Review: Firstborn by Lorrie Ann Glover

Lorie Ann Glover. Grand Rapids: Blink, 2014. 292 pp.
Rating: Worthy

During the time of invaded lands where the fierce desert cat prowled and the rapion dwelled, a society of people flourished...living as their ancestors before them. Forced under Madronian rule, the R'tans quash their faith in the Creator Spirit to survive. According to Madronian belief, the firstborn child, no matter the number of offspring birthed, possesses the greatest strength; which can only come by way of a man child. Those firstborn not of the male gender are left to die outside the village walls, but there is an alternative to life—assume a male identity and forever forsake a womanly existence.

My Goodbye—A Call to Action

Today, we laid to rest Nizzear Rodriguez, a young life gone too soon. A life taken by individuals not much older than his own. Upon watching the funeral procession drive away from the church to the burial site, I shift from consciously knowing that Nizzear is no longer here to acceptance and then belief. Today, 6 September 2014, Nizzear's death is real to me. Though his death didn't garner national headlines as Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Jonathan Ferrell, or Trayvon Martin, it did wake up our sleeping little town and for that I am forever grateful. An act of senseless violence took him from his family, friends, teachers, coaches, those whose lives he touched, those lives he had yet to touch, and all those that loved him. 

Review: The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

J.C. Carleson. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2014. Ebook.
Rating: OMG

Complimentary e-galley provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BEWARE: POLITICAL CHESS = DANGER...SOMEONE ALWAYS GETS BURNED

"My brother is the King of Nowhere. 
    This fact doesn't matter to anyone except my family--a rapidly shrinking circle of people who Used to Be."

Whoa! One word...hooked. From the first sentence, I knew this story was going to take me for a ride. On the heels of completing Finding the Dragon Lady, I began The Tyrant's Daughter.* Though both stories are different, they are yet the same—inextricably linked by an unbreakable bond created by the United States government's interference in their country's dynamic; thus, changing their lives forever. Instead of the bygone era of Indochina, I am transported to a small, present-day Middle Eastern country torn apart by civil war.

Review: Merlin's Shadow (The Merlin Spiral #2) by Robert Treskillard

Robert Treskillard. Grand Rapids: Blink, 2013. 430 pp.
Rating: Striking

Forged in the fires of Britain, with the sword crafted by his dying father, Merlin impales the Druid Stone thwarting Morganthau's devious scheme to usurp King Uther and redistribute power to the Druidow. Destruction of the Stone forces the evil within to beckon another mortal vessel to its bidding. Feeding on hate, weaknesses, and selfish desires, the alluring power calls to the darkness of the soul. Sorrow-laden by her parent's death, plus the loss of the only home she has ever known, rage-driven Ganieda fights the pull of the darkness, but inevitably succumbs to the enchanting "Voice."

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

Lucky Us by Amy Bloom-- "My father's wife died. My mother said we should drive down to his place and see what might be in it for us," begins this historical fiction tale of 1940s America.

What books are talking to you this week?

Review: I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe

Erin Lindsay McCabe. New York: Crown Publishers, 2014. 304 pp.
Rating: Striking + 🌙🌙🌙🌙🌙

In an era devoid of modern day technology, you are newly married and a war is raging. The trickle flow of information sets all on edge. Hoping for news from loved ones, each mail delivery breeds both fear and anticipation.

Spirited, hand-on-hip Rosetta Edwards refuses to become a spinster. Persuading her sweetheart, Jeremiah Wakefield, to marry her before he joins the Army, Rosetta enjoys two weeks of marital bliss. Unable to bear a year without Jeremiah, Rosetta secretly follows him; temporarily shedding her identity for that of Private Joss Stone, soldier of Company H of the Ninety-Seventh Volunteers. Recovering from the shock of Rosetta’s audacious presence, Jeremiah, failing to convince Rosetta to return home allows her to stay. What follows is a poignant story of love, friendship, and war. 

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

NIL by Lynne Matson-Charley has exactly 365 days to escape the mysterious island of Nil. Will she survive?

What books are talking to you this week?

Review: Finding the Dragon Lady: The Mystery of Vietnam's Madame Nhu by Monique Brinson

Monique Brinson Demery. New York: PublicAffairs, 2013. 280 pp.
Rating: Striking

"Vietnam wasn’t a country; it was a cacophony of thumping helicopter blades, flaming thatched huts, and napalmed jungles." (3)

In the vein of Truman Capote, Demery humanizes the often demonized First Lady of Vietnam, Madame Nhu. As the second daughter in a society where sons are esteemed, Tran Thi Le Xuan held the lowest status in her family. Her fortuitous fate as foretold by the family astrologer failed to garner the slightest attention. She was expected to live as the thousands of women before her—a life of domestic simplicity. Yet, her life changed dramatically upon marrying Ngo Digh Nhu. Gradually drawn into the very political intrigues she sought to escape upon marriage, Madame Nhu soon catapulted into the limelight of the Diem regime. Thrust into exile after the assassination of her husband and brother-in-law, Madame Nhu never again set foot in her beloved Vietnam.

Battling Disappointment

A couple of years back, I stopped at a small nonprofit to drop off an in-kind donation. While writing out my receipt, the Office Manager gave me a brief overview of the organization and its services. Further disclosing that their grant had been cut and the organization was in dire need of funds. As a result, the majority of the staff had been laid off leaving behind the CEO, a college intern, and himself, to work without monetary compensation.  Notwithstanding the lack of funds, by using in-kind donations the organization created a small store selling gently-used clothing, household items, and other knick-knacks to the surrounding low-income community. Charging no more than $2.00 for any item, the store provided a means to pay operational costs.  During my seventy-five minute drive home, it struck me to reproduce the nonprofit's donation model to generate funds for Cultivating You, Inc., my start-up nonprofit.

Two years and thirty donation boxes later, the appointed time drew near. 

Review: Rush (The Game #1) by Eve Silver

Eve Silver. New York: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2013. Ebook.
Rating: Worthy + 🌙🌙🌙🌙🌙

Gaming: Is it innocent fun or possible death?

Miki is one of many teenagers snatched unwillingly and drafted unknowingly into a war against the Drau. In a burst of light, these monstrous metallic-eyed beasts attack. With one look into their eyes, the extraterritorial beings kill...draining all life out of the body. Lacking a reset, revive, or multi-lives button, the outcome is detrimental to survival. For the actions in the game aren't sequestered in that realm alone,but transcends to the parallel dimension as well. Receiving a skimpy instruction crash course, Miki must play, ready or not.   

Review: When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014. 240 pp.
Rating: OMG

Rarely, do I come across a young adult novel to which I greatly identify. A novel that speaks of some of my childhood experiences while uttering the words of my friends, schoolmates, and family.  A story that opens with one of those out-of-left field questions that I was famous for asking.

Ali lives by one word—loyalty. This sixteen-year old latchkey kid is fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Shying away from the trouble in his neighborhood, Ali spends his time boxing, watching his little sister, hanging out with Noodles and Needles, but mainly bailing Noodles out of his messes. Although Ali is usually the level-headed one of the group, he pushes for them to attend a party catering to an older crowd. However, the good time brought with it tragic consequences.

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover--I cannot wait to begin this compelling story tackling gendercide.

Copy compliments of the Firstborn Book Launch Party

What books are talking to you this week?

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

The Extinction Gambit  (The Extraordinaires #1) by Michael Pryor-Historical fiction meets fantasy in this magical YA adventure. 

What books are talking to you this week?

Review: So, You Want to Work in Sports? The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Sports Industry (Be What You Want) by Joanne Mattern

Joanne Mattern. New York: Aladdin/Oregon: Beyond Words, 2014. 224 pp.
Rating: Worthy

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is probably the most common question children are asked. How many times growing up were you asked that question? However, during the course of childhood, the answer changes with each passing day. While there are kids who choose a profession at an early age, the majority of youth are indecisive and switch industries frequently. Although I bounced between two career choices, my younger sister considered a variety of careers. She aspired to be a professional tennis player, model, doctor, and dental hygienist before settling on nursing. The Be What You Want Series provides a gateway for kids to begin exploring viable career options. 

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

So, You Want to Work in Sports? The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Sports Industry by Joanne Mattern-The fourth installment of the Be What You Want series exposes youth to the many career possibilities in the sports industry.

What books are talking to you this week?

Say Whaaat!? 50 Followers Giveaway

I'm so excited to announce my first blog giveaway!!! Aaaaaaahhh!!!!

Three years ago, I jumped feet first into book blogging. I started Say Whaaat!? to share my love of books with others. It would be a place where fellow book lovers and I could gush, discuss, debate, and recommend books. Although initially overwhelmed by the vast blogosphere, I have found my footing and become more comfortable with each post.  To celebrate, I'm having a giveaway! A $15 Amazon Gift Card is up for grabs upon reaching 50 followers. The contest opens Thursday, February 20 and ends on Thursday, March 20.  If you already follow the blog, you are still eligible to enter the giveaway. 

Review: Stolen Nights (Vampire Queen #2) by Rebecca Maizel

Rebecca Maizel. New York: St, Martin's Griffin, 2013. 304 pp.

Rating: Decent 

**Spoiler Alert: This review contains mild spoilers.**

After surviving the ritual she performed to restore Vicken's humanity, Lenah returns to Wickham's campus. Upon her return, Lenah witnesses a horrendous, yet familiar act. However, before processing the latest scene, Lenah encounters the legendary Aeris. Their visit is most unexpected, but it doesn't compare to the live, very mortal figure of Rhode Lewin. Lost in the moment, Lenah forgets Justin's presence at her side, though she quickly discovers Rhode's reappearance comes at a price. Amid the turmoil, a formidable opponent reveals itself. A foe more powerful than her coven, the aspiring vampire queen Odette.

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson- The cover promises a compelling tale of a royal Middle Eastern family seeking refuge in the U.S. 

What books are talking to you this week?

Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover-Official Book Trailer

Firstborn, a YA fantasy novel, by Lorie Ann Grover releases next week on Tuesday, February 11. To celebrate, Grover is hosting a book launch party. As part of the festivities, I posted my birth order story on Grover's Facebook page* and thought I would share it on my blog as well.

Without further adieu: The birth order of Stephanie L. Tullis...

Review: Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1) by Rebecca Maizel

Rebecca Maizel. New York: St Martin's Griffin, 2010. 325 pp.
Rating: Striking 

"You have said that humanity is what all vampires crave. The freedom to feel more than constant pain and suffering." (13)

Lenah Beaudonte, a 592 year-old vampire, yearns for the life she lost. Constantly inundated with images of vivacious humanity, plus taunted by memories of her previous life, Lenah's mind begins to gradually unravel. Desperate to flee the endless pain, Lenah seeks a ritual so old, so sacred, so dangerous, its contents must remain a mystery. For this ancient ritual can return a vampire to human form. Surviving the uncertain effects of the mystical ceremony, Lenah, born in the 1400s, awakens as a sixteen year-old girl in the 21st century. Confident that she would never know a love as she shared with Rhode, her centuries-long companion, Lenah's attraction to Justin Enos comes as a surprise. Acclimating to her new life, Lenah soon feels like a normal teenager. However, ties binding her to the past arise coming back to haunt her. 

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week:

Gringolandia by Lynn Miller-Lachmann - This novel focuses on a Chilean family torn apart by politics and the strength it takes to repair the family relationship once a member has suffered irreparable harm.

Book Trailer

What books are talking to you this week?

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to you?

Ah, the first Book Talk Tuesday of the new year. I'm so excited! 

Pick of the Week

Stolen Nights (Vampire Queen #2) by Rebecca Maizel - Now that Lenah has made the ultimate sacrifice, was her intention enough?

So, what books are talking to you on this frigid Tuesday?

Finally, its Here!

A few months back, I posted a poem, one of the many point-earning activities, that I submitted for the Merlin Spiral Contest. After procuring 13,600 points, I was tied with another contestant for first place. To break the tie, the consulted rafflecopter decided I should rank second. Since there are two remaining contests for books 2 and 3, I still have a chance to win first place and/or the grand prize. Take that rafflecopter! 

My contest spoils include an Apple Ipod Shuffle and a Merlin's Blade T-Shirt.

T-Shirt Front 

T-Shirt Back

My New Year's Promise

A new year brings with it fresh starts, new beginnings, and renewed energies. By now thousands of New Year's resolutions have been written, declared, and affirmed. Some of them will be attained, many will be broken, yet hundreds will never be attempted at all. 

This year I've opted not to make any resolutions, but I'm going to make a New Year's promise instead. In 2014, I promise to become a better book reviewer and blogger. Sometimes the reader in me overpowers the blogger forcing me to devour the next book on my TBR pile. Other times I'm terrified to write. Translating my thoughts into coherent, engaging, and enjoyable text is an intimidating feat that ofttimes leads to frustration. Rather than pushing through my frustration or taking a short break, I just stop. Stop writing. Stop practicing. Stop improving. Stop working on my craft. 

As you can imagine, such destructive behavior has left numerous unfinished reviews, plus a few story attempts in its wake. However, this year brings with it a promise to unlearn unproductive patterns and form productive ones. My journey to become a better writer must start somewhere. So, it begins here, on my blog, today, 2 January 2014. To keep with my promise, along with current reviews, I will be completing and posting all of my half-written reviews that are in my draft folder over the next few weeks. Also, Book Talk Tuesday will resume next week on the seventh. 

I'm excited about all 2014 has to offer. Big things are in store...giveaways, author interviews, and more! It's going to be an awesome year!! 

P.S. Don't worry...I've also promised to consistently exercise. Ha! :-)

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!

Reblogged from Latin@s in Kid Lit

4 Dec 2013

12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway!!

¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Feliz Natal! Merry Christmas!

We are celebrating the holiday with a 12-book giveaway. Here’s how it works: enter by clicking on the “a Rafflecopter giveaway” link below the book images. From Christmas Day through Three Kings Day (January 6), one lucky winner will win one of these awesome books.

12 days = 12 books = 12 winners.

One of them could be you!

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week: 

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer - I cannot wait to meet Cress, plus find out what's in store for Cinder, Scarlet, and the crew.  

*Advance Reader's Copy Blog Contest Winner

Release Date: February 4, 2014

What books are talking to you this week?

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Pick of the Week: 

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer - Book two of The Lunar Chronicles is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a splash of Cinderella, as Cinder is intertwined throughout the story line. I won an advance copy of Cress, but cannot move on to the third installment until I've read the second. Fear of missing any tiny detail, forces me to read a book series in order.

So, what books are talking to you this week?

Review: Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Joan Bauer. New York: Viking, 2012. 264 pp.
Rating: Striking

Being a kid is tough. There's no need to add parent/child role reversals to adolescence. Sometimes, however, it is inevitable. No one knows this more than Sugar Mae Cole.

Sugar lives with her flighty mother, Reba, who aspires to be a grand Southern Belle. Her father, Mr. Leeland, as Sugar refers to him, is an absent parental figure constantly scouring the country seeking his next big win. In her father's stead, grandfather King Cole, showers Sugar with love, support, and lots of sage advice chocked full of life lessons.

Life is color. Sugar Mae Cole, greeting card writer extraordinaire, artfully illustrates that it's whatever color you choose to paint it. Early

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

The inaugural Book Talk Tuesday kicked off with a nonfiction pick. I decided to continue in that vein and add a historical fiction read as well. 

Picks of the Week

Black and White: The Confrontation between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Conner by Larry Dane Brimner -  Black & White delves into the civil unrest of the 1950's and '60's in Birmingham, AL. 

Nellie the Brave: The Cherokee Trail of Tears (Sisters in Time #10) by Veda Boyd Jones - I ran across this book a few months back, while perusing the book section in a local thrift store. The Sisters in Time Series is geared towards ages 8-12.

What books are talking to you this week?

Book Talk Tuesday: What Books Are Talking to You?

Book Talk Tuesday is designed to showcase your reading pick(s) of the week. If you are anything like me, sometimes you need to fully digest those weekend reads before moving on to another book. So, feel free to share that finished book that hasn't quite let you go. Most books highlighted for BTT will be reviewed. If I review a highlighted book, it will be posted no later than Sunday of each week.  

Pick of the Week

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington - Washington's autobiography fills two book gaps that I'm seeking to close: nonfiction and the slave narratives.  

  

What books are talking to you this week? Let's get reading, talking, and discussing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Though I decided not to write a review, here's a few photos of my annotated copy. 

Several underlined sentences and marked passages grace the pages.

Three more post-it notes are at the top of the pages.

Snail Mail Delight

This little envelope made my day!

Dare You To Ribbon Bookmark and Crash Into You Bookmark

Review: When the Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

Caridad Ferrer. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2010. 324 pp.
Rating: Decent

Book Blurb: Dance is Soledad Reyes’s life. About to graduate from Miami’s Biscayne High School for the Performing Arts, she plans on spending her last summer at home teaching in a dance studio, saving money, and eventually auditioning for dance companies. That is, until fate intervenes in the form of fellow student Jonathan Crandall who has what sounds like an outrageous proposition: Forget teaching. Why not spend the summer performing in the intense environment of the competitive drum and bugle corps? The corps is going to be performing Carmen, and the opportunity to portray the character of the sultry gypsy proves too tempting for Soledad to pass up, as well as the opportunity to spend more time with Jonathan, who intrigues her in a way no boy ever has before.

Heart

There was one embodying strength and valor
whose doubts of usefulness constantly sniped at his mind
unwilling to release its hold.
For see wolves stole his sight, yet
beyond the reaches of these carnivorous animals
laid his unwavering faith.
The light of his heart untouched guided the way.
Never alone, the time drew near
Sacrifice unlocked the purpose, vision made plain the plan.
Plagued, raked, and ravished at the hands of many
One stayed firmed dispatching messengers.
“Merlin, the moment’s at hand—
 Go forth my child, alight the path.”


*My poem submitted for the Merlin Spiral Contest.

Enlightenment

Bold to behold, strong as an ox
when you walk the world stops
you are the very essence of masculinity.
Do you know, do you know
     the power you possess?
Look and you shall see,
Listen and you shall hear,
Close your eyes and you will feel,

Review: Merlin's Blade (The Merlin Spiral #1) by Robert Treskillard

Robert Treskillard. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2013. 432 pp.
Rating: Striking

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary:

A strange meteorite. 

A deadly enchantment. 

And only Merlin can destroy it. 

A meteorite brings a mysterious black stone whose sinister power ensnares everyone except Merlin, the blind son of a swordsmith. Soon, all of Britain will be under its power, and he must destroy the stone—or die trying.

Confession: As much as I love the Arthurian Legend, I have not read any books on it besides the movie novelization, King Arthur, based on the screenplay by David Franzoni. I own several books on the subject and even skimmed through one for a British Literature class project. Beyond terrible, I know. Each interpretation of the Arthurian Legend offers something different, something new, and somewhere within may lie the truth. Merlin's Blade is no exception. 

Review: Crush. Candy. Corpse. by Sylvia Mcnicoll

Sylvia Mcnicoll. Toronto: James Lorimer & Company, 2012. Ebook.
Rating: Decent + 🌙🌙🌙🌙🌙

Six years ago, I encountered a frail-looking woman that resembled my grandmother. That cannot be her. That cannot be my fussy, sassy, grandma Jurnise Truitt. I just saw her a few months ago and she was exactly the way I've always known her to be--nosy, cooking, and strong. That day marked the beginning of my denial. My disbelief that my able-bodied grandmother's brain was becoming fogged, scrambled...hers but no longer her own to control. Progressively losing her short-term memory, she forgot to eat triggering faint spells and rapid weight loss. As the Dementia onslaught continued, my grandmother's disposition changed. She became hard to manage and wandered about her apartment at night, not much unlike the residents Sunny encounters at Paradise Manor. My family is blessed that my grandmother still recognizes her children, can feed herself, possesses her lively personality, and walk with supervision. Yet, waving goodbye to my grandma at the nursing home instead of her 2- bedroom domain, my home away from home, breaks my heart a little more each time. 

They’re Starting a Library by Jose Leavitt

I love books. I mean I love books. But I don't love libraries. Allow me to clarify. What I mean is I'm not giddy-gushy about public libraries. Of course I utilize them, however, the draw to spend hours, upon hours lost among the stacks is greatly lacking. Personal libraries fuel me. To me, there is something magical about knowing the books that have transported me to faraway places and back, challenged my viewpoints, solidified my love of reading, in addition to that one, okay, ones that I've been intending to read for years rest within arm’s reach. Anytime I want to read it's there waiting on me.  The following blog post speaks to the POWER of the written word. I just had to repost from Publisher's Weekly.



     

My shelves, bins, plus two big boxes of books

Writing Affirmation

Trepidation—none

Pen to paper, fingers clack

Words flow, success looms

My First Book Display

I'm so excited to share with you all my first ever book display. Although I don't work with the Children's Ministry, I volunteered to help promote FernGully: The Last Rainforest, the choice for Family Movie Night. I thought a book display would be a great way to garner attention for the event, as well as learn about the rainforest. Initially, I had planned to create a mini rainforest between the inner and outer doors of the preschool; however, it didn't pan out. So, I opted for a foliage-covered table instead.  I didn't realize until after I completed the display that I should have covered the table with brown paper. Oh well, there's always next time.

Review: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway. New York: Collier Books/MacMillan Publishing, 1987  (first published 1952). 127 pp.
Rating: Decent

**Note: The following below are my initial thoughts upon completing the Old Man and the Sea and is not intended to be a "review" per se. 

Goodreads Summary: An epic battle between an old, experienced fisherman (Santiago) and a giant marlin said to be the largest catch of his life.

"But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favours, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought" (30).

In my attempt to close my classics book gap, I picked up my copy of The Old Man and the Sea. To be such a short book, it seemed so long and boredom quickly came upon me. Throughout many of the old man's conversations with himself, I began to imagine the life of a fisherman. He who knows the ins and outs of the sea. He who develops a relationship with its creatures. He who appreciates the beauty of all its life forms and the sea itself, but will never be able to tame its unpredictable nature. He who understands the danger of the vocation, yet is drawn to "her" (as Santiago would say) alluring call.

Although I hoped for a better resolution, I found within the pages of this novella an old fisherman whose tenacious nature pulled him out to sea each day despite unsuccessful outings months at a time. However, I must admit, Santiago is a shark-killing, badass old man.

A Crate of Treasures...A Found Friend

Anyone who knows me knows that I love books. Upon my arrival at my previous job, my coworkers quickly learned that I was a reader. During slow periods, they observed me devour books whether for study or pleasure. Always seeking to procure books for Cultivating You, Inc., I announced to everyone that I'd be more than happy to relieve them of any of their unwanted books. One of my fellow coworkers had begun replacing his paperbacks with electronic copies. A day earlier than promised, Kyle brought me a crate filled with books. As I walked in the door before the start of my shift, my co-workers bombarded me with requests to borrow a book. Dumbfounded I responded, "what books?"