Finished reading The Host a couple days ago. It was a good one, I really enjoyed it. It was just right... not too sci-fi, just the right amount of action, one or two good romances and some nice human relationships. The Husband read it, too and gave it two thumbs up. That Stephenie... we love her.
I'm still finding time to read fairly regularly! This makes me happy. A quick update of what's been on my nightstand recently...
The Goose Girl is a book that my sister recommended to me a couple of years ago. I never got around to picking it up, so she finally brought me her copy the last time she visited. Okay, so once I did pick it up I barely put it down. I started reading one evening and finished the next morning, stopping only to slumber briefly and send the children off to school. A fascinating fairy tale, nicely written. Who knew I would enjoy this whole fantasy genre as much as I do? I liked it so much that I quickly borrowed its sequel from the library. (Why does everything I read lately have a sequel?)
Enna Burning was a good read but didn't capture my attention like Goose Girl did. I started reading and put it down for a while. I picked it back up again a couple weeks later and finished it in two days. The story took a while to get going but once it did I was eager to read on. It was good enough that I'm planning to pick up the next in the series, River Secrets. And I'm looking forward to reading more of Shannon Hale's writing.
But first, I can't wait to start reading The Host! The Husband bought it for me while he was grocery shopping the other day (sweet). I've been planning to get it since it was released a few weeks ago but have just been too busy. I'm so glad he thought of it. I'll start reading it tonight. I wonder if it will be as bewitching as the Twilight series was for me. I hope it will because, wow that was/is a fun trip and I hope it won't because, gah I just don't have the energy to be that invested in two series! We shall see...
Picked up this book at the library the other day. I wanted to get another Jane Austen but was relegated to the Children's floor by Cha-Cha's rambunctiousness (wow, that's a long word!). I had a mental list of three or four Young Adult books that had been recommended to me recently but every. single. one. was checked out! Pout! I was just about to give up when I saw Uglies. I'd heard of it, but never anything about it. I braced myself for a book about high school cliques and cattiness but it turned out to be more interesting than that.
A futuristic world based on superficial milestones where perceptions are carefully controlled. A cautionary tale reminiscent of 
The Pedestrian and The Giver , it's a slightly disturbing and thought-provoking look at where the future could lead.
An entertaining read and, wouldn't you know it, there's a sequel. Now I've gotta find out what becomes of Tally and David, I guess I know what I'll be reading next, ah well guess I'll make the most of my time in the Children's Library...
Finished reading Pride and Prejudice the other day. Loved it! A happy ending is always nice and it was all wrapped up so neatly, sometimes that's refreshing. No loose ends to ponder, just a good story that worked out in the end.
Now I have the movies to look forward to! I rented the Keira Knightly version and can't wait to watch it tonight. We'll see if The Husband will give in and watch it with me. I figure that he owes me since he's been away the last two weeks!
I'm trying to figure out when to watch the A&E version. How does one find time to watch a five-hour movie... break it up over several nights or a Saturday marathon!? Hmmm... we'll see!
Now, which Jane Austen book shall I read next?
I've heard good things about all of them. Recently I've heard several people claim Persuasion as their favorite. What do you think? You were all so nice to chime in on my Pride and Prejudice decision, do you have a favorite Jane Austen novel?
Wow, thanks for all your comments and input on my Pride & Prejudice quandry! It's fun to see how much excitement this book generates! I've decided to read the book first and then to watch both the A&E version and the Kiera Knightley version of the movie. Not sure which one first, probably the KK one since it appears I'll need oodles of time to watch the A&E one!
I was delighted to come across this post (a smackdown, even), discussing the movies, just a few days after posting my question. Good to know each movie merits such loyalty, they must both be great.
Just borrowed this from the library. I know, can you believe it, I've never read it? Crazy, huh?
Now though, I'm trying to decide... should I read it first or watch the movies first? I know, can you believe it, I've never seen the movies either!?
Will I be disappointed with the movies if I read it first? We all know, books are always better than the movie. Or is it better to know the whole story before venturing into the movie?
Okay then, which movie is your favorite? The A&E version, the Keira Knightley version or the Classic version?
Oh, the dilemmas I face...
Finished Eclipse last Saturday and hmmmm... I'm still in an Edward fog. Captivated by this series. Slightly disturbed by my fascination with Edward. Not disturbed enough to need one of these...
but disturbed enough to come across it in my quest for more Edward! Yikes!
These books really got me. Such a surprise, since they're nothing I would have ever expected to be tangled up in. Typically I'm a pretty practical girl. I've never been a fan of fantasy, nevermind vampires of all things. I'm not even particularly a romance reader. Mysteries are more for me. I'm not prone to obsessive fan-dom, I've even been known to chuckle condescendingly at Harry Potter enthusiasts. I don't waste time gushing over beautiful celebrities, yet here I am consumed by this fictional character. Ahhh... Edward, be still my heart.
My sister assures me that this daze will pass, that she was just as preoccupied after finishing the last book, but I'm not so sure... Do I even want it to pass since it's such a nice escape? Ultimately I do, as it's become somewhat time consuming or should I just say consuming. Ahem... here are some of the things I've found in my Twilight pursuits, things that make me unreasonably happy. Maybe they'll make you happy, too -- if you've taken the dive and fallen as hard as I have...
The first chapter of Midnight Sun, Edward's version of Twilight *sigh*
Some outtakes from Stephenie's books... Twilight and New Moon
Playlists from each book... Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse (and a website that's pulled them all up for you to listen to)
The back story of the characters via personal correspondence from the author, herself
Evidence that other adult women are as enamored as I am (possibly even more so)
More details from Stephenie (she's bewitched by Edward, too -- somehow that makes me feel better)
A movie to look forward to (please be true to the book). Edward incarnate. Isn't he beautiful?
Gah! Must. Stop. Is there a twelve-step program for this? Have you ever fallen head-over-heels for a fictional character? Do tell...
sigh... delicious!
Just finished reading...
Yum! Say what you will about these books but I can't stop smiling since finishing New Moon two days ago. Let yourself go. Read them for what they are... entertainment, a delightful fantasy... you won't regret it. Grin. Thank you Stephenie Meyer. Can't wait to read Eclipse. Maybe next week, I'm still enjoying the high from this one!
Almost forgot to tell you, I finished The Poisonwood Bible last week. Lusciously written and thought provoking, as usual.
A wonderful story, but the political aspects are unsettling. Both because if they're completely true they're ugly and because I'm not sure that they are completely true. Or at least not as cut and dry as they come across. I'm certainly not well educated in the history of Africa but I'm sure there were a lot more layers involved in the decisions that were made and that the solutions are not as simple as Leah makes them seem. It is, after all, a novel so the "facts" are from the viewpoint of fictional characters and colored by their fictional experiences. I just wonder about people reading a book like this and taking the information as truth and perpetuating this particular viewpoint as "truth." Especially since this book has been so popular and widely read. Well, at least this story piques curiosity and hopefully provokes readers to look into the issues themselves. I know I'm interested in learning more.
I have a question, though, for anyone out there who's read it. How did you interpret the last chapter? The part where Orleanna and her three daughters are trying to find the village where they had lived and the woman in the market tells them that it never existed. That threw me for a loop and I'm not sure how to take it. What is she trying to say? Am I missing something simple or is it completely symbolic?
I'm not sure what I'm going to read next. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to have time to read for a while. So much going on. Hopefully, I won't go for too long without starting another book. A good book is such a nice escape!
The Poisonwood Bible is currently on my nightstand. I started it a few days ago. Once again, beautifully written but, not calling me to bed early to read... yet. If it's anything like Prodigal Summer I'll be sucked in soon. I'm looking forward to that.
I thought my next book would be New Moon, the sequel to Twilight, but I decided to wait. I've heard mixed reviews and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. I find that I'm still curious so I think I will. Perhaps my next book.
Yep, finished Twilight already! I bought it on Friday night and finished it in the wee hours of Sunday morning. I found myself picking it up repeatedly all day Saturday... just one more chapter. It was an unexpectedly delightful balance of dark and delicious!
It's a young adult novel so I didn't have any expectations of life changing insights. Truly, I doubted that I would like it at all. Vampires? Not something I've ever been interested in. What I did find was a very entertaining story, fun to read. The intensity of the main characters' relationship was palpable. I really got sucked in, obviously. I guess I know what my next read will be!
photo is the cover of the German version of Twilight... find out more here
I finished Prodigal Summer yesterday. I finally got into it and really enjoyed it. It was fun getting to know the characters. There is a very definite agenda... let nature rule, it is pushed through in every story line. I did find myself thinking, "Okay, got it already, move on" at times but the story is beautifully written and I found myself wanting to follow the characters' journeys beyond the end of the book.
Okay, next... I picked up Twilight tonight unexpectedly. I thought I'd take a look at it on my way through Barnes and Noble. I keep hearing about it but I just have trouble believing it will be something I'll enjoy. It's definitely not my typical genre. I've heard good things but then I read this on the back of the book...An Amazon "Best Book of the Decade...So Far" and decided I'd better pick it up! Hmmm... can't miss out on something like that. I'll let you know!
Finished reading Shoot the Moon last night. An entertaining read. I love a good mystery and this one actually surprised me. I usually suspect everyone at some point in the story but this time the actual killer never crossed my mind.
I finished reading Good Grief a couple days ago. I loved this book! The emotions are so true to life that I could feel them in my own body as I read. I found myself identifying with Sophie even though I've never been in a situation remotely like hers. Ultimately the book is a delicious illustration of how charity and being needed by others triumphs over grief. Selfishness never is happiness even when it seems most deserved. Very inspiring...
I am now reading Shoot the Moon. I read Where the Heart Is years ago but have never heard anything about this book. The first eleven chapters were devoured on the first night (despite The Husband's admonishment to turn off the light and go to sleep)! Very interesting so far...
Still reading! A friend and I had a conversation about books recently and realized that we have similar tastes. She passed this one on to me and recommended a few others. Some of you have recommended books as well. It's exciting to have so many books to look forward to reading! There's nothing like a good book!
I started reading Good Grief yesterday. I only got through a little more than a chapter because I tried to read while at the pool with the kids. Even with The Husband there it was diffficult to get more than a few uninterrupted minutes! I think I read every paragraph three times because I had to stop and start so many times! Ah well, such is the life! Anyway, so far so good!
Okay, I finished reading The Lovely Bones. I started it on Tuesday night and finished it on Wednesday night. I could. not. put. it. down! Just one more chapter... Possibly more for closure than not being able to get enough. I just wanted things to get better.
The book was strange to me. The first 2/3 of it I was completely invested... I was there... I was part of it... sick with the horror of it. Then the last third I was just reading. She kind of lost me somewhere. This seems to happen frequently when I'm reading. It feels like toward the end of the book the author just tries to wrap it up. The crux of the story is told and they lose steam. Does anyone else feel this way? Don't get me wrong, the story was very skillfully written... I felt like I was part of it until the end when I became just a spectator.
Anyway, for anyone who hasn't read it... the actual story was very disturbing and I'm still working that part out for myself. So much I want to say about it but I'm not sure. It was a very interesting viewpoint of a family in crisis, a fascinating way to narrate the story although it became slightly unbelievable in certain chapters towards the end. Oi... aren't you glad I'm not a book critic? Can't put it into words... A good read, although stomach turning. Some details were a bit too depraved for me, just ugly, and I'm trying to decide if they were all necessary. Anyway... an engrossing book overall.
I'm happy to report that I'm still reading! Just finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Such an interesting book. I'm fascinated by how complex the lives of autistic people can be and the effect on everyone who interacts with them. My response to them will definitely be different in the future. It's a very good read, the author really draws you into this boy's world.
The Lovely Bones is on my nightstand now. I picked it up yesterday on my bi-weekly trip to Target(thats gotta stop). I've been wanting to read it for a while. I don't know anything about it, the name caught my interest and I've heard that it's good. There's a review at the link listed above but I averted my eyes... can't wait to start reading it myself. Maybe tonight...I love to read! For years now I've neglected that passion. With each child I've gradually found less and less time to indulge. I think last year I may have eked out two books and I believe both were read while on vacation. Sad, I know. Well, I'm happy to say that it appears change is in the air. Not sure how, but I've managed to read two novels and half of a health book in the last month or so.
