Beyond Understanding

Posted by Matt on September 3, 2010

Brandon Mull is the same author that wrote the Fablehaven series. The Candy Shop Wars was written after Fablehaven and is only one book long… no prequel, no sequel (darn it!), no trilogy or future series. True, I enjoyed all five Fablehaven books, but I'm quite sure The Candy Shop Wars is now my favorite Mull novel.

The Candy Shop Wars is the first book I've read on my Kindle, and gladly so. Not only is the experience of reading on a dedicated e-reader a good thing, but having the first read be one as enjoyable as The Candy Shop Wars is an added bonus. Why, then, only a 5.5 out of 6 rating? Because a sequel does not exist, and I'd gladly continue reading.

As for the book link, it will take you to either the paperback or hardback (if no paperback exists, yet) version. Why? Not everybody has a Kindle.

Product Description: (from Amazon) 
Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the . . . unusual side. Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise. Four young friends — Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon — meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies.

In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? Why are all these "magicians" trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who should they trust?

The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four youngsters discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure–one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins . . .

Category: Book Reviews, Kindle, Young Adult
No Comments »
Tags: Amazon, Brandon Mull, Candy Shop Wars, Fablehaven, Kindle, library, reading

Posted by Matt on September 1, 2010

I've been out of town (for work) for the past two days. Arrived in Spokane around 6:30 tonight and — luckily — the apartment office was open. Not only was my Kindle ready for pickup, but my new heated mattress pad (for use this fall/winter on my new queen-sized bed) and 18" drop bed skirt arrived as well.

Bedding aside…

The Kindle? Wow. Completely more than I expected. I was afraid the 6" screen would be too small for my liking, but it's perfect. Just like reading a paperback book. The E-Ink display? Completely amazing. My green cover (see previous post) with the built in light? Perfect. The ease of hooking it up to my WiFi? Keen. My only complaint is that a few buttons are in odd locations (I.e., too near the directional touch pad). Minor, minor issue though. (Well, that and the number buttons no longer exist except via a "symbol" key. How odd…)

I couldn't be happier.

So far, seven books on the Kindle. And many more to go. (If you're jealous, I completely understand. But the new generation Kindle is around $140. That's rather affordable for most anybody, I'd assume. Just don't get the white one; get the graphite. And with a green cover if you're cool. Extremely fancy and neat color combination.)

Category: Amazon, Kindle, Living
No Comments »
Tags: Amazon, books, green, Kindle, reading

Posted by Matt on August 31, 2010

I'm out of town today and tomorrow. My Kindle? Was delivered this morning to my apartment office. Argh! Not a huge deal, really. I'll get back to town tomorrow PM around 6:30. Will pick up my new toy then. Plug it in to charge. Work all day Thursday. And have a 4-day weekend to goof around.

I can't complain, really.

(Well, my hotel is less than stellar, but it is what it is for a smaller town in the middle of nowhere).

Category: Kindle
No Comments »
Tags:

Posted by Matt on August 30, 2010

My Kindle cover (in a nice shade of green) arrived two days ago. I picked it up at the office today when I paid rent.

It's green, of course, as that's my favorite color. And it has a built in LED light; it's in the upper right-hand corner and extends as needed. Many have complained the color isn't as bright as portrayed on Amazon's actual site, but I'm rather happy with the color (even though my photo is a tad washed-out). If it were, indeed, a neon shade, I'd be a tad upset.

My Kindle? Currently sitting in a UPS shipping facility in Portland. So much for free two day shipping. I should have it Wednesday which means my two-day shipping turned into seven-day shipping. I really can't complain though. At least I'll have it before the week's end, and my four day weekend can be partly wasted playing with the new toy.

So… Cover, check. Six books waiting to be downloaded and read, check. Actual device, not quite yet. But soon.

Trust me, I'll post about it.

(The cover I really want looks like the cover of   The New Yorker magazine — a longtime favorite. The company that produces it has yet to make it for the Kindle 3, but I'm patient. Though unsure I want to pay the almost-$100 price. Heck… that's not much less than the price of the actual Kindle!)

Category: Amazon, Kindle, Technology
No Comments »
Tags: Amazon, green, Kindle, technology

Posted by Matt on August 29, 2010

My guest room has been semi-empty since I've moved to Spokane. While it has a luggage rack (a nice high-quality wooden one), a cupboard/storage unit, end-tables, and a lamp, it does not have a true mattress set. I don't have visitors on a regular basis, but I will at some point. And, really, a blow up mattress (and I have three) just isn't classy.

Today, I hit one mattress store and purchased a new set for my room. I've always had a full-sized mattress sets because they're typically less expensive and, well, it's just me at this point (though that won't always be the case). However, it's soon-to-be Labor Day, and mattress places have insane sales and great deals this time of year. I purchased a queen-sized Serta set — firm cuz that's how I prefer to sleep, and it's better for the back — along with a new frame for a rather good deal. I'm hyped.

My current full-sized set will move to the guest room along with the down comforter and duvet. I've purchased a new 18" bed skirt (because I have my bed on risers), sheets, a normal mattress pad, a heated mattress pad (better than a heated blanket), a down blanket, and a keen quilt/sham set for the new mattress. I also bought new curtains for the guest room while I was at it. Why not, eh? Basic curtains are inexpensive.

I'm set. And can't wait until Thursday night when the mattress is delivered. As for the linens? I have some here. Most were ordered online and will arrive within the next few weeks. (Thanks Amazon and Overstock. I love you both.)

Oh, hi. Did ya miss me?

Category: Living
2 Comments »
Tags: Amazon, apartment, Overstock, shopping, sleep, Snoopy