Read And Enjoy

In response to the Slate Book Review Against YA mentioning "...you should feel embarrassed when what you're reading was written for children."

Bologna.

1. I’m a firm believer that unless a person has a legitimate impediment, EVERYONE can enjoy reading IF he or she discovers WHAT he or she enjoys.  

The beauty of reading is that each reader experiences the words and scenarios uniquely.  Certainly, the writer’s intent (regardless of reading level) is part of the experience, but the reader’s own collective experiences tint understanding and perceptions.  As such, reading a story when younger WILL be a different experience from reading the story as an adult with additional life experiences.  

NO ONE should say you can only read a book once or ONLY at a specific age.

2. The “Young Adult” category is NOT solely based on readability level OR intended audience. Often, a story is categorized as YA solely because the main characters are not adults.  Y’all DO realize that Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer would be (and often are) categorized as YA, right?  Would anyone REALLY say, “Oh, sorry. You’re an adult now. You really shouldn’t read Mark Twain.”

Do most readers or writers even know what a story’s Flesch-Kincaid readability level is? I doubt it, and I doubt most readers or writers care.  I’ve read many examples of YA and Adult fiction across the readability spectrum. It is NOT necessarily vocabulary or literary complexity that determine a great story.  It’s the reading experience that matters. 

Ashamed of what I, or what anyone else, may read based on its category?  

Bologna.

Book Review: Trusting God When Bad Things Happen

From the Author, Shelley Hitz

Trusting God When Bad Things Happen
Guest post by the author, Shelley Hitz

My heart continues to be heavy for all those grieving today across our country. I don’t believe it was a coincidence that I published a book this past week called, “Trusting God When Bad Things Happen.” And even before the tragedy in Connecticut, I felt led to offer it free on Smashwords this month.

Trusting God In The Midst of the "Storms" of Life

When bad things happen, what is your reaction? Do you trust God even when you don't understand?

There was a dark season in my life when it literally felt like an earthquake had occurred. Everything in my life seemed to be falling apart...my family, my finances, our church. And I asked God the simple question, "Why?" This book is the result of my own search for answers. In the end, God gave me illustrations that I will share with you and brought healing to my heart and my distorted view of Him. I was able to trust Him again, even though my circumstances had not changed.

I pray that God uses this short eBook to deeply impact you as well. I have included questions for reflection for you to go through individually or as a group.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world!" - John 16:33

One Reader’s Response:

"This book has Biblical answers to the 'Why?' we are hearing so much today after the shooting tragedy in Connecticut. Thank you, Shelley, for the timeliness and wisdom." ~Barbara

Download This Book for Free
For anyone interested, you can download the book "Trusting God When Bad Things Happen" FREE this month.

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/263666
100% Off Coupon Code: HB95F
Expires: January 1, 2013

This book is also available for $0.99 on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALLQW5A

Please feel free to share this book and coupon code with anyone you think could benefit from the topic.

The Belly Acres Review

Hitz is a highly experienced mentor and guide for those of us who struggle to find answers to all the "whys" in the world.  Hitz uses examples and questions from her own struggles and the struggles of others with whom she extendeds a physical or virtual shoulder or hand during those times when we most need a point in the right direction.

One of the main reasons I related well to Trusting God When Bad Things Happen is that it is a rather brief, conversational style with gentle references and "points" to Biblical and scholarly references.  Since the "why" answers vary as widely as the individuals who pose the questions, I'm quite happy that there was no attempt to define a single concrete answer.  Many times, there is no concrete answer, and even if an answer exists, God may not plan for us to know those answers just yet.

Hitz uses stories and analogies to help the reader truly identify the "bad things," then points the reader in the right direction to explore grace, healing, and even understanding through God's gentle Word.

Yes, I do recommend Trusting God When Bad Things Happen, especially now, during this recent period of stunned grief and loss, and while Hitz is generously offerring a free ebook copy from Smashwords.  (See the author's guest post above for the coupon code and details.  Smashwords provides multiple formats for ebooks, so you can download your preferred file, ePub/Nook, mobi/Kindle, etc.)

The author encourages sharing the coupon code for the free ebook, so feel free to share this blog post/information with friends, family, and your church librarian.  Even after the coupon code expires, most of Hitz's inspirational/guidance ebooks are priced very reasonably, so churches and mentors can affordably use them to help guide us to God through our struggles.

Trusting God When Bad Things Happen is also available for purchase on Amazon.



The Hunger Games Leaves Me…Well, Hungry for More – Book, Movie, Audiobook Review

Since I missed The Hunger Games in the theater, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the movie release on disc.  Now that I’ve read all three books/audiobooks in the series AND seen the first movie, I can offer a summary review.

Books

First the good part – the author, Suzanne Collins is a master of suspense and engaging the reader.  Each book in the series, especially the first one, is one of those you just don’t want to put down.  You REALLY want to see where all of this is going.

Now, the bad – Collins stinks at closure/denouement.  I really thought this was just a normal “rope us in” thing at the ends of books 1 and 2…making us want more, but the end of the third and final book in the trilogy was almost as bad as the first two.  She does wrap things up a bit at the end of the third book, and most folks I’ve talked to don’t seem to mind, but there are a few nagging unanswered questions.  …and I just don’t like leaving a book/series asking “Really?  REALLY???  That’s REALLY how you want to leave this?”

Again, I want to emphasize that the author is absolutely amazing crafting each story and keeping readers eager to turn pages.  I just don’t think the urge should continue at the end of the trilogy.  …how about an enhanced epilogue or a complementary short story to tie it all up?

BUT, that could just be my opinion.  As I’ve said, other readers don’t seem to have as much of an issue or demand for tidy closure.

Movie

The first movie just came out on disc today, so I had to get it immediately and catch the flick I’d missed in the theater.  …not bad.  …not great, but not bad. 

Lionsgate / Press Kit

Honestly, I guess the hype had me expecting more, but it was pretty much the same as most movie adaptations of novels…a good, abridged, visual version of the story.  It just can’t be helped.  Novels are, by nature, rather in-depth, and producers can only include so much in a short period of time. 

The movie leaves a lot out, but I can promise that folks leaving the movie wondering exactly what was going on in certain scenes or wanting more back-story – you can read all the details in the books.  The author is very good at details and expressing motivation.

Audiobooks

I know.  If the audiobook is unabridged, is there really any difference or reason to review the audiobook version rather than just reviewing the book?  In this case, yes. 

The unabridged audiobooks published by Scholastic Audio are truly exceptional, and the narrator, Carolyn McCormick is just as talented as the author in pulling the reader into the story.  Instead of not wanting to put the book down, you never want to press pause.  There are many reasons that The Hunger Games is still one of audible.com’s best sellers.  

The stories are compelling.  The narrator is amazing, and enough folks have read, watched, or listened to engage in some fascinating discussions.

Review Summary

So, do I recommend reading, watching, or listening to The Hunger Games series?  Yes.  Unless you are particularly annoyed with lackluster closure (may just be a personal annoyance), the pros far outweigh the cons.

Book Review - 101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire

Quick read, lots of snickering J

101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire by Joleene Naylor is exactly what the author describes in the book’s listing description.  It’s short.  It’s a list of 101 tips for travelling with a vampire.  It’s free.

It’s also a cute little companion book, written in the voice of Katelina, a character in the actual author’s novels in the Amaranthine series.  In fact, many of the snarky tips refer directly to Katelina, Jorick, and events from the novels.

Many of the tips are also snarky on a general principle…well, unless you really want to point fingers and name names about certain “sparkley” vampire falsehoods.

If you like Vampire stories or the Amaranthine series, in particular, you WILL enjoy this short jocular companion book…especially if you like quick, giggley/snickering, lists of humorous tips.

Hey, it is what is claimed to be, and it was amusing.  AND it was free. 

If you were expecting anything else…like a full-blown Vampire Travel for Dummies with loads of logistical details…you didn’t read the description.  J

For exactly what it was…short, list, free, cute, humorous companion to other stories…It’s a solid 4.  …could be a 5, but a little more transition to show a few more specific tie-ins…maybe a little more backstory…could have been 5. 

But even at a 4 – Come on.  It’s free.  Spend a few minutes.  You’ll get some grins and giggles from 101 Tips for Travelingwith a Vampire by Joleene Naylor and may become curious about the Amaranthine series.  For any reader who likes humorous vampire stories, I DO recommend 101 Tips forTraveling with a Vampire.


Other Books by Joleene Naylor

Review of NewYorican

NewYorican is a slice of life memoir 180 degrees from apple pie and Andy Griffith.

From my review of NewYorican on Amazon.com:

It's a rare memoir that catches my attention. It's even rarer that one grabs my attention enough to read, but the author's story couldn't be more different from my own safe, sweet southern memories. I think that's why it fascinated me page after page.

The author's detailed accounts of his personal, and iconic social experiences lead readers from abandonment, culturally related religion, familial dysfunction, and the eighties...in New York, no less. ...and Puerto Rico. Sex, drugs, dancing, partying, guns, cars, fighting, family, and fear are all part of this incredible life most only know in tiny parts.

As riveting as the story is, there are just some things in life that most of us may want to know "about"...but would really rather not know from "experience."

Thanks for the virtual experiences shared in your book, Mr. Cruz. I wouldn't have survived half of them beyond the written words.

For folks wondering why I gave 4 stars instead of 5, have no fear. I absolutely do recommend NewYorican to anyone who enjoys "slice of life" memoirs. There are a few issues with grammar/spelling that keep it from the perfection of 5 stars, and there are a few gaps/missing pieces in some of the stories. Considering the author was a 7th grade dropout (though highly self-educated) and some story details should probably remain unwritten, I can certainly forgive these tiny issues and still recommend the book. I just can't score it a perfect 5. This solid 4 is definitely worth the read.

The Lacs and Lansky - Country Brings a Beat

No doubt, we southerners love country life, and generally, we like country music, but in the tradition of The Lacs, our country boys are also bringing our sweet southern home with a hip hop/rap beat. 

"Country Road," from The Lacs album, Country Boy's Paradise rocks the lyrics we all know by heart...

"Country Road, take me home, to the place where I belong..."

...and our own Okie-bama boy, Lansky (of SouthBound Productions) takes us further down the gravel road...

...from the city to the sticks...trailer life, southern rap, moonshine, county line...AU, Roll Tide..."

How the heck did he find Belly Acres, Alabama?!?!?  :-) 

Bounce to the beat with every rut in the road, the Country Boy track is available on SoundCloud along with other tracks from SouthBound Productions.

...and for more Lacs love, see our previous post on Kickin' Up Mud. 

Testing Redneck Wine Glasses

Our redneck wine glasses, champagne flutes, and martini / margarita / cocktail glasses have been selling faster than I can make them over at the Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellyAcresAlabama, but y'all know me well enough to know that I won't sell an item on Etsy unless I'm sure it's good and sturdy. 

(The redneck glassware takes over a week for the specialty glues to set to my satisfaction.)

...and rather than let y'all imagine just what I'm doing to test how sturdy the glasses are, I thought you might enjoy watching the video.  ;-)

I certainly don't recommend rough housin' around with glassware, but at least you know the stuff coming from Belly Acres has passed our own "it ain't gonna fall apart" test. 

I Love My Congressman

Well, specifically, I love Mike Rogers.  I can't say the say for all our elected officials, but this man has earned my respect over and over.  With SOPA and PIPA looming, he has earned my respect again.


Anytime a truly controversial bill is introduced, specifically if it will affect me or mine, I actually DO look it up and read it.  For those that deserve the attention, I DO, as I've been taught, contact my representatives, House, Senate, or other applicable elected official.  


The very few times that I've actually needed to contact my representatives, Mike Rogers and his team have listened.  I know they've listened because they've always responded with a response directly addressing my concerns.  

Even when my opinions and requests have contradicted others, the response from Mike Rogers has always been intelligent, well-informed, and personally helpful.  


IF I've received responses at all from senators and the like, they've been meaningless form letters.  I can't emphasize enough how much I respect Mike Rogers for his consistently insightful responses.

I contacted my representatives about SOPA/PIPA yesterday via email and twitter.  Thus far, Mike Rogers is the only one to respond...with the following:

Dear MyNameHere:

 

Thank you for contacting me with regard to H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). It is good to hear from you.

 

As you may know, H.R. 3261, would authorize the Attorney General to seek court orders against a U.S. directed foreign website committing or facilitating online piracy.  A very similar bill, S.968 the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) in the Senate. Both pieces of legislation are intended to protect consumers but the potential for overreach by the U.S. Department of Justice is a very real concern.  Although this legislation is well-meaning I am very concerned with the language as introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition the free speech afforded to American citizens by the U.S. Constitution should never be compromised and the imprecise bill language could threaten that.  H.R. 3261 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, of which I am a not member. If this matter comes to the House floor I will remember your thoughts on the matter. 

 

Thank you again for contacting me.  If you would like to receive further information on issues of importance to you, please log on to my website at http://mike-rogers.house.gov. I hope to hear from you again soon.

                                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                                    Mike Rogers                                                                                                Member of Congress

Just as I've been taught to contact my representatives regarding important bills and other relevant matters, I've also been taught to look at voting records just before election time.  I think many of us will be watching to see how our representatives vote on these bills.  It will be a factor in voting decisions.


For now, I'm just a very proud Alabamian to have a congressman who actually listens.

The BellyAcresAlabama Etsy Shop is BACK online and open for business!!!

After the holiday break, it's back to crafty goodness at Belly Acres.  

...seems that the redneck or hillbilly champagne flutes, wine glasses, and martini glasses may show increased demand soon for upcoming rustic wedding plans.  I like making them, though it takes 1-2 weeks to thoroughly glue/cure and quality test them before I'm willing to sell them.  So, it looks like the toasting glasses may be my etsy focus for a while.  

Twig Pencils and Twig Pens will also enter the "to do" list. among quite a few new crafty endeavors I'm eager to try.

It's gonna be a fun year in the esty shop!  
:-)  Keep checking the shop and the http://www.BellyAcresAlabama.com blog for upcoming transformations and treasures.
  :-)

Once Upon a Time and/or Grimm

Well, this is one of the easiest comparison/contrasts I’ve ever done.  …two new fall shows based on fairy tales/stories.  …two very different pilots.  The bottom line comparison is as easy as asking which Florida theme park you prefer…Disney or Universal?  Yep.  They’re THAT distinct.

Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is all about the fantasy and the magic…no surprise since Disney owns ABC.  J  It’s not totally Disneyfied, but it’s close enough to enjoy the references… 

• Apple cider
• Whistle While you Work overheard in the jail scene with Grumpy
• Archibald Hopper aka (also known as) Jiminy Cricket
• Mr. Gold aka Rumplestiltskin (who could spin straw into gold)

Of course, since Kitsis and Horowitz are involved, I expect multiple references to Tron: Legacy and Lost, too.  ...and I'm really looking forward to figuring out which character was originally which.  :-)  Anyone figure out the Sheriff's original character yet?

http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time/about-the-show

Grimm

Grimm is, well… grim.  …darker.  …more focused on how the creatures fit/adapt/hide in “the real world.”  That doesn’t really surprise me much.  The original Grimm’s Fairy Tales were pretty dark.   Instead of the characters cursed with ignorance of the truth in Once Upon a Time, in Grimm, only the members of the Grimm family can see the mythical and malevolent for who they really are. 

LOL.  Sorry.  It’s just too funny.  …characters cursed with ignorance of the truth…and all those apple references.  LOL!!!!

BUT, the cool factors and visuals in Grimm alone will keep me watching.  The names, details, and potential for some very cool and unique characters are all pros for this show. 

 

The Airstream trailer could be a character, itself…if it weren’t so annoyingly “loose.” 

(Anyone who’s EVER used a trailer knows that everything has to have a secure spot.  Come on!  The desk chair has wheels!!!  …and when Nick sat at the desk, something immediately wobbled from even that mild impact.  Yeah.  LOVE the Airstream.  …NOT buying the interior stuff.  …Cool, but not buyin’ it.)

There have been some decently cool references in the pilot of Grimm, but they haven’t been nearly as funny as the references in Once.

• The house across the stream
• The bridge
• The girls with red hoods
• Crying wolf
• The song, Sweet Dreams

http://www.nbc.com/grimm/

The Books

 

For another clear comparison/contrast - both shows even have “a book.”  Again, there are very distinct differences.  The book in Once Upon a Time is a color storybook chronicling the fairy tales of all the characters trapped in the modern world of Storybrooke, Maine.  The “book” in Grimm is a hand-written and drawn collection of images and information of all the stuff the Grimm family might see.

The Choice

Mine is to watch both, duh.  Clearly, however, I’m a Disney girl, so I’m strongly drawn to Once.  I really can’t wait to see the series progress and see what references pop up each week.  J  As for Grimm, I do think it will be a cool show, but given the choice between the adventure of Universal or the magic of Disney, I’m going with the magic.  How about you?  

Review: $100 and a T-Shirt: A Documentary About Zines in the Northwest

Frankly, the innaccurate title and description prompted me to write a review of this DVD documentary.  There are nuggets worth watching in the video, but the innaccuracy bothered me enough to offer more info in a review.

The following review is also published/available on Amazon.com and Netflix.com.

I agree with the Netflix reviewer who started off with the comparison… “What zines are to magazines, this little film is to a documentary,“ but not necessarily in a completely negative connotation.   It takes a certain mindset to find zines appealing, and it takes a similar mindset to really get into this documentary.What zines are to magazines, this little film is to a documentary.

There’s almost a shock factor in the early portions briefly explaining zines in general, but mostly focusing on the “zine community” around the Portland area in 2003/2004.  Later, SOME of the nuts and bolts of the zine process and some nuggets of insight appear here and there, but for the most part, the documentary IS very specific to this subgenre of zines or the zine community in Portland. 

Expect a lot of subculture self-adulation and a lot of shock language.  If you can get beyond all that, there’s still some value in the documentary, especially for viewers who know nothing about zines, have never seen one, certainly don’t have access to zine stores, etc.

My biggest complaint is that the title and description are woefully inaccurate.  The title actually comes from a quotation in the documentary as a zine publisher describes EXACTLY the opposite of a zine writer…100 dollars and a t-shirt paid by a traditional publication for an article.

There’s very little inclusion of the nuts and bolts components, and as far as “travelling by bicycle” or the symposium…well, those elements are irrelevant and virtually invisible. 

If the intention of the documentary was subculture self-adulation plus a little shock (with a little bit of interesting info and interviews included), it’s a success.  If the documentary was really supposed to match the title and description…well, viewer, beware.  It doesn’t.  Take it for what it is.  Enjoy the nuggets, and it’s worth watching.  If you’re not wide open to it though, give it a miss.