Once Upon a Time... discussion

This one looks interesting! I'm hoping to start reading it by the end of the week!

I really love the twist on this book. It didn't take me long to read it. I just had a hard time putting it down. lol, like the other books from this author they are fun and exciting, very on edge will written books. I hope every one who reads this book this month will enjoy it as much as I did.

Kismeth wrote: "I really love the twist on this book. It didn't take me long to read it. I just had a hard time putting it down. lol, like the other books from this author they are fun and exciting, very on edge w..."

Ooh! That's good news:)

I just got my book, so I'm looking forward to starting

Mindy wrote: "I just got my book, so I'm looking forward to starting" Yay! After struggling with the sheer physical weight of Bitter Greens lol, I've been buying ebooks, but the library has this one available so I think I'm gonna stop by and pick it up:D Start reading it tonight!

There isn't a kindle version of this one and the library here doesn't have it, so looks like I will buy it too and that way my daughter gets to read it as well. I listened to this in audiobook form a few years ago and really enjoyed it, so don't mind buying this one.

Lisa wrote: "There isn't a kindle version of this one and the library here doesn't have it, so looks like I will buy it too and that way my daughter gets to read it as well. I listened to this in audiobook form..."

I got a used copy very inexpensively and it's in fine shape. I have to limit the books I purchase because my husband refuses to build me another book case...they 4 he built are maxed out.

Mindy, I could never get by with just 4 bookcases. lol I am fortunate enough to have a room in my house designated as a library. It has 4 floor to ceiling bookshelves, three other half shelves and one wall mounted shelf, all filled to overflowing. We have a small 3 level shelf in the hall for books borrowed from the library, and naturally books on every table in the entire house! The one thing my hubby has never complained about me buying is any kind of book. He contributes to the book collection himself, but not nearly as much. We made an agreement when we got married that I could buy unlimited books within reasonable price, and he could do the same with tools. His collection has proved much more expensive than mine, even when my collection has been expanded by buying books for our daughters. I am blessed that then the shelves start getting too full, he just asks where we can fit another one.

Oh, forgot to say buying used is great, but I actually had credit so got the paperback free. Since both my daughters and myself will read it, I think it was a good use of my credit.

Mindy wrote: "Lisa wrote: "There isn't a kindle version of this one and the library here doesn't have it, so looks like I will buy it too and that way my daughter gets to read it as well. I listened to this in a..."

Haha! That is funny. I have one very special bookcase. We still have a nice used bookstore close by, so only keep my favorites in that one case. If I run out of room, I've got to make some choices...or add the book to the slowly growing stack on my dresser;)

It is true, that many of these fairy tale retellings that I want to read are out of print. Kind of sad, that they haven't released digital editions. I do buy used copies too.

Lisa wrote: "There isn't a kindle version of this one and the library here doesn't have it, so looks like I will buy it too and that way my daughter gets to read it as well. I listened to this in audiobook form..."

I just wanted to let you know they do have a kindle version, new cover!

http://www.amazon.com/Cloaked-Alex-Fl...

Lisa wrote: "Mindy, I could never get by with just 4 bookcases. lol I am fortunate enough to have a room in my house designated as a library. It has 4 floor to ceiling bookshelves, three other half shelves and ..."

Wow, Lisa, you have a real library in your home:D I have moved so many times through the years, and book boxes are the heaviest! That is why I have that one special bookcase.

Lisa wrote: "Oh, forgot to say buying used is great, but I actually had credit so got the paperback free. Since both my daughters and myself will read it, I think it was a good use of my credit."

Yes, I'm a used-book buyer too!

So...I've begun reading Cloaked and it's really fun. I think this is the third book I've read by Flinn and it might be my favorite, aside from the online chats in Beastly. She's balancing a lot of fairy tales (The Elves and the Shoemaker, Cinderella, The Seven Swans to name a few) and doing it really well, thus far, like spinning a bunch of plates. Even though I've had to retire all my heels, I'm a shoe lover so I don't get tired of all the shoe references, etc.

I did realize there was a kindle version after all when I went to buy it, but the paperback was actually less expensive and easier to share, so went with that. We moved many times too (military) but the books were always the first packed and unpacked, other than essential dishes. Admittedly, there were a lot less in earlier years. Now I have to have my own books, which are many and very diversified, curriculum books, Rick's (my hubby) books, books for Alex (my grandson) to read, ones for me to read aloud to him, and ones for him to grow into, especially the classics. I also have many of my daughter's books on my shelves.

Lisa wrote: "I did realize there was a kindle version after all when I went to buy it, but the paperback was actually less expensive and easier to share, so went with that. We moved many times too (military) bu..."

That is wonderful that all your books are part of your family's lives and that you share the love of reading together!

How is everyone else's reading going? I'll probably finish in the next couple of days. I found the first half of the book strong. When they reached Wendell and the giants, it felt rather madcap. So that wasn't my favorite part of the story. The cloak started feeling a bit Deus ex machina, so (view spoiler)[I was kind of glad when they lost it, it got destroyed! (hide spoiler)] I began enjoying the story more again when they got back to Caroline.

Soooo...I'm still plugging away with Cloaked. I find I'm enjoying parts of the story, but not all of it, so I find myself putting it down to go off and read something else. My interest seems to drift with the kind of zany/wacky parts. I like the shoe/Elves and the Shoemaker stuff, and the swan stuff. The rest reads a little bit chaotic for me. I've got six more chapters, and hoping to finish soon.

Lisa,
My 4 books cases are 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide so they hold a lot. A couple shelves are double stacked...so that helps. I have another book case in my bedroom and both my kids have them also. However I've been really ruthless in getting rid of books a couple times. I still have books from when I was a kid, all the classics from school (which my kids have used when they read them in school) and the ones I really love.
I also have maxed out my kindle twice. I've started storing the books on my computer and 4 terrabyte drive because they won't all fit on the kindle. At this point I can never die because I won't be able to finish all the books...and that's saying something since I read between 10 and 20 books a month.

So I finished the book. I liked all the different fairy tale elements, but my favorite parts were the parts between the mother and son and the boy and girl. So I'm not sure the parts I liked had anything to do with fairy tales. The "normal" life stuff was better in my opinion.

Mindy, it sounds like your household is very similar to mine!

Mindy wrote: "I also have maxed out my kindle twice. I've started storing the books on my computer and 4 terrabyte drive because they won't all fit on the kindle. At this point I can never die because I won't be able to finish all the books...and that's saying something since I read between 10 and 20 books a month. "

WOW!!!! :D I thought my kindle was loaded, lol! I was such an avid reader when I was growing up, and over the past few years have been able to start reading much more again. It's lovely and I thoroughly enjoy it!

So...I finished Cloaked last night. Yay:) Chapter 45 was really funny to me. (view spoiler)[ The mutual rejections of Johnny/Princess and Meg/Prince made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I did love the end with the Gianni G-I-A-N-N-I Marco shows and the "marketing plan". (hide spoiler)]

This book had me laughing several times. And face-palming. How can boys be so OBLIVIOUS?!? I asked myself. Heidi, I liked the plans Johnny found, too. I liked how fantastical AND down to earth things were.

Karla wrote: " I liked how fantastical AND down to earth ..."

Karla, excellent observation. I have to agree the mix made for some laugh out loud moments!

Sorry about just now joining in! I finished the book last week but it's been a bit busy as we are visiting abroad with my sister. I really enjoyed this book! There were so many different fairy tales all included into one tale. I thought the king of Florida bit was awesome! I love the interactions between all the characters and the magic involved throughout the story. The simple relationships made for an easy read as well I think. All in all a nice read, well worth it!

Shanna wrote: "Sorry about just now joining in! I finished the book last week but it's been a bit busy as we are visiting abroad with my sister. I really enjoyed this book! There were so many different fairy tale..."

Shanna, thanks for taking the time to check in during your international travels! I loved the King of Florida, Six Swans part of the story too. One of the parts that really made smile.

I first read this book a few years ago but had forgotten about it. It was so fun to read again and I love that she weaves in so many lesser known fairy tales. It's a fun book to read!

A. wrote: "I first read this book a few years ago but had forgotten about it. It was so fun to read again and I love that she weaves in so many lesser known fairy tales. It's a fun book to read!"

A., I wa also impressed with her weaving in of several fairy tales! So tricky. Thank you for reading it again and joining the group discussion.

Sorry about not joining the conversation sooner. I am actually only slightly over half way through, but am enjoying reading Cloaked. I had listened to it as an audiobook a few years ago and enjoyed it then. I love all the variety of tales that are included or referenced in subtle ways.

Lisa wrote: "Sorry about not joining the conversation sooner. I am actually only slightly over half way through, but am enjoying reading Cloaked. I had listened to it as an audiobook a few years ago and enjoyed..."


It's a fun, zany ride. I know I'm repeating myself but The Elves and the The Shoemaker has always been one of my favorites and I love shoes, so I just love that part of the story. It was very well done.

Finished Cloaked yesterday and totally enjoyed the entire book. So many tales were touched upon. I also liked all the different relationships represented - siblings, parent/child, male friendship/rivalry, male/female friendship and turning into a couple. The book clearly represents my firm belief that the best romantic relationships start with a firm friendship.

Shanna, I liked the king of Florida too! And I agree with Lisa that this book did a good job of showing relationships. I thought it was interesting how many opportunities there were for people to reevaluate their friendships. In several instances, it almost seemed like the friend(s) had to ask, "I know I'm not the friend you thought I was, but isn't this so much better?" (The six swans, the Fox, the best friend.)