Okay, this has NOTHING to do with the list of books I still have not reviewed (even though I did read them) and everything to do with the 2 books I read this weekend.
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
2 thumbs up! Okay, I have read almost everything by this author. I dipped my toes into her work with the Shopaholic series, and my sister gave me this one to read on Friday. I was expecting a light-hearted romp through some rather self-concerned person's life, but did not find that here! It was fun, but had enough "meat" that I wanted her to succeed. Lexie has amnesia and for all intents and purposes, has lost her new self. She is trying to connect what she is now with who she was then. Fascinating, and well written. The primary question of what would make a person dramatically change their life actions and perspective is a good one and is well explored in this book. So, 2 thumbs firmly up!
The Prophet of Yonwook by Jeanne DuPrau
1.5 thumbs up. I read this book on Thursday, after work, so it is not a long read. I did enjoy it, but not nearly as much as I enjoyed reading City of Ember. The characters are realistic and horrid all at the same time, which is true to life. I just did not feel the flow in this book like I felt it in Ember. To be fair, most third books are not as strong as the first 2 or so and this one was a pre-quel which I think ruined the story for me a bit. I will re-visit this after reading book 2 of the Ember series and decide if that alters my view at all.
Have a blest week! Whoo hoo, done with Friday the 13ths for several months.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Time Changing Catch Up... 13ish book reviews
Okay, so I ignored/totally forgot that I promised myself to review the books I read. Even if no one else reads my reviews, which how could they? I am a non-entity on the blog-o-sphere. Which is fine with me. Really. the last thing I need is to add to my stress level, hence the light reading load I am reporting here. God Bless the public library and God Bless the read and return system... makes my life so much happier/easier.
Here we go, its a long list, so I may not finish tonight.
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
2 thumbs up. I must confess I have read this before (I think about 5 years ago, but who knows?) and really liked it then. I challenged myself to read the whole series and this seemed a good way to dip the toes in as it were.
Tight characterization. Some characters left purposefully 2 dimensional, maybe because the main characters see them this way? Tight action, very little drag. Felt a bit long in the middle, but that was most likely because I vaguely remembered the end and I wanted to get to that point and see if I was correct? (by the way, I was not) Left me excited for more about Jason Bourne, or whoever he really is.
Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich
1.25 thumbs up. I got into reading Evanovich for her Stephanie Plum series and this seemed a nice innocuous off shoot or light reading exercise. It was. Not hard to follow, a bit cardboard-y, but fun. Good fluff, full of quirky characters that at first seem ludicrous, but then you realize you know people like this. Good fun, but probably would not have held my interest if it was any longer. Her abrupt endings are fairly typical for how she rights. I like that she sews everything up and puts a bow on it. Just generally good fun. Recommend for summer or spring break reading, especially if you are a NASCAR fan.
Hurricane Bay by Heather Graham
1.5 thumbs. Good, tight read. Ending was unexpected, even though I found myself bored in the middle. This was mostly due to the fact I thought I had it all figured out - wrong! I would definitely recommend this book to others interested in the mystery genre, who were maybe a bit squeamish on overly technical or bloody/body specific mysteries. She made me care about the characters, even when I didn't really think I cared what happened to them. Good reminiscing or development of the question- can one ever go back to what one had?
I'm in No Mood for Love by Rachel Gibson
Cute. 1.5 thumbs up. Maybe 1.25. Ms. Gibson's books are fun and full of unexpected twists. She makes the characters take realistic steps in ways that other romance/fluff (as opposed to overly sexual-ized) books don't always do. Because she writes, in my opinion, about more realistic people, I am more vested in what happens to them. I have enjoyed 3 books by her, and look forward to finding more! The prequel to her next book about Truly, Idaho has my interest firmly grasped. nice, crisp writing!
Sex, Lies and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson
See above. I read this one first and am happy I did, otherwise I would have known how it ended. I like the idea of women writer friends who all write in different fields. Well introduced, realistic (for the most part- but hey, its fiction) characters who are basically like able, even when you want to hit them on the head!
Sugarplums and Scandal by Lori Avocato, Dana Cameron, Mary Daheim, Cait London, Suzanne McPherson and Kerrelyn Sparks
1 thumb up, at most. Probably more honestly - .25 thumbs. I do not really like short, short fiction, so cannot blame the authors wholly for my disappointment. But really not too impressed with this collection. One that stood out in a positive light was Kerrelyn Sparks' tale. Ghoulish and funny as all get out. I really like the were-rabbit. Unexpected and light hearted, especially a gem in this collection. I will look for other work by this author specifically.
Here we go, its a long list, so I may not finish tonight.
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
2 thumbs up. I must confess I have read this before (I think about 5 years ago, but who knows?) and really liked it then. I challenged myself to read the whole series and this seemed a good way to dip the toes in as it were.
Tight characterization. Some characters left purposefully 2 dimensional, maybe because the main characters see them this way? Tight action, very little drag. Felt a bit long in the middle, but that was most likely because I vaguely remembered the end and I wanted to get to that point and see if I was correct? (by the way, I was not) Left me excited for more about Jason Bourne, or whoever he really is.
Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich
1.25 thumbs up. I got into reading Evanovich for her Stephanie Plum series and this seemed a nice innocuous off shoot or light reading exercise. It was. Not hard to follow, a bit cardboard-y, but fun. Good fluff, full of quirky characters that at first seem ludicrous, but then you realize you know people like this. Good fun, but probably would not have held my interest if it was any longer. Her abrupt endings are fairly typical for how she rights. I like that she sews everything up and puts a bow on it. Just generally good fun. Recommend for summer or spring break reading, especially if you are a NASCAR fan.
Hurricane Bay by Heather Graham
1.5 thumbs. Good, tight read. Ending was unexpected, even though I found myself bored in the middle. This was mostly due to the fact I thought I had it all figured out - wrong! I would definitely recommend this book to others interested in the mystery genre, who were maybe a bit squeamish on overly technical or bloody/body specific mysteries. She made me care about the characters, even when I didn't really think I cared what happened to them. Good reminiscing or development of the question- can one ever go back to what one had?
I'm in No Mood for Love by Rachel Gibson
Cute. 1.5 thumbs up. Maybe 1.25. Ms. Gibson's books are fun and full of unexpected twists. She makes the characters take realistic steps in ways that other romance/fluff (as opposed to overly sexual-ized) books don't always do. Because she writes, in my opinion, about more realistic people, I am more vested in what happens to them. I have enjoyed 3 books by her, and look forward to finding more! The prequel to her next book about Truly, Idaho has my interest firmly grasped. nice, crisp writing!
Sex, Lies and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson
See above. I read this one first and am happy I did, otherwise I would have known how it ended. I like the idea of women writer friends who all write in different fields. Well introduced, realistic (for the most part- but hey, its fiction) characters who are basically like able, even when you want to hit them on the head!
Sugarplums and Scandal by Lori Avocato, Dana Cameron, Mary Daheim, Cait London, Suzanne McPherson and Kerrelyn Sparks
1 thumb up, at most. Probably more honestly - .25 thumbs. I do not really like short, short fiction, so cannot blame the authors wholly for my disappointment. But really not too impressed with this collection. One that stood out in a positive light was Kerrelyn Sparks' tale. Ghoulish and funny as all get out. I really like the were-rabbit. Unexpected and light hearted, especially a gem in this collection. I will look for other work by this author specifically.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mid Week February Revelation Lenten Practices
So Lent officially begins today and I am indifferent. I guess that goes along with my non-Catholic and almost non-Christian belief system. I was going to not smoke during the workweek, but have clearly changed my mind. Sometimes I feel as if I am the only educated smoker out there. Yes, I know it is bad for me. No, I do not like the way it makes me feel. Yes, I realize it is a disgusting habit that is obnoxious to others around me. Yes, I realize it is not good for any environment out there, my own or other people's spaces. No, I do not like that I become a litter bug on occasion when I am stuck with where to put the butt. Yes, I realize they are not recyclable and an earthy person would maybe not smoke. But I like it! I feel that my friend view me as so boring and strange already, that my disgusting little habit humanizes me in a way that I find appealing.
Okay, back to the books. I read a wonderful one on Monday. It was called Vanished Man, by Jeffery Deaver. This is the same author who wrote the Bone Collector. It features the same major characters in the same sort of crime series, but kept me interested in turning the pages long into the night. It seemed a little over-dramatic, but the good strong bones of the writing kept me interested even through the one rough patch. I would (and have) strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the crime fiction family.
On the more granola -y side of things. Made my own tortillas for this week, and they only lasted until Tuesday. I guess that home made is better than store bought. I realize I may have to work on my technique, but the taste was fabulous, even if the size left something to be desired. ( and that was all me!)
Okay, back to the books. I read a wonderful one on Monday. It was called Vanished Man, by Jeffery Deaver. This is the same author who wrote the Bone Collector. It features the same major characters in the same sort of crime series, but kept me interested in turning the pages long into the night. It seemed a little over-dramatic, but the good strong bones of the writing kept me interested even through the one rough patch. I would (and have) strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the crime fiction family.
On the more granola -y side of things. Made my own tortillas for this week, and they only lasted until Tuesday. I guess that home made is better than store bought. I realize I may have to work on my technique, but the taste was fabulous, even if the size left something to be desired. ( and that was all me!)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Lazy Sunday = Lazy Monday?
Happy Valentine's weekend! I for one am happy it is coming to a close. I was sick and will be happy to put this weekend behind me. It was relaxing, and except for the time spent getting sick, quite nice. I am happy that I have a nice housemate who is willing to help around the house. My beautiful newly painted living room has its first piece of furniture back in it. I cleared away the painting material (well most of it) and re-placed one of my pappasan chairs. The couch hunt continues... but I did buy covers and new cushions for the sun room... ah hope for sunny (warm) days is beginning to grow!
I love that this weekend had beautiful, crisp clear days with that light blue soul enhancing color. It is enough to relax even the tense-est person.
Okay. Lots of goals for the week.
a. email the finished grad paper to my partner
b. go to the library! Really need to return my books!
c. see if B people have mercy on me and will let me check out Freakenomics
d. find material to put in beds for beans- goal plantings this year
e. mail CSA check... hmm find check book might be good.
f. run off plans for next two weeks for 9th and ap classes.
g. go over in depth the writings of ap before tuesday
h. see about a meyer lemon tree at the local nursery.
I love that this weekend had beautiful, crisp clear days with that light blue soul enhancing color. It is enough to relax even the tense-est person.
Okay. Lots of goals for the week.
a. email the finished grad paper to my partner
b. go to the library! Really need to return my books!
c. see if B people have mercy on me and will let me check out Freakenomics
d. find material to put in beds for beans- goal plantings this year
e. mail CSA check... hmm find check book might be good.
f. run off plans for next two weeks for 9th and ap classes.
g. go over in depth the writings of ap before tuesday
h. see about a meyer lemon tree at the local nursery.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday.. working away
I was enjoying taking my evening constitutional but was almost hit by a car. I am astounded that there is no sidewalk on a road leading up to a wonderful, beautiful elementary school. They have spent millions (I believe) on making a huge elementary school but do not have a safe way for those students to get to school, if they walk. I am astounded.
I have begun tutoring. Last night I met my student for his testing, which was rather successful, but his comprehension was quite low. I was surprised, I did not expect his level to be so low in relation to his vocabulary reading fluency. From the readings, I did not expect such a difference.
I am sitting here listening to the workers in a different department talk about finance. I am thinking that maybe I should work the same way.
Oh well, my restful day is continuing... even for a b day this is crazy!
I have begun tutoring. Last night I met my student for his testing, which was rather successful, but his comprehension was quite low. I was surprised, I did not expect his level to be so low in relation to his vocabulary reading fluency. From the readings, I did not expect such a difference.
I am sitting here listening to the workers in a different department talk about finance. I am thinking that maybe I should work the same way.
Oh well, my restful day is continuing... even for a b day this is crazy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Musings of a tired mind
Today, Monday is my least favorite day. I never really like the start of a long week, but I am especially reluctant to start a week when I did not get enough sleep the night before. I was super productive (for me) on Sunday, so much so in the early day that I crashed and burned late in the afternoon. I ended up taking an accidental nap of 4+ hours yesterday. Darn that cuddly cat. He slept peacefully away laying on my chest and gently snoring. Hee hee hee. So. I woke up around 8.30 pm and bounced off the walls for the next 4+ hours. Heh, didn't even realize how evenly it worked out. Oh well. Then got up this am, not really cranky but feeling a bit out of sorts and started the wheel of work all over again. If only I could recall the useful, purpose I felt all weekend!
I am generally mild and with no support at school, second block rocked! It was a bit frustrating, but totally useful!
Looking forward to the rest of the week following the same projection!
I am generally mild and with no support at school, second block rocked! It was a bit frustrating, but totally useful!
Looking forward to the rest of the week following the same projection!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Lazy Saturday... Love IT!
So today I was semi productive. Well honestly, compared to my usual Saturday I was very productive! I got up early - urgh and then went to the school to help with set up for the one act festival. It was easy (for me) and fun. Then I came home again, stopping on my way for a Burger King egg croissanwich meal. I have been craving one for about 2 weeks. Sadly, I was not impressed. Maybe this is a good thing, it will help me cut down on my fast food addiction. Money flying out of the window!
I am at home, not doing anything, feeling like I have already put in a full day (and it was only 9.30 am-sad). Oh well, I relaxed with the gatitos then went upstairs and finished painting my living room. Very exciting times here, let me tell you. Though the color was not one that grabbed me by the throat, it is growing on me. This is a good thing because I have more than one gallon of it left over. Here's to over estimation!
Oh yeah, in between, I went to see the school's production, called Frostbite. It was very good, edgy but good. I am constantly amazed by what these student's put into their work. I guess I expected high school stuff to be less, uhm, professional looking. Weird...
Okay, on to the book. I stayed up later last night to finish it, and for the most part I really liked it. It was just good story telling and the author left me wondering about motivation for several parts.
So, it was The Killing Sky by Robert Gandt and I give it a 1.75 thumbs up. It fed into my karmic beliefs about retribution, and really showed the more human side of decisions.
Nice work, in my humble opinion. Really, I have never written anything professionally, so who am I to criticize?
I am at home, not doing anything, feeling like I have already put in a full day (and it was only 9.30 am-sad). Oh well, I relaxed with the gatitos then went upstairs and finished painting my living room. Very exciting times here, let me tell you. Though the color was not one that grabbed me by the throat, it is growing on me. This is a good thing because I have more than one gallon of it left over. Here's to over estimation!
Oh yeah, in between, I went to see the school's production, called Frostbite. It was very good, edgy but good. I am constantly amazed by what these student's put into their work. I guess I expected high school stuff to be less, uhm, professional looking. Weird...
Okay, on to the book. I stayed up later last night to finish it, and for the most part I really liked it. It was just good story telling and the author left me wondering about motivation for several parts.
So, it was The Killing Sky by Robert Gandt and I give it a 1.75 thumbs up. It fed into my karmic beliefs about retribution, and really showed the more human side of decisions.
Nice work, in my humble opinion. Really, I have never written anything professionally, so who am I to criticize?
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