+WELCOME
Welcome to, our “Reading Den”…
kick off your shoes & come on in!
Lists, opinions, author links & news ...
& lots of helpful, piffy reviews.
So grab a latte’ & a comfy chair…
we have a lot of books to share.
here in the den
WHAT’S IN MY CD PLAYER?
What makes us special?
In a word — Passion!
Reading and books in general have been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl. Honestly,
I just can’t imagine what my life would be like without books. I have great respect for those who share their imaginations and literary creativity with the world…However, my personal admiration plays no role in my opinion of the book itself.
- I do not give good reviews, they are earned. My opinions are honest, unbiased and presented in an informative and easy to navigate format. It’s my goal to share the magic of books with others in a friendly setting, much like sitting with friends in the den. You can read more about the creation of
THE HOBBIT….A CLASSIC
New York Times Fiction Best Sellers – March 31, 2013
- 1 ALEX CROSS RUN by James Patterson
- 2 WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
- 3 THE STORYTELLER by Jodi Picoult
- 4 GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn
- 5 SAFE HAVEN by Nicholas Sparks
2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults list,
- Carson, Rae. The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
- Cohen, Joshua C. Leverage.
- King, A.S. Everybody Sees the Ants.
- McCall, Guadalupe Garcia. Under the Mesquite.
- Myracle, Lauren. Shine.
- Ness, Patrick. A Monster Calls. Illus by Jim Kay.
- Sepetys, Ruta. Between Shades of Gray.
- Stiefvater, Maggie. The Scorpio Races.
- Taylor, Laini. Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
- Zarr, Sara. How to Save a Life.
Facebook
Description
Find the best books and media for teens, as selected by library staff and educators across the United States! The Teen Book Finder, generously funded by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, offers easy access to the titles honored each year by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. Search for books by title, author, genre, award, or list; create a reading list with the favorites button; share what you’re reading on Facebook and Twitter; and find a copy of the book in your local library, all from one screen! Not sure where to start? YALSA offers three hot picks on the homepage each day.
74 responses to “+WELCOME”
Ervin Alcordo
December 25th, 2012 at 22:30
Found another great website!
I looking forward to see you daily post in this rjscafe blog related about books and many more.
Thanks
Ervin Alcordo
Amazebooks | Download Ebooks
paul
December 16th, 2012 at 20:02
thank you , I’ve found the information I was looking for
Jules Aspinall
September 19th, 2012 at 16:44
This is my first visit, very impressed. Absolutely love the look, would like to curl up in the reading den with current book Mockingjay. Will definitely be back, Jules
arialleeve
July 4th, 2012 at 06:33
Very cute..
I love your template… I like the way you arrange your images.
doryan
November 5th, 2011 at 07:49
Your reading den is so cool, I think I will learn a lot from that reading den, those are books for real!
Zero Dramas
RJ
May 3rd, 2011 at 21:29
I love your blog. I love that your opinions are fair, balanced and provide lots of added information. Like the book lists, information for parents, websites, etc., it’s really great, keep up the excellent work.
Aeroo
April 8th, 2011 at 17:44
Your site is very nice. I like to read your opinions.
Karen
November 19th, 2010 at 13:51
Love your site. I have a wordpress blog as well but am having a hard time moving around in it and adding things to it, I think it’s because it’s the free version and it’s limited. Unless I’m such a dummy and just don’t get it. My blog at blogspot is much easier for me (they do everything you just add the content).
I’m a book reader and reviewer and also participate in giveaways and contests. I’ve found a lot of sites that I just love since I’ve started my blog.
Happy endings,
Karen / lilk13
http://lilk13.blogspot.com
http://lilk13.wordpress.com
hdpe cage
June 10th, 2010 at 23:51
i come from china,your blog is very good.
RJ
June 16th, 2010 at 20:27
Thank you – I hope you stop by often!
Happy Reading,
~Rj
Lisa A
April 24th, 2010 at 15:48
Lots of big titles on the way, anxious for your opinions.
Oh yea, love the new look here at the Den, fits perfect.
Happy Reading!
Barbara
April 24th, 2010 at 15:47
I love the new look, it’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
Barisha
January 11th, 2010 at 16:11
Love the site, enjoy all the extras, the pics really make it nice and i like visiting the links. Happy New Year. Barisha
Mary E.
December 29th, 2009 at 15:22
Happy Birthday RJ! Amazing site, very comfortable and inviting and the content is superb. Keep up the good work.
Best wishes to you for the New Year.
Mary E.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2009 at 16:44
great blog adn great reviews. enjoy it very much. wish you merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Amy
November 21st, 2009 at 15:15
I am now addicted to audio, I had never bought or even listened to one until after I read a few of your reviews, I found Simple Genius at the library and loved it, (even though I had read the book when it first released, I really enjoyed it and noticed a few things I either missed or had forgotten. it was great.) I have a collection going and a wish list a mile long, I should buy some stock in Hachete Books since I am buying so many of their books. A million kudos and thank yous for your wonderful reviews and opening the audio door for this book lover, at 50 I am once again excited about Christmas (because I know I am getting lots of new audio books)
Happy Holidays to you and your family, hope Santa brings you lots of books to share with us!
Merry Christmas, Amy from Michigan
Diane
November 16th, 2009 at 19:22
I love your blog, hope you are feeling better and back blogging real soon.
Cheers
Diane P
GregD33
October 28th, 2009 at 16:17
Great blog. Refreshing and original delivery. Kudos to you for a job well done.
Greg D33
Dominia E.
September 27th, 2009 at 14:48
Great book blog that looks great too. The reviews help a lot, thanx, i look forward to your holiday reviews, will you include movies, at least the ones based on books? hope so.
Happy reading to you too.
Dominia
Johny H.
September 13th, 2009 at 18:02
I really enjoyed your blog, I can tell how passionate you are in reading and sharing your thoughts about books.
I know that everyone has their opinion about a book and not any 1 opinion is the right one for all…
but when you tell your story and review of what the books took you through, it was, for the most part, the same review I would give.
Thanks for the inspiration!
cdsite
September 8th, 2009 at 22:18
It is really a good work to have such usefull blog like this.
Becky
September 1st, 2009 at 16:05
Wonderful blog. I like your reviews and the links are nice.
Kevin
August 12th, 2009 at 09:02
Great blog. You have an eye for design- it looks great, inviting and pleasing to the senses which sets the ideal mood for enjoying a book. I am especially enjoying the audio references and have given several as gifts this year (based on your opinions) and you have yet to fail me or make me look bad. Thanx, Kev
PS
I hope you will be reviewing the audios that release for and during the holidays
Monique
August 12th, 2009 at 08:42
I like the Den it is comfortable and cozy I can see myself cuddled up with a throw, right here with a wine or latte. Congrat’s to you for a job well done. Very nice!
Dan S.
August 10th, 2009 at 17:08
Great blog site! I love it! Your reviews are very good and helpful. Keep it up!
Dan S.
Ashley
July 29th, 2009 at 20:48
What an amazing place! I looovvveee it!
Julie
July 29th, 2009 at 14:17
Great site! I was shocked when i read the banned list, some of those books i consider classics and shared with my children and grandkids too. Your blog is well put together and feels friendly and comfortable. Cheers!
Bill
July 29th, 2009 at 14:05
Aewesome blog, i enjoy your reviews and the lists are interesting. the layout is real nice.
Natalie
June 24th, 2009 at 13:23
Awesome site! So much to read and look at. I’ll be back :0)
MommyBloggers
June 18th, 2009 at 10:41
Your site is very good, looks nice, gives useful information and it is easy to move around and find what things. There are lots of good information throughout your site and I enjoy visiting. Keep up the good blogging. MommyBloggers Rule!
Jane
May 13th, 2009 at 18:37
I agree with the previous posters. Very Good reviews, nice layout. I like it very much and have found books i would not have known about so i make point to visit this site and 2 other independent sites before i decide.
Mariann
May 6th, 2009 at 14:17
I didn’t think i would like narrated books, but youre so right, audio lets busy booklovers have the cake and eat it too, thank you for the audio info and links, its great. i love this blog!
Bret
May 6th, 2009 at 13:59
You have an incredible site. Your reviews are thoughtful, insightful and most important, helpful. I bought Water 4 Elephants, A Nail Through Heart and Society of S based on your posts and enjoyed all 3. My friend and sister check your site too before heading to the store or library. Thank you and happy reading to you too!
Bret & Hannah, WI
Jenny
April 19th, 2009 at 18:44
Awesome blog !!!
Sheeri
April 9th, 2009 at 15:32
Love the site, the links for parents are most helpful, looking forward to the youth reviews. keep up the good work.
Sheeri
Grace L
April 9th, 2009 at 09:04
This is a awesone blog, the reviews really help readers pick a book to enjoy, thanks. I favored it .
Flo
April 7th, 2009 at 12:08
Hi, sweetie,
i’m impressed by this website ! very good job. I read a lot, in french, you know that, anyway, let me some time to read and understand all, if i’m lucky i’ll ended on 2010 -)
Very great,
hugs to you
Flo
mona c
March 24th, 2009 at 17:14
wow this is a nice site. i agree with the other comments. great reviews, helpful resources and cool lists. Awesome.
Padfoot
February 24th, 2009 at 03:45
Sarah N.
February 19th, 2009 at 15:39
I love your blog. I agree with the previous posters, the reviews are great, the site is pleasing to the eye, homey, comfortable and inviting, and you offer lots of information and numerous outside resources. Wonderful! Hope you have a fine ’09.
Miliane
February 9th, 2009 at 16:28
Awesome site, lots of information and lots of books I have not seen elsewhere (*a few I am going to check out). You put a lot of work into this and it shows. Cheers!
B.M. Garrett
January 14th, 2009 at 18:02
Great website! Hope that 2009 brings you great success.
rakesh
January 7th, 2009 at 01:58
this really is some site…great book reviews…
Maxi
December 8th, 2008 at 12:33
Great blog – very inviting.
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
Anonymous
May 29th, 2008 at 12:37
Hi, RJ,
I left a comment and invitation on your crimespace page.
Like your web site.
RJ
May 22nd, 2008 at 19:41
THANK YOU very, very much to everyone – for all your kind words of support, encouragement and kudo’s…I love hearing from our visitors! Keep those notes comin’ –
Wishing everyone a safe & happy hoilday weekend.
Smiles & Happy Reading,
resident reviewer,
-RJ
Stephen
May 8th, 2008 at 12:56
Thanks for all the great information. This will help bring about great things to my new book “21 Days To Creating Your Dream Life”.
Thank You,
Stephen Mark, Author
Danny DeWolf
March 29th, 2008 at 12:11
I would like to know where to send my book of poetry, Three Cups of Coffee and a Book, for review. I would appreciate any information you could give me, thank you for your time.
David Corbett
December 3rd, 2007 at 16:05
Thank you so very much for your kind words about my humble little book. I am always thrilled when the little creature finds a welcoming reader, and he apparently did so when he found you. Best wishes in your voluminous and apparently ceaseless reading. And congratulations on an inviting, informative, and visually arresting website.
Norene Daughtery
October 29th, 2007 at 03:52
Hi 3Rs
Just read Switching TIme, dang is that out there or what? Thanks for putting up reviews for all kinds of books and for stating not so popular opinions – Keep Reading & Happy Reading to you too!
Great site! Love the holiday decorating here in The Den. comfy, cool and did i say comfy?
Mary Cunningham
October 16th, 2007 at 11:55
Thanks, again, RJ for the “magnificently magical” reviews! I’m honored to be listed on your site.
Cheers!
Mary
Moontipigirl
October 16th, 2007 at 11:53
Another great site representing a wide range of fabulous reading material, if only there were more hours in the day! Visit me at my site and maybe take a look at my book ‘Searching for Mooneyes’ on amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
thanks and see you all again soon!
Whitefeather
Satis Shroff
September 11th, 2007 at 04:15
Hi RK!
Namaste! I’ve visited you site often in the past and I find it wonderful. The whole concept is genial and I wish you a lot of fun doing the reviews. Perhaps I’ll also send you books for review. Ciao!
Satis
Trish
September 4th, 2007 at 09:34
Hey Sweetie! Great website! I am impressed…..and very proud of you. I personally don’t read much…..It is hard with work and everything, but after reading some of the reviews, I just might start trying to squeeze in some time! I am happy you found something you love. Take Care…..Lots of Love
Trish
Michael
August 27th, 2007 at 21:16
Very Interesting. Excellent layout & style, very unique – which is nice to find. Your reviews take the reader right to edge. The trademark of a skilled reviewer and those are a dying breed. Congratulations & keep up the good work.
Kelly Jameson
July 31st, 2007 at 14:15
Thank you for the brilliant review RJ.
I love the site.
I’ll be sending you my next book for review when it’s ready!
Cheers, Kelly Jameson
Shannon
July 29th, 2007 at 16:56
Thank you for your wonderful and encouraging words about “Elwood’s Crown.”
Shannon Rumple
Author of “Elwood’s Crown”
and “Fly Cake” coming soon!
Caroline Jarramali
July 29th, 2007 at 11:41
Thank you for inviting me here to your wonderful reading den RJ, I could just see myself curled up in that cosy armchair right now, reading one of the books you’ve reviewed. Your site is marvellous, so clear and easy to follow, and so very soothing and relaxing with the well-chosen music. Kudos my friend, and Good Luck with it all.
Scott William Foley
July 13th, 2007 at 11:09
Hi, RJ! I really like the new site! Keep up the wonderful work you’re doing. You are a true friend to the writing community and we should all be thankful to have someone like you in our lives, supporting our work.
Yours,
Scott William Foley
Mary Cunningham
July 5th, 2007 at 11:43
The new site is great, RJ.
Pleasing, very bookish, easy to navigate. I’ll look forward to your reviews of “Cynthia’s Attic.”
Best,
Mary
music store
July 4th, 2007 at 16:57
Hi, I appreciate the information on your blog. Also some interesting comments here.
Sharon J. Bainbridge
June 26th, 2007 at 18:45
RJ
I love the site and the music is amazing.
Clever you!
Well done. And hope you have lots of good luck with your health.
Love Bee x
Daryl Worcester
June 25th, 2007 at 21:43
Thank you the visit and I really enjoy your site.
I have several books published and was wondering if you would like to review them?
Daryl
Kat Michaels
June 25th, 2007 at 16:18
Impressive, informative, easy to get around! My goodness you’ve done it again! Congratulations and it is an honor to have you as a reviewer!
Amy Hanek
June 25th, 2007 at 10:27
Thanks for another wonderful place for me to go in search of other readers and writers. This is a great website!!
Amy
Rebecca
June 22nd, 2007 at 00:55
Hello RJ! This site is incredible! I love it. It’s very pleasing to the eye, easy to navigate, and I enjoy reading your reviews. You’re right, your reviews aren’t good– they are fantastic! I appreciate your insight on what you read. Have a wonderful day and take care!
J. D. Webb
June 21st, 2007 at 22:43
What tremendous reviews for Moon Over Chicago and Shepherd’s Pie. I’ve soared to cloud twelve – way past nine.
Your reviews really grabbed the essence of each book. I’ll forward my latest, Her Name Is Mommy, as soon as I can.
And I love the new site. Warm, inviting and informative. Now I shall kick back here and visit with some old and new author friends.
Much continued success.
Dave
Don Hooper
June 20th, 2007 at 05:39
Thank you for the wonderful reviews of both the Coomacka Island books. I appreciate all your hard work! I will be sending you the next book in the series when it’s ready.
Share the Love,
– Don
Tim Hallinan
May 27th, 2007 at 05:43
******************************************************
I am thrilled silly with you review – I am forwarding it to my editor and publicist ………. And we have made a note that you are to receive an ARC of Poke’s next outing as soon as we get them!
Take Care and thanks again!
-Tim
“A Nail Through The Heart” available June 26, 2007
Patrick
April 28th, 2007 at 08:38
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I am posting it upon the wall for all to see, and to brighten my day. I will be sending you the second adventure as soon as it comes off the press!
Your Friend & Storyteller
– Patrick
Carla Jo Masterson
April 22nd, 2007 at 06:10
“Thank you so much for your thoughtful and inspiring words! You review was insightful, from your comments about the cover (I wanted to create a book that would stand the test of time, especially in the libraries) and about the content, and Mr. Positively! You are not the run of the mill book reviewer. Thank so much for understanding my intent for the children and for this world. I will be putting your review on my website today!”
-Carla Jo Masterson author of What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow?
Samantha Graves
April 12th, 2007 at 11:14
“Thanks for your the wonderful review! You have made my day! I have added you to my permanent reviewer list!”
- Samantha Graves author of Sight Unseen
Kat Michaels
April 6th, 2007 at 08:12
“You have made my day! Thank you for the wonderful review! I will be referring all authors that contact me to you. I wish you the very best & will be sending my next book to you as soon as it is ready!”
- Kat Michaels author of Willow’s Bend
Andrew Gross
March 29th, 2007 at 10:15
“WOW, this is amazing! Thank you so much for your review of The Blue Zone! I am glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks again.”
- Andrew Gross author of The Blue Zone