A Creepy Classic Review: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

This month’s Creepy Classic is The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.  When I first began reading this, I have to admit; I was humming and yawning, trying terribly hard to understand where it was going.  The style of the narrator was a bit maddening with the young governess’s constant internal ramblings.  This can be exhausting to read.  Nevertheless, it still is a classic and thankfully when the apparitions entered the story, it got deliciously better.

The governess is new to the estate, hired to manage/educate her two new charges, Flora and Miles.  Things progress merrily, until she comes across – what she believes – are evil spirits, ghosts if you will.  The first time she sees Quint, she has an overwhelming urge to protect the children, who are obviously being haunted by the ghosts.  The book wasn’t terrifying, but it was definitely creepy.  As the story unfolded, I had more questions than answers.  The children, for example, were the ghosts drawn to them because they were so bad?  And with the governess’s incessant internal chattering, I finally understood her behavior was in part due to her concern for the children.  Then again, who would blame her for going loony when she’s stranded on a country estate, subjected to teaching to a couple of weird brats?

Before reading this novella, I read a ton of speculation on this tale.  Debates such as: What is the true meaning of The Turn of the Screw?  Was it really a story about ghosts or was it a story about a repressed woman slowly going mad?  The debates are steadfast and ever changing with this story.  Which is kind of funny when you think about it… because Henry James’s novel hasn’t changed one iota.  For all its speculation – whether you like it or not - The Turn of the Screw is still timeless and without a doubt still a creepy classic.

I’ll have to rate this one a 3.5.  It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s still a good classical read.

Until next time…looking for something to read, try a Creepy Classic.

Mina B.

Book Blogger Hop

S’okay, I’m doing the Book Blogger Hop again.  Whoop!  Yeah, it’s cool.  I might not do it every week, but I'll participate as often as I can.  Once again, I’d like to thank Crazy for Book for doing this. It takes quite a commitment to host this every week, so…thanks!

And now down to business.

This week's question comes from Aliyah who blogs at Des Absurdités:

"What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"

Where to start…how about I give my favorite 5?

• Larissa Ione’s Eternal Rider, to be release April 2011.  Oh yeah, this one for sure will be a delicious read.  It's a spin off series of her bestselling Demonica Novels.  And BTW, I’m having a Free Book Contest for Book 1 of her Demonica Novels, Pleasure Unbound – check it out!

• Richelle Mead’s Bloodlines, to be released in August 2011.  Why am I excited?  Um...hello!  It's the spin off series of Vampire Acadmey, that's why.

• Lara Adrian’s Deeper than Midnight, to be released June 2011.  This is the continuation of the vampire Breed Warrior series and its just hot, hot HOT!  Can't wait.

• Jennifer Turner’s Eternal Hearts, Book 2 in the Darkness Within Series.  The release date is  TBD, but you can read the first three chapters here FREE!.  If you haven’t read Book 1, Eternal Seduction…Get on it!

• Jennifer Ashley, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, release date, August 2011.  Yeah, I realize that one’s a historical romance novel, but I’m so gaga over these books,  I’ll take any chance I get to whoop, holler and rave!  Go Mackenzies!

Anyway, that’s it! Hey, I’m sure I could keep going.

Until next time...thanks Book Blogger Hop.  That was a ton of fun!

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: Five

Fridays with Fred is here.  Wow!  I can’t believe it’s already Friday and January is almost over.  Anyway, we had something else planned for today, but Fred wasn’t a willing participant.  See what happens when “the Talent” decides they don’t want to work?  Always seems to happen with those “creative/artsy-fartsy” types - who “almost” become famous.  So that’s what happened today.  Fred wanted to spin off in an entirely different direction and below is the result.  He loves to give five and sometimes even ten so for today…we went with it.  Enjoy!

 

Sup, Mom?

Looking for more ridicuoius shots of Fred?  Try here and here.  Plus…don’t forget to visit Schatze over at Mary's from BookHounds.   I just love her, dont you? 
Until next time… :0)

Mina B.

FREE Book Contest: Larissa Ione’s Pleasure Unbound

It’s that’s time again….another FREE Book Contest.  Why?  Why the hell not?  Anyway, for those of my readers that haven’t had the opportunity to get into Larissa Ione’s Demonica Novels, have I got a contest for you.  Book 1 of Ione’s bestselling Demonica series is Pleasure Unbound.  The other four are: Desire Unchained, Passion Unleashed, Ecstasy Unveiled and Sin Undone.

I’m hooked on this series.  When I finished Sin Undone (click for my review), about six months ago, I was depressed that the series had ended.  Not to fear though.  Ione’s set to release a spin off series called The Eternal Rider, to be released in April 2011.  I have no doubt this will be killer read.  But for me, when I reflect on these novels – my absolute favorite is Pleasure Unbound (check out my review.)  There something about Eidolon that just makes a reader swoon.  And my absolute favorite line in this book is one of Tayla’s first comments to Eidolon: “I’ll bet you could make a woman throw out all her toys.”   I love that line. It’s so crass, but I still love it!

Anyway My FREE Book Contest starts today, January 24, 2011 and runs through February 2, 2011, end of day.  One luck winner will win a copy of Ione’s Pleasure Unbound.  See details below and don’t miss out!

To enter
You MUST be a follower of my blog AND leave a comment below.
(Note: This contest is open to US only.)

Extra entries
+3 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 Retweet this (limited to one RT)
+2 Like me on Facebook/Mina Burrows

Until next time...contest ends Feb 2nd, eod.  Enter to win today!

Mina B.

Hallucinating Housewives: A Wicked Dress

As previously mentioned, I’ve created a series that pokes fun at married women fantasizing, specifically about anything dark, morose and preferably creepy as hell.  The first one I posted last month was called The Beast.  This installment is called A Wicked Dress.  Enjoy.

A Wicked Dress

A witch stood erect with unruly red curls, wrapped in gray clothing. Using her one good black eye, she gazed at the innocent females before her.

Bound, gagged and blindfolded, the attractive females were shivering with fear, donned in nothing but their bras and panties.

Ignoring their whimpers, the witch cursed. “They all look the same.”

A second witch emerged. She wore the same attire, except for her inky hair and eerie green eyes. She grew defensive. “It took me weeks to find these.”

“Shut up, you fool.” The head witch’s bedeviling eye scanned the group. “Bring that one here.”

The lowly witch dragged a reluctant female forward.

The unknown woman was shaking uncontrollably while praying silently. She had imitation blond hair, false blue contacts and a voluptuous set of fake “C” cup boobs – just like the others, all except one.

The head witch poked and prodded at the female, scanning her face and body, searching for signs of oriniginality. She said in disgust. “Not one is unique?”

The second witch interrupted. “This one is scarred.”

The one-eyed witch’s lips twisted. “Good.”

The second witch pushed the marred female, causing her to land on her stomach. The female writhed in pain, exposing her defect to everyone.

“Get up,” the witch snarled, pulling her up.

The female stood on trembling knees.

Both witches agreed in unison. “Perfect.”

“Anna!”

Anna shook her head, withdrawing from her daydream, hearing her husband call again. “Hurry up. We’re going to be late.”

Hurriedly, Anna glanced at her two dress choices. Should she wear the black one and be like everybody else, or should she dare to be different?

Summoning some originality, she donned the fuchsia slip dress and matching shoes.

At the mirror, Anna turned to her back and ogled at her angry scar.  With her short ebony hair, everyone would see her imperfection. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled seductively. “Oh well…I am feeling wicked tonight.”

Copyright 2011 by Mina Burrows.

All rights reserved

Fridays with Fred: A Tea Party

Fred attended a recent tea party my 3 year old hosted.  He’s such a good sport; he even donned a scarf for the occasion. Aside from running across our makeshift table a few times, he was a model guest.  I swear he thinks he’s one of the kids – even though he kind of is.  I quickly got this shot with little effort, which shows you how much of a pro he is.  And look, he even asked for milk.  It’s fairly crazy in my household at times – this day was no exception.  Tea parties are the best! 

Enjoy your weekend!

Don't say a word to the guys.

I'll take my doggie biscuit now, please.

If you miss last week’s Friday’s with Fred – you have to check it out his Neat Trick.  Also, Schatze's over at Mary's from BookHounds is one hot babe. You have to check her out too.

Until next time…tea, anyone?

Mina B.

Book Review: Ellen Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses

Earlier last year, I listed the top 15 YA vamp novels – courtesy of Vampires.com.  Ellen Schreiber’s series, Vampire Kisses, is #12 on that list.  I recently read the first book of the series, Vampire Kisses, and truly enjoyed it.  Even though it was YA and PG perfect, it had enough humor and mystique to keep me wanting more.

Raven Madison is the typical Goth girl, who’s obsessed with vampires.  I recall first reading this thinking – oh here we go again – another Goth-obsessed, vamp girl in a teeny bopper tale.  Despite all the clichés in the beginning, Schreiber convinced me of Raven’s uniqueness.  Even as a child, Raven was different – kind of like Wednesday from The Addams Family – with more flair for drama and less morose tendencies.  The town of “Dullsville” is indeed boring for a freakishly different girl like Raven.  She lives vastly different from her family and the townspeople of “Dullsville.”  And as the odd girl out, she cares less about what others think and practically never conforms to anything normal. She has only one friend, Becky, who is the 2nd least popular teen in high school – Raven being the least.  And then of course there's Raven’s childhood nemesis, Trevor- who has spent the better part of her life, making her miserable.

The first part of the story was so incredibly enticing with constant battling between Raven and Trevor.  There are so many times when I wondered if Trevor was secretly in love with Raven. Even Raven suspects this, but that’s neither here nor there.  For those that are interested in reading this book, for me, it was the pranks or battles between Trevor and Raven that hooked me. With each one trying to outdo, completely embarrass or ruin each other’s reputation, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the YA drama.  And the “article of clothing” tricks Raven played on Trevor had me rolling. She was cute and clever and in the end, revealed the naked truth about Trevor.

These high school ruses were fun, but by far were not the main purpose.  A new boy moves into town, Alexander Sterling.  There’s something alluring about him and Raven is immediately smitten. For the first time in Raven’s entire existence, she connects with another person, Alexander.  He’s handsome, gentle and odd just like Raven and together they're in their own way, normal.  Now, I have to admit, there are times when I thought Raven’s vamp obsession was a bit tiring.  However, I guess it had a point. In the end, Raven and Alexander’s relationship became so intertwined that as a reader, you get caught up in their bliss.  But what is it about Alexander?  Is he really what Raven wants?  Oh yeah, but there's a cliffhanger in this book that stunned and saddened me at the same time.  I won’t tell you what happens, you’ll have to wait and read.

Despite the whole Goth-angle, I still really liked the book. It had laugh at loud moments, a loveable character (Raven) and endearing romance.  If you’re looking for a sweet YA vamp tale, why not give Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses a try?  I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed.  On my Killometer, I gave Vampire Kisses a 3.75.

Until next time…Vampire Kisses is oh so sweet.

Mina B.