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Saturday, 25 July 2015

Why #brunchbookchallenge is awesome!

There's no denying it now. You know it, I know it. So many of us have started reading, thanks to the reading challenges, that surprisingly have a far longer life than the fragile resolutions we make at the beginning of the year.
Just when the publishing industry was at its performance peak, churning out one good book after another (also some really crappy ones), Hindustan Times did what every one was waiting for.
They brought in the #brunchbookchallenge last year.
Lo and behold, a revolution was in action.
Twitter became a book hangout, recommendations are now being exchanged faster than it is possible to keep track of, our to-be-read lists have grown humongous tails, and we have publicly and unabashedly been a fangirl for our favourite books. We have read them, reviewed them, recommended them, sent spoilers and whatnot.

Just a challenge to read 30 books in a  year (increased from 24 from the last year) and we saw a revolution:
Avid readers became disciplined readers.
Unorganised readers started keeping a track of how much and what they are reading.
Non-readers took a plunge.
The reading bug had bitten and the reading mania was, and continues to be infectious.

Without much ado, let's get straight to the point, and let me list out why #brunchbookchallenge is awesome. (As if it needs reasons!)

1. They have a massive reach


Sundays had become synonymous with the treat of HT Brunch. And twitter was never before made better use of. This is my definition of corporate social responsibility. Using your power to reach masses and getting them to read. CSR is for real!
This was like book club level: 21st Century

2. They give recommendations


The folks at Brunch don't shove books in your faces, but they do give recommendations drawing from what they have read recently and what your tastes sound like. This bunch of readers are awesome.


3. They conduct giveaways and contests


Yes- free books and bookish stuff. Who doesn't like to be the lucky owner of some swag?

4. They have brought bibliophiles together



They have used their media presence well- bringing scores of readers and non-readers turned readers together. Logging in to twitter/Instagram became a prospect of excitement about finding new bibliophiles and registering our progress with reading. And well, reading 30 books a year isn't that difficult.

5. They are our Sunday treat, duh!
Reading=Brunch= Reading list update








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Friday, 24 July 2015

Book Review: Sweets the Witch and Her SweetSwitch

About the book:

Title: Sweets the Witch and Her SweetSwitch
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1078 KB
Print Length: 26 pages
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing (15 July 2015)
Genre: Children's fiction
Rating: 4/5

Blurb: Sweets the Witch starts off like any other young witch, eating everything her parents give her. As she grows older she starts to only want to eat candy. Even having her teeth fall out doesn't deter her from her goal-to get as much candy as she can on Halloween night to last her all year.
She casts a spell to let children know that she will trade their candy for a toy or special wish of their choice (as long as it's a fair trade for their candy). They can trade it it all or just a bit, the more that they trade the more that they'll get! The children write down a wish or draw or cut out a picture of what they want and put it into Sweet's cauldron pot, then they put their candy next to it and when they wake up they will find their "SweetSwitch". Sweets is a kind young witch who enjoys trading and sharing with children.


About the authors


 Micah and Katie Smith are the co-creators of Sweets The Witch as well as their wonderful children Lucky and Haven Smith. 

This book was born out of their necessity and desire to lead a healthier lifestyle after Katie's battle with brain cancer in 2012. 

Sweets the Witch solves the problem of having too much candy consumed and leftover on Halloween. By asking children to trade their candy for a toy or surprise, Sweets gets the candy she craves and the children get their special wish granted while still enjoying the fun of trick or treating. 

Micah Smith is a Los Angeles based Director, Producer and Photographer. 

Katie Smith is a Child Development Specialist, Writer, Speaker and Parenting Coach. 
Find the author here: 



Social media:

    



My Review:

This is an adorable book about a young witch who has same problems as other kids- she likes to eat sweets more than the healthy food- but she her parents do not let her- in her best interests.
The graphics and pictorial representations are very apt, funny and engaging.

The hilarity is one constant factor throughout. And the moral is clear. It sends its message in a very innovative way. And the imagination is worth commendation. And it not only promotes healthy eating, but also glorifies the act of sharing.

I just thought there was more to it, the ending seemed abrupt.
This is going to be a treat for your kid though.

Links to the book:









Quotes from the book:

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Source of the review copy: Netgalley





To get your book reviewed, read my review policy here. And then contact me here.

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Tuesday, 21 July 2015

Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Character


I was inspired to do this meme by the following post on instagram:

And here's my list:

1. The Silver linings Playbook by Matthew Quick



2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini



3. A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar



4. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon



5. Say what you will by Cammie McGovern



6. Every Day by David Levithan



7. The Color Purple by Alice Walker



8. Life is what you make it by Preeti Shenoy



9.  The Fault in our Stars by John Green



10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell



On my tbr: A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd


For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Today we really wanted to highlight books that feature diversity*. There have been a lot of discussions and panels in the past couple years about the lack of diversity in publishing or the lack of attention these great titles get mainstream. The group We Need Diverse Books has been really leading the charge in highlighting diverse books, advocating and educating. I highly checking out their site for great recommendations, to learn what they are about and how you can help! Top Ten Tuesday has been a great source of recommendations and highlighting books that might not get talked about all the time so I'm hoping everyone will find some really great diverse books to check out. 

*For the purposes of this topic our definition of diversity is aligned with that of WNDB: "We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities."







To get your book reviewed, read my review policy here. And then contact me here.

Follow for regular reviews, author interviews and bookish love:


        

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