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
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
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
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
Friday, April 17, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 13, 2009
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!
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
Next in line: Water For Elephants by Gruen
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