Musing Mondays (26)

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB(Jenn) at A Daily Rhythm, that asks you to muse about something book related each week.

My Musings for the Week...

This week for Musing Mondays I wanted to talk briefly about books with open endings. I like standalone novels just as much as I enjoy series, but another aspect I pay attention to are the endings. Specifically, the end of a series or that of a standalone—I like to know that the story ends with a lot of the loose ends wrapped up. It could suggest that there are things that happen after the story ends, but for me it has to feel complete—like the adventure that brought the characters together has finally reached its conclusion.

But there are those that are left open, like something else needed to be said, but ultimately wasn't. My co-blogger recently came across a book that I would say had a pretty open ending—I’m not naming which book it was—but we had to discuss it. The details about what actually happened were vague—so much so that it was difficult to tell how the story actually ended. It could have been one way, but then it’s unclear so it could have been something else entirely. 

So, have you ever come across a book with an open ending? Did you feel the need to discuss it with others who have read the book?

The Friday 56 (24)

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice where every Friday you pick a book and turn to page 56 or 56%, and select a sentence or a few, as long as it's not a spoiler. For the full rules, visit the the page HERE

The quote I'm sharing today comes from the book I already finished, and you can check out the review HERE. The quote comes from the preface, but its one I wanted to share anyway.

"The process of nature photography is always changing, always evolving--new products and new techniques come along all the time.  I encourage you to develop your own way of working, your own equipment choices, and, most of all, your own vision."--John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography by John Shaw

What's on your page 56 this week? Or, what book do you plan on reading soon?

Review: John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography by John Shaw

Title: John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography 
Author: John Shaw
Source/Format: Blogging for Books, Paperback Review Copy
More Details: Nonfiction
Publisher/Publication Date: Amphoto Books, March 17, 2015

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Summary from Goodreads...

John Shaw is the author of seven previous photography books published by Amphoto: his authentic voice and trusted advice has helped photographers achieve impressive shots in the great outdoors for decades. In his first-ever book on digital photography, Shaw provides in-depth advice on everything from equipment and lenses, composition, and close-ups, to up-to-date information on software filtration and the histogram. In addition, he offers inspirational and frank insight that goes far beyond the nuts and bolts of photography, explaining that successful photos come from having a vision, practicing, and then acquiring the equipment needed to accomplish the intention. Easily digestible and useful for every type of photographer, John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photographyis sure to be the new classic in the category...

John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography was a very informative book, and I realized that I had a lot to learn. Thankfully I’m not doing any serious photography to where I immediately need everything mentioned—this book is still something I’m glad I found—and something I’m even more thrilled to have on my shelf. The first chapter alone offers a comprehensive look at photography gear—lenses, tripods, cameras, filters, file types and a few other things. And then the following chapters delve more into the best ways to use what you have to capture the best photo. So if you’re looking to get into photography, or just need to brush up on your skills, then I recommend checking this book out.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review, thank you!

John Shaw is one of the world's leading nature photographers and the author of many enduring bestselling books. His photographs are frequently featured in National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer, Natural History, Sierra, and Audubon magazines, as well as in calendars, books, and advertisements. He lives in Colorado Springs.

Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Title: Seeker
Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Source/Format: Won, Hardcover
More Details: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, February 10th 2015

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Synopsis from Goodreads...

Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’. Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her...

There will be no spoilers or much of a review. These are just my thoughts about why I’m DNFing this book.

Seeker…oh boy…this book…*sigh*. Ok, so I admit that the synopsis for this book got me. This book seemed like something I would like—really it did. Thus I can’t really say much on this book because I didn’t get very far into it. This book failed to grab me. It didn’t get my attention for more than a few short-lived moments, because honestly, I kept setting it aside. It took me so long to get through the first chapter, and then from there I just kept putting it down. It was to the point where I let it sit on my shelf for weeks without trying to read more. From the first few pages I was bored; I wasn’t interested in the world or the characters. And the opening scene was just ok—but it just wasn’t enough—and as soon as the romance came crawling out of nowhere, and the explanation for it, my interest just…vanished in a puff of smoke. Will I try to read Seeker again? Right now my answer is no. Basically, this book just wasn’t for me.

Release Day Blitz, Interview & Giveaway: Awakening by Shannon Duffy

Today, I'm excited to be taking part in the Release Day Blitz for Shannon Duffy's Awakening.  Before we get to the giveaway at the bottom of the post, read more about the book.

Awakening by Shannon Duffy  release April 7, 2015 from Entangled Teen.

Summary from Goodreads...

Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?

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What inspired you to write your first book? 

Definitely my son Gabriel. I wanted to write a story for him that he would love and one where he got to be the hero of the story. 

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I’m sort of between a planner and a pantser. I like to do a rough outline and then think it through in my head like a movie, jotting notes as I go. And then when I’m in the writing process I need quiet. Oh, and lots of coffee. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

Yes, it was my high school English teacher Mr. Rowsell. He definitely had a huge impact on me. I really took an interest in creative writing and wanted to impress him. When he read some of my things aloud in class, I was hooked. He was an amazing teacher and influence on me. 

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Read a lot, make other writer friends who you can exchange your work with, and don’t give up if it’s something you really love. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

Thank you sooo much for reading my story and I really hope you enjoyed it! Readers are the best kinds of people, aren’t they? 

What genre do you consider your book(s)? 

Sci-fi and dystopian mix I would say. 

And finally, while you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters? 

I always try to put myself straight into the character’s heads. I need to feel what they’re feeling to try to make my words feel authentic.

About the Author...

Author of MG and YA books full of adventure. I grew up on the east coast of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and now live in Ontario. I love writing, reading, fashion, fitness, and traveling.

   

And now for the giveaway.  Below you can enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card + Swag. Sounds like an awesome prize, right?  Well, go forth and enter!

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