True Blood and Philosophy

Title: True Blood and Philosophy

Editor: William Irwin

Reading level: Older Teens/Adults

Paperback: 227 pages

ISBN #: 9780470597729

Received From: FSB Associates

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Group Genre: Philosophy

Cover: A+(how could it not be!)

Overall: A

"Does God hate fangs? Is Sam still Sam when he turns into a collie? Is coming out of the coffin the same as coming out of the closet? Are all vampires created evil?

Vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, fairies, telepaths -- True Blood has it all. In a world where supernatural creatures coexist with human beings, Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton wrestle with powerful desires while facing complex issues concerning sex, romance, bigotry, violence, death, and immortality. Now True Blood and Philosophy calls on the minds of some of history's great thinkers to perform some philosophical bloodletting on this thought-provoking series. From the metaphysics of mind reading to Maryann Forrester's cult of Dionysus, from vampire politics to the nature of personal identity, and from contemporary feminism to the rights of nonhuman species, True Blood and Philosophy mines the thinking of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and John Rawls to enlighten us on the intriguing themes that surround this supernatural world. You'll find no shortage of juicy metaphysical morsels to sink your teeth into!"

What a mind blowing read! Yes I figured even before starting this book that they would compare "coming out of the coffin" with "coming out of the closet"! But has anyone ever noticed the "God Hates Fangs" at the beginning credits is a direct throwback to the Fred Phelpsian slogan that bashed Gay rights activists. I sure didn't and was amazed at how many other philosophical and historical reference points the producers of True Blood draw upon. This book really brings to light (haha didn't actually mean the pun) some questions the fans of True Blood are dying to have answered! And I always enjoy a book that makes you go "hmmmmmm?" There are so many eye openers in this book that after reading I went and re-read The Sookie Stackhouse Series, then re-watched Season 1 & 2, and then finally re-read this book! And I was honestly startled at how obvious the hidden meanings are once they have been revealed in the book! If your a fan of either True Blood or the Charlaine Harris books I seriously suggest you read True Blood and Philosophy! Not only is it fun to have that "ahh-hah" moment of finally figuring something out but even after reading your left with some things to ponder! And last but not least since this only covers the first two seasons I'm sure will be seeing more in-depth looks into this phenomenal books and show!

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Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. This is one of my favorite meme's as I have a love for all things that hold mystery! Unfortunately I've been quite busy at work the past couple of weeks but as I said before I'm back and ready to blog! This week I'm reading Goddess Of The Rose by P.C. Cast. Just about everyone knows Ms. Cast from her House Of Night Series. However; many don't realize she also has written books for a more adult audience as well. I stumbled upon this book after checking out her official website and without too much more rambling let the teasing begin:

"Mikki knew something was wrong as soon as she approached the rose bed that had been planted so close to the stairs that led from her balcony that the roses brushed against the marble railing. It was the same sick feeling she'd had the night before, only this morning it was far stronger."

~pg 146 Goddess Of The Rose by P.C. Cast

This is a hodgepodge of a story; part Beauty and The Beast, part Greek Mythology, and pure fantasy. I'm very intrigued by P.C.'s older series of books they are exceedingly well written as were her House Of Night Series but have a little more realism to me based on my age! Plus anything that combines Greek or Roman Mythology and the modern day is my cup o' tea! but I hope you have a Terrific Tuesday and as always let me know you teasers for the week!

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Virginia

Title: Virginia

Author: Susan Hughes

Reading level: All

Paperback: 287 pages

ISBN #: 9781554533077

Received From: publisher

Publisher: KCP Fiction

Group Genre: Fiction

Cover: D

Overall: C

" Virginia Donato has always had an indefinable quality that sets her apart from anyone else Ivy Morell has ever known. But when this childhood friend and neighbor confides in her, confessing that she has been visited by an angel and asked to do something "momentous," Ivy begins to think Virginia has lost her mind. As Ivy struggles to make sense of her friends bizarre claim, she notices other strange happenings in the Donato household. Determined to find out more, Ivy discovers that Virginia's older brother Paul may have a shocking secret of his own, one that could have dangerous consequences. Can it be connected to Virginia? Should Ivy tell? And is there anyone she can turn too before it's too late?"

I really wanted to get into this book; the plot is relatable even with the paranormal element, and the author has a spellbinding way of storytelling. Unfortunately the events just played out too slow and the ending was a real let down (at least for me it was)! Also the paranormal element just took a backseat about halfway through the book, it was still in the car but just not as exciting and intriguing as it could have been. Although this book has a great message which is about one person being able to make a difference, I think I anticipated more from the novel. It reminded me of M. Night Shymalan's The Village suspense throughout and then a giant let down at the end! But like I always say "to each their own" and although this book won't be on my favorites any time soon you may find that you enjoy the novel!

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The Scarlet Lion

Title: The Scarlet Lion

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Reading level: All

Paperback: 548 pages

ISBN #: 9780751536591

Received From: Won through Giveaway

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Group Genre: Hit/Fic

Cover: A-

Overall: A

"Already known as a knight of uncommon skill and honor, William Marshal has earned the friendship of King Richard and the love of a wealthy heiress. But when the Lionheart dies, leaving his treacherous brother John on the throne, William and Isabelle need all of their strength and courage to face a shattered world. Their sons held hostage, their integrity at stake, the two must choose between obeying their king or honoring their hearts."

What a fantastic look into on of the most honorable man in all of history. Everyone has heard of Richard the Lionheart and the bad King John (which is where our legend of Robin Hood is supposed to have originated) but there was a greater man behind both William Marshall! And Chadwick brings him to life in her two novels The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. I truly adored William throughout The Greatest Knight and after reading The Scarlet Lion I felt as if he should be the model to which men look up to. His honor, loyalty, and above all love and compassion he shows to ALL throughout both novels surpasses any other man I've ever heard of or about. And yes, I know I am blabbering about William Marshall but it is his promises and loyalties which hold the entire book together. And no, this is not just another prince charming story. This is a rocky road of doing whats right in the face of sooo much wrong. The story was uplifting and will have you practically screaming for William and Isabelle to succeed. Will they at long last? Well I think you should read the book for yourself and find out! The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion are both on my "must reads" list and I seriously suggest this to all who are Historical Fiction buffs!

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Author Of The Month: Margaret George

The first week of every month I like to introduce a new outstanding author that I have found. This month I have chosen a woman who truly can capture history in her novels along with scandal, mystery, and myth! So without further ado let me introduce you to Margaret George:

Margaret George is an historian and historical novelist, writing historical biographies. She was born in \Nashville, Tennessee. She lives with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the author of the bestselling novels The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles and The Memoirs of Cleopatra. The latter novel was adapted into a successful TV-movie starring Leonor Varela in the title role, Billy Zane as Mark Anthony and Timothy Dalton as Julius Ceasar. George is currently working on a novel about the life of Queen Elizabeth I during the later years of her reign, in the time of Shakespeare and the discovery of the New World, to be published in 2010. After the publication of her Elizabeth novel, George plans on writing a novel about Boudicca, highlighting Boudicca's conflict with Rome and Nero.
~info provided by Wikepedia.com

Margaret's novels delve into the lives of some of histories most notable figures. My favorite novel by her would have to be Mary Called Magdalene. I suggest unless your offended by religious reference books to give this one a try first! Although I must admit I was completely captivated by all her novels up to this date. If your interested in hearing more either about Ms. George or her novel you can visit her official website here!

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Divine By Mistake

Title: Divine By Mistake

Author: P.C. Cast

Reading level: All

Paperback: 571 pages

ISBN #: 9780373802470

Received From: I bought it

Publisher: Luna

Group Genre: YA

Cover: C

Overall: A+



"The only excitement Shannon Parker expects while on summer vacation is a little shopping. But when an antique vase calls to her, she finds herself transported to Partholon, where she's treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…Somehow Shannon has stepped into another's role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while there's an upside—what woman doesn't like lots of pampering?—it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she's her double.Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind…."

This book made me fall in love all over again with P.C. Cast and the way she writes! This is her first book in the Divine series which introduces us to Parthalon and her world. I love her fusion of mythology and magic she uses to create her Parthalon series. The way she writes is so relatable and intriguing that you don't want to put a single book of hers down. I become so enthralled in her world she creates that it all seems so real to me. And when you put the book down it's really quite sad to have to step back into mundane reality. This series also unlike her House Of Night Series (which don't get me wrong I love!) is more adult and will hit a note with an older audience as the main characters tend to be between their mid 20's through 30. The only thing bad I have to say is I want more .....more of Parthalon and the powerful women who make the books real for me! The suspense is killing me and I have a feeling I will be heading to Barnes & Noble tomorrow to purchase the rest of the set! If by chance you haven't read any of P.C. Cast's outstanding array of series you should definitely pick up this one to start off! And if your like me and skeptical at first and don't want to spend a lot of money on a book your not sure you'll like try Target I know they had this book for around $8! (: I am now hooked as I bet you will be too if you give this series a try!

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Friday Hop Time

So sorry for the sudden disappearance! I've been working on a new dessert concept for work and it's been a grueling two weeks! But I'm back and ready to blog my butt off!! But as for the twist this week:

My name is Rheanna and I've been a blogaholic since December of last year. My sister who has her own blog over @ The Book Wars informed me of all the great new reads she discovered through the blogging community and I told her to sign me up(: And since then I've met some really amazing bloggers and have fallen in love with numerous authors works. I truly believe the blogging community is one of the greatest ways to celebrate the art of storytelling. And although I'm still pretty new to the blogosphere I feel that I've made some great connections with other bloggers, authors, and people who are interested in the same material as myself. In short this is a great place to meet interesting people and to discuss the books, and entertainment that can make us laugh and cry, astound and baffle, and whats most important bring our fantasy to life!

So if your looking to find some great people with great blogs hop on over to the Blog Hop and start your own adventure here!

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