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October 2009

Hi folks!

I have had a busy month of reading, as September seemed to be a dream for the publishing industry. I have several books going right now, including Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, Ted Kennedy’s memoir True Compass and Jon Krakauer’s book on football star/Marine Pat Tillman, Where Men Win Glory (I just realized I’ve devoured all of Krakauer’s books). As I have been glued to the extraordinary PBS series by Ken Burns, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, I am now determined to read everything about John Muir that I can get my hands on (I underestimated Muir’s importance – what an amazing individual).

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful October, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
The 25th Hour

The 25th Hour

By David Benioff 211 pages Adult

Danny Says

Nothing can be more thrilling than to read a first time novelist who rocks. This story hits every emotion, as it chronicles a convicted drug dealer’s last night on the town with his two best friends before he heads to prison. Plenty of twists ensue, including a biggie that I never saw coming. Fantastic first effort!
Buy on Amazon
My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face

My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face

By Michael Ian Black 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

I’ve enjoyed Black’s demented sense of humor since his glorious days on the underappreciated show The State. Now I only seem to get to see him whenever he turns up on VH1. Thankfully, this book gives me plenty to enjoy while I await Michael Ian Black’s next great project.
Buy on Amazon
Chaser

Chaser

By Miasha 224 pages Adult

Danny Says

So maybe I am not a connoisseur or African-American chick lit, and I felt totally uncool when some friends were boasting about their favorite Miasha books (and I had never heard of her). So I grabbed this book and spent an easy afternoon reading away. I know plenty of women who will appreciate this selection.
Buy on Amazon
Fat Kid Rules the World

Fat Kid Rules the World

By K. L. Going 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Another wonderful treat from a first time author. The title caught my eye, and the story grabbed me immediately. My biggest complaint with so many young adult authors is that they fail to depict realistic characters or situations. The strength of this book is the friendship between an unlikely pair – a skinny punk rocker and a suicidal “fat kid.” A moving, honest story.
Buy on Amazon
Vampire Kisses

Vampire Kisses

By Ellen Schreiber 128 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I have never understood all of the hubbub over vampires. To me vampire stories work best when there is some humor involved (like The Lost Boys, Once Bitten and Vampire’s Kiss). I grabbed a copy of this book because the author used to be a stand-up comic, so I figured it might be entertaining. Boy, is it, as I am now an Ellen Schreiber fan. Parents, you’re in luck, as she has written a series of fun vampire novels for teens.
Buy on Amazon
Burnt Orange

Burnt Orange

By Melody Carlson 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

When Amber just tries to fit in, she finds her life spinning out of control. I liked this story for the message it sends teens about losing one’s self in the race to be popular.
Buy on Amazon
Going Too Far

Going Too Far

By Jennifer Echols 245 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

There are a lot of trashy teen romance stories out there. Believe me. So whenever I come across an author who can create characters that I empathize with who do not live in a mansion or attend an elite prep school, I am relieved. Echols writes witty banter between her main love interests that sets her writing apart from a crowded field of garbage.
Buy on Amazon
Purplicious

Purplicious

By Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann 40 pages Children

Danny Says

My daughter Kate loves me reading aloud this book to her every night. A girl who loves pink is teased by all the other girls who insist black is the “it” color, but she finds a kindred spirit who mixes pink and blue to create a beautiful purple cake. “That’s the kind of girl I want you to be friends with,” I always tell Kate. 
Buy on Amazon
Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By Steven Kroll 32 pages Children

Danny Says

My son Sean enjoys this story about a pack rat who sells all of his “stuff” to buy trees for his hometown. Includes wonderful illustrations by Steve Cox.
Buy on Amazon
What's Wrong with My Hair?

What's Wrong with My Hair?

By Satoshi Kitamura 32 pages Children

Danny Says

This is absolutely just a fun picture read for little ones curious to see the different hairstyles of Lionel, the lion. The pictures make all kids laugh.
Buy on Amazon

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