Thursday, March 31, 2011

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday


Hello everyone and Happy April Fool's Day and of course, Blog Hop and Follow Friday!

Our first host, Crazy-for-Books (http://www.crazy-for-books.com/) is asking the following question.
"Since today is April Fool's Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?"

My answer:

Now, do you want a zombie girl answer or the real girl answer? Hmmm. Zombie Girl would have to say that she pranks the heck out of people all the time. Fake rubber brains. I do own a whoopie cushion. And no one can play dead like me. It's true!

Okay...real world answer now...

Strangely enough, the only prank I can remember pulling is putting tennis balls in my husbands pillow. In my defense, he pranks me constantly. I keep threatening to put his underwear in the freezer. One day...One day...

What has he done to me to warrant tennis balls? Turned my pants inside out one morning when I was late going to school, putting dog toys under my pillow, faking me out about pigeons being small turkeys. I freaking believed him. Ugh! (This is when I was much younger, people. I'm just sayin'.)

What else...there have been so many things over the years you start to lose track of them all. He is a sweet trickster at heart and keeps me on my toes.

I hope you and yours have a safe and fun April Fool's Day!

But I still have to ask if you have ever played a zombified joke on anyone. Would love to hear it if you did!






Thursday, March 31, 2011


Feature & Follow Friday #39


Happy Follow Friday everyone! Let me tell you a little bit about this HOP. Every Friday or really Thursday evening we all get together and say HI! But, we need to know how to find you, so please leave your link in the Mr. Linky below. Also on Follow Friday we have a Feature...because alliteration is the way we roll. Each week is a different feature from the book blogging community. They are picked randomly or I give in after multiple harassing emails. Just depends on the week. If you want to be next weeks feature...leave your link. Also, I've had a recent rash of people signing up on the linky weeks later, which sort of defeats the purpose. If you want to participate check back here on the next Friday! The link is on Parajunkee's website, http://www.parajunkee.com/


Our feature this week is...







Last week I decided that I wanted to start a book blog because I love to read books. I also thought it would be cool to share my opinion of a book with other people who also like reading, so I did a little research. I decided to ask my friend BookLover and she thought it was a great idea, so we became co-writers. After deciding on what we would do on the blog BooksAhoy was born.
Personally I love to read and there is hardly ever a time when you won't see my nose in a book. My favorite genre of books are action/adventure books with a little romance thrown into the mix, such as Twilight. BookLover is a big fan of the fantasy books. This combination gives us both a chance to explore new book boundaries. Overall, we love to read and can't imagine a world without books.

Q. What is the book that you really don't want to admit to loving??

For me it would be Time And Again: Time Was\Times Change by Nora Roberts. For some reason I adore that book, but I just can't admit to loving anything by Nora Roberts. LOL
My answer:
Wow. I have to think of something here. I guess the book I get most embarrassed about that I actually liked was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Normally, I don't care for Christian Fiction. Most especially if it is preachy. Somehow, that one got by my radar and I actually liked it.
Okay. And anything with unicorns. I know!!! I still like them. Especially the cranky ones. Even if they do have rainbows and hearts all over their butts.
Thanks for another edition of Follow Friday! Hope you all have a great week! Stay a moment and share some comment love! Zombies rule!!

Warm Bodies-The Review


"I never thought I could care so passionately for a zombie. Isaac Marion has created the most unexpected romantic lead I've ever encountered, and rewritten the entire concept of what it means to be a zombie in the process. This story stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I eagerly await the next book by Isaac Marion." Stephenie Meyer, author of The Twilight Saga




"Warm Bodies is a strange and unexpected treat. R is the thinking woman's zombie-though somewhat grey-skinned and monosyllabic, he could be the perfect boyfriend, if he could manage to refrain from eating you. This is a wonderful book, elegantly written touching and fun, as delightful as a mouthfull of fresh brains." Audrey Niffennegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife.

In an early review, Library Journal says of Warm Bodies:"It's a post-apocalyptic novel. No, it's a zombie novel. No, it's a love story. Actually, for first-timer Marion, who's been doing stuff like guarding power plants in and around Seattle, this is a success story. Marion published the work online, got great word of mouth, caught the attention of an agent, sold rights to Atria, sold movie rights to Summit Productions (which produces, um, the Twilight movies), saw ten countries snap up foreign rights, and even got invited to lunch by Stephanie Meyer. The story? A zombie named R, shambling through a collapsed America, falls for a human girl and decides to turn around his...life."

I completely agree. This book had me hooked from the first page. Our hero, R, is a zombie who can't really remember his life before he became a zombie. He just knows he is wearing a dress shirt and tie, while some of his zombie buddies like M mock him for it. With humor, passion, a bit of brain munching and startling awareness for a zombie, R shambles around wondering if his "life" could be better. When he meets Julie on a hunting expedition into the city, his "life" changes forever. He makes a choice. Just like Edward in Twilight, R must fight to be with the girl he loves and must change the status quo if the world is going to survive.

There was nothing I didn't like about this book. To hear it was going to be a movie had me cheering. R is a different flavor of zombie than I am used to reading, and he has indeed stayed in my mind. He redefines zombiedom, much like the vampire has changed from a horrible bloodsucking menace to the sexy vampires we see in film and literature today. I am excited that R has done this for zombiekind and am looking forward to seeing Warm Bodies in the theater. This is one of my new favorite zombie novels, and I hope you feel the same.

Warm Bodies is available from Atria Books on April 26, 2011.

Check out Isaac Marion's postings on http://www.burningbuilding.com.






Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What I'm Reading Now... Mercy by Joshua Grover-David Patterson



When Georgina Fulci’s plane crashes into the Atlantic, her troubles have just begun.

Desperate to get home to her family, Georgina and a handful of survivors must find a way to escape an uncharted island… while fighting off hordes of the living dead.

Some cool quotes:

“Joshua Grover-David Patterson writes in a style that will surely connect with many contemporary zombie fans.  His use of tone and narrative structure are miles ahead of most who work in the genre.” 
-Scott Kenemore, author of “Zombie, Ohio” and “The Zen of Zombie”

“You expect a zombie novel to have brains, but you don't expect it to be this smart. You expect a number of internal organs to be on display, but you don't expect this much heart. MERCY is a kicka** zombie novel, but it's also a thoughtful, moving story about the joy and importance of being human and alive.”
-Seamus Cooper, author of “The Mall of Cthulhu”

“Patterson has taken the zombie-pocalypse story in a fresh new direction, infusing hope and heart into a format that normally only thinks of heart in relation to gory attacks.”
-Word Nerd Blog/Bethany K. Warner

So far, I totally agree. I have only gotten into the beginning of this book, but already I really like it. The actual review will be forthcoming, but I wanted to introduce this very cool author to you. Mercy will make it's debut on Nook and Kindle on April 1st. It is a great price. $2.99.

If you would like to find out more about Joshua, head over to his various homes on the internet:

Twitter:  Http://www.twitter.com/GroverDavid

Like him on Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/JoshuaGroverDavid

Blog: Http://groverdavid.blogspot.com/

If you would like to purchase a copy of Mercy check out either Nook or Kindle.

Nook:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mercy/Joshua-Grover-David-Patterson/e/2940012397874

Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-ebook/dp/B004TSJBKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301197718&sr=1-2

In the meantime, I will be happily reading and getting ready to share my review with you. Since Mercy  is about to go on sale, if you pick up a copy, let me know what you think.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Follow the Zombie Friday


Hello my wonderful zombie horde! Welcome to another Follow Friday and Blog Hop.



Happy Follow Friday everyone! Let me tell you a little bit about this HOP. Every Friday or really Thursday evening we all get together and say HI! But, we need to know how to find you, so please leave your link in the Mr. Linky below. Also on Follow Friday we have a Feature...because alliteration is the way we roll. Each week is a different feature from the book blogging community. They are picked randomly or I give in after multiple harassing emails. Just depends on the week. If you want to be next weeks feature...leave your link. Also, I've had a recent rash of people signing up on the linky weeks later, which sort of defeats the purpose. If you want to participate check back here on the next Friday! (http://www.parajunkee.com/)


Our feature this week is...




Confessions of a Page Turner”=


Hi fellow book lovers! My name is Rebecca and I am thrilled to be a new member of the book blogging community! I absolutely love sharing with others about reading and so, starting a blog about books seemed like a great way of doing this. Ever since my dad read The Hobbit out loud to my sister and I when we were little, I have loved books and reading. My husband and I currently live in Oklahoma while he finishes up his medical residency. Once he is done, we are excited about our dream of moving to somewhere in New England! I am an aspiring writer and am currently working on two books...a nonfiction book and a novel. My hobbies besides writing and reading include scrapbooking, painting, and knitting. Basically anything that allows me to express my creative side!

Look for a little bit of everything on my book blog :). Variety is the spice of life and I enjoy dabbling in almost every genre, although, fantasy and fiction by women writers are particular favorites. I look forward to getting to know all of you and conversing with you about magical and wonderful books! Happy Reading!

Q. Inspired by the inane twitter trend of #100factsaboutme, give us five BOOK RELATED silly facts about you.


  1. I'm an ADD reader. I am reading like five different books at once.
  2. My physical TBR is now close to 100, yet I continue to purchase books. In fact I just ordered three from amazon right before I did this post
  3. I so like Urban Fantasy over Paranormal Romance, sometimes I want to punch the testosterone prone heroes in the face and call them "little boy"
  4. I read everywhere...in the tub, in the car at stoplights (don't tell the police officers!), in the line at the grocery store and while I'm uploading web sites at work
  5. I've now taken to downloading audio books and keep on increasing my membership at audible.com, I love the 4.95 sales!!!





Now for the Follow Fun!








To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
  1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
  2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://readingwithrebecca.blogspot.com/
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
  5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
  6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
  7. If you're new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Happy Follow Friday!

Follow it up with your twitter address if you want to get that one out!
*********

My answer:

1. My book piles are legendary. Seriously, this is only one.


2. I read at least 6 books at once. Between my bookpile, Ipad, Nook Color and my audio books, I am never without a book in my hand. No, seriously. I even read on my phone. Kind of ADD, right?

3. Goodreads is my favorite book stalking ground. I love the giveaways section for new material to add to my TBR list. I am on there at least 5 times a day. I think it must be an addiction.

4. My headphones were not working on my Ipad a couple of weeks ago, so I literally propped it up on my lap to listen to my audio book to and from work. I was listening to Beth Revis's book Across the Universe and HAD to find out the ending.

5. Books are my friends. I love them and it makes me ill just thinking about getting rid of one. Literally, they are crawling up the wall on my writing desk and taking over my closet. Who needs shoes, right?


Please check out UPDATE #2 at the bottom above the linky before entering your link or you may risk having your entire link removed. Thank you.

Book Blogger Hop


Grab the Logo!


In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!! .Got to http://www.crazy-for-books.com/
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below, including the genre that you review! (On Crazy-for-Books site http://www.crazy-for-books.com/
In your link, please state the main genre that you review:  eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.

Example:  Crazy-for-Books (contemp. adult fiction) 

2. Post about the Hop on your blog.  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!  In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).  

If you have a suggestion for a future HOP question, click here to fill out the form!  Thanks! 
 
This week's question comes from Mina who blogs at Mina Burrows:
 "If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

My answer:  I actually have 2 series that I would love to be "in".

The first is the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett - I mean who wouldn't want to be in a fictional book town?  I adore this series and the characters!

Murder Is Binding Bookmarked For Death (Booktown Mystery Series) Bookplate Special (A Booktown Mystery) Chapter & Hearse (A Booktown Mystery) Sentenced to Death (A Booktown Mystery)

Another series I would love to be in, just because I LOVE the characters is the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries by Jennie Bentley:

Fatal Fixer-Upper (A Do-It-Yourself Mystery) Spackled and Spooked (A Do-It-Yourself Mystery) Plaster and Poison (A Do-It-Yourself Mystery) Mortar and Murder (A Do-It-Yourself Mystery)


If you haven't read either of these cozy mystery series, I highly recommend you check them out!  Great stories and characters!


3.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  Take the time to make a quality visit!  Check out other posts and content, make a new friend!  Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them!  No spamming please!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

And just as an FYI - this event is not something you should feel that you have to participate in every week.  If you want to join in and link up once a month, GREAT!  It's up to you how often you participate!

So, have fun HOPPING and enjoy your BOOK PARTY weekend!!!UPDATE:  THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP DOES NOT ACCEPT TWITTER LINKS!  IF YOU LEAVE A TWITTER LINK, IT WILL BE DELETED!!!  ONLY YOUR BLOG URL IS ACCEPTED!  THANK YOU!

UPDATE #2: Please do not add "AND A GIVEAWAY" to your blog hop link. I've been seeing these a lot lately and up until now I've left them alone. But it's starting to get a bit out of control and I'm going to have to start deleting them if they continue to appear. The Hop isn't to advertise your giveaways. It's a place for us to explore and find new blogs we may be interested in following, not to promote our giveaways. There are several sites out there that have Giveaway Hops, but this is not one of them. Unfortunately if I continue to see the links, I will have to delete them. I hate to start having to "police" the hop, but I want to bring it back to its original state. Thank you for understanding.

My answer:

 





I could name more but we would be here awhile. Seriously.

Thanks for dropping by! Hope you have an excellent weekend. I have a feeling you will be hearing from me soon. Don't forget to enter the excellent contest I have posted for the Zombie Autopsies. The publisher is giving away five copies!

Happy Follow Friday!




Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hamster vs. Zombie game



Okay, so  the sound appears to have been turned off when they made this, but looks sort of fun. Thoughts anyone? Who has played this game?

Zombie Autopsies Contest and Giveaway!


"Humanity has a new weapon against the living dead and that weapon is Steven Schlozman!"
-New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks


"I've written and made films about zombies for over forty years. In all that time, I've never been able to convince my audience that zombies actually exist. On page one of THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES, Steven Schlozman takes away any doubt. This fast-moving, entertaining work will have you chuckling...and worrying."
-George A. Romero, director of Night of the Living Dead

As the walking dead rises up throughout the world, a few brave doctors attempt to find a cure by applying forensic techniques to captured zombies. Based on the research of renowned zombie expert Dr. Stanley Blum, performed at a remote island where a crack medical team has been sent to explore a radical theory that may lead to a cure for the epidemic, THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES documents for the first time the unique biology of zombie organisms. Twenty-five detailed drawings of the internal organs of actual zombies provide an accurate anatomy of these horrifying creatures, including zombie brains, hearts, lungs, skin, and the digestive system, while Dr. Blum's notes reveal shocking insights into how they function, even as Blum and his staff themselves begin to succumb to the plague. No one knows the ultimate fate of Dr. Blum or his researchers, but now that his notebook, THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES, has been made available to the UN, the World Health Organization, and the general public, his scientific discoveries may provide the last hope for humans on earth! (Goodreads)

Now for the fun part! I hope you were able to check out the teaser trailer for Zombie Autopsies on the previous post. Awesome. Even more awesome is the contest the publisher is offering here at Zombie Girl Shambling! We are giving away 5 wonderful and excited copies of this amazing book to 5 lucky winners!

Now for the contest deets and rules!

* You must be 13 to enter
*Only one entry form per person. No multiple email addys please.
*You must be a follower to enter.
*Please leave me a comment in the comment field to say hello.
*5 Winners will receive finished copies of Zombie Autopsies.
*The books will now be sent by me, so the contest will be limited to the continental US only and will be mailed the least expensive rate possible.
*Contest will be open from March 23rd to April 13th.
*Winners will be contacted by email and have three days to respond, or another lucky zombie horde member gets chosen.
*Winners chosen at random.
*You must fill out the entry form to qualify for the giveaway.