Weekly Link Round-Up (Feb. 7)

Here is this week's Link Round-Up. Enjoy!

Conversations

Michele at A Reader's Respite was wondering about the genre Chick-Lit. Does the name offend you? Do you understand what the label means? For a lively discussion, be sure to check out Michele's blog. And for a treat, don't miss her follow-up post.

Most of us want to pass our love of reading onto the next generation and beyond. Amy, at My Friend Amy, talks about the importance of reading to our children but also makes us aware that reading doesn't come easy to everyone. She challenges us to get involved in community literacy programs. Read her post and the comments, and join in the discussion.

Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Reading takes a lighter look at reading to kids by introducing four picture books that are sure make at least some of your children giggle. But then asks, "Would you read these books to your kid?" I don't have children, but I can assure you that my brothers would have loved them.

Just for Fun

Maybe it's in the air or maybe we can thank Kim's Blog Improvement Project, but new weekly events seem to be popping out all over. There are sure to be at least a few that will interest you. Here are four new events (I'll try to highlight more in future posts).

S. Krishna's Books is hosting Thursday Tunes for all you music lovers out there. I have discovered some new artists and have been reminded of old favorites. Aren't you curious about what book bloggers listen to when they're not reading?

Every Wednesday on Kristina's Favorites you'll find a Midweek Morsel. This is a chance to discover a new recipe and to share one of your own favorites.

Have you played Friday Feud yet? Kittling Books poses a question each week. Leave your answer in the comments, and remember that humor is encouraged.

If you use your local library, think about participating in Library Loot at A Striped Armchair. This Wednesday event is really taking off.

Reviews

Audiobooks were popular this week:

Marta from Marta's Meanderings reviewed the audio version of 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer and read by Sandra McCollum. Marta says, "All of the ideas will help in some way to make your life a bit simpler--from learning to say no to learning to set boundaries."

Head on over to Bermudaonion's Weblog to read Kathy's review of Little Pink House by Jeff Benedict and read by Maggi-Meg Reed. This is a true story of how ordinary citizens can challenge local government. Kathy notes, "I found myself admiring the people who stood their ground and fought."

By the way, if you're an audiobook fan, you'll relate to Sandy's Confessions of an Audio Book Addict over at You've Gotta Read This!

* * * * *

For those who prefer their books in print:

Wendi reviewed the beautifully illustrated Cole Family Christmas by Jennifer Liu Bryan with Hazel Cole Kendle. The book takes place during the Depression, and Wendi says, "This wonderful family will work its way into your heart and help you remember what the holidays are really about!" Visit Wendi's Book Corner to read more.

Looking for a great children's book? Shelly from Write for a Reader reviewed Little Skink's Tail by Janet Halfmann. Shelly says, "Children will love the use of onomonapeia, like sniff, sniff; and gobble, gobble, gobble, as well as the author's use of rhyme, like stickly-prickly, as Little Skink makes his way through the forest." The book also contains educational activities for the interested child. This cute story is recommended for 4-8 year olds.

Britt at Confessions of a Book Habitue takes a frank look at War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. She acknowledges that "Wells was a brilliant, forward-thinking pioneer." But she goes on to take a look at some of the novel's shortcomings.
____________
Some of these links were part of a link-sharing group started by Amy of My Friend Amy. If you would like to join in, leave your email address in the comments, and I'll send you the information. Link sharing is open to anyone who wants to participate, and you don't need to share links every week.