Poison Study

So my mom tells me that it is a sign of maturity that I can stop reading a book that I don't enjoy. Man, I must be really mature. lol I keep starting books and then not finishing them. Nothing seems to be holding my interest. I've been looking for something really gripping...you know something that I really don't want to put down. The Twilight series and Harry Potter series were definitely like that for me. So are the Pendergast books and the Alex Delaware books. I decided to look at some threads on Amazon.com to see what people were reading to fill the Twilight void and picked up a few of the books at the library.

The book I started with was Poison Study by Maria Snyder, and I must say I was very impressed. I really enjoyed this book. Poison Study is a fantasy book, but really only has a little big of magic in it. The main character Yelena is in prison for murder and is offered the chance to become the Commander's food tasters instead of being executed. I really liked the character of Yelena as well as that of Valek, who teaches her about poisons. This was definitely a book that I had a hard time putting down. I have already reserved the next two books in the series at the library, so I will keep you posted.

Reading now: Sunshine
Coming soon: Outlander, Post-mortem, Magic Study

My Sister's Keeper

I should probably wait to talk about My Sister's Keeper since without giving too much away, I absolutely despised the ending to this book. Jodi Picoult seems to have a great talent in writing the most depressing books. Okay, let's see if I can separate out my immediate feelings from just finishing this book. I do like Picoult's style of switching points of view from one character to another. I find it to be a very effective way of getting the full story. Obviously just from the subject matter you know that this book will be somewhat depressing. The book deals with a family who has a daughter who has a form of leukemia and decides to have another child who will be a good donor for her. The younger daughter hires a lawyer to sue for the right to make her own medical decisions, basically to be able to make the choice herself whether or not to donate to her sister. Obviously the subject matter itself is not even remotely cheerful. I did like seeing the complexity of the situation from everyone's point of view. I also liked the added distraction of the side story of the lawyer involved. I'm pretty sure if I were still a child that my parents would not have let me read this book (just like I wasn't allowed to watch Irreconcilable Differences ) because they would be worried that I would get some bad ideas...have I ever told you that I once organized a strike against my parents picketing for children's rights? Well, that's a story for another day... In any case, if you find that your life is just a little too cheery and you can't find the cloud to fit your silver lining, this book is for you!

What's next? Firefly Lane and The Gun Seller

The Year of Re-reading

So you all know that I have been reading the Twilight series over and over (and over). Well, I decided to re-read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince since the movie is coming out this summer. I am typically not one to re-read books even if I enjoy them. When I first started the book again I wasn't fully into it. However, once I got a little ways into it I really was just as engrossed as the first time I read it. I'm sure it helps that it has been several years since I first read this since I all but forgot what happened in the book. I know that a lot of people dismiss the Harry Potter books because they aren't into fantasy and the likes, but really the Harry Potter books are truly entertaining. The characters are very likable (or despicable as the case maybe be) and the plot is very engaging. As soon as I finished, I was ready to pick up the 7Th Harry Potter book right away (although that will have to wait until after I finish some of my library reserve books).

Confessions

So I read Confessions of a Shopaholic and I must admit I was not impressed. I went in expecting a light, fun, fluffy read. And while it was quite fluffy, I really did not enjoy it. Perhaps if I were more into shopping and fashion it would appeal to me more. But really I think what ruined it for me was the fact that the main character was not at all likable. Sure we all have problems that we need to overcome, but this woman constantly lies and schemes. Blah. I know that many people enjoy this series, but I for one am stopping after the first book.

True Detectives

Ah, Jonathan Kellerman... He has been my favorite author for years. I love the character Alex Delaware. I have been reading Alex Delaware books for around 20 years now (how odd that my parents would let such a young child read these books). In any case, True Detectives is not an Alex Delaware book, but he does make a few very small appearances.

True Detectives features Moses Reed and Aaron Fox, two brothers who we first saw in Bones. I was happy to read a little more about Mo Reed after getting a glimpse of him (and a possible romance) in Bones. Even though this isn't an Alex Delaware novel, it reads very similarly. It is still a detective book with various twists and turns. In addition, True Detectives adds the complication of the strained relationship between Reed and Fox. There are a few small cameos by Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware, as well as a few other regular Kellerman characters.

I really enjoyed this books, as most often is the case with Kellerman's books. I like that the conclusion isn't completely obvious throughout the book and yet isn't a complete shock. While True Detectives is pretty much a stand alone book, I recommend reading Bones first to get a little more background...well, if you are going to do that you should probably just go ahead and read all 23 Alex Delaware novels...

Fluff

So I decided to be a little more like Heather and read some "fluff" over vacation. I read Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella and Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. I am now wondering if all chick lit books involve affairs...it seems rather odd to me.

Remember Me? read exactly like a movie...a chick flick. It was good and entertaining, and I definitely wanted to find out what happened. Yet, I kind of felt let down at the end. I mean, it had a happy ending - I'm beginning to think that all books in this genre do, you know based on my vast experience of reading a total of 3 books - but I was left wanting more. I guess I'm not big into these glossed over romances. Yeah, I'm glad that the characters I like end up together at the end and everyone seems happy, but I want to know more about their relationship and where it goes. Maybe I would do better with a series where you continue to see a character and get to watch those relationships and lives grow a bit more. I'm far from deep...I spend my evenings watching Grey's Anatomy and House and the like. Heck I often even find Lost to be a little too involved. Yet, I find myself wanting a little more substance in my books. How odd.

Something Borrowed read a little less like a movie to me. I suppose it was a little more involved. I did however, find it odd to be rooting for someone to get together with her best friend's fiance. =) I suppose that is just my wholesome view point though (how does my halo look?). I did enjoy this book and definitely kept reading eagerly to find out how things would turn out. Something Borrowed does have another book after it, Something Blue, which I have not had a chance to read yet. However, from what I have seen, Something Blue changes view points to that of the best friend of the main character in Something Borrowed. I'm interested to see if this gives a little more depth and insight, or if it will simply seem like an unrelated story that just happens to start where th previous one left off. I'll keep you posted.

This past week I read Baby Proof also by Emily Giffin. I do have to say that this was probably my least favorite of the three chick books I have read so far. I think I didn't like it as much because it had a far more depressing tone to me. I felt like it didn't give enough glimpses of possible happiness or resolution as the other books did. It is about a couple who gets a divorce because after a couple years of marriage the husband decides he wants kids after they had always both said they didn't. I suppose I could also not like it as much because I can't relate as well to a woman not wanting kids...you know unlike how I can to a woman with amnesia who finds out she has been having an affair or a woman who is trying to steal her best friend's fiance. lol In any case, it was still an entertaining book, just not quite as happy or captivating as the other two. I also recommend reading this after Something Blue as it contains somewhat of a spoiler, even though the two books aren't reall related. Make sense?
So I think now my task is to find the right balance between complete fluff and books that make me feel like I am back in school.

Next up: Friday Night Knitting Club, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Something Blue and Wuthering Heights

That's my story...

and I'm sticking to it. Okay, it's confession time. Well, I guess it probably doesn't count as a confession if practically everyone knows it already. I have been reading the Twilight series, over, and over (and over). I think I have actually lost count of how many times I have read these books this year. But really, they fit very nicely on my treadmill bookholder while small paperbacks don't - and I wouldn't want to possibly mess up any books borrowed from friends or family with my bookholder either. At least that's what I tell myself. Of course, I don't always read the whole book at this point. I've been known to read only the beginning and end of New Moon or to skip the Jacob section of Breaking Dawn or occasionally just skip around to general sections that I like. I guess that reading these books just makes me happy. Even after all of these times I get somewhat giddy at the wonderful love story and some of the emotional exchanges between Bella and Edward. So if you haven't read these books, I highly recommend you treat yourself to them. I'm about to start The Host, also by Stephenie Meyer. I figure it will be nowhere as good as Twilight but I am hoping it will at least be entertaining.
My other confession is that I came this close to get a "classic" from the library today. I actually had Wuthering Heights in my hands and put it back on the shelf. Of course, I reasoned with myself that I should choose lighter reading for my vacation in a few days. Not to mention that I have a couple of reserve books coming in that will need to take priority. If I am being honest though, I am a little nervous about reading classics. Will they be remotely entertaining? Will I be bored to tears? Will I have flashbacks to high school English class? I understand that they are called classics for a reason, but I'm not sure that I buy that logic. I mean, I would really like my 5 hours back that I spent watching 2001: A Space Odyssey and Lawrence of Arabia. I don't know who determined that these are the greatest movies of all time, but I found them slow, boring and way too long. Maybe I just need a pep talk. Please tell me that some classics will actually hold my interest. What do you recommend for a novice like me?

light vacation reading: The Host, Remember Me?, Something Borrowed and possibly The Wednesday Letters

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was quite different than other books I have read. I loved the vivid description of circus life in the 1930s. Frankly, I had no knowledge of early circuses and barely any of life in the 1930s. Yet, Gruen's compelling story and often grim details brought the hard times to life. I found the story of love and mystery to be very intriguing. The story would switch back and forth between the main character Jacob in present day and back in the 30s. While for the most part the story focused on the 30s, the present day sections cleverly allowed for a detailed description of what happened after the main story without the need for an epilogue.
Jacob is quite a likable hero, from the inexperienced young man who actually ran away to join the circus to the old, stubborn man confined to a nursing home. Jacob begins the story within reach of pretty much an ideal life - graduating from Cornell and joining his father's veterinary practice. Jacob's life quickly goes downhill, ultimately leading him to stumble upon circus life. The story follows Jacob as he learns about the seedier side of the circus. In the process, Jacob learns about life, friendship and love. I highly recommend Water for Elephants.

Reading now: I'm picking up The Host tomorrow.
Next in line: My Sister's Keeper

The Literary History of Heather

Allison talked me into doing this reading blog thing with her and I'm finally getting around to introducing myself. I'm Heather, mom of 3 and reading addict. I have loved reading pretty much as long as I can remember. In my elementary days I holed myself in a corner of my room to read and often got books confiscated during class time at school. I continued reading for pleasure throughout junior high and high school, although not as much. I took a hiatus in my college and post-college days, but picked right back up where I left off after becoming a stay-at-home-mom nearly 7 years ago.

My favorite books are, in a word, fluff. For the most part I do not enjoy it when I have to think a lot while reading. For that reason, non-fiction, even parenting books, have never been my forte. Early favorite authors and series included Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, The Babysitters Club, and Sweet Valley High. . . all so very cliche. In high school I read teen horrors by Christopher Pike (I can't believe I read so much about teens murdering each other and came out of it not a psychopath). I also read the required The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mockingbird, all of which I enjoyed, but at that time, did not fully appreciate.

As an adult my love of fluff has continued and my favorite recent series is Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. I have read all of her books, actually, and adore them. They are pure mindless fun reading and exactly what I need on some of my hectic mom days. I also read Jodi Picoult, but I must admit, I take her in small doses. Her books are very emotionally draining and sometimes a little too much. Of course I love the Harry Potter series and Twilight and many of the other current popular books.

I love going to the bookstore and probably have the worst method out there of choosing new books. I simply look at the paperback best sellers or promotional displays and 100% judge the books by their covers. If it looks interesting I'll pick it up and read the back, then decide from there. Sometimes I'll find an author I love and specifically look for those books. I am also somewhat of a lemming and often read books coming out as movies because I figure it must be good. I rarely, if ever, buy hardcovers. I love the feel and smell of paperbacks and despise the weight and annoying jackets of hardcovers.

One goal I have is to start reading more classics. As such an avid reader it is embarassing to admit that I have not read any Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and most of the books on the "Top 100 Classics You Must Read Before You Die If You Ever Want to Be Remembered as a True Reader" lists all over the place. That said, my all time favorite book is Gone With the Wind. I have also read Atonement (see above reference to reading books turned into movies) and at least a few others I'm not remembering at the moment.

My love of reading sometimes conflicts with my only other hobby, knitting. Unfortunately I've found it impossible to read and knit at the same time and am not ready to break down and start the books on tape thing. Sadly there are currently no books on my bookshelf, but this blog has inspired me to do some shopping!

More fluff to come from me soon.

Reliquary

I just finished Reliquary by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. Although this is the second of the 8 Pendergast novels (a 9th is being released next month), I read it last at my friend Heidi's suggestion (Heidi was nice enough to give me 4 Pendergast novels for my birthday. Thanks Heidi!). Special Agent Pendergast is a very cool FBI agent who is featured in many of Preston & Child's novels. He is extremely intelligent and cultured and has an uncanny knack for figuring things out.

Pentergast Novels
Relic (1995)
Reliquary (1997)
The Cabinet of Curiosities (2002)
Still Life with Crows (2003)
Brimstone (2004)
Dance of Death (2005)
The Book of the Dead (2006)
The Wheel of Darkness (2007)

Reliquary is very much a continuation of Relic. While Pendergast appears in both of these novels, he is by no means the focus of the books. These two books also seem to be a little more sci-fi in nature than the rest of the series. Preston & Child alternate telling the story from different characters' points of view. I found this to be quite engaging, but I would often find myself wanting to go back to a different character...then again I tend to be a tad impatient...luckily I never seemed to have to wait long to switch perspectives. The description of the New York underground was fascinating, sad and scary. I really enjoyed the characters that they developed, I was especially pleased that there were strong female characters. One disadvantage to reading this book last is that I knew that certain characters survive since they are featured in later novels, but as in many books and shows the main characters are seldom killed off. Overall, Reliquary was a well-written thriller. I liked the continued character development across the Preston & Child novels. While this was not my favorite book of theirs, it is definitely worth a read if you are a fan of Special Agent Pendergast or if you enjoyed reading Relic (which should be read first).


Just started: Water for Elephants
Next in line: The Host or My Sister's Keeper

Like a Virgin

Hi, I'm Allison. I practically feel like a reading virgin. I mean I have been able to read, but it was never something that I did willingly. When I was a kid my parents had to bribe me to read for "fun" with tapes (for you youngins that is what music used to be on before CDs and MP3s...man, I feel old). And even with that bribe I barely read. Don't even get me started on English class in high school. I really tried to get away with reading as little as possible...movies and Cliff Notes were often my friends. How could I possibly be expected to suffer through Great Expectations??? Of course there were a few books that I didn't mind like A Separate Peace and Catch-22, but there weren't too many. I also had to read "for pleasure" for Reading Enrichment (basically a class designed to improve your verbal SAT scores) in high school.

Once I left for college and the bribes stopped, my reading practically did too. I did have to take the requisite English class in college, but I wisely chose What is a Fairy Tale? Since then I probably have averaged about a book or two a year. Impressive, huh? I would read each new book in the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman and I read the entire Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. And that was about it.

Well, this year that all changed. My mom is so proud. lol I started out the year by reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to see what all the fuss was about. I was completely hooked. Of course, I immediately had to read the rest of the series...one of the advantages to not starting a series until it is already complete. I found the books so entertaining that I literally could not put them down. Around the same time I had decided that I should be walking more for exercise to help my back and general health. Since I did not want to put the books down, I jury rigged a bookholder for my treadmill using a cookbook holder I received as a wedding gift. I immediately found that reading on the treadmill made the time fly by much quicker than listening to music did. I've already walked over 280 miles this year!

So far this year I have read the entire Twilight series (multiple times), The Tenth Circle by Picoult, Hide & Seek by Patterson, Bones by Kellerman and almost all of the Pendergast novels by Preston & Child (thanks Heidi!).

Heather and I are hoping to share with you our reviews of various books from pure fluff to the classics. Please feel free to give us your own recommendations. Thanks!

Allison's bookshelf

Reading now: Reliquary by Preston & Child
Next in line: Water For Elephants by Gruen

Welcome!

Welcome to Two Reading Moms. We are both stay at home moms who enjoy reading.