Quotes About Books

A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end.  You live several lives while reading it.  ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.  ~Toni Morrison

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.  ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991

I find television to be very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book.  ~Groucho Marx

A book must be an ice-axe to break the seas frozen inside our soul.  ~Franz Kafka

To choose a good book, look in an inquisitor’s prohibited list.  ~John Aikin

Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life."  ~Helen Exley

When you reread a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than was there before.  ~Clifton Fadiman

He who lends a book is an idiot.  He who returns the book is more of an idiot.  ~Arabic Proverb

The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts.  ~Oliver Wendell Holmes     

Discussion Question: Favorite Book Formats

What is your favorite format for the books you read?  Hardback, paperback, ebook, audio book?

I recently started moving my fiction over to the ebook format, since they have a higher turnover rate in my collection and I am impatient with waiting to purchase the next ones in a series.  With my metaphysical library, which currently consists of 3 shelves, I like to have them easily available for reference.

Two of my hobbies are collecting hardback books of series that I love and collecting signed editions.  I have  half the books in Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series and three of the Harry Potter books.  Need to complete those collections.  The crown jewel in my collection is a hardback and signed copy of Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Archeron."

Comment and share with us your favorite book formats!

Change Your Life, One Word at a Time

What are you doing to change your life this November?

Four years ago, I would have just had a dumb stare if someone had asked me that question. Now I know that there is a massive writing competition that can "literally" change your life in just 4 weeks - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

Just like those Army commercials, at the end of the month you are a lean, mean, writing machine. Most importantly you have done something for yourself - you are a novelist.

So any of you who have been putting off that novel until you are wiser or "have more time", this is your chance! Take the plunge and sign up for National Novel Writing Month.

http://www.nanowrimo.org

Throughout the month of October, we will be preparing for this event at the Pagan NaNoWriMo-er's Ning.  Learn more about characterization, plotting, and setting.  We will be sharing tips for getting you out of the way of your writing and making the most of your time.  Chat with other budding novelists as well as the ole' pros.  We want to help you meet your goal!

http://paganwriters.ning.com/

p.s. - Your Muse will love you and your Inner Critic will be angry about the sock in his mouth

Interview with Rosa Sophia

How did you end up becoming a writer?

You don't “become” a writer.  You already are a writer.  Even people who don't start writing until later in their life.  They were already writers, they just didn't know it yet. 

I grew up around books.  We weren't allowed to watch TV.  My mother, Ruby Lynn, worked full time, which meant that my brother and I were often at our Grandma Polly's house.  I drew a lot of inspiration from that house.  It was dark and cozy.  I was haunted by words, among other things; at a very young age, I loved Shakespeare and would read the big thick books that my grandma had in her living room.  As a young girl, my career of choice was “famous author.” 

What inspired “Taking 1960”?

Across the creek from my mama's house is an old farmstead that sits on a hill, hidden behind some trees.  Mama told me stories about the house and the people that used to live there.  My mother's stories about that house were a huge inspiration.  Many other aspects of the book are based on stories I heard, or people in my family.

Are you nervous about how the book will be received?

Extremely.  It is now the tenth, and my first book talk is this Friday, the thirteenth.  I want the book to do well, and everyone keeps telling me that it will, but it's harder for me to believe it.  I don't want to be the center of attention (I'm terrified about this book talk), but I also want to make money doing something that I love.  In order to succeed, you have to take risks.  In my mind, this is a huge risk, because I am exposing something that means a lot to me and I will have to accept whatever comes of it.

How do you relax after a successful writing day?

I don't.  I haven't had a particularly successful writing day in a long time.  I had one the other day, when I wrote five pages, but nothing compares to how I used to write.  I wrote Taking 1960 in three months during the summer of 2005.  I don't know what has changed, but I get very frustrated when I go long months without writing a single word.  For me, when I can actually get “on a roll,” there is nothing more relaxing than writing.  Terry Pratchett, one of my favorite authors, said: “Writing is the most fun a person can have by themselves.”  That's the relaxing part.  The stressful part is when I have to stop.

Do you like to read? If so, what are your favorite genres and authors?

I met a writer who didn't like to read once.  Incidentally, he wasn't a very good writer.  I think that writers should try to read all different sorts of things—from fiction to nonfiction—in order to diversify their own writing and broaden their perspectives.  I enjoy reading everything.  P.G. Wodehouse is one of my favorite writers.  My favorite mystery authors are Jeff Markowitz and Bill Crider.  And of course, one of my most favorite authors is J.W. Coffey.  If you get a chance, check them all out sometime. 

Are there any projects that you are currently working on?

My “writing-partner-in-crime” and I are working on a novel together, some of which can be found on the Pagan Writers website.  Look for it under the Columns and Serials menu; it is called Traces.  I am continually working on numerous projects, including the third book in the Dead series, A Message for the Dead.  That series remains unpublished, but I hope to publish it in the near future, beginning with A Siren for the Dead.  Also, Rev. David P. Smith (my agent) and I, plan on collaborating on a novel in the very near future, so we will see how that goes.

How can our readers pick up their copy of “Taking 1960”?

It will be available through the publisher, Dreamz-Work Publications, at the website www.dreamz-work.com.  I plan on eventually selling signed copies through my website, www.rosewrites.webs.com.  It should also be available through Amazon and other booksellers.  Anyone with questions in the future can contact me through my website.

Rosa is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Pagan Writers Community.  Be sure to stop by and wish her luck with her first novel, "Taking 1960."

Excerpt: Taking 1960 by Rosa Sophia

Taking 1960
By Rosa Sophia
Published by Dreamz-Work Productions
Release Date: Friday, August 13th

When Katherine walks into the hallway, it’s always empty.  That’s when she first puts her foot onto the dusty wooden floors.  She sets her eyes on the sun-spotted walls, then the wide old windows with their gossamer curtains.  The vision gives her a moment to collect herself, to stare in puzzlement at her surroundings.  Once she’s become somewhat comfortable in this hallway of what can only be an old farmhouse, she hears footsteps.

The woman comes up the stairway opposite her with both purpose and reluctance evident in her expression.  She always wears the same drab outfit. Her hair is done up in the style of a day long gone and her arms are muscled from various chores around the homestead.

At this point, she always starts to yell.  The thing is, the spectator can’t hear what she’s saying.  The strange woman’s mouth moves soundlessly and the watcher wonders, each time, if she’s yelling at her.  After a few moments, she knows that she is not the subject of this woman’s fury.  The dreamer tries to turn and find the culprit, but she never can.

With the sunlight dancing against the paintings on the far side of the hallway and on the chiseled features of the subject of the dream, the spectator sees how beautiful this woman is.  Is she in her late twenties or early thirties?

Katherine has had this dream so many times that she has gotten used to its oddities.  She waits for the woman to finish yelling, then watches as she rips away the wedding band on her finger, throwing it angrily to the ground.  The woman is on the verge of tears now and Katherine wants to embrace her, tell her that everything’s all right.  For some reason, she feels as though she knows her, but Katherine has never seen this woman before.

The vision makes her body heavy and she can’t move.  Before she can utter words of reassurance, the woman turns and stalks back down the stairs.  That’s when Katherine feels herself begin to wake up.

And when she drags herself out of that deep slumber, she whispers to herself, the same words, each time:

“Something horrible has happened…”

Coming Soon: Taking 1960 by Rosa Sophia

Taking 1960
By Rosa Sophia
Published by Dreamz-Work Productions
Release Date: Friday, August 13th

An envelope addressed to Katherine Maslin stood out amongst the pile of bills. It is a notice from an attorney… the rights to her grandparents’ farmhouse and adjacent property.

She believes that a change will rid her of the strange dreams she’s been having, wherein an oddly familiar woman visits her, begging for her help. But when Kat realizes that the woman in her dream is her dead grandmother, she begins to have doubts about moving to the farm.

Rumors and nightmarish tales fill her mind, stories of the five men who lost their lives in the late 1950s to a heartless murderer. A man had been convicted, but was he the one the police had been looking for, or had he been framed?

Kat is thrown backwards through time on a journey to discover a terrible truth. The ghost of her grandmother is always one step ahead of her, leading the way. But will she find the real killer before he finds her?

Book Review: The Writing Diet

The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size
Written By: Julia Cameron
Published By: Penguin Group (USA)
Page Count: 256
ISBN-13: 9781615594993
ISBN-10: 161559499X

Publisher’s Comments: Use writing to take off the pounds! Over the course of the past twenty-five years, Julia Cameron has taught thousands of artists and aspiring artists how to unblock wellsprings of creativity. And time and again she has noticed an interesting thing: Often when her students uncover their creative selves they also undergo a surprising physical transformation— invigorated by their work, they slim down. In The Writing Diet, Cameron illuminates the relationship between creativity and eating to reveal a crucial equation: Creativity can block overeating. This inspiring weight-loss program directs readers to count words instead of calories, to substitute their writing’s “food for thought” for actual food. The Writing Diet presents a brilliant plan for using one of the soul’s deepest and most abiding appetites—the desire to be creative—to lose weight and keep it off forever.

My Review: Author and creativity expert Julia Cameron is not a doctor or dietician, but she did notice something interesting about the students in her workshops.  As her students were tackling the blocks to their creativity, they were beginning to slim down before her eyes.  “The Writing Diet” is the product of that observation.

Cameron explains her belief about how people use food to block out parts of their lives.  In many cases, overeating also blocks the person’s creativity and causes them to drop into a deeper food-filled depression.  The author developed seven tools to help get readers back on the path to fulfillment and wellness.

The book is broken up into two parts – the first section explaining the tools while the second part talks about situations you may find yourself and solutions to potential problems you may face on the diet.  Each section is followed up with topics to think about and questions for you to answer for yourself.

What I like most about this book and the diet within is that it was created to be used in conjunction with another food-based diet.  Whether you are already on Weight Watchers, South Beach or doing your own thing from home, the tools in this book will add value to that effort.  Even once you have met your goal weight, extended use of the tools will make sure you stay slim and keep your creative juices flowing.

From Bon Temps to True Blood: The Sookie Stackhouse Novels

About a year and a half ago, my husband and I rented the first disc of HBO’s original series True Blood from Blockbuster.  We sat there in front of the TV together for a few hours, completely enveloped in a reality where Vampires have made their presence known to humans and are fighting for their right to “live” with humans in society.  Without a second thought, we returned the DVD and went to purchase the first season for ourselves.  Once we were done with the first season of the show, I bought and read the novels by Charlaine Harris that the show is based on. 

Since I just finished the latest one, “Dead in the Family,” second season just came out on DVD and with the third season of True Blood starting soon, I thought I would share with you the tales of the fair-haired Sookie Stackhouse and her life with the creatures that go bump in the night.

And please note that the books are nowhere near as racy as the show and that the show does not follow the books exactly.

Dead until Dark
Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out....
Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea.

Living Dead in Dallas
This is the second book in Charlaine Harris' popular Southern Vampire Mysteries series. Telepathic vampire maven (and cocktail waitress) Sookie Stackhouse has been tasked with locating an abducted vampire and suppressing an upstart anti-undead religious cult.

Club Dead
Sookie's boyfriend has been very distant-in another state, distant. Now she's off to Mississippi to mingle with the underworld at Club Dead-a little haunt where the vampire elite go to chill out. But when she finally finds Bill-caught in an act of betrayal-she's not sure whether to save him...or sharpen some stakes.

Dead to the World
When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn't just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn't a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It's Eric the vampire--but now he's a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.

Dead as a Doornail
Small-town cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse has had more than her share of experience with the supernatural—but now it’s really hitting close to home. When Sookie sees her brother Jason’s eyes start to change, she knows he’s about to turn into a were-panther for the first time—a transformation he embraces more readily than most shapeshifters she knows. But her concern becomes cold fear when a sniper sets his deadly sights on the local changeling population, and Jason’s new panther brethren suspect he may be the shooter. Now, Sookie has until the next full moon to find out who’s behind the attacks—unless the killer decides to find her first…

Definitely Dead
Sixth in the Anthony Award-winning Southern Vampire series. Spiked with a frothy fusion of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this bestselling series sends the supernaturally gifted cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to New Orleans, where she has to deal with the legacy of one of her own family and a host of potentially dangerous characters.

All Together Dead
Betrayed by her longtime vampire love, Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse must now not only deal with a possible new man in her life-the oh-so-handsome shapeshifter Quinn-but also contend with a long-planned vampire summit. With her power base weakened by hurricane damage to New Orleans, the local vampire queen is vulnerable to those hungry for a takeover. Soon, Sookie must decide what side she'll stand with. And her choice may mean the difference between survival and all-out catastrophe.

From Dead to Worse
After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina, and the manmade horror of the explosion at the vampire summit, Sookie Stackhouse is safe but dazed, yearning for things to get back to normal. But her boyfriend Quinn is among the missing. And things are changing, whether the Weres and vamps in her corner of Louisiana like it or not. In the ensuing battles, Sookie faces danger, death-and once more, betrayal by someone she loves. And when the fur has finished flying and the cold blood ceases flowing, her world will be forever altered.

Dead and Gone
Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps-and nothing about weres. Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works-and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it. But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings-older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves-is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.

Dead in the Family
After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

If you have read any of these books or are a True Blood fan, we would love to hear what you have to say about the series.

Happy reading!!

Quick Book Talk Tuesday Update

Howdy all!  Sparrow here...

I just wanted to let y'all know that the Book Talk Tuesdays should resume next week.  There are many great books that I can't wait to share with everyone.

The week before last I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  The doctor has me on some hormones that have completely turned my life upside-down in an effort for us to be able to take back control over my reproductive cycle so hubby and I can have a child one day.  Needless to say, I haven't been feeling much like myself.

So keep turning those pages and I will talk to you guys again next week!!

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (Wendy)

Archeology, anthropology and studies of ancient cultures is a real passion for me, so when I first read the book, "Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel when it first came out (2002), by the first page I knew it would be one of my favorite books.

Set in the Ice Age, Ayla five years old, loses her tribe, the Cro-Magnons in an earthquake leaving her alone forced to survive by herself. She is attacked by a female cave lion which leaves a scar and marking her to have the cave lion, one of the fiercest animals back then. The lion leaves a scar on Ayla physically and spiritually which tells us that Ayla can face any threat with courage and strength. The Neanderthal clan who another race of humans at the time, find Ayla and take her back to their tribe. Because she looks so different and acts so differently from them, Ayla is treated as a slave and outcast, except for two of the Neanderthals, the old male Shaman and a Medicine Woman who become her teachers and parent-like figures for Ayla. As Ayla grows the Neanderthals become more hostile to Ayla and events happen that forces Ayla once again to fend for herself once again in the wilderness. Ayla goes off to search for other Cro-Magnons that may live somewhere else as well as having a child she has take care of which resulted because of a rape from a Neanderthal. What an amazing journey we venture with Ayla. I was obsessed with the book and still am.

Ayla is a character who spoke to my soul because of her strength, her vulnerability and willingness to persevere no matter how hard life became. The insight and research that went into this book made me feel as if I was living life back then and was fighting along besides Ayla. There are four books in this series but "Clan of the Cave Bear" remains my favorite. I couldn't recommend this book more; especially if you want to learn more about our early ancestors and want to meet a character who is a true heroine in every sense.

A remarkable epic of one woman's odyssey--filled with mystery and magic.

Here is the saga of a people who call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear; how they lived; the animals they hunted; the great totems they revered. But mostly it is the story of Ayla, the girl they found and raised, who was not like them. To the Clan, her fair looks make her different--ugly. And she has odd ways: she laughs, she cries, she has the ability to speak. But even more, she struggles to be true to herself and, with her advanced intelligence, is curious about the world around her.

Although Ayla is clearly a member of the Others, she is nurtured by her adoptive parents, befriended by members of the Clan, and gradually accepted into the family circle. But there are those who would cast her out for her strange, threatening ways.

So the conflict between the ancient Clan, bound by heredity to its traditions, and the girl in its midst, of a newer breed destined to alter the face of earth, could never be resolved. And it is this same struggle that leads Ayla to venture where no Clan woman has ever dared. Driven by destiny and a will to survive, Ayla breaks the forbidden taboo...

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Mother Moon)

First let me say that for some time I have been more a informational type book person and have not read many fiction books lately (something I have started to change).. Yet there is one fiction book that I have read that I truly loved. 

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.  Being a lover of Celtic tradition as well as the lore of Arthur I was immediately drawn to the book.  Yet as I began to read it, the book took on a completely different meaning for me.  I loved how instead of focusing on the men of Camelot (Arthur, Lancelot and so on) it took the view of the many women who had their place in this legend.  I grew to love Morgan le Fay or Morgaine as I like to call her, as a woman of strength and strong convictions.  She is definitely one of my heroes and quite possibly one who gave me strength to follow my own convictions and beliefs/intuitions.  In the prologue she speaks and says such words of wisdom I often have trouble thinking them as fiction as they hold so true still today.  "...there is no such thing as a true tale.  Truth has many faces and the truth is like to an old road to Avalon; it depends on your own will, and you own thoughts, whither the road will take you, and whether, at the end, you arrive in the Holy Isle of Eternity or among the priests with their bells and their death and their Satan and Hell and damination.. ."   This book had a way of teaching me that there is always more than one way to look at things and although we may think that we know all that we need to know, in order to say we know the truth, there is always more to be seen.  Truth truly does have many faces.

Here is the magical legend of King Arthur, vividly retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne. A spellbinding novel, an extraordinary literary achievement, THE MISTS OF AVALON will stay with you for a long time to come...

Passage by Connie Willis (Luna)

My most recent favorite is Passage by Connie Willis. It is a story based around two researchers, Joanna Landers & Richard Wright and their work on "near death experiences." Dr Wright has found a way to chemically recreate NDEs & using volunteers, they are able to get some good data, just not enough. In trying to collect & quantify their data Joanna decides to go under to see an NDE first hand. The story weaves through Joanna's attempt to make sense of her own experiences, the experiences of the volunteers & ultimately just what the data really means. Ms Willis is is able to build a story so insidiously intense that you barely realize that your nails are nubs & you are perched on the edge of your chair. I love a good long book with a super ending. In my experience many writers can create a great book but have a hard time wrapping it up. Not so with Connie Willis. I was so stunned by the ending of Passage that I had to reread the last few chapters twice more just to confirm that I had really read what I thought I had read in the beautifully crafted ending. No gore to speak of even though the setting IS a hospital, no gratuitous sex (shucks) just a really good read.

A tunnel, a light, a door. And beyond it ... the unimaginable.

Dr. Joanna Lander is a psychologist specializing in near-death experiences. She is about to get help from a new doctor with the power to give her the chance to get as close to death as anyone can.

A brilliant young neurologist, Dr. Richard Wright has come up with a way to manufacture the near-death experience using a psychoactive drug. Joanna’s first NDE is as fascinating as she imagined — so astounding that she knows she must go back, if only to find out why that place is so hauntingly familiar.

But each time Joanna goes under, her sense of dread begins to grow, because part of her already knows why the experience is so familiar, and why she has every reason to be afraid.

Yet just when Joanna thinks she understands, she’s in for the biggest surprise of all — a shattering scenario that will keep you feverishly reading until the final climactic page.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (Lynelle)

My favorite book is Peter S. Beagle's "The Last Unicorn." I read it as a teenager and it's been my favorite ever since. I know it almost by heart! It's a tale about an innocent unicorn who leaves her forest to go on a quest to find her people. Along the way she encounters events and people who touch and change her, as she touches them. The experiences leave her wiser but changed from who she was when she started out, which is, in Beagle's world, both beautiful and sad. The prose is lyrical and full of magic and beauty, and the characters have an eccentric charm. It's a perfect book to read in the sun dappled light of a park or garden.

The Last Unicorn is a tearful tale of the last existing unicorn's journey out of her familiar forest to save the species. On the way she encounters evil magic, dark castles, cursed towns, and a particularly interesting sea shore. The character's in this magical story invite you to learn with them, while Peter S. Beagle poetic prose are something to remember as he tells a story of bravery and courage. Do love, freedom, and happiness prevail? Or will we forever live in fear in a world without unicorns?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (Sparrow)

My fav fiction book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

The reason that I love this book so much is because it really changed my outlook on life and my gifts.  It taught me that I do not have to be a slave to what everyone else wants or needs.  I need to take care of myself first and then the people that I care about the most.  I actually worked this theme into my written statement of Honor, Ethics and Values (which was part of my degree studies with FWTI).

"Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'" ~ Helen Exley

Though it is not an easy read, this book truly can change your life!

Published in 1957, Atlas Shrugged was Ayn Rand's greatest achievement and last work of fiction. In this novel she dramatizes her unique philosophy through an intellectual mystery story that integrates ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, politics, economics, and sex

Set in a near-future U.S.A. whose economy is collapsing as a result of the mysterious disappearance of leading innovators and industrialists, this novel presents an astounding panorama of human life-from the productive genius who becomes a worthless playboy...to the great steel industrialist who does not know that he is working for his own destruction...to the philosopher who becomes a pirate...to the woman who runs a transcontinental railroad...to the lowest track worker in her train tunnels.

Peopled by larger-than-life heroes and villains, charged with towering questions of good and evil, Atlas Shrugged is a philosophical revolution told in the form of an action thriller.

eWitch’s Favorite Fiction

Today is a very special day at eWitch!  We are going to be sharing our favorite works of fiction on this Book Talk Tuesday!!  Each of our eWitches has selected a book that is important to them to share.

Come back throughout the day because the books will be posted every couple hours, each with commentary by the eWitch who chose it.

Share your favorite works of fiction in the comments!

And don’t forget, the winner of the Merfolk Monday drawing will be announced later today so you can still enter until noon CST.

Gemstones & Crystals

Here are two of my most coveted books, the ones on gemstones and crystals.

The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals
By Judy Hall

This text offers a comprehensive guide to all the crystals known to man, their shapes, colours and applications. It aims to be useful to the beginner and expert alike, using a directory format which makes the crystals easily identifiable. The descriptions accompanying each of the crystals provide information on their appearance, worldwide distribution, attributes, actions and healing properties required to unleash their unlimited potential. All the major and lesser-known stones currently available are featured, including those only recently discovered.

Sparrow’s Note – My husband or I use this one at least once a week.  It is great if you are using gemstones for protection, healing or in jewelry.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
By Scott Cunningham

Practice an ancient magic that is both natural and powerful—the elemental Earth magic of rock, stone, and metal. This comprehensive and clear guidebook by Scott Cunningham has introduced over 200,000 readers to the secrets of over 100 gems and metals.
Learn how to find and cleanse stones and use them in divinations, spells, and tarot readings. Discover how to determine the energies and stories contained within each stone, and the symbolic meanings of a stone's color and shape. Also included in this classic guide are:  

• A 16-page full-color insert, new with this edition
• Birthstone and jewelry magic lore
• Tables listing both planetary and elementary rulers of stones, magical intentions, and magical substitutions

Sparrow’s Note – We don’t use this one quite as much as the bible above, but Cunningham goes more in depth about the crystals.  There are also some wonderful correspondence tables in the back to help you figure out what stones to use for what purpose.

The following book also includes quite a bit of interesting information on uses and correspondences of gemstones that can be used when contacting or working with your Angels.

The Angel Bible: The Definitive Guide to Angel Wisdom
By Hazel Raven

Angel lore, angel stories, angel advice, and angel wisdom: whether you’re seeking guidance, healing, or inspiration from these heavenly messengers, you’ll find it in this splendidly illustrated Angel Bible. It’s filled with enlightening knowledge: you’ll learn about angelic calling cards, messages, and visions, and discover how to sense an angel’s presence, create an angel altar, keep an angel gratitude book, and meditate and dream with the angels. Find out about angels of many lands and their hierarchies, and explore the connections between angels and astrology, colors, crystals, essential oils, kabbalah, and the chakras.

A quick reference guides you directly to those angels who can offer immediate assistance and teaches you how to call on them for help in any situation.

The following books are on my “wish list.”  If you already have them or get them before I do, please let us know what you think!

Practical Crystal Healing: 555 Tips & Techniques
By Nicole Lanning

Practical Crystal Healing - 555 Tips and Techniques is a simple guide for any crystal healing practitioner, whether they are just starting out or are a bit more advanced in their learning. The real heart of this book lies within the 555 different tips and techniques to use for crystal healing. These are common ailments and conditions that have personally been worked on by the author, Nicole Lanning, in her own crystal healing practice and studies. They have been tested and re-tested over many years for their accuracy and validity. Other topics covered include: Choosing Your Crystals, 8 Cleansing Techniques, 3 Programming Techniques, 15 Chakra and Crystal Correspondences, 12 Aura and Crystal Correspondences, Crystal Elixirs, Crystal Gridding, Crystal Healing Bags and much more. Each individual works within a different vibrational level and will resonate individually to different crystals. What is shown in this book will work for everyone to enhance his/her own crystal healing potential.

Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon
By Flora Peschek-Bohmer

Heal yourself with power of crystals and gemstones. Hundreds of vivid color photographs make it easy to identify and distinguish between different varieties. Listing for over 140 stones tell you which stones to use for particular illnesses, how to use them most effectively and how stones relate to the chakra system and the signs of the zodiac.









Crystal Awareness
By Catherine Bowman

Now you can learn the secrets of crystals and how to use them for meditation, healing, and personal energy by reading Crystal Awareness by Catherine Bowman. Virtually everything you need to know about crystals is included. That's why over 130,000 people already have this book. You should have it, too!

First, you will learn about the basic nature of crystals. You'll learn what they're made of and their different forms. You'll also learn about the different powers of each. What type of crystal should you use when doing healings? How can you use clusters of crystals? What are the differences between small crystals and large ones? The answers are all found in Crystal Awareness.  More than anything, this book is practical. You'll learn how crystals have energy fields and how they can interplay with your personal energy fields. This book explains how to use crystals in meditation and how they can open you to deeper personal awareness as your meditations go deeper than ever before. Included is information on the effect of working with color and crystals when meditating.

Crystal Awareness also reveals the secrets of healing with crystals. You'll learn how to program crystals for healing and how to lay them in arrays around the head or feet. You'll see the effect of large crystals and clusters on healing as well as how colored quartz can be used for different healing purposes.

Simply put, this is the best book to introduce you to working with crystals. Get your copy today.

If you enjoy working with gemstones and crystals like I do, go check these out!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: a fresh take on old Greek mythology

About six months ago I read a blog post from my mentoree Bex about a series that she and her husband were reading – "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" by author Rick Riordan.  She was very excited because they were going to turn it into a movie.  My curiosity got the best of me and I looked it up online.

Percy Jackson is having a rough year at school.  His dyslexia is getting worse, making it near impossible for him to read.  Other kids are getting him in trouble with a teacher that seems to have it out for him.  He doesn’t want to get kicked out of another school so he tries to stay out of trouble.  Little does he know that trouble is already there to get him!

There are five books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.  They document the transformation of Percy from awkward teen to Greek hero in a modern setting.  Originally written for children, the books are a wonderful read for all ages.

The Lightning Thief

What if the gods of Olympus were alive in the 21st Century? What if they still fell in love with mortals and had children who might become great heroes — like Theseus, Jason and Hercules?

What if you were one of those children?

Such is the discovery that launches twelve-year-old Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.

The Sea of Monsters

When Thalia’s tree is mysteriously poisoned, the magical borders of Camp Half-Blood begin to fail. Now Percy and his friends have just days to find the only magic item powerful to save the camp before it is overrun by monsters. The catch: they must sail into the Sea of Monsters to find it. Along the way, Percy must stage a daring rescue operation to save his old friend Grover, and he learns a terrible secret about his own family, which makes him question whether being the son of Poseidon is an honor or a curse.




The Titan’s Curse

When Percy Jackson gets an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he will need his powerful demigod allies at his side, his trusty bronze sword Riptide, and . . . a ride from his mom.

The demigods rush to the rescue to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two powerful half-bloods whose parentage is unknown. But that’s not all that awaits them. The titan lord Kronos has devised his most treacherous plot yet, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.

They’re not the only ones in danger. An ancient monster has arisen — one rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus — and Artemis, the only goddess who might know how to track it, is missing. Now Percy and his friends, along with the Hunters of Artemis, have only a week to find the kidnapped goddess and solve the mystery of the monster she was hunting.

Along the way, they must face their most dangerous challenge yet: the chilling prophecy of the titan’s curse.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson isn’t expecting freshman orientation to be any fun, but when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears, pursued by demon cheerleaders, things quickly go from bad to worse.

Time is running out for Percy. War between the gods and the Titans is drawing near. Even Camp Half-Blood isn’t safe, as Kronos’s army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop them, Percy and his friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth — a sprawling underground world with surprises and danger at every turn.

Along the way Percy will confront powerful enemies, find out the truth about the lost god Pan, and face the Titan lord Kronos’s most terrible secret. The final war begins . . . with the Battle of the Labyrinth.

The Last Olympian

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

Once you are done reading these it will be about time for the release of Riordan’s latest book The Kane Chronicles, Book 1: The Red Pyramid.  The Egyptian pantheon will never be the same!

The Red Pyramid

Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them--Set--has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe--a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

And for those of you who really enjoyed the Percy books, the adventures of the Greek pantheon are not over just yet.  According to Riordan’s blog, Myth & Mystery, Disney-Hyperion books has announced a new series called "The Heroes of Olympus" that will introduce some new heroes and welcome back some of our favorites.

Book Review: Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink by Susan Pesznecker

Written by: Susan Pesznecker
Published by: Llewellyn Worldwide LTD
Page Count: 264 pages
ISBN-13: 9780738711454

Blurb:

Write—the Right Way!

The right way to write isn't by following those old rules that bored you in school. The right way is your way—from your heart and expressing exactly what you mean. Here you'll find tools—not rules—that will help you create powerful and expressive rituals, spells, articles, poems, and books. Filled with tips, tricks, clear examples, and wonderful do-it-yourself exercises, this book contains everything you need to make your words sparkle and clearly reflect your ideas. Learn to brainstorm topics, write a rough draft, edit your writing, and come up with a finished work that publishers will want to print and everyone will want to read.

This book is unique because it brings magick into the mix. It reveals secrets of automatic and trance writing that will uncover latent creativity you never knew you had. Once you have unlocked these imaginative forces, you'll also learn how to magickally protect your work. Just about anybody can write words. But if you want to let your creativity explode in new directions, this colorful guide has the magickal and practical keys that will open the locks, break down the blocks, and let the inner writer out. Find out just how much fun writing can be and how good a writer you can become.

Whether you are in the brainstorming phase of the writing process or just need an extra little push to finish your masterpiece, Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink can give you the motivation and inspiration you need to live up to your literary potential.

By using the magickal and professional methods in this book, you can breathe new life into your writing and set yourself on a course towards greatness.

Review:

When I read the blurb for this book, I had to have it!  The idea of combining my magickal studies with my writer’s journey intrigued me.  And since I knew the author from the Grey School of Wizardry, there was no doubt in my mind that Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink was destined to sit on my bookshelf.

From the moment that I cracked open this book, I was hooked.  Pesznecker covers various types of magickal writing in the text.  My personal favorite was the information about journaling, since this is something that I struggle with personally.  Each chapter was followed up by a couple writing exercises to reinforce the chapter and get the creative juices flowing.

If nothing else, this book helped to fuel my passion for writing and made me more eager to jump into my journal each day.

Books for Pagan Children

There are thousands of books written by and for Pagans about the various Earth-based paths that are available to them.  The great majority of these books are geared towards adults with a few scattered here and there for teens.  What about our Pagan children?

Here are just a few books that I have had the pleasure of promoting at the Pagan Writers Community that are geared towards the newest generation of Pagans.

The Witchlets of Witch’s Brew #1: “Holly the Hasty Witch” by Edain Duguay

Holly is the kind of child that is always in a rush, never stopping to complete a task and often forgetting to fulfil her promises. She is not a selfish child, just one that needs more hours in the day for her daydreaming and her many plans.

That is until Yule, when the biggest promise in the history of mankind is not fulfilled and Holly begins to see why, when she gives her word, it must mean something.

‘Holly the Hasty Witch’, is the short Pagan tale based on the virtue of integrity and is set at Yule in a small, modern day Pagan village.

This eBook is the first in a series of eight and is suitable for ages 8 years and upwards.


The Witchlets of Witch’s Brew #2: “Ash the Solitary Witch” by Edain Duguay

Ash only had one friend, Rufus, her dog. He was loyal, reliable and loved her unconditionally. She had no one her age to celebrate the seasons and festivals with and she began to feel lonely for the first time in her life but hid it from everyone, even herself. Having previously liked being alone, Ash had no idea if other children her age would like her or if she could even make friends.

One day, her world changed forever as her family moved away from the only home she had ever known, to the small Pagan village of Brew.

Would Ash be brave enough to make new friends? Would she find some at Brew’s celebration of the Spring Equinox?

This eBook is the second in a series of eight and is suitable for ages 8 years and upwards.

“Pagan Degrees for Children” by Shanddaramon

Many modern Pagans seek growth and spiritual practice through the pursuit and attainment of spiritual degrees. Whether in a group or as a solitary practitioner learning through a degree system can provide a needed structure, clear and distinct goals, and rewards for hard work. Children, too, often enjoy learning by following a clear structure and by getting positive reinforcements but may not be able to effectively and successfully pursue adult degrees.

This book provides a system of learning Pagan and good living concepts just for children and young adults through three main degrees. Children from the ages of 5 – 18 can work on obtaining the Neophyte, Apprentice, and Mage Degrees by meeting specific goals designed for children and by completing the requirements for earning Achievement Awards. The Neophyte Degree is subdivided into several Levels to help give young children small and easily obtainable goals.

Provided with each Degree and Award is a great deal of information and sources for learning and for exploring. All of the Degree, Level, and Award images and certificates are provided in black and white. However, a companion book is available that contains all the designs in full sixes and colors.

“Growing Up Pagan: A Workbook for Wiccan Families” by Raine Hill

Finally, a children’s workbook designed for Pagan families! Rich, exciting stories to read together and discuss, as well as activities to reinforce lessons in a fun way. Chock-full of puzzles, games, mythology, beautiful illustrations, and Pagan symbols, this workbook teaches about the basic Wiccan belief system. Let this be a family affair, with parents, older siblings, and young children taking part in a “something-for-everyone” Pagan experience. A teaching tool for Pagan families or others who want to teach their children diversity.

What others are saying about “Growing Up Pagan: A Workbook for Wiccan Families”

“A fun workbook filled with facts and myths to inspire budding young Pagans.” – Christopher Penczak, Author of “Sons of the Goddess” and “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft”

“Raine Hill has written a charming, lucid and magickal work that will be enjoyed by children of all ages; as someone who has taught in schools for many years I can heartily recommend it. Young people will love being read Wicca’s central myths and stories, they will enjoy exploring the basic philosophies and celebratory cycles and will relish the interactive activities. The wonderful art work is similarly engaging and the whole book will be a treasured item on any Pagan family’s bookshelf. I also intend to use it in my school.” – Pino Longchild, Assistant Head teacher Olga Primary School, London, webmaster of www.magickaschool.com, publisher of The Magickal Light Ezine and author of “Wicca Revealed” and “Wicca Advanced”

“Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard” by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

Here is the book Merlin would have given a young Arthur…if only it had existed. This essential “Boy Scout Handbook” of Wizardry contains everything an aspiring Wizard needs to know. It is illustrated with original art by Oberon and friends, as well as hundreds of woodcuts from medieval manuscripts and alchemical texts- – plus, charts, tables, and diagrams.

The book also contains:

• Biographies of famous Wizards in history and legend
• Detailed descriptions of magickal tools and regalia (with full instructions for making them)
• Spells and workings for a better life
• Rites and rituals for special occasions
• A bestiary of mythical creatures; Systems of divination
• The Laws of Magick; Myths and stories of gods and heroes
• Lore and legends of the stars and constellations
• Instructions for performing amazing illusions, special effects, and many other wonders of the magickal multiverse.

By Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, with contributions and additional material from Raymond Buckland, Patricia Telesco, Raven Grimassi, Ellen Evert Hopman, Jesse Wolf Hardin, Amber K, Fred Lamond, Abbty Willowroot, Jeff McBride, Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart, and other illustrious members of The Grey Council.

What are some of your favorite books for children?

Sparrow’s Book Talk Tuesdays

Hey all!

Starting this week I am changing the format of my Tuesday posts from now on to talk about something that I am very passionate about – BOOKS!  Watch my posts for book reviews, special author guest blogs, book suggestions and more.  The focus will be on Pagan authors, but I am going to try to have something for everyone.

Feel free to post book and author suggestions in the comments!!

Thanks!
Sparrow