1 February 15
8 Literary Tattoos That Make My Heart Sigh
Gorgeous literary tattoos…
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Welcome to the Reading Lair, my wise, witty, and biased blog designed to breed more interest in the kind of books I read and love. Some novels are new indulgences...others are from the past. All are evocative. If you like my cheeky ramblings--leave a comment. If you don’t--leave a comment. And if you want to subscribe to these hauntings, click on the RSS feed or email link above.
25 January 12
Tattoo a Book Upon My Heart…
Cool literary tattoos…
18 January 17
A Recipe for Vodka Cake
A recipe that works well for book clubs AND funerals. Ha.
11 January 15
“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi (a book review)
“My touch is lethal. My touch is power.”
4 January 10
And Our Winner Is…
The final countdown…
28 December 31
My 2nd Blogoversary Gift Card Giveaway!
In which I give away a $25 Amazon gift card to one of you…
21 December 18
9 Bookish Things Wrapped in Ribbon and Pretty Strings
A savvy assortment of gift ideas for book lovers and nerds.
14 December 16
Tuesdays at the Castle (a book review by my kids)
In which my children talk about Jessica Day George’s book TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE.
7 December 12
Dear Santa, I Can Haz This For Christmas, Please?
I’m sure Tolkien would want me to have one.
30 November 16
A Recipe for Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes (Plus a Bookalicious Quiz)
An easy recipe for scalloped potatoes full of smoky chipotle flavor and creamy sauce. Plus, how many of these characters can you identify?
23 November 9
I am thankful for…
things undeserved.
16 November 9
Six Degrees of Interesting
In which we discuss a wonderfully intriguing roundup of bookish (and some not so bookish) things.
9 November 8
In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse…
Please see this government website.
2 November 12
ROT & RUIN by Jonathan Maberry (a book review)
A fantastic read…whether you like zombies or not.
26 October 12
19 October 9
The Silent Gondoliers (a guest review)
“But when a girl gives a boy a dead squid—that had to mean something.” – William Goldman, The Silent Gondoliers
12 October 6
Authors as Children (or Let’s All Look at Ernest Hemingway in a Dress)
Who they are and what they looked like.
5 October 14
A Wrinkle in Time (a book review – well, sort of)
Probably better termed: “a post in which I rant about how my parents ruined my life.”
28 September 13
A Recipe for Autumn Breakfast Cake (plus The Princess Bride Monopoly)
Now one can play with Westley’s mustache while eating awesome cake.
21 September 15
Braving the Wilds of a Writers’ Conference
Welcome to the jungle.
14 September 6
Writers’ Conferencing and Some Sweet Tunage
Two of my favorite things.
7 September 18
Little Free Libraries
Promoting books and community.
31 August 18
HUNGER GAMES Sneak Preview (You like, yes?)
Yes, no, maybe so?
24 August 14
A Recipe for Peanut Butter Honeycomb Pie (plus Pottermore pics)
Yeah, it’s pretty much the best dessert ever.
17 August 10
The Adoration of Jenna Fox (a book review)
“How far would you go to save someone you love?”
10 August 9
How to Make Your Own Steampunk Goggles
This is beyond awesome.
3 August 8
Crocodile on the Sandbank (a guest review)
LOVE THIS.
27 July 17
A Book Barge (plus a recipe for molten chocolate cakes)
Seriously…yum on both counts.
20 July 20
Harry Potter Rabid Fan Pics
The costumes, the fans, the rabidity…
12 July 13
An Exclusive Blog Interview with Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
In which Jay performs an interpretive dance and Carolyn beats him at spork fencing.
5 July 10
The Future of Us (a book review)
Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler’s joint adventure.
27 June 8
A Recipe for Chewlicious Oatmeal Cookies (plus Potter news)
Harry Potter, The Future of Us, Cookies…
20 June 14
Ghost Busting with Jay Asher
Who ya gonna call?
14 June 9
Battle of the Book Trailers
Duke it out.
6 June 9
A Silly Interview with Lauren DeStefano
In which we talk of old ladies and Lauren’s preying mantis.
30 May 12
A Recipe for Summer Potato Salad
Potato salad I obsess over. And I don’t even like potato salad.
23 May 13
“I am Number Four” (a book review)
A little YA sci-fi reading for a lazy afternoon.
15 May 15
“Wither” by Lauren DeStefano (a book review)
“For Males twenty-five is the fatal age. For women it’s twenty. We are all dropping like flies.” – Rhine (from Wither)
8 May 10
Moms: the Style Icons
Apparently they had a life before us. 
5 May 16
In Which I am the One Being Interviewed
On ruling the universe, trapeze artists, and other imperative things.
2 May 16
What’s Your Steampunk Name? (and a yumtastic cinnamon roll recipe)
Try the Steampunk Name Generator and this yumtastic cinnamon roll recipe. Mm…
25 April 13
A Silly Interview with Chuck Sambuchino
Author of “How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack” and editor of the “Guide to Literary Agents.”
17 April 12
How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack (a book review)
“The danger is real. And it’s here.”
11 April 10
There and Back Again
*sigh*
4 April 11
Just Like Heaven
For Peter.
28 March 18
The Hobbit Movie (um…heck yes!)
The latest movie pics and news for “The Hobbit.”
21 March 26
14 March 17
The Skin Map by Stephen Lawhead
A book I plan to read…
6 March 12
Castle in the Air (a book review)
A fairytale.
1 March 8
What Books Will Become Movies?
What books will go to the big screen this year?
21 February 9
Shadowmarch by Tad Williams (a guest review)
A book review of Tad Williams’ “Shadowmarch” by my friend and guest, Sara Johnson-Steffey.
14 February 19
Ten Book Characters Who Did NOT Get Enough Valentines as Children (plus a recipe)
Villians who need our love.
7 February 8
The Great Gatsby (a book review)
What I liked, what annoyed me…
31 January 12
The Proper Way to Enjoy a Writer’s Retreat
The formula is simple. Here’s what it looks like…
23 January 13
Books When YOU Were Born
Which book was most popular the week you were born? Check it out…
17 January 21
A Recipe for Wintry Black Bean Chili (and a 2011 reading list)
My favorite chili recipe! Make it in the crock pot or on the stove. Either way, it’s incredible. Plus, a reading list for 2011…. What will you be reading?
9 January 17
So I had an Interview…
Thanks to The Crazy Bookworm.
6 January 5
And The Winner Is…
Drum roll please…
1 January 36
My Blogoversary Giveaway!
I’m giving away a gift card 
.
22 December 16
Bookish Things that Should be Wrapped in Ribbon and Pretty Strings (plus a recipe)
Say it with me: “These are seriously yummy.”
18 December 14
Frankenstein (a book review)
A healthy mixture of Frankenstein (book review) and crazy frog.
10 December 9
I Dub Thee “Book Trailer”
And I’m not even mocking them.
3 December 9
Best Recipe for Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
On Bella Swan, never-nudes, and the most amazing Gingerbread…
26 November 10
How was Harry Potter?
Well…how was it?
19 November 12
Pretty Pics of Masquerading
A few pretty photos.
11 November 11
Masquerading as Chocolate Cake
My favorite flourless chocolate cake recipe. Ever.
5 November 13
13 Reasons to Like Jay Asher (an author interview)
A silly interview with Jay Asher, New York Times bestselling author of the book “13 Reasons Why.” Who knew he was this fun?
28 October 12
13 Reasons Why (a book review)
What if your name was included on a list of 13 reasons why someone committed suicide?
23 October 8
An “Idiot” Discussion
In which book nerds unite to feel smarter about themselves.
18 October 8
A Rainy Day Stew Recipe
Butternut squash, Italian sausage…enough said.
14 October 13
The Idiot (a book musing)
“I am a realist in the highest sense of the word, that is to say, I depict all the depths of the human soul.” –Dostoevsky.
4 October 18
Take the Harry Potter Sorting Hat Quiz
Which house are you? Plus the newest “Deathly Hallows” film trailer.
28 September 9
Nine (only slightly creepy) Reasons to Attend a Writers’ Conference
Random reasons to attend a writers’ conference whether you’re a writer or not.
21 September 7
A Recipe for Autumn Apple Bread
A simple apple bread recipe that takes the best parts of autumn and combines them into one cozy taste experience.
17 September 12
Middle Age Tech Support
A funny video.
13 September 8
Katniss vs. Bella
Let the games begin. I think…
10 September 12
Benefits Included?
Short story plus some Lynyrd Skynyrd goodness.
7 September 13
A Recipe for Chocolate Dipped Stuffed Strawberries
A bit of heavenly cheesecake stuffed into fresh strawberries and bathed in dark chocolate.
3 September 10
Salinger’s Toilet
For sale on ebay. $1 Million. Uncleaned.
30 August 16
Mockingjay (book 3 in The Hunger Games Trilogy)
All that I loved and hated in Suzanne Collins’ book, Mockingjay.
27 August 9
Catching Fire (book 2 in The Hunger Games trilogy)
The story continues…
23 August 5
Cooking with Tim Kennedy
Fondue with a fighter.
20 August 20
The Hunger Games (a book review)
The best book I read last year.
16 August 11
Jane Austen’s Fight Club
Ahahahaha…
13 August 13
So I wrote a short story…
Hope you enjoy.
9 August 11
A Recipe for Butterbeer
Harry Potter deliciousness in a glass…
6 August 13
Mockingjay
The trailer for Suzanne Collins’ third book in The Hunger Games Trilogy.
2 August 9
Wuthering Heights (a review)
On my list of Top 10 Favorite Novels…
27 July 10
A Recipe for Coconut Lemon Bars
A therapy recipe for your summer evening…
23 July 10
Tarzan: A Man Therapy Book
For those of you seeking self-help in the wildization department, I’ve got a book for you.
19 July 12
The Old Spice Guy Supports Libraries
Hahahaha…
15 July 10
The Final Word on Zombies
So apparently there are books for people like you…
12 July 10
A Recipe for Sal’s Tacos (and surviving zombies)
A “how to” video on surviving a zombie attack, and a recipe for summer lovin’ pulled pork tacos with avocado, lime, and cilantro.
8 July 12
Brains vs. Blood
Deep thoughts on who would win in a zombie apocalypse.
5 July 10
Beautiful Bookstores and Luscious Libraries
The most interesting bookstores and libraries in the world.
30 June 22
We Saw Eclipse
Our thoughts on the movie plus a rabid fan girl pic.
28 June 11
A Recipe for the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie
Chewy deliciousness + my summer reading of Justin Cronin’s “The Passage.”
24 June 10
Howl’s Moving Castle (a guest review)
One of my top 10 favorite books of all time…
21 June 13
Butterbeer, Anyone?
Take me to it.
17 June 9
The Ordinary Princess (a book review)
A childhood favorite.
14 June 16
Kids’ Recipe & Summer Reading List
Summer sanity for all ages in spite of Justin Bieber–including a recipe for edible play dough.
11 June 15
Alice Working the iPad
I might be obsessing…
7 June 13
Ultimate Fighter & Book Reader: Tim Kennedy
An interview with this burly, bookworm guy I know…
4 June 8
Divine Justice (A Guest Review)
A book review and parody of David Baldacci’s book.
1 June 15
A Recipe for California Goodness
A vegetarian sandwich with roasted bell peppers, feta, and garlic aioli.
27 May 12
Testing Your Rabid Fan Girl Status
You might be a rabid fan girl if…
24 May 11
An Acceptable LOST
The show, the books, the best commercial…
20 May 11
“Soulless” by Gail Carriger (a book review)
When vampires and werewolves meet a strong-willed woman…
17 May 11
A Recipe for Coconut Pound Cake with Lemon Curd
The temperate flavor of coconut infused with tangy lemon curd makes this cake moist and oh-so-delish.
14 May 17
When I am Old, I Shall Wear Steampunk
Hot styles for pruney old ladies.
10 May 22
Brontё Sisters Action Figures
Your child needs one of these.
7 May 8
The Breach (a guest review)
A “man-book” review of Patrick Lee’s sci-fi thriller.
4 May 15
A Recipe for Strawberry Cream Crepes
A recipe for crepes filled with fresh strawberries and cinnamon cream.
30 April 15
A Little Bit of DIVA
A local bit of fun with my writing group.
26 April 15
Rate the Trailer: Trash or Treasure?
A completely scientific ranking of various book trailers.
23 April 9
A Book Nook: Arroyo Grande’s Farmer’s Market
A sunny spot to read and relax.
19 April 12
A Recipe for French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions with mushrooms and brandy make this recipe to die for.
15 April 8
The Sea Wolf (a guest review)
James Silva’s review of the Jack London novel “The Sea Wolf.”
12 April 8
Monthly Twilight Update
A healthy dose of Twi-humor for you.
9 April 14
An Idiot's Guide to Dostoyevsky
Promoting your ability to sound smart when it truly matters.
5 April 11
A Recipe for Italian Soda
A sparkling drink for your springtime pleasure.
1 April 17
A Review of "The Swan Thieves"
Elizabeth Kostova’s newest novel.
29 March 9
"Bill" by Heather Morrell (a children's book)
A little “learn to read” book by a friend.
25 March 15
When Work and Writing Collide
A recent success.
22 March 12
A Recipe for Flourless Mexican Chocolate Cake
An elegant and easy flourless dessert with a hint of cinnamon.
19 March 13
Doin' the Man Thing (a guest review)
Michael Connelly’s testosterone-saturated book, The Scarecrow.
15 March 11
When it Comes to Book Trailers…
Defining the well-appreciated line between the class and cheese of book trailers.
12 March 17
A Fabulous Book Nook: SLO's Higher Groundz
A great place to read and people watch…
8 March 10
A Rainy Day Dinner Recipe: Balsamic Chicken with Rice Pilaf
A warm and invigorating recipe fusing the flavors of balsamic vinegar, onion, and garlic, with chicken, accompanied by homemade rice pilaf.
4 March 14
Lord Peter Wimsey (still sexy after all these years)
A brief review of Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey character and a comparison to Sherlock Holmes.
1 March 26
About the Author Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)
Rumor has it . . .
27 February 12
Science Heroes: Transmission Zero Hour
Negotiating the quantum leap between electronic rock and classic literature.
25 February 10
Darling Jim (a book review)
Or “when your mass-murderer boyfriend hits on your aunt, it’s bound to end badly.”
22 February 12
A Recipe for Womanly Rolls
An easy, fast-rising recipe for 12 buttery bread rolls. The perfect addition for salads, pastas, or even a foamy glass of beer.
19 February 14
There's a Twilight Support Group for That
A recommended list of support groups for those suffering with Twilight obsession, hatred, or vampire paranoia.
15 February 24
What Will Dan Brown Do Next? (a multiple choice)
And Dan Brown’s next big hit will be…
12 February 11
Deciphering Dan Brown (a guest review)
The good, the bad, the questionable writing.
9 February 17
A Recipe on Cooking With Dog
A Japanese cooking video. With dog.
5 February 17
The Red Tent (a review)
Enter Dinah center stage.
1 February 19
Chunk lit and the Status of Full-bodied Babes
Meet Chunk lit. Chick lit’s sassy bigger sister.
28 January 12
Dostoevsky and His Women (or women of hysteria unite)
Speaking of rabid and swooning women…
25 January 13
A Recipe for Serendipity Cake
A scrumptious cake full of cream cheese and blueberries, best served with tea.
22 January 22
Twilight Dating Savvy
How to get girls. Twilight dating guidance for single guys.
19 January 15
What Will They Write Next?
And J.K. Rowling’s next hit book is…
15 January 15
Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness
A book review of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness or, “That Which Lurks Beneath the Soul’s Surface.”
11 January 22
A Recipe for Man Soup
A hearty soup that men and kids love, combining Italian sausage with spinach, pasta, and white beans.
8 January 23
The Not-so-favorite Novel.
Books we could’ve done without…
5 January 21
Your Top Novels of 2009?
The best novels read during 2009 revealed and discussed.
1 January 12
The Reformed Vampire Support Group
I’m not swearing Catherine Jinks wrote The Reformed Vampire Support Group as a parody of the Twilight universe. I’m just calling it as I see it.