My #ctbs wrap-up!

#ctbs = Conquering the Book Stacks

I had high hopes and lofty plans for CTBS. I was Icarus, flying too close to the sun. And like Icarus, well, things did not work out so well for me!

Here are my lofty goals and here is an update!

Books I read in August:

Pickle in Middle Murder by Jessie Chandler (review)

The Lake House by Marci Nault (review)

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich (stacks)

The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice (review)

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Simses (review)

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio (stacks)

The Never List by Koethi Zan (review)

Seed No Evil by Kate Collins (library)

The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag (library)

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim (review)

Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta (review)

Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall (review)

The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster (stacks)

The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers (stacks)

Hotshot by Julie Garwood (review)

You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert (review)

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax (stacks)

The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio (stacks)

A True History of the Captivation, Transport to Strange Lands, & Deliverance of Hannah Guttentag: A Novel by Josh Russell (stacks)

The Heist by Janet Evanovich (stacks)

The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard (review)

Shut Up, You’re Welcome by Annie Choi (review)

22 books! Sounds good, right? Yes, but only 8 were from the stacks! 😦 Sigh…..

But at least I read 8 from over stacked shelves! There’s 1 positive! The other- I DID NOT BUY ANY BOOKS in August. I looked temptation in the eye and walked away like a winner!

How do you think I did? Room for improvement? Or A for effort?

The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh

Photo Credit: Amazon

More and more children are being diagnosed as a “sensory child”. What does this mean> A “sensory child” is a broad term that can describe the following: Sensory Processing Disorder, AD/HD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, OCD and Bipolar Disorder. Each of these diagnoses challenge the child’s day to day life. Because of their diagnosis, a “sensory child” needs structure, routines and extra help to make connections that non-sensory children do in different ways. A “sensory child” has their strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else, but to reach the full potential of their strengths, they need various things to help in the day to day life. Sadly, many “sensory kids” will not be eligible for special services and in over-crowded classrooms could be overlooked. This is where Carolyn Dalgliesh comes in!

Carolyn is not just writing this book- she also has a sensory child. Some of the tips and techniques are approaches she has used as well. While reading Carolyn’s book, I found myself nodding in several places and thinking that this book should be read by many. Carolyn tackles topics in The Sensory Child Gets Organized such as picking out clothes, daily schedules and ways to help with homework. She suggest ways to help with those situations by organizing and scheduling but still allowing the “sensory child” freedom of choice.

Another thing is schedules! There should be a master schedule where the “sensory child” can look, see what the plan for the day is (chores, homework, social outings) and begin the plan. Carolyn mentions holidays and summer break that some downtime is needed, but a schedule of some sorts should still be in place- as sensory kids thrive when routines and expectations are in place.

There are tips for handling birthday parties- role-play the experience before, bring a separate car if possible for if the sensory child is ready to leave before others. With each scenario, expected and desired behavior is modeled, but the child also knows that when they are tired or feel a meltdown approaching- there are other ways to handle it and that it’s ok to leave a party early.

Organization is key- Carolyn gives tips for how to organize the medical binder for the sensory child, their medicine, and their therapy binder. With each section organized, a person can procedures and medicines that are working (or what is not.) There are also tips for how to be an advocate at school (which is very important for your child to get the best education possible).

Lastly, Carolyn speaks of taking time for yourself. Raising a “sensory child” is hard work so she advises to find activities you enjoy and take breaks. Form a support system. You and your child will benefit.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Fascinating, so interesting to read about the tips and plans to help make a “sensory child’s” life the best possible life it can be. The book is easy to follow with simple guidelines. A must read for parents or educators.

*This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Interview with B.A. Shapiro- author of The Art Forger

The Art Forger, by B.A. Shapiro, was She Reads January 2013 book club selection. And I LOVED this book! I loved it so much- that Allison @ The Book Wheel- went through a snowstorm to get me a signed copy of this book (Note: I didn’t ask her to do that- she just knew how much I adored The Art Forger and wanted to get me a signed copy!)

Today, B.A. Shapiro is here to talk about The Art Forger– on Thursday, she will be back to discuss #literaryconfessions and more!

Interview with B.A. Shapiro

Barbara- The Art Forger, in part, was inspired by the real life Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist of 1990. What was your inspiration for Claire? Did you consider setting the novel in an earlier time- closer to the art heist?

Claire is a struggling artist, semi-confident in her talent, strong on ambition and feeling like she’s getting nowhere in her career despite past successes. When I was working on The Art Forger, I was a struggling writer, semi-confident in my talent, strong on ambition and getting nowhere in my career despite past successes. Need I say more?

How long did The Art Forger take to write?

It’s always hard to answer this question as you don’t start one day and end on another. Writing a novel is a process for me, it includes lots of planning – plotting, multi-colored file cards, character sketches – lots of research – including books, interviews, Internet – and then writing and rewriting and rewriting some more. If you count all of those things, my guess is it took me between three and four years start to finish.

Are any of the characters in The Art Forger based on people you know in real life? Or are they created from your imagination?

Some of them are, some are composites, some are completely fictional. But even if you start with a real person in mind, the story changes them and they become the character rather than the person. For example, Rik is based on a friend of mine; he fits the general description and behavior of the real Rik, but he’s a curator at the Gardner and the real Rik owns a boutique on Newbury Street.

Claire is the great imposter in the art world. Is that fair? Or is Claire being punished too severely?

This is a question I hope the reader will consider. How do we get labeled as good or bad? And who does the labeling? Human beings are complicated. I’m sure Mother Teresa did a few “bad” things in her life, and that the Boston Strangler did many good ones. What is fair? And is fairness something we can expect from life? From a novel?

If The Art Forger was made into a movie- do you have a dream cast?

I’d love to see Claire Danes and Jude Law.

Have we, as readers, heard the last from Claire and others in The Art Forger?

All of my books have been stand-alones, although I did once have a major character from one book (Shattered Echoes) become a minor character in another (Blind Spot). Although the temptation is there – and lots of people have told me they’d love another Claire book – I think that in most cases, one book is enough for a character. I worry she’d lose her freshness.

What are you working on next, Barbara? Can you give us any hints?

I’m working on another book about art, which also goes back and forth in time, but this one focuses on the past story. This story takes place right before WWII in New York City where the future abstract expressionists – Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Mark Rothko, etc. – are all young, unknown and working for the WPA. My fictional character is one of the gang, but aside from her passion for art, she is trying to get her French Jewish family out of France before the war begins. And as in all good stories, she finds trouble, trouble, trouble.

*Special thanks to B.A. Shapiro for agreeing to be interviewed!

B.A. Shapiro, author of The Art Forger (which can be bought in paperback now!) can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and has a website.

To read my review of The Art Forger, visit here.

Let’s Talk About Nerds

This goes hand in hand with my thoughts of “be a happy bookworm- don’t be an unhappy bookworm”!

Well I De-Claire

Okay y’all, let’s talk about something. I’m a nerd. I admit it! And you know what else? I love it! Being a nerd means I get excited about things I love like Harry Potter and Doctor Who and books and Star Trek and sports and boy bands. And you know what? I think that’s the greatest thing ever! Don’t you? Like isn’t it amazing to be able to get excited about stuff and write about it and read about it and dress up like it? I think it’s fantastic! But you know, some people don’t think so.

Some people like to shame others for being passionate about things. Some people like to make fun of nerds, whether they be sports nerds or sci-fi nerds or book nerds just because they’re nerds. And that’s not cool.

Why am I suddenly using run on sentences and an aggressive tone to preach to…

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Kathleen Tessaro – Author Interview – The Perfume Collector

Great interview! Kathleen Tessaro talks of perfume, soap and many other things! Def worth a read!

The Fragrant Man

Tonight in The Scented Salon we have with us is Kathleen Tessaro, the novelist. You may have read her book Elegance about a modern woman who changed her life by reading a French style manual called A Guide to Elegance written in the 1960’s by Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. Before publishing this work of fiction Kathleen was able to meet the now 80-year-old author (still living elegantly in the South of France) of the original style manual that inspired her book.

Kathleen’s latest book could have been named after you, yes, you, and you and you and you; it is called The Perfume Collector. Maybe you will find yourself in the plot as well as in the title.

Let’s chat with Kathleen now. Welcome Kathleen; you are married with a son, live in Pittsburgh, America and have written 5 novels.

We would like to know…what was your first fragrance?

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The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Photo Credit: Amazon

In the world of adoption agencies and foster care- some secrets are worth killing over….

Tuck, a friend of Jane Ryland’s asks Jane one to look into a personal matter. Recently Tuck had been reunited with her birth mother, but after meeting her, Tuck couldn’t shake the feeling that the adoption agency had reunited her with the wrong mother. Tuck tells Jane “What if I’m the wrong girl?” Jane agrees to look into this matter, not knowing what she would find. However, Jane quickly finds that some secrets are so far-reaching, people will go to incredible lengths to keep them buried. Even as far as murder.

Across town Jake Brogan is at a crime scene. A young woman with 2 young children is found dead in the kitchen. First glance, this case looks to be domestic abuse. Jake’s got a nagging feeling, though, especially when he finds an empty cradle. Where’s the baby? And who called 911?

When two employees at the Brannigan are found deceased- Jane and Jake wonder what is going on? And if those deaths have anything to do with the cases they are investigating? Jane is convinced that something is happening at the adoption center- and is determined to find out what it is- and help Tuck in the process. Jake wants to know why someone would go to the trouble to kill the young woman and potentially steal a baby?

Jane knows she is on to something- she just can’t make all the pieces fit together. When she gets a threatening call, though, she knows she needs to get to the bottom of this case- fast! Can Jane help Jake piece together the clues to the crimes he’s trying to solve? And are the crime’s Jake’s working on related to Jane’s search for knowledge of the foster care system?

Jake and Jane, a cop and a reporter. An unlikely pair to say the least. Sparks fly when they are together, though. Will they team up to solve the case? Or will they team up for much more than case-solving?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Jane Ryland and Jake Brogan are two characters that a reader should meet. Smart, interesting, and tons of chemistry- the twists and turns of The Wrong Girl would not have been half as fun without those 2 characters. The Wrong Girl has a big cast of characters- and each character slowly reveals a piece of the puzzle needed to solve the mystery. Entertaining, enjoyable, and most worth a read- The Wrong Girl is filled with suspense. Recommended for readers looking for mystery/suspense and fans of authors like Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton.

The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright

Photo Credit: Provided by Author

Meet Blake O’Hara Heart. Southern Belle from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Lover of pearls, Alabama football, sweet tea and family (not necessarily in that order!) And fiercely protective of her best friend forever, Vivi. And boy, does Vivi need some protecting after the latest mess she’s found herself in!

It’s Blake O’Hara Heart’s 10 year anniversary with her husband, Harry, and she’s planning on asking him a biq question. But when her best friend, Vivi, and fellow Sassy Belle calls to say she need her, Blake lets thoughts of anniversary and other topics fly out the window. When Blake and Harry arrive at Mother’s (Blake’s grandmothers house- plus the place where you go to escape your problems), Vivi is beside herself. Vivi thinks she has killed a man during a certain vigorous romp at the Fountain Mist hotel. Not just any man, though. Lewis Heart, voice of the Crimson Tide and Harry’s estranged brother.

Vivi, Blake and Harry go back to the hotel to check on Lewis; only, there is no body. Did Lewis walk away? Did someone else see fit to hurt Lewis? Is Lewis on another get rich quick scheme? When the police get called, Blake is happy to see her long ago sweetheart, Sonny (and he’s pretty happy to see her!) Sparks still fly between Blake and Sonny- but Blake is a good girl. Or is she?

As news gets out that Lewis is missing, people worry and wonder. After all, football season is fast approaching and the fans need the voice! Dallas, a shapely and beautiful reporter, makes finding Lewis her top priority- which just drives Blake crazy, because she knows that Dallas has an ulterior motive. Dallas does make time for 1 more thing besides finding Lewis, which prompts Blake to do some more long term thinking of her future.

The search continues for Lewis and Blake feels unsettled. Not herself. Her marriage is not what she wants it to be- and Harry doesn’t seem to be able to help fix it. Blake begins to wonder about the future and sparks flying with Sonny is only showing her how different she wishes her marriage was.

Blake’s got her hands full- worrying about her marriage, trying to find Lewis, and keeping a shady land developer from bulldozing a treasured landmark. However, if anyone can handle it, it’s Blake. After all, she is a Sassy Belle!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Beth Albrights uses words like paint to create a picture of The Sassy Belles in action- fun, friendship, and sisterhood. With her descriptions of scenes in Alabama and the characters themselves- each word on the page is dripping with honey. To describe The Sassy Belles, think Steel Magnolias meets Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood with a helping of high fashion. Fun, charming, cute- this book will you were a Sassy Belle!

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

Photo Credit: Amazon

Two women. One at the end of her life, the other in the midst of wondering who she is in life and wanting something more than to be a wife. While miles and circumstances separate these two women- each impacted the others life in strange and curious ways.

Grace knows she does not meet expectations as a socialite’s wife. She’s not a fan of parties, she dislikes small talk and she feels out of sorts at these events. However, her husband tries to make sure she knows the importance of meeting the right people. One night Grace attends a party of a well-sought after socialite in town. At the party, her life takes the first step toward becoming a different life. The next step is that Grace receives a letter asking her to come to Paris about some personal matters. She takes a leap of faith and heads to Paris- where she finds out that she will inherit the proceeds from a sale of an apartment in Paris. Grace is stunned- she’s never heard of, let alone met this Eva d’Orsey.

Grace is determined to find out who Eva is and why she left her an inheritance. As Grace searches for answers, she discovers that Eva was a complicated person- and yet, a person that people did not quickly forget. As Grace finds out more about Eva, the information she finds out gives Grace the freedom to live life on her own terms- instead of others.

The Perfume Collector tells the story of Eva and Grace, the paths they took in life and interweaves their stories to create a beautiful book. As the reader gets further in the story, they begin to learn about perfume- and the power of perfume. Grace, on her journey to find out more about Eva, meets a mysterious perfume expert- who knows 2 things: Perfume and plenty about Eva. Through the mysterious lady, Grace gets lessons and information she will never forget.

By the end of the book- Grace has figured out two important lessons: 1. A lady should always be ready for an adventure and 2. Perfume should be worn- but it must tell a story- the story of the wearer’s essence.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Perfume? Check! A mystery? Check! Strong and interesting characters? Check! Beautiful cover? Check!

The Perfume Collector alternates between Grace and Eva’s story- the reader learning bit by bit about Eva- why she left Grace the inheritance, her modest upbringings, the good, the bad and the ugly of Eva’s life.

Interesting side story on how to make perfume and the power of scents, as well. Between the story of Grace and Eva and learning about perfume- the reader will soon becomes entranced by the world Kathleen Tessaro creates.

Literary Friday ya’ll…. (plus a feature on little ole me!)

I’ve got my eyes on the lookout for pumpkins and other signs of the fall fast approaching- what about you?

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Giveaway of 2 books (1 is Karen White’s latest, THE TIME BETWEEN!), Claire Danes, news about last week’s AJC Decatur Book Fest, and much more!

2. Jessica McCann posted a lovely post titled What Cupcakes Taught Me About Life and Literature. Read. It’s VERY good!

3. This week on Traveling With T, I had several author spotlights: Dana Bate, Denise Swanson, and Emily Liebert.

4. Interviews, interviews, interviews: Dana Bate, Denise Swanson, and Emily Liebert.

5. I reviewed 2 books this week: Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson and You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert.

6. Another AWESOME blogger featured this week: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life!

7. My #fridayreads: The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillipi Ryan, The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore, and Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand.

8. Katherine at Story Matters– one of my AWESOME bloggers mentioned a couple of weeks ago asked to interview me (me!, Little ole me!) In the interview we cover my #literaryconfessions (yes, yes, after asking everyone and their mama their #literaryconfessions- someone turned the tables on me and asked me the question. I confessed freely (even though it might be a bit shameworthy for a bookworm to admit!) Thank you, Katherine for the Spotlight on Tamara Welch, Book Blogger!

Happy Reading 🙂

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

On Wednesday, Dana Bate was here talking about favorite characters and inspiration for The Girls” Guide To Love And Supper Clubs- today she is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions *beware- she thinks her reader card needs to be taken away!

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

Dana- who are some of your favorite authors?

I’m regularly inspired by the writings of Jennifer Weiner, Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, Sophie Kinsella, Lolly Winston, and Sarah Pekkanen, all of whom portray relationships and family dynamics in a way that is both thoughtful and humorous. I also love Richard Russo, Maria Semple, Gillian Flynn, Anne Tyler, and, in terms of classics, Charles Dickens.

What book or books will you always make room for on your book shelf?

Julia Child’s MY LIFE IN FRANCE. I adored that book. Child’s passion leaps through the pages. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Are you a hardback, paperback or e-book kind of reader?

Paperback and e-book. I occasionally read hardbacks, but you’re much more likely to find me reading one of the other two.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I haven’t read the Harry Potter series. Or THE HUNGER GAMES. I know. I might as well trade in my reader card now. #readerfail

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I have a few. One is Sydney Carton in A TALE OF TWO CITIES. I know. What, what? But he was so tortured, so damaged…and yet he makes the ultimate sacrifice. In the modern remake, he’d be the one all the women wanted. At the other end of the spectrum, there was something very appealing about Brady in Caprice Crane’s STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS. He was a big goofball, but he was very endearing.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

With a new baby, my TBR list keeps getting longer and longer! He doesn’t allow much time for reading, the little stinker. Here are just a few on my TBR list: Khaled Hosseini’s latest, AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED; Rainbow Rowell’s ELEANOR AND PARK; Jess Walter’s BEAUTIFUL RUINS; Sophie Kinsella’s WEDDING NIGHT; and, of course, the latest installment of BRIDGET JONES.

What is the best book you have read (so far) in 2013?

Tough call! I’ve read so many good books this year. I think I’ll go with WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? – just because it was so much fun.

Some say books go best with chocolate- what do you think books go hand in hand with? Chocolate? Wine? Dessert?

A warm, milky mug of chai. Perfect.

*Special thanks to Dana Bate for agreeing to this author spotlight!

If you enjoyed reading about Dana’s #literaryconfession and more- check out her website, Facebook and Twitter page!