Book Obsessed? Why, yes, I am.

Ask anyone who remotely knows me, and they are bound to say that I am obsessed with books. I used to be embarrassed that my obsession was so transparent, but I have come to really enjoy and appreciate this label.

One of my most favorite people in the whole world, Kristin, is also a fellow teacher, and it was actually books that brought us together. After graduating from the same high school, we reconnected after realizing that we were both nominated for Beginning Teacher of the Year in our district. Weeks later, we began hanging out at 3 in the morning on Saturdays...

2013: The Diviners

Ever since I inherited the iMAC from my father, iMovie has been my favorite obsession. I think I created a movie for every aspect of my life over Winter Break, apart from books. I always thought incorporating the videos into my reviews would be great -- so, here it is. My very first video review - a VLOG, if you will.

I hope you enjoyed it!!

New Blog Design

I know, I know...

It's been forever!

Honestly, I wish I could think of a really great excuse. Something like "I've been out of internet range while roaming the South American jungles in search of a pygmy elephant"...but, no, I have just not had time.

Finally, this Spring Break, I put my foot down. BAM!

And, I bought a journal. CHING!

And, I bought a book about blogging. Really? DUH!

So, here I am with an honest desire to be the best blogger I can be and bring all sorts of new information about books to my wonderful reader... readers... Is anyone out there? I sure hope so, because Dog Ear Alley is really meant to be a place where bookish people can gather and share.

Embarking on this new resolution, I felt it necessary to give the blog a much-needed update. Just like a new pair of lime green running shoes with pink laces makes me want to hit the pavement and show off my new kicks at a garage sale, a new blog design is great motivation for me to speak up and blog.

2012: #3 City of Bones

Title: City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

Pages: 512

Release Date: February 19, 2008

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

My Thoughts:

I am not exactly sure where to even start with City of Bones. I consider myself a pretty avid reader (thus, I began a blog about my reading ventures); however, it took me forever it seems to get through City of Bones. I initially began my journey with Clary, Jace, and the others back in October. I know... seriously? Seriously. 

Clare fabricates a beautiful, deadly, and romantically dangerous world in this first book of The Mortal Instruments series. Readers follow Clary, our main protagonist, through a wild ride as she discovers secrets about her family and about herself. Set in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons coexist, Clary finds herself intertwined with the darkest creatures of this world. Coincidentally, or not, Clary first discovers the Shadow World in a nightclub as she witnesses a "murder". Through an engaging opening scene, Clare introduces readers to Jace, Alec, and Isabelle - Shadowhunters, killers of demons, protectors of humans mundanes, upholders of The Accords (an outdated treaty amongst monsters that forbids the killing of and unveiling to humans). Throughout the book, we tag along with Clary and the Shadowhunters as they search frantically for Clary's mother who has been kidnapped by the dangerous and resurrected Valentine, a Shadowhunter feared by all.