Merry Christmas to me!

Sometimes we have to splurge on ourselves, right? Our school library is introducing eBooks to our students this year! Our school system has received a technology grant. With the increasing popularity of eBooks, we thought it was time to embrace this new technology. The library media specialist has an iPad. I've been using googlebooks on my phone up to now. When searching for that perfect gift for my family, I saw the Nooks available at the nearby Barnes and Noble. Why choose Nook? #1 answer - Convenience. The store is nearby so if I should have any problems with my eBook, I could drive 10 minutes away for easy tech support.

The next decision? Which one to choose. I personally chose the Nook Simple Touch. I have a smartphone and a laptop. Although the Nook Color and Nook Tablet have intriguing features like color and... the sole purpose of my purchase was to have an eReader. The price was a factor too. (My trip out WAS to get Christmas presents for my family)

"Best e-ink reader" -CNET, 06/01/2011

• NEW! Breakthrough E Ink® 6" display-25% faster
• NEW! Best-Text™ - ultra-crisp, just like paper
• Ultra-light plus longest battery life-over 2 months¹ (courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

 Can I just say that this was a pure case of judging a book by it's cover (and pictures inside too)! When browsing Barnes and Noble for the newest arrivals, this book caught my attention. The story tells of Jacob, who's lived with his grandfather's tales of extraordinary children and the home run by Mrs. Peregrine, fondly called the Bird, as they stayed in off the coast of Wales (a part of the British Islands for those who need a geography lesson) When Jacob is young he believes the tales his grandfather tells, especially when his grandfather has pictures to prove it. However, as Jacob grows older he start to have his doubts. Jacob's father tells me of his grandfather's life as one of the many children sent away from their parents during World War II. But when Jacob witnesses his grandfathers tragic, horrific death it leaves him even more confused. Was the grandfather telling the truth? The solution, find the island and the Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

I certainly don't want to give away the entire plot. The story line is about as odd as the pictures added throughout the book. Did I like the story..... yes, I guess. The story line was weaker than I would like. What kept me reading was finding out how Mr. Rigg's managed to relate the pictures to the story. Would I recommend the book. Yes, to the right person. It was an easy read and would be a good book for those young reluctant readers who enjoy a photo to help the plot.