A TALE OF TWO COVERS

This is an interesting article that was written by Mary Pauline Lowry that was featured in the Huffington Post. In it she talks about YA Bloggers and her tale of two covers.
YA Cover Girls On Top

Which cover do you prefer?

I honestly don't care for either cover. The first cover which featured the creepy cartoon character made me question if this book was for the YA crowd-it's not your typical teen cover. While the second one with the girl seems uninspired and lacking in imagination-both give me no urge to pick the book up and read the inside flap.

I do judge a book by it's cover-call me shallow but I believe first impression is everything.

I was approached to read and review the book when it first came out(with the first cover) and declined-not only because of the cover-the story itself didn't seem like the kind of book that I would enjoy reading and reviewing.

But I do see that on Goodreads this book has recieved good reviews so maybe I passed up a good one.....

What do you think?

Book Review-FATHER OF LIES

FATHER OF LIES
By Ann Turner
2011
245 pages
Inside Cover:
Fourteen year old Lidda has always known she was different. She longs to escape Salem Village and its stifling rules-to be free to dance, to sing, to live as she chooses. But when a plague of accusations descends on the village and witch fever erupts, Lidda begins to realize that she feels and see things that others can't, or won't.
But how will she expose the truth without being hung as a witch herself?
Gripping and emotional, Ann Turner's retelling of the Salem witch trials captures one girl's brave soul searching amidst a backdrop of fear and blame.
My Thoughts:
I love historical fiction-especially when it involves things that are shocking and mysterious. Such as the Salem Witch Trials. Where during the 17th century a small village in America becomes obsessed with finding witches in their midst. Anyone who is different(a woman who runs a tavern and wears bright colors) or has wronged someone(a person who is late paying a bill) is accused and tried. Some of these trials lead to the deaths of the accused.
The main character of the book is 14 year old Lidda who has never felt as though she has fit in with her large family or her village. She has thoughts of running, singing and dancing about-thoughts and actions that are strictly forbidden behavior by her Puritan upbringing.
At times Lidda seems to be the voice of reason as her friends fall victim to "witch fever" she questions their behavior and the reasons behind it. But then she herself starts to see visions and hear a voice. Is Lidda sane, is she also affected by "witch fever" or is she actually possessed by the devil himself?
Author- Ann Turner does an excellent job of including historical fact in her work of fiction. I wish that the book had been longer-two huge subjects are tackled in this story-The Salem Witch Trails and Bipolar Disorder. I appreciated the information she included after the story on Bipolar Disorder as well as the historical information on the Salem Witch Trials. It's a period in our history that is both fascinating and horrific.
I bought this book used on Amazon.com and plan to donate it to my local Middle School.

I NEED ANSWERS!

The blogging world has been rocked.
I'm still sitting here shocked-obviously!
In the past there has been an occasional dust up-catty comments exchanged-sometimes memorable but most times not. As big as the book blogging world as gotten it's still pretty small.
This time the accusation is big-no it's huge. It involves a book blogger that has always been someone that I refer back to time and time again when I've wanted to better my blog-increase my viewership, and find publishers that would be willing to mail me their ARCs. She has been my book blogging guru. Her ideas have inspired me and given me the standard bar I try to reach for.
The accusation is plagiarism-taking someone else ideas or words and using them as your own. In the blogging world where we strive to make our ideas and reviews original, plagiarism makes us stand back and shake our heads in disbelief and shock. When that wears off we become angry-much like a swarm of bees. We look for the hows and the whys.
By now we know that the book blogger stand accused of this ugly accusation is Kristi The Book Siren. Last night her apology and explanation was posted on her blog and then on facebook.
While I very much understand what she's been accused of(in step by step detail) her explanation feels empty. As one of her biggest fans and followers I'm left with more questions than answers by her post. I hope that she steps up and offers us-fellow bloggers and followers the real story-Kristi you at least owe us that.

SHOWERS OF BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP

I LOVE Spring!

Here in the mountains of Idaho a spring shower renews the soul, wipes everything clean and leaves a kissed-by-heaven smell in it's wake.

A happy Mug Of Moxie is ready for another HOP and a fun GIVEAWAY!

I'm obviously trying to go with the theme here and have chosen books with rain and umbrellas on the covers.
These are the books I am giving away......

The Daughters by Joanna Philbin

 Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

And now for the RULES of this giveaway.

*You must be a follower of Mug of Moxie

*You must be over 13 years old to enter this giveaway

* This giveaway is open to everyone-INTERNATIONAL- BABY!!!

In the comment section please leave GFC name and contact information

A winner will be chosen by Random.org on APRIL 26th-If chosen winner does not confirm in 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.

Good luck and have fun! Below is a list of other blogs participating in the awesome SHOWERS OF BOOKS Blog Hop.

**A GIANT shout out to I'm A Reader, Not A Writer and One A Day YA for hosting this AMAZINGLY COOL event!

DON'T YOU HATE IT WHEN.......

 You pick up a book that looks oh-so-promising and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Synopsis taken from Goodreads-
Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula. Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.
After picking this one up at the library I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I read the inside cover and immediately checked it out. Sadly, I'm 87 pages in and still can't seem to get into the story. I hate it when this happens! I used to be a die hard and finish it regardless of interest but a couple of years ago decided that life is too short. If you aren't hooked 50 pages in, put it down and move on.
But I'm left wondering is it the book or is it me? Has anyone out there read this one? And if so, did you enjoy it?

CONTEST WINNER!

WINNER, WINNER

CHICKEN DINNER!

Random.org has spoken and the winner chosen for the Kick Butt Character Blog Hop is:

GFC-CRICKET!!

She has won a copy of Blood Red Road by Moira Young and chose Bitten by Kelley Armstrong as a bonus book.  Many thanks to all my old and new followers who play along during this hops.
A GIANT thank you to I'm A Reader, Not A Writer and Good Choice Reading for hosting this SUPER COOL event! Stay tuned for my next giveaway Showers of Books Giveaway Hop starting on April 20th!