Well Said: Etiquette

"What exactly is the etiquette involved when one finds out that her sworn enemy is a mythical creature of the night? Should I tell someone? Start smelting silver bullets? Call animal control?"

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Wee-view: Night Road

Wisdom: "Why was it pebbles looked like boulders until they were in your rearview mirror?"

2¢ Worth: Night Road is a beautifully written cautionary tale about motherhood, raising children too sheltered, friendship, and the enormous life altering decisions young adults face. It moves swiftly and I read it in one sitting. I was happy to see the story felt fresh and took turns I didn't see coming. Sadly, I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I found it hard to relate to the protective mother of teenagers and equally hard to connect with the sheltered teens and their well meaning bff. In the end, this story did not work for me. However, I believe that had more to do with my place in life than the actual story. If you are a mom, definitely check it out. I really believe any mother would love it and probably find themselves moved to tears. I plan to pass on my copy to my mother-in-law.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah (published by St. Martin's Press) releases today 3.29.11.

Click here to read a review of Night Road from my pal Vampires and Tofu.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Contest Winner: March Misfit

Hey dolls! Can you believe March is nearly over? Speaking of March, the winner of my March Misfit contest is: the lovely funny Michelle of the Red Headed Book Child. Whooot whooot! Congratulations darling! I will be contacting you via email for your mailing address. Thank you for all your entries. The winner was selected with help from Random.org. Please continue to check my sidebar for more upcoming contests.

Learn more about March Misfit on Goodreads.

Love Turns You Upside Down List Review: Other People's Love Letters

2¢ Worth: Love is a many splendored thing, right? Well get ready for a book like no other!

First dates,
love notes,
sex,
break-ups,
hook-ups,
marriages,
divorces,
births,

on

napkins,
telegrams,
text messages,
want ads,
notebook paper,
emails,
typed letters,
post cards,
sticky notes,
and even a airplane vomit bag

SAMPLES FROM BOOK:

have all been compiled, photographed, and bound. Resulting in a book that is voyeuristic, sweet, funny, occasionally raunchy, and falls somewhere between a photography book, a social study, and a coffee table book.

Word to the wise:

• The real gem is in the back of the book where the editor gives the reader back history on some of the notes and their writers. One particular man wrote a huge long list of all the things he loved about his wife. She died shortly after the note was written. I believe I will always think back to that list.
• Bill Shapiro also released a book called Other People's Rejection Letters:150 Letters You're Happy You Didn't Get

Wholly: Love Letters is a candid, 3 star, peak at love in today's day and age. So expect some sour with the sweet.

Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Images Copyright © of Other People’s Love Letters, Bill Shapiro,
and Clarkson Potter Publishers/Random House

Thank you to Charlotte of The Book on the Hill for making this review possible.

Wishin' and Hopin': Heading to Hades on a Motorbike?

I know Halo wasn't a crowd pleaser, but I dug it and I am curious to see where the story goes from here. Plus you have to admit, the cover to Hades is pretty hot! No pun intended. *wink wink*

Click here to read my review of Halo.

Well Said: Argue

"She was rude. But I bit my tongue because there are two people you should never argue with: makeup artists and plumbers. Either can ruin you." - Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Ok so technically I'm cheating. I haven't bought this book yet. I did pick up the Kindle sample based on my pal Michelle's advice (The Red Headed Book Child). So far it is so totally cute, snarky, and funny that I will definitely be buying a copy.

Semi-Review: My Life in France

2¢ Worth: My Life in France reads like a diary. While it is a time capsule and window into Julia's heart and life, it is exceedingly slow and often tedious. Sadly my interest waned and I ended up giving up on it. But I did walk away from My Life in France with an increased sense of respect for the unapologetic, unconventional, and undeterred Julia Child. She was brave, tenacious, and direct. I think I would have loved her as a person. No matter what life did or did not give her, she never stopped to complain. She merely moved on and continued to always embrace life, love, her gifts, her friendships, and her passion for food. So while her book didn't rock my world, I did learn a thing or two about life.

My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Yackety-yak: Backpedal

Dear Chick-Lit,

I know it has been awhile since I wrote you off. But I think I am finally ready to let you in a wee bit.

Not your sappy: "Oh my goodness he is like so cute!" stuff. But yes to your: "Wow. What now life?" stuff.

Sincerely yours for now, Tales of Whimsy...

About a year ago, I wrote chick-lit a Dear John letter (see This is It Chick-Lit). At the time, I just could not connect with it. But lately I have been craving more mature voices (see Dear Shelf) with adult female stories that don't have children as central themes. So I am hoping chick-lit is the answer and rescinding my previous ban. Therefore, don't be surprised if you see Miss Chick-lit hanging around these days and feel free to keep the suggestions coming. *wink wink*

Image courtesy of LiveLovePaper.

Free Kindle eBook Alert: Millie's Fling

Happy Sunday! I have a fun and light alert for you. Millie's Fling by Jill Mansell is currently FREE for the Kindle. So race over now and grab a copy.

...

Don't have a Kindle but still interested? Consider downloading the Kindle reader (for free) for your for PC, BlackBerry, or iPhone. Own a nook? Check out Free Friday at Hott Books.

Yackety-yak: Ribbons & Things

For what seems like ages, I have searched for the perfect bookmark. My quest was not for the most beautiful nor the most affective bookmark. Nay! My quest was more a search for the bookmark that would finally really speak to me. I even had a vintage rectangular wooden box devoted to my bookmarks. Then the other day, quite out of the blue and by accident, it came to me. Earlier that day I had received a ribbon sprayed with perfume at Victoria's Secret. I stuck it in my purse because it was so pretty (black with white polka dots). The next thing I know, I take it home, stick in a book, and voilà my quest is over. Just like that the answer is ribbons!? Ironic how I searched for so long and the answer was so simple. Sure I still carry paper around to take review notes but I am now officially obsessed with pretty ribbons for my books.

So I ask you my darlings, what is your favorite bookmark?

Image credit: A Girl Reading in a Sailing Boat (1869) by Alfred Chantrey Corbould

Well Said: Like

"When you're a teenager, you're forever thinking: Do they like me? When you're a grown-up, as anyone over the age of thirty can attest, the question becomes: Do I like them?"

Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick by Molly Ringwald

Contest Winners! Fin or Sheet?

It is contest announcement time! *toottoottoot* Here are the winners of my Fin or Sheet Contest contest: Alyssa of Teens Read and Write you have won Maybe This Time and Julie of That's Swell you have won Forgive My Fins 

Congratulations ladies! I will be emailing you for your mailing addresses. Thank you to everyone that entered my Fin or Sheet Contest! The winners were selected with help from Random.org. Please continue to check my sidebar for more upcoming contests.

Mermaid courtesy of Misty Reese at Deviant Art.com.
Ghost courtesy of The Autumn Society.com.

Contest Winners: Lost & Found

Hey sweets! How is your Sunday so far? Was I the only one that woke up confused about the time change? I am off to do a little vintage shopping/browsing but first I am here to announce the winners of my Lost & Found contest. Congratulations to Midnight Cowgirl of The Fashion Planner and writer and illustrator Catherine Stine! I will be contacting you gals via email for your mailing addresses. Thank you to everyone that entered. The winners were selected with help from Random.org. Please continue to check my sidebar for more upcoming contests.

Click here to visit Lost & Found on Goodreads.
Click here to visit Shaun Tan's website.
Click here to watch the trailer for The Lost Thing.

Shopper girl image courtesy of The Frugal Shopper.com.

Whimsy Update: New Look

So tell me my darlings, what do you think? The fantastic, stupendous, patient Staci of Blogging Bella Designs created this gorgeous template for me. The silhouette in the header is my creation and will continue to change from time-to-time. But the beautiful layout and all the hard work involved in creating it is thanks to Staci and is here to stay. Three cheers for Staci!

Whimsy Update: Under Construction

Please note: Tales of Whimsy...will be under construction tonight. Please check back tomorrow.

Contest: Shapeshifters

Fans of shapeshifters and paranormal fiction, I have a contest for you too! One winner will receive:

1 new New Moon Three Disc Deluxe Edition DVD

1 new paperback of Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

1 new hardcover of No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon

To enter simply comment with your email address below. You must be a resident of the U.S. to enter. The winner will be selected and announced 4.14.11.

A BIG thanks for Misty of The Book Rat for her contribution to this contest.

Contest: March Misfit

Love YA but need a break from the paranormals?

Then this contest is for you:

Goodreads summary: "When a mudslide destroys her home and kills her parents, fifteen-year-old Cara Talbot is sent to live with a distant cousin, his wife, and five sons on a dairy farm in Indiana. The stink of cattle, a tiny bedroom loft, and two brothers who resent her intrusion make life a bitter struggle. As she copes with her grief, she finds solace caring for an autistic child, who helps her see the softer side of Nicolas March, another family misfit."

I have one brandnew, signed, paperback copy of March Misfit by Barbara Stremikis! To enter simply comment with your email address below. You must be a resident of the U.S. to enter. The winner will be selected and announced 3.28.11.

Lost & Found Review & Contest Too

Book: Lost & Found written and illustrated by Shaun Tan

Pages: 128 | Size: 11.3 x 8.8
Premise: 3 stories that ponder loneliness, apathy, and the plight of indigenous people.

2¢ Worth: As a connoisseur and aficionado of all things light, Shaun Tan's book was not for me. However, there is absolutely no denying how very beautiful and thoughtful his book is. His striking art reminded me of the animated film 9 and left me thinking. If you are a fan of Burtonesque animation you will love this book.

Word to the wise: Do not miss the author notes in the back of the book.

Contest: I have 2 hardcover copies of Lost & Found up for grabs. To enter simply comment with your email address below. You must be a resident of the U.S. to enter. The winners will be selected and announced 3.13.11.

Page sample:

Click here to visit Lost & Found on Goodreads.
Click here to visit Shaun Tan's website.

Shaun Tan's animated short film the The Lost Thing won an Academy Award.
Click here to watch the trailer of The Lost Thing.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Whimsy Update: Spring Break Time

Yabba Dabba Do! It is officially quitting time.

Mr. Whimsy and I are headed to visit family for Spring Break. There will be laughing, bonding, and maybe even a little beach time. So forgive me if I'm slow this week and keep your eyes pealed for some cool contests. Arrivederci my sweets!

Life from Scratch Review

Book on Goodreads: Life from Scratch | Authoress: Melissa Ford
Genre: Adult Fiction | Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 208 | Publisher: Bell Bridge Books | Premise: On the heels of her divorce, Rachel decides to take a year off work and start over.

2¢ Worth: Pull out your Haagen-Dazs and cheap strawberry wine, because reading Life from Scratch feels like a post-breakup bonding night with your BFF. Rachel will suck you right in with her honest voice. Before you know it, you will be staying up well into the night as she gives you the scoop and you both consider where the heck she might go from here.

Word to the wise:

• Melissa Ford's writing is so smooth and authentic that I honestly thought it was semi-autobiographical. I even searched the net (several times) just to make sure Rachel's cooking blog/online diary wasn't real.
• Describing this book has been like trying to describe a friend.
• I have NEVER highlighted so many passages in a book before.
• As soon as I finished this one, I wanted to reread it. That hasn't happened to me since New Moon.
• Rumor has it the authoress is working on book two.

Whippersnappers: Divorce, sex, infertility, and the occasional curse word

Wholly: Life from Scratch is a funny, witty, 5 star, memoirish journey of how one gal (through cooking and blogging) finds her voice, passion, and insight on her failed marriage.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Thank you to Bell Bridge Books for making this review possible.

Thank you to Write Meg! for the recommendation.