"The Grimm Chronicles" Review

Read more about the book and enter a giveaway.

The Grimm Chronicles Vol. 1 by Isabella Fontaine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the past several months, I have read several books based on fairy tales.  While I am not an true fan of fantasy fiction, I have often been pleasantly surprised at the ingenuity of fiction based on Grimm fairy tales on the like.  And this is another such book that puts forth a similar idea--what if the Grimm fairy tales were real?  What is the Grimm brothers had magic?  The premise of the book is intriguing.  The actual writing of the book, the characterization, and even the details in the book are quite interesting and well-written.  For this, I commend the author.

I have to admit that some things in this book give me pause, and I have to be somewhat critical because this is put forth as a young adult book.  I come in contact with young adults as I teach on a regular basis, and before long, my daughter will be one.  I feel that if a book is marketed as a young adult book, it should teach appropriate young adult lessons and contain appropriate words and scenes for young adults.   If any negative messages are introduced, I believe it is imperative to show these negative behaviors for what they are.

I don't wish to be critical in any way, but I have to admit that I was somewhat concerned with the language used by the characters.  I always find it ironic when young adult books contain words that most teenagers are not supposed to use in high schools most places.  But I can excuse the language.  I am pleased that there are no bedroom scenes, however, I was quite concerned in the first story when it was assumed that the main character would do it and was even expected to do it.  The outcome of that story was what concerned me most since it had all sorts of somewhat graphic violence.  I understand the reason for the violence, but I would not want my daughter reading this as a teenager.  I didn't feel that all the detail was necessary.  And the fairy tale characters are so frighteningly evil and "crazy," that I felt it was just too much for a young adult novel--especially a fantasy.  One other thing that concerned me was the underage drinking.  I don't know why the message of avoiding alcohol and drugs was not more srongly encouraged.  I didn't see too many consequences for these individuals involved.

Now, don't get me wrong.  The book is fine, and for many young adults, this would not be an issue.  Most parents would figure that I am going to a ridiculous extreme.  I know my standards are high, but I struggled to find any redeeming messages in the book.  And perhaps that was the wrong thing to consider, but it is just my opinion.  I would say that if you are a die-hard fantasy novel fan, this may be just the book for you.  My opinion is just that.  And maybe I will enjoy the second installment of this series even more.  I have to admit that I like Briar!  He gave a good comic relief, and he was quite a character.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


View all my reviews

This Day in History March 2, 1127

Today, we go far back into history for our featured person--Charles I, Count of Flanders.  He was born the only son of three children to King Canute IV (Saint Canute) and Adela of Flanders.  He was the Danish prince, and his father was assassinated in 1086.  At that point, Charles was only three (or five, not sure which).  He grew up in the court of his uncle and grandfather.  His cousin ( who was childless), named him successor, and that came to pass after his cousin's death in 1119.

Charles I was a lover of peace during his reign.  He very much respected priests and religion.  He tried to put an end to weapons being used by his subjects by enacting the "Truce of God."  He was very much sympathetic to the poor by donating clothing and walking barefoot.  He also worked very hard to do what he felt was right during the terrible famine of 1125.

Unfortunately, the poor, unsuspecting Charles I had no idea how many people were against him.  On March 2, 1127, he went to the church of Saint-Donatien as was his custom.  He was kneeling in prayer, and a group of knights entered the church and hacked him to Charles I to death with broadswords.  And so Charles I became a martyr, and these same knights who had assassinated him were arrested and tortured to death.

For more information:
http://www.historytoday.com/norman-housley/crisis-flanders-1127-28-murder-charles-good
http://theblackcordelias.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/blessed-charles-the-good-march-2/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I,_Count_of_Flanders

March Madness Day 2: $100 Gift Certificate Poppy Tree Frames (Ends 3/6) U.S.

Poppy Tree Frames are the most drool worthy frames I have ever seen. And they are addicting...you can not have just one!  

They are perfect to display your newborn photos!

 

Or above your little tots bed!

They have hundreds of shapes and sizes to put anywhere in your home!

They are perfect for any nursery and were just featured in the February Issue of BabyTalk Magazine!

You can check out all of their gorgeous frames on their website . Make sure you "LIKE" them on Facebook. Every week they have a frame of the week and offer great discounts!

I bet you know of a mother who would love these.  Or maybe you would be able to use these for those special pictures of your little ones.  It almost makes me want to have another baby.  Almost!  But it's rather impossible right now since I am not married and have no prospects.  Oh well, enough of all that ranting!

 

One very *LUCKY* Mommy Guru fan will win a $100 Gift Certificate to Poppy Tree frames!

Giveaway ends March 6th at 11:59pm EST open to US residents only, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!     a Rafflecopter giveaway

Build a Playground With Kaboom!

My daughter absolutely loves going to the park and playing on the equipment.  In fact, it has been a major part of her life. I know she was pretty young when I started taking her.  It is a given (at least, I thought it was) that there will be safe, fun playgrounds in local areas for kids, right?

Unfortunately, budget cuts, lack of interest, and much more have contributed to playgrounds disappearing all over the U.S.  As a result, children are driven inside where they sit around, eat junk food, and begin a life-long weight problem.  It is called the Play Deficit.  It is a problem that has led to such things as childhood obesity, violence, and even failing schools.

The good news is that there is a solution to this dilemma.  Kaboom! is a non-profit organization that is working to build playgrounds in communities all over this wonderful country of ours.  To date, they have built over 2,000 playgrounds all over the U.S. resulting in playgrounds for 5.5 children.

It is easy to get involved in your community.  It can be as simple as getting the word out and pledging to save play in your community.  There are plenty of ideas listed here on their website.  Don't let this all-important, integral part of childhood be stripped away from our children and grandchildren.  Act now!

Water Aid America: Safe Water For All

Water is probably the most important thing in this life when it comes to sustenance.  You can go for a while without food, but water is a definite necessity.  In our wonderful country, we have access to clean water, bottled water, water fountains, indoor plumbing, and so much more.  But we tend to take it all for granted.

Here are some very sad statistics.  Eleven percent of the world's population does not have access to clean water.  That may not sound like such a big deal, but think about this:  700,000 children die each year from water-related disease.  Ready for an even more staggering statistic?  Two and a half million people do not have access to sanitation service, and this results in 2,000 children dying from diarrhea and accompanying diseases each day!

Now, I know what you are possibly saying.  You are just one person, and you can't make a difference.  Oh, this is the easy way out, my friend.  Imagine one hundred people, and if all of them figure they can make no difference, they won't.  But what if those same one hundred make the determination to do something about it?  Every person can do something to help this worldwide problem.

There are many ways you can help.  I was most intrigued by the educational materials available for children in K-12, and you can check those out here.  Think of what can be accomplished in classrooms all over the U.S.  In addition to this, you can donate, but if that is not practical, there are even more options:  community fundraising, personal fundraising pages, social networking, and even volunteering.  Everyone can do something.  In fact, you might even consider giving an honorary gift for a birthday, anniversary, holiday coming up.  After all, what could make a better gift that giving the gift that is able to save others' lives.

Check out Water Aid

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This Day in History March 1, 1994

Okay, I am NOT a fan, but on this date in 1994, Justin Bieber was born.  I think it is neat that his mom chose to have him rather than have an abortion, and she has campaigned for women to choose to have children rather than terminate their pregnancies.  Basically, he is a clean cut kid, but I just don't get him.  I don't really like his music, but I know that many do.  I'm so glad my daughter doesn't care for him.  He has over 35 million followers on twitter, so someone must like him.

More information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Bieber
http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/

Fashionista Lookbook Event/Giveaway (Ends 3/12) WW

Are you ready for the biggest and best fashion event on the world wide web? Take a Sneak Peak now!

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The Spring Fashionista LookBook is now available and just skimming the pages will make you wish the March 7-13 event were already here! At the very least, it willhave you re-arranging your calendar so you can free up those days in order to enteras many of the 110+ giveaways as possible.

What is the Spring Fashionista Giveaway?It is the Web’s largest and only ALL FASHION, ONLY FASHION blog giveaway EVENT. Taking place March 7- 13, every giveaway will be valued at $125 – or more! Most of the bloggers have put together prize packs worth several hundred dollars!With more than 115+ bloggers participating in the Spring Fashionista GiveawayEvent there will be more than $26,000+ worth of prizes to win! I have been a part of this event since its inception, and it is something you do not want to miss!

 What is the LookBook?To get you even more excited, we’ve put together a LookBook to offer a sneak peak at some of the giveaways that will be offered during the event. Flip through the pages and find the numerous gift cards that will give you a well-deserved shopping spree. Or maybe jewelry is more your style. No problem. There are hundreds of dollars wo rth of baubles to adorn your ears, wrists and throat. Plus, you could win a new pair of jeans, a gorgeous spring dress, or even a designer purse.

Feast your eyes on the possibilities. Check out the participating blogs, and go ahead, bookmark them now! And you know you want to come back and check out my giveaway, right??

And if all of this wasn’t enough… The Fashionista EVENTS LookBook is offering youthe chance to win a this stunning Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire 16” necklace from Fine Jewelry by Carol Brodie. This pretty bauble retails at $299!!

 Spring Fashionista Events Sponsors

The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is the amazing brainchild of The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/ Her co-hosts for the event are Katy Rose of ModlyChic http://www.modlychic.com/ and Kristyn of the K Squared Glamourhttp://www.ksquaredglamour.org 

Mark your calendars for March 7-13. It’s going to be Incredible!  Also, visit our Main Event Sponsors: Midnight Velvet http://shout.lt/f9z2 , Emma Parker Diamonds http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/ , and Bobbi-Toad (children’s Shoes) https://www.bobbitoads.com/  who are providing $1200 in Prizes!   

My giveaway is basically self-sponsored with all sorts of fashion accessories. You won't want to miss it.

See all the prizes and more in the LOOKBOOK  above! Make sure to follow our PINTEREST board ( http://pinterest.com/stillblondeaaty/spring-fashionista-13-giveaway-event-with-monroe-a/ ) with Monroe and Main http://shout.lt/f9z4 for last minute Spring Fashionista Events giveaway additions.

THE Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie GIVEAWAY:

Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (except where prohibited by law) and ends March 12, 21013 at 11:59 PM EST

THE PRIZE:

One Winner will take home the Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire Necklace ($300)

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