peers and overwhelmed by the power of groupthink among the other girls in town, Dru becomes one of the accusers herself. But when her best friend Gabe is accused, she must find a way to end the hysteria, or risk losing him forever. [Book Depository]





Devoured- Amanda Marrone

Inspired by the tale of Snow White, the author of "Uninvited" and "Revealers" pens a sexy, paranormal teen novel about a love triangle that's positively possessed. [Book Depository]




Sphinx's Princess- Esther Friesner

"Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face." Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she's the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful. And news of her striking beauty and impulsive behavior attracts the attention of her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who sees Nefertiti as an ideal pawn in her desire for power. Even though Nefertiti is taken from her beloved family and forced into a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger, her spirit and mind will not rest. She continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. Esther Friesner offers readers another fresh new look at an iconic figure--blending historical fiction and mythology in a thrilling concoction. [Book Depository]

Click on the picture to go to AMAZON or click on the link after summary for Book Depository.
Amazon has great used book variety while BD has free shipping world wide, HELLO that is AWESOME!!!
This will also be a weekly feature on my blog. YA version and Rated R version.

Cheers,
Casse

Goodreads bookshelf

Casse's bookshelf: read

Truly, MadlyThe Final Dance TrilogyUnder Sea's ShadowIn Stone's ClaspOn Fire's WingsTalk Me Down

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