BookJingle Blog

Archive for October, 2011

It’s not often that I read a book, and then feel compelled to immediately read every other book that author has written. But once I read The Sugar Queen by Best Selling Author Sarah Addison Allen, I knew I had to get my hands on all of her other books. At the time, only two other titles were available (Garden Spells and The Girl Who Chased the Moon), and I read them both within three days. I marked my calendar for the release date of the fourth (something else I rarely do), and got it the day it came out. I didn’t rush out at midnight (like I did to buy the last five Harry Potter books), but don’t think I wasn’t tempted. To date, she has released the following four books:

The Peach Keeper
The Girl Who Chased the Moon
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells

One of my favorite characteristics of these books is the way Allen sprinkles a little bit of magic into the book, and it never seems completely impossible. In fact, she makes it seem quite probable. Being someone who has always adored fairy tales, I highly enjoy this magical, fairy tale quality. Food is another dimension present in most of her books that keeps me coming back. In Garden Spells, baking is integral to the plot. And, in The Sugar Queen, candy and sweet snacks are very essential to the story. I love food (eating it and making it!), so it is only natural I would love reading about it. The descriptions of all the food make it all sound so delectable. Lavender bread, hummingbird cake, espresso brownies, even Gobstoppers!

While my favorite of the four novels is Garden Spells, the remaining three are all close 2nds. The stories are so creative, and the characters very memorable. Each of these books prominently feature romance, mystery, and (of course) magic! They are all fairly quick reads, and I believe they would make fantastic book club selections. There is even a section of her website specifically for book club meetings. This section features discussion questions, and even recipes from the book to make for the get together!

http://www.sarahaddisonallen.com/book_clubs.html.

If you are familiar with this author’s work (or you intelligently take my recommendation and read her books), then you will probably also enjoy Kate Morton. I recently finished her novel, The Forgotten Garden, and her writing is very similar. But I will save that for another time!

Did you know selling used books is an excellent way to do your part to help the environment? Doing so decreases the demand for newly published books. Natural resources are spared when fewer books are printed, which in turn reduces unhealthy emissions and pollution. While there are many books that hold sentimental value that you may not want to part with, there are also those books that have a very short lifespan. Textbooks, for example, are utilized for a few months during classes and then left to collect dust. By selling these books to be given a new life, you are not only recycling the knowledge that book can offer, you are keeping them from winding up in a landfill (all while making extra cash!). It’s a win-win!

Now, before you go tossing that book in the recycling bin and calling it a day, you should know that it isn’t so easy. Books are not easily recycled like other paper because of glue and other chemicals used in their binding. Besides, why would you want to throw money in the garbage?

By selling your used books to BookJingle, you can kill two birds with one book: make money and reduce waste! And since BookJingle can’t purchase all of your used books, consider donating the rest to a library, thrift store, or a local charity in need of books. There are many creative ways to reduce waste and help the environment, and even the smallest acts are worthwhile. Do the Earth (and yourself) a favor, and sell your used books to bookjingle.com!

When it comes to selling your used books, money talks! BookJingle prides itself on offering top dollar, and quick payment, for your used books. Unlike other sites that only pay twice a month, BookJingle will pay you within 48 hours of receiving your books. It’s that easy! And by using BookJingle’s shipping label, shipping via Media Mail is FREE. College students can rejoice in no longer being limited to the university bookstore’s lackluster offers for their used textbooks, while others can relish in the triumph of turning unused books into cold, hard cash!

BookJingle offers two great ways to get paid:

PayPal – This method allows you to receive your payment almost immediately. It is convenient, and secure. And since it’s the world’s leading online payment website, there’s a good chance you already use it. If not, signing up for an account is quick and easy (not to mention free)! PayPal is BookJingle’s preferred payment method.

Check – If you choose to receive your payment via check, BookJingle will gladly mail you one upon receipt of your books. But keep in mind, your money will take longer to reach you.

In addition to offering quick payment, great prices, and free shipping, BookJingle strives to give you the best customer service possible.

So, what are you waiting for? BookJingle is always open, and always ready to give you cash for your books! Turn last semester’s Biology textbook into tonight’s dinner at bookjingle.com!

It’s that time of year again! No, not the time of year when department stores start putting out Christmas merchandise way too early (although that is often the case). I am talking about Halloween! The season of jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, and trick-or-treating. Fall is in full swing; the nights are getting colder, and the days are getting shorter. And a lot of people choose to celebrate by going to pricey haunted houses or haunted corn mazes, but why celebrate with $20 admission when you can do it in the comfort of your own home? I like to hunker down on my couch with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. Here are a broad array of books, ranging from scary to silly, that can put you in the Halloween spirit.

1. Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Of course, I had to include a book by Mr. King on this list. He writes the epitome of the modern horror story. Growing up, I was (foolishly) allowed to watch Pet Sematary (intentionally misspelled). It gave me nightmares for weeks, and hasn’t lost its ability to scare me (especially if I am watching it at night). A few years ago, I decided to read the book on which the movie is based. And I was equally scared. I was so drawn into the story, I didn’t realize how creepy it truly was. Only later, when I woke up and needed a glass of water – and had to turn on every light in the house to do so – did I realize how chilling the book actually is. This is the scariest book on this list, and some say the scariest book Stephen King has penned to date.

2.  Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman

If you aren’t one for horror stories and are more interested in travel and history, this collection of vignettes about the weird things you can find in each of the 50 states might be a better route. Highlighted in this book are creepy cemeteries, abandoned mental asylums, and regional urban legends. On a lighter note, the book also includes campy tourist attractions and other oddities found in each state. This book was the inspiration for the weird state series that goes deeper into the weirdness found in each individual state.

3. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

If the non-fiction lover who enjoyed Weird U.S. would kindly avert his or her eyes, I present to you Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Admittedly, the whole mixing of classic books with zombies and vampires is becoming a bit stale (Pride & Prejudice and Zombies, Little Vampire Women, etc), this book is able to hold its own. Written in biographical style, the book weaves Lincoln’s past with the fact that all his life, his main goal was to hunt vampires. Those who enjoy Halloween because of their love of zombies and bad horror films will get the most out of this book. Not exactly a literary masterpiece, it’s a good, fun read that you shouldn’t take too seriously.

4. Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Okay, to those non-fiction lovers I offended with my previous selection, you will be happy to see a 2nd non-fiction book has made my list. Devil in the White City is the historical account of two men in the late 1800′s – an architect and a serial killer. The 1890 World’s Fair in Chicago is the event that brings the two together. While not a typical Halloween story, this chilling tale will make you think about fairs in a different way. And possibly appreciate architecture a little more. Larson’s ability to write non-fiction in a way that feels more like fiction is a tell-tale sign of his amazing literary inclinations. This book is by far the most well-written, and fascinating, book on the list.