Great Books and Fresh Coffee

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

2010-02-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Are you following Forever Young? If not, you should be. It's the go to for all things YA. Jessica read Cracked Up to Be and listed it as one of her 2009 favorites and it's been on my TBR pile ever since.

Why didn't I read it sooner??

Well, to be honest. I think the cover had something to do with it. That and it seemed so short! The books I read seem to average around 500 pages, so at 214 pages, this one seemed like nothing.

Well, the hype got to me and I decided to give it a shot.

It was so good, you guys! I couldn't put it down - which was a mistake because I started it at 9:00pm on a work night. Oops.

So Parker was once the captain of the cheerleading squad and perfect in nearly every way. Until she falls apart. When we meet her she's a hot mess, and quite frankly, a bitch. She is horrible to everyone and is shutting people out because of a secret that she's not willing to tell.

She is so incredibly flawed that you can't help but to hate her and love her at the same time. Courtney Summers did such an amazing job describing the emotions in this book. I felt so much for her and in the end when the bad thing comes to surface.... wow.

Just because it's short - doesn't mean it's light. I was so invested the entire time. My heart raced and broke with Parker and I loved just about every minute of it.

All of the characters are so developed and the relationships seem so real - which I love. It's very much a character driven book - so if you're looking for an action packed plot, maybe not this one. But for a good story that sucks you in and has your emotions all over the place - check it out.

Verdict - A-: I couldn't put this book down and ran out to buy Summers' second novel - Some Girls Are, pretty much immediately.

Cover Deliciousness... AKA: SQUEE!!!!

2010-02-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

OMG I feel like a child on Christmas Morning!

Introducing - the cover for Hunger Games Three!!!! MOCKINGJAY!

Could the title be more perfect? Or more obvious? In all the speculation of the title I've seen - Mockingjay never came up.

Anyway....

Tada! :

And look how pretty they are all side by side:

Love. Love. Love.

Can. Not. Wait.

::Faints::

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2010-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. I finished the Mortal Instruments Trilogy on Monday afternoon. I was home sick with a migraine but it finally subsided to the point of me being able to plow through the last 100 pages.

I really enjoyed this series.

It was such a fun ride and I really liked the world and I’m going to read it over and over again in the coming years, I can tell.

But I will say – I think book III may have been the weakest link.

NOT to say it was bad. My heart was racing and I was excited to find out what happened next and all of that. Really, I was. And I LOVE Clary and Jace and Simon as the main characters. Talk about three very different but very linked people. I loved their dynamic.

But, I have to be honest, I’m a stickler for originality. I feel like if something’s been done, especially done well, then hey – it’s done. And this installment just got a little too Harry Potter for me. (Minor spoilers ahead)

Specifically, the attempted elimination of a dirty, mixed race; replacing it with a pure one with one person in power who would mark everyone with a permanent rune that would bind them to him. I… I just can’t read about that without thinking of Deatheaters and the Dark Mark. I’m not sure many people can. I wish that could have been done differently.

Beyond that, I loved it. I had one other small problem with it but it spoils the ending so I won’t give it away here. I’m actually a bit sad that the series is over for me, but honestly I think she stopped at the right spot. I hate it when a series outlives itself and you get bored and give up.

Verdict – A- : I’m not lying when I say I loved this series. Was it flawed? Yes, but it was such a ride and Clare’s characters are so original and the twists keep you guessing from page to page. You’ll feel happy with the characters, cry with the characters, and even get sick to your stomach when they’re in danger. Definitely check out this series.

Teehee

2010-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

From http://xkcd.com/280/

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I obviously loved City of B0nes, but what did I think of its sequel?

As a part of a trilogy, I wasn't overly excited to read this book. I mean, yes, I wanted to find out what happened next and I looooooved Clary's world. But I mean... It is a second novel. A middle novel.

And to be honest, a lot of times, middle novels can be big flops.

All setup, little action, no resolution, etc. etc. I usually fly through them in anticipation of getting to the 'good stuff'. You know. The last installation. Where all the good stuff happens.

So with a lot of anticipation and a little bit of dread, I launched into City of Ashes.

For the first time in quite a while, I was sucked in immediately and never once bored. There were resolutions and new problems introduced. At close to 500 pages, there was never a dull moment, and the last portion of the book held an intense battle that easily could have finished the series, but didn't.

It was a great thrill ride, in some parts better than the first - because I was already so attached to the main characters.

Verdict- A-: Cassandra Clare kept her series going strong. Her writing is stronger and her characters are more comfortable in their skin. Hooray for an awesome second book. The only downside was I wasn't left needing to know what happened next. There was a cliffhanger, of course, but not nearly the same sort as with the ending of book one. Here's to hopefully finishing the series with a bang.

Goodbye Mr. Salinger. And Thank You.

2010-01-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

So I'm sure most of the literary word has heard the news by now that J.D. Salinger passed away yesterday at the ripe old age of 91.

I was a bit sad at first, but really, he lived a good, long life. I am so very pleased that all of his work is resurfacing now and have seen many posts on FB, Twitter, and others about re-reading Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zooey.

I'm so thankful for Salinger and the art he published. He seemed to avoid the craziness and stick to his reclusive lifestyle while being a literary genius. Catcher touched me in many ways and I related to Holden in more ways than I'd like to admit. I first read it when I was 18 and had just moved to New York City. I've even named a character in one of my works in progress after him.

So thank you, J D Salinger - for all you gave the world. You live on through your art, which will be read forever. You touched me and so many others - and for that, I will never forget you or the literary worlds you created.

Rest in Peace.

In Tribute:

I found this article on the times that was really cool. It follows Holden Caulfield's journey through New York with page numbers and passages regarding each location:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/01/28/nyregion/20100128-salinger-map.html

Some great quotes:
"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though."
- The Catcher in the Rye

"Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody."
- The Catcher in the Rye

"The most singular difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is a solid and joy a liquid."
- Nine Stories

"An artist's only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else's."
- Franny and Zooey

Blogs about J.D. Salinger:

http://jessicaisreading.blogspot.com/2010/01/rip-jd-salinger.html

Did you blog about Salinger? Leave a link to your post in the comments and I'll link to it here.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2010-01-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

So I bought this book like a year ago while checking out at a bookstore. I had heard that the Mortal Instruments Trilogy was supposed to be uh-ma-zing and possibly the next Harry Potter! So I picked it up and put it in the cart and succeeded in forgetting about it almost immediately. Hey, every book written lately seems to be "The Next Harry Potter" so you can see why I wasn't that excited.

And, contrary to my deep adoration of the HP Series, I'm not typically your YA Fantasy-ish girl. Especially when Paranormal romances are involved. I will admit to getting sucked in to the Twilight Craze momentarily (See what I did there?), but all in all, I'm usually okay without it. So I put it off.

I picked it up on a whim about a week and a half ago. After Ragtime, I needed something light. Now, the next Harry Potter, it is not. But it was a pretty stinkin fun read.

We follow the story of Clary who is introduced within the first few pages to the Shadowhunter world that she has never known. No human has ever known, actually. What follows is a 490 page rollercoaster that has us battling all sorts of demons and rushing all up and down New York City. The book covers a fairly short amount of time, but the action keeps coming and I found myself up very late at night reading quite a few times.

I loved the setting of New York. As someone who lived there for several years, I often get frustrated with authors who place their books in the Big Apple but clearly don't have a knowledge of the city beyond the touristy aspects. C. Clare clearly knows this city like the back of her hand. And it's no surprise - her bio shows that she lives in Brooklyn.

There was one HUGE twist. I won't give it away but it absolutely stunned me. I'm not entirely on board with it yet, but at halfway through book two of the series, I clearly can't stop reading.

Verdict - A- : It's been a very long time since a book pulled me in as much as this one did. I found myself daydreaming about it at work and itching to get back into Clary's world the moment I got home. I just hope the rest of the series keeps up. And, as much as the twist irks me, it truly shocked the heck out of me and that's hard to do. For these reasons and more - definitely check out this book.

Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow

2010-01-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

This was my IRL book club's January discussion choice. The category was Historical Fiction.

Let me way with near 100% certainty that I would never ever ever never ever have read this book had it not been for my book club. Which = yay for going out of my comfort zone!

Told in a fast paced omniscient narrative, it is a flight through the 1910's and the antics of about 10 "main" characters.

This was a fun book to read, but I had such a love hate relationship. It felt lacking in character development, but that seems to have been the author's intention. Having a main character named "Mother's Younger Brother" isn't necessarily something you immediately get attached to.

But somehow... You do...

It's a levelly paced read... Not many ups and downs.... So much is constantly happening that there aren't too many lolls, but at the same time... the highs don't give you that rushing feeling either. I feel like this would be a good book to read over a long period of time because you can be jerked right into it, but you aren't dying to read it while you are away from it. Is that a compliment? I'm not entirely sure...

The coolest part, by far, was the historical figures. Harry Houdini and Piermont Morgan are right there alongside the nameless families who we are following. I have an affection for Henry Ford that I probably never would have, and a deep desire to learn more about these people - if not only to see where fact turned into fiction. The characters were definitely the driving force of the book. Though I do wish the fictional characters would have been more developed.

Can you tell that I'm having a hard time reviewing it?

Verdict: B - The language was beautiful and it is clear that the author did all sorts of research and spent a long time weaving all of these historical figures together with the fictional ones. It was a fun read while I was in it. Unfortunately, I'm just not entirely sure it was for me.

Musing Mondays

2010-01-11T20:01:00.001-08:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy bookshelves.

Are your bookshelves strictly books only? Or have knick-knacks invaded? Do your shelves also shelve DVDs? Photos? Why not snap a photo – I’m sure we all like to spy on other’s shelves!

I've always admired (and been super jealous) of people with super pretty bookshelves with pretty knick knacks and photos mixed among their books. It's like art. A beautiful addition to a room.

Yeah... Those aren't mine.

You see... I have a problem. I have too many books. Unfortunately. So many that even my non-book intended shelves are stuffed to overflowing with books. I have stacks next to my bed, on the floor, in front of the other books. And yet, I can't seem to part with any of them. I'm actually an active member on Paper Back Swap - I promise! I... just... have a problem parting.

The downside, is that I, of course, will never have those beautiful bookshelves I so desire. Here are two of my bookshelf areas. Please don't judge the sloppiness. Haha! (I can't believe I'm posting this on the internet.

First - my pretty built in. I actually keep up with this one fairly well. Although... that middle shelf there? Yeah... Aside from the Harry Potter books, that's my To Be Read pile... :-/ :

And my messy bookshelf, also in my living room:

I'd say I probably have about a hundred or more books elsewhere in the house, but this is where a good chunk of them live. Others live in the stack I pushed out of the way to take the picture of my messy shelf, a good stack on my my nightstand, our guest bedroom bookshelf and elsewhere. :o)

What about you? How do you keepu up with your bookshelves?

Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham

2010-01-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

I heard about this book on an online book club that I frequent and hopping around on Goodreads. It's gotten rave reviews from chick-lit lovers and non chick-lit lovers alike. Told only in the form of emails in (you guessed it!) Holly's inbox... it's a very fast paced read. You wouldn't think so, as it's 672 pages, but trust me, I read it in like 4 hours. It goes quickly.

It is about Holly, a british thirty something who has just started working as a receptionist at a very successful bank in London. It's loaded with sassy humor and wit, and a few times I found myself chuckling to myself.

It actually started out as a very fun website. The website is in the form of a working outlook inbox and you can read through her excerpts from her first three months at the bank.

It's taken me a few days to work up this post, because I'm just not sure how to write it without tearing the book apart, which I don't want to do!

It was a fun read. I was engaged and pulled into the story and Holly is a great character. The supporting characters are a blast as well. However...

And there is no way I can do this without spoilers... So spoiler warning. If you're aching to read this, don't read on. If you're not - read on. I want your thoughts. (this also contains spoilers for Bridget Jones' Diary...)

That's where the appreciation stops.

A few of the major plot points:

Told in email form, it's the story of Holly, a british thirty something who has just started working in the corporate world.

Holly quickly begins an affair with a VP, her boss. They flirt through email and he comments on her clothes and she decides to flaunt them by walking past him. She even buys a slitted skirt after he mentions liking them.

VP boss turns out to be a total douche and cheats on her

Holly runs into a childhood friend/her first flame

Holly gets wasted and nearly makes a fool of herself at a company party

Holly has problems with her kooky parents and her mother constantly interferes.

Holly is very insecure.

Holly eventually winds up with high school sweetheart that she runs into.

I'm sorry, but you can just replace Holly with Bridget. There was no originality in this plot, save the s&m club, but that's a different story. I loved Trisha. I loved reading it, because it was very fun. More fun than Bridget Jones' Diary (for me).

I'm not normally a chick lit person, and that could be partly to blame for my disapointment in this book, but I just wish there had been a bit more originality. A few people have written it off as chick-lit rarely being original, but I think this is a bit much.

Thoughts?

Verdict - B-:I really really really wanted to love this book. and I did enjoy reading it. I'm just sad that it lacked so much in the originality dept.

Really, Godiva?? Really?!

2010-01-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

I was at Barnes and Noble the other night and decided to treat myself to a cup of coffee. (What?? You drink coffee, Smash??? I had no idea!)

Anyway, I happen to look down, and where the usual chocolate treats are, I see this:

(Pardon the crappy phone picture)

Now. I realize that the Twilight series is like the biggest cash cow ever. But seriously. Is the Godiva market the same as the Twilight market? Does it sparkle, too?

Next up we'll have Twilight breads. Oh! Twilight vitamins! They can replace the Flinstones ones.

In case it's too fuzzy, the bottom reads "are you hungry for more?".

::Headdesk::

WINNER! - Best of 2009 Giveaway

2010-01-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce the winner to my super-duper-spectacularly-awesome Best of 2009 Giveaway!

I tend to get overly excited at times.

But! Based on a completely random number given to me via Facebook Status last night (can we think of a more reliable source?), I'm pleased to announce our winner!

Congrats to Erin M.!! Erin wished for Sloppy Firsts, by Megan McCafferty! Enjoy!

And in celebration, here is my review of Sloppy Firsts, originally posted on March 16th, 2009.
__________________________________________________________________

<3<3<3<3<3<3>

So I finished Sloppy Firsts last Friday... Went to buy Second Helpings on Saturday, finished it yesterday afternoon... Went to buy Charmed Thirds yesterday, and went ahead and grabbed Fourth Comings because I was seeing a trend. The guys at Borders probably know me by name now.

So anyway, we meet Jessica Darling (yes she realizes her name is sickeningly cute) halfway through her sophomore year of High School. She's witty as all get out, and over-analyzes every moment of her life in her journal, which is what you get to read. It's written through her journal entries and letters she sends to her BFF who moved across the country right before her 16th birthday. Jessica reminded me so much of myself in high school, it was crazy. Well, except I could only wish to be that witty. She's smart, funny, and extremely insecure. In other words, she's very real, which is great. This is no typical teen heroine.

So this book follows her through about a year of her life, while she goes through some of the more awkward ups and downs of being 16. It seems YA lit has changed a lot since I was in High School, because Jessica and her friends actually cuss and drink and make mistakes and do things teenagers actually do! In my day, they were pure as snow. Or I wasn't reading the right YA books.

We get introduced to Marcus Flutie, who will have your heart thumping for reasons you can't quite explain. He does the same to Jessica, and torments her throughout the year. Jessica is also dealing with learning who her friends really are, and what that friendship might actually mean. It's a year of ups and downs, mostly downs - and you can't help but love all of the characters.

I loved it, I laughed out loud so many times during it. Megan Mccafferty is a very talented writer. She grabs you from the get-go and keeps you until the very end. And then she gets you to rush to Borders twice in one weekend just to see what happens to Jessica (notso) Darling.

Verdict : A. This is a very fun novel. While it's target audience is probably about 17 or 18 years old, any woman that ever went to a Public High School will love this book. It's a quick read and it will have you giggling until you cry, and you will definitely enjoy the ride. Just be sure to have the second one on hand. ;o)

LAST CHANCE!!!

2010-01-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Don't forget about my big Best of 2009 Giveaway! Today is the last day to enter! See this post for details. Good luck! :-D

"Wonder. Go on and wonder."

2010-01-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

So my darling husband and I went to New Orleans for a few days to celebrate New Year's Eve. Neither of us had ever been and we had a fantastic time. It was seriously amazing. So much fun.

Imagine my joy when we happened into Pirates Alley, to discover Faulkner House Books!

This is the boarding house where William Faulkner lived during his many years in New Orleans. In his room here he penned his first two novels, Soldier's Pay and Mosquitoes. This is also where he made the decision to dedicate his career to being a novelist.

The current owners of this home, built in the mid 1800's, converted his once bedroom (pictured above) to a gorgeous independent bookstore. Seriously breathtaking. (Also - say hi to my hubby!) The desk in the back is where he wrote.

I was very excited.

I bought a copy of Mosquitoes for my library. I'm excited to dig into it. It is based on the people he met while living in this house.

Resolutions! (AKA Holding Myself Accountable)

2010-01-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to keep myself honest, here is documentation of my reading goals for this year.

They are threefold:

One: I will read at least five of the 1000 Books You Must Read Before You Die.

Two: I will post reviews of each book read on this here lovely blog for my wonderful readers in a timely fashion! (Whee!)

Three: I will read at least 100 books. I'm holding myself accountable by posting this beautiful little badge right over there --------->

Best Reads of 2009 - GIVEAWAY!! (and a promise)

2009-12-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

I've been reading! Honest! ...I... just haven't been posting about what I've read...

But, with the New Year, comes new resolutions! I've missed everyone so much and it is my goal to start blogging regularly again! I've been reading a storm and work isn't nearly as crazy anymore, so here's to it! (What? Nothing wrong with drinking and blogging ;o) )

Onto what you are reading this, for, though. Without further ado.... My top five reads of 2009. (And Giveaway info at the bottom!)

(In no particular order)

The Road by Cormac McCarthy - Verdict: A+: I read this book at the suggestion of someone in my super awesome book club. I can tell you with certainty that I probably never would have picked up this book had he not suggested it so passionately. The post apocolyptic story of a father and his son traveling across what once was America... Not really a pick-me-up, for sure. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. As dark and depressing as it was, it was an amazingly beautiful story of survival and I'm so happy I read it. (Kind of. It's hard to say you enjoyed something of this context) The writing was superb, though the lack of punctuation drove me absolutely crazy at times, and the story stands out beyond any other that I read this year. Take an afternoon to devour it, just know you'll be fairly down after.

The Jessica Darling Series by Megan Mccafferty - Verdict - A+: This started as just Perfect Fifths... Then Perfect Fifths and Sloppy Seconds... Then I realized that I just can't feature one of these books, so I'm looping the whole series into one book. (Hey, it's my list!). Jessica Darling is just the perfect main character. Not that she's perfect. Not in any means. But her snark and wit combined with her sincerity and oftentimes complete lack of self esteem mixed with a whole bunch of angst create a character that is believable, lovable, and a great driving force for this series. With the time frame covered, this series had a lot of potential to fall flat, but Megan McCafferty kept it going strong and kept me in love with Marcus Flutie the entire time. Definitely worth the read.

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusack - Verdict - A+: This Holocaust story, told from the point of view of Death, has sat with me since I first read it in May. I can't escape the haunting truth of it, but the confusing part is, as a whole, it's not a haunting story. The point of view kind of blew my mind in a lot of ways. Zusack is, once again, a master of prose. His sentences are just so beautiful that I found myself repeating them over and over, just to enjoy their structure. The symbolism leaps from the page and I ate up every moment. A beautiful story set in one of the saddest times in history, The Book Thief will sit with me for a long, long time.

Geez, I'm gushing. Onward!

A Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels by Gemma Doyle - Verdict- A+: Like Jessica Darling, this started as just Rebel Angels. I'm just much too loyal to series being kept whole. I blame Harry Potter. Anywho... I chose this for two reasons. A: This series helped introduce me to the world of YA lit which is so not what I thought it was. B: The story and setting are so original and intriguing. I was fascinated from page one. The reason the final installment, The Sweet Far Thing isn't included is I haven't read it yet. It's very long and daunting. :-/

Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - Verdict: A+: I'm actually not really sure where to start with this post! I so enjoyed this series. I haven't been gripped by a series this strongly since my first HP read. Katniss' journey through the districts and to the games is so gripping. Both books were completed in a day. I love the story and have gotten so attached to the characters. Tears were shed for a lost one in the first book and I can.not.wait until August of this year to see how it wraps up! Oh, and Team Gale. :-D

So... What was your favorite read of 2009?

Fill out the form below and you can win one of the books featured above! Just tell me which! And leave a comment telling me about your favorite read of 2009!

And a very special thanks to Jessica of the amazing book blog Reading is Sexy for the Giveaway idea!

Contest ends January 5th!!

I'm so sorry. This contest is closed. Congrats to the winner! Announced tomorrow!!

Hemorrhoids are never tight...

2009-12-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

Just a taste of the very helpful grammar lessons provided in: 10 Words You Need to Stop Misspelling. Thanks to my friend Julie (of the wonderful blog Book Hooked) for posting.

I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusack

2009-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

me: Hey guess what!

you: What???

me: I started my very own IRL book club!

you: What the heck does IRL mean?

me: Oh - In real life.

you: Oh... You spend way too much time on the internet.

me: Possibly... But anyway - so not the point.

you: Yes, what is the point?

me: I started a book club in Dallas! We already have a ton of members and we had our very first meeting a few weeks ago.

you: Oh... Hey, that's actually kind of cool. What book did you read?

me: I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusack

you: Huh. Never heard of it. Is it good?

me: I thought it was fantastic. It has a great story line that keeps you guessing till the very end. My favorite character was The Doorman, who was Ed's (the main character) smelly old dog.

you: sounds weird...

me: Not at all. It's an easy read with a great message to it. It was so different than anything I've read. I feel like the author could have made it about 60 pages longer - the ending was rushed... But overall I loved this book.

you: Hmm... So worth picking up?

me: Yes, Definitely! The language was beautiful. He kept dropping these little gems. I love this one which personifies books in such a cool way:

The clues must be in the books, so now I shove the other ones to the side and focus on the three finalists. I feel kind of sorry for the ditched ones, to be honest. They look like the losers of a dramatic, tumultuous race, sitting on the floor. If they were people, they'd each have their head in their hands

you: ... ... ...

me: Or this part:

Lua and Marie are holding hands.

They look like they're so happy, just inside this moment, watching the kids and the lights on their old fibro house.

Lua kisses her.Just softly on the lips. And she kisses back.

Sometimes people are beautiful.

Not in looks.

Not in what they say.

Just in what they are.

You: Yeah... I guess that's pretty.

Me: Just read it.

You: Okay...

Verdict: B+ I really really enjoyed this book. I feel like it falls only slightly below his other work, The Book Thief. I think it is a great read for any one and it relates to both genders. I just wish he'd fleshed out the last half a bit more and focused on more character development. Definitely check it out, though.

Awww Shucks, You Guys!

2009-09-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Shonda over at TexasRed gave me a blog award! I'm a bit surprised by it because I've been such a crappy blogger lately, but I'm very touched and honored! Maybe this could also serve as a kick in the butt to get me going again? Maybe...?

Anyway...

Shonda gave me the Friends award! This is actually my second time receiving this award and I love it so! I think that we all kind of go into the blogosphere looking for like-minded friends, and I'm so happy to have found so many. (Awww... Gush Gush)

This award is for "friendly blogging type people, who comment, host challenges, and follow my blog."

You can't see it, but I've definitely got a huge grin on my face. :-D

I'm going to pass this puppy on to some very good blogging friends of my very own:

Kennedy at Trying To Catch A Breath
Mariah at Take A Walk With Me
Jessica at Reading is Sexy

Enjoy ladies! Love ya!

And thanks again, Shonda!

Further Proving My Nerdiness and Making You Laugh in the Process..

2009-09-09T10:05:00.001-07:00

Having Fun...

2009-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

"There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it." — Bertrand Russell

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." — Albert Einstein

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." — Steve Martin

"Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some cave somewhere, with a sign on it saying 'End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH', the paint wouldn't even have time to dry." — Terry Pratchett (Thief of Time)

"I have nothing to declare except my genius." — Oscar Wilde

"In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had five hundred years of democracy and peace and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock." — Orson Welles

"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." — Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey)

"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest." — Kurt Vonnegut

and finally...

"So many books, so little time." — Frank Zappa

Cool Link

2009-08-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

So I stumbled across this website today and I think it's a pretty cool little guy.

You enter what your last book was and it gives you the list of recommended reads from Librarything, Amazon and Bookarmy.

Pretty cool, eh?

And lets be honest - you love the graphics!

www.bookseer.com

Enjoy!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-08-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

To say this book has been suggested to me a few times would be a massive understatement. It has been called anything from amazing to thrilling to even life-changing. So of course, knowing me, I avoided it like the plague.

I just get nervous when everybody LOVES a book. I really do. Because what if I don't like it? Does that mean I'm not as cultured as everyone else? That I don't understand what makes a good book? And then how do I tell my friends that I hated their rec? As you can see, it's quite the conundrum.

O to the M to the G.

I friggin LOVED this book!

I'm off the hook for now, I guess!

The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy (the second book comes out next month!!!) that focuses on Katniss Everdeen, a witty teenager from District 12 of the nation of Panem.

Big question mark? Yep.

Panem is the post-apocolyptic nation that is where North America once stood. This book is in the future obviously, and the nation has been divided into 12 districts, the lowest of which is District 12.

So every year the Capitol hosts The Hunger Games in which each district must contribute one boy and one girl (randomly drawn or volunteered) to go participate in the games. The games are actually a survivor type mission where the children fight each other to the death and the last one standing wins fame and fortune.

I wont go on from there, because as we see in my post below - I'm a little afraid of spoiling things for people lately.

All I can say is READ THIS BOOK! I haven't been this gripped by a book in such a long time, probably since Twilight, or even Harry Potter. Collins creates fantastic, well-balanced characters that you can't help loving or love to hate. The plot moves right along and there are surprises around every corner. I had a moment at one point where I had to close the book and step away because I was just too emotionally invested. Oh yes, it's that good.

Verdict - A+. With very little to critique, this book blew me away. I highly recommend it. I was honestly hooked from page one. There was a part in the end that I'm still not sure I loved, but it's totally worth the Sunday I devoted to devouring it. Read this book and thank me later. ;o)

Unless you're anything like me... In which case - don't read this book. Ever. It's horrible I tell you, absolutely horrible. ;oP

A question.

2009-08-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

So I've always had some trouble with this. I've been known to post a spoileriffic review or two in my days as a book blogger, and I've always been hesitant. I can't decide if my reviews should be spoiler free or not. I mean in some ways I have to have some spoilers, but there can be a fine line between too much and just right.

So, seeing as I have four reviews waiting in my queu, I thought I'd ask my readers their preference before posting. What do you think?

I'm a Lame-O

2009-07-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

BAH!

It has been far too long!

For those of you that don't know - I've been traveling for work and man has my blog suffered for it! I'm so sorry I haven't been around more. Good news - in all that traveling, I got a fair amount of reading done! Which means many reviews ahead!

But, first things first.

HP:Revisited is over! The challenge was a great success and I feel like everyone had a lot of fun. I must say I'm super impressed with all of the contestants, and I feel better knowing there are peeps out there that are just as obsessed as I am. ;o)

SO! Without further ado, the winners are...........

1st Place: Courtney!
2nd Place: Laura!
3rd Place: Charlee!
4th Place: Adrienne!

Congrats everyone!

ETA: I've hidden the discussion posts to limit spoilers on my blog. If you want to read them - shoot me an email. :o)

Spotlight: Jean Koning

2009-06-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So remember last week when I reviewed the very funny book Visions on America by Jean Koning? Well I was lucky enough to snag an interview with the witty author. Check it out below, there are some definite laugh-worthy responses, as well as the best answer to my 'do you read' question yet!

Enjoy. Don't forget - I'm hosting a giveaway (closes Sunday!) of his book. Drop a comment leaving your email addy if you want to enter!

GBFC: When did you start writing?
JK: I started writing at a very young age. I started acting when I was six years old, but at theatre-school, I stumbled into the problem that nobody seemed to write stuff I really wanted to say. So I decided to write these speeches myself. Ultimately they turned into poetry and songs. But I never considered myself a writer. I thought I was more some kind of avant-garde journalist. I never listen to anyone as a normal person does. I always try to figure out what they are not saying. What secrets they desperately try to keep. And I wrote them down.

GBFC: What started Visions?
JK: “Visions” started when I made the album “Notes from Purgatory”, in which I investigated “America” as a musical nation. The powerful musical history, the forbidden juke joints in the South, the conversations the slaves used to have about their masters. That’s when I truly discovered what “America” – as a nation – does with words and the power of writing. From there I enrolled as a columnist for the e-zine The Noise. It gave me the opportunity to answer all the questions that were lounged by the music. To discover the true heart of “America” and the differences between “us” and “them”.

GBFC: At what point did you decide to take Visions full steam ahead and get it published?
JK: When several American friends – who used to live in Holland, Germany and England and then emigrated to America – told me, that what they try so very hard to explain to the true Americans, I put down in words. I then realized there was something going on in the texts. Something that kind of worked as a truth serum for the immigrants.

GBFC: What was the hardest part about the writing process?
JK: The fact that it made me completely schizophrenic. Some of the pieces I wrote in an airplane, flying between New York and Amsterdam. And the fact that I just don’t fit in New York like I don’t fit in Amsterdam at the same time. I thought as an American who thought as a European who thought as an American and wanted to comment everything that came in front of him.

GBFC: You seem to be at ease with your writing and the comic undertones come out naturally – was this hard to achieve?
JK: It’s not hard to achieve, but it’s not as simple as it seems either. The biggest difference between America and Europe is the use of humor. Sitcoms don’t work when they’re made in Europe, but harsh humor like The Office or Absolutely Fabulous – very British, I realize that – don’t seem to work in the States. So I tried to find something that lies in the middle. You see, Iceland lies somewhere in the middle of everything. It’s a three hour flight from Holland as well as from New York. So I actually studied their form of humor – and Icelandian humor does not exist. So that wasn’t an option. Therefore I used my own very sarcastic form of humor to laugh at both the Americans and myself. I just hoped that everybody understood that humor, and at the same time that humor was my big Ace in the deck. But do you really believe there has been one person on the face of the planet who dared to ask Oprah if she wants to see his penis? No way! I write it, but I’m not quite sure if I have the guts to ask this question for real. But I never get invited to her show, so we’ll never know.

GBFC: If everyone could get one simple message from your book – what would it be?
JK: That we are all just flesh and blood. And we all have our things. No matter what race, political angle, sex, age or where we live. We all have our little things like the next person. Why don’t we all get along? Even within my family there are things like... I don’t know... you see; a few years ago I went to a concert of an Irish band in Amsterdam. The guys in that band played very well, but had no place to spend the night. They went from plane to concert hall to question mark. I invited them to spend the night at my place. My parents exploded when they heard this. They think everyone you don’t know for twenty-five years is a potential serial killer and I had the nerve to invite these weirdo musicians into my house. That’s the world in a nutshell. If we just try to open up to each other a bit more, we begin to realize that not everybody is a potential serial killer. People are nice and lovely and I love them all. Except for Tom Cruise. I hate him.

GBFC: I very much enjoyed the honesty in your book – in general are you pleased with the response to this novel?
JK: Yes, very much! I never expected this. To be honest, I doubted this PR-trip a bit. Somebody suggested this to me. So I signed up for this trip, but I was so afraid of it. You know, I thought "but these people read books. What the hell are they going to do with “Visions”?" I thought I was going to get stuff like: Mr. Koning, you know, you’ve tried, stick to acting. Don’t you dare to ever pick up a pen or a laptop again and write anything. Don’t you dare! You’re pen is a cocked weapon that can unleash the next world war. Shut up and just go do the thing you’re awarded for.

GBFC: Are you a reader? If so, what are some of your favorite books?
JK: I read like a motherfucker – excuse my French. Reading is research to me. I dive into the books as if everything written will happen to me. Sometimes I read the conversations out loud, like an actor. As if I play the part. Some of my favorite books are “Everything Illuminated” – well, actually everything by Safran Foer. I love everything by Shakespeare. The Beat Generation. Dutch authors like WF Hermans – don’t know if it’s translated – and Jan Wolkers. “Turkish Delight” and “A Rose of Flesh” are my translated favorites by him. And I love everything by Jean Koning – he’s funny. Even in Dutch.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do an interview with GBFC!

Thank you for considering me. Thank you for reading me. Thank you for asking me. Thank you for almost being me.

YES!!!

2009-06-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG!!!!

FINALLY!

I've waited for two years for this! Thoughts? I can't wait!

Visions: On America by Jean Koning

2009-06-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Visions on America is a compilation of articles written for the E-Zine The Noise. It is a look at the American way of life through different stories and anecdotes, with a whole lot of commentary by Jean Koning, the author. It is filled with humor, satire, and integrity, while remaining honest to its author.

The book calls itself an investigation of the American way of life through European eyes. I wanted to review this book because the synopsis alone told me that not only would it be very different, but it also looked very entertaining. So I decided to take a step back and read it, and boy was it different! I truly felt like I was looking into this artist’s heart through these columns.

Koning definitely doesn’t shy away from controversial topics (marijuana, sex, etc) and this book is very open about his opinions. It’s definitely not for the easily offended or more conservative bunch –unless you’re really able to take a step away from it all.

I really enjoyed the style. It was more like a train of thought than reading. You know how sometimes you read articles, short stories, or columns and they just kinda go on and on? This reads more like you’re looking into someone’s brain and picking out little opinions and thoughts. Sometimes the most absurd opinions and thoughts, but nonetheless, I dug the way it flew along.

I will say it does seem a little long in some places and a little too short in others, but the glory of a book like this is that you can skip ahead if something isn’t exactly your cup of tea.

Verdict: B. I’m not the best judge of commentaries because I tend to shy away from any in-your-face messages, but it’s a well written book and there are definitely some interesting things said in it. At 152 pages, it’s the perfect afternoon read with a good cup of coffee and a tongue planted firmly in your cheek.

I’m very excited to be hosting a giveaway of this book for one lucky person! To enter, leave your email address in the comments or shoot me an email at theworldsmystage@gmail.com!

Women Who Read...

2009-06-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

A couple is on vacation. One morning, the husband returns the boat to their lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.

Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up, and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent.

Along comes a Fish and Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'

'Reading a book,' she replies (thinking,'Isn't that obvious?')

'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her.

'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.' '

Yes, but I see you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.'

'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.

'But I haven't even touched you,' says the Game Warden.

'That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.'

'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

Book Meme!

2009-05-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

1) What Author do you own the most books by?
Probably J K Rowling

2) What book do you own the most copies of?
HP1 and HP 2. I have two of each.

3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Nope, kind of a lost cause anymore, eh?

4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Marcus Flutie, but it's really no secret.

5) What book have you read the most times in your life?
Not to sound obsessive (yeah right), but HP

6) Favorite book as a ten year old?

Ohhh, probably the Babysitter's Club. Or Sweet Valley High. Or Fear Street. Or Where the Red Fern Grows. OH! Island of the Blue Dolphins and Bridge to Terabithia definitely rank... Hm... I read a lot as a kid (not much has changed).

7) What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?

I wont mention it on here because I wound up not reviewing it because I disliked it so much. Look at me being all noble. ;o)

8) What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?

I LOVED the Jessica Darling series.

9) If you could force everyone you know to read one book, what would it be?
The Harry Potter Series or the Chronicles of Narnia

10) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?

The Time Traveler's Wife. (I KNOW! But they keep pushing it off so I feel like it's never going to happen.)

11) What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?

House of Leaves

12) What is your favorite book?
HP 7

13) Play?

I have so many. Tennessee Williams holds a very special place in my heart

14) Poem?
I Carry Your Heart (I Carry It In My Heart)

15) Essay?
Ralph Waldo Emerson. Anything.

16) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephenie Meyer - Yes I LOVED Twilight. But let's face it...

17) What is your desert island book?
HP Series

18) And… what are you reading right now?

I will be reading The Book Theif on Thursday. Right now I'm on Goblet of Fire.

Since I've been neglecting my blog-friend duties, I want to tag a few of the people I miss:

Lilly from Reading Extravaganza

Michelle from A Reader's Respite

Beth from BFish Reads

Shonda at TexasRedBooks.com

Amy at Passages to the Past

Amanda at Urban Bachelorette

Have fun!!!

Spotlight: Kandy Siahaya

2009-05-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

So remember yesterday when I posted my review of Making Light of Being Heavy? Well I was very fortunate enough to get to interview the author, Kandy Siahaya about her work!

Thank you so much Kandy, for taking the time to talk to GBFC!

Enjoy!

GBFC: Was there a certain point that you knew that you wanted to (stealing your title here) 'make light of being heavy'?

KS: It is really something I can always remember doing. I guess I have always "made light" of it because the opposite is just too dang depressing, seriously. In my book I joke that I was skinny for like 10 minutes back in 1984 so I have had plenty of time over the years with my weight struggle to use my sense of humor as an alternative approach.

GBFC: It seems to be a new look at the topic - did you run into any problems publishing or promoting it?

KS: This virtual book tour will be the first main promotion of Making Light of Being Heavy. I am really excited to get it out there and so far the response has been great!

GBFC: I found myself giggling out loud at some of the parts in your book, particularly the catalogue pages. How did you go into writing it? Was it stream of conscious or more planned out?

KS: Once I had the time I literally just sat down and started typing and before I knew it Chapter One - Let's Cut Through the Fat was done in just a couple of hours. The topics and instances in the book are things that I know very well so I guess the planning turned into more of what I wanted my message to be from my perspective as a fat chick :)

GBFC: Do you consider yourself a comedienne in real life?

KS: As my dad used to say, "I don't like to toot my own horn.." but yes, I think I am pretty funny. Several good friends over the years have told me that I should do standup....yikes... but going to comedy shows is one of favorite things to do.

GBFC: What was your goal in writing MLoBH?

KS: I was hoping to provide a different perspective on the whole fat thing not only for women like me but to give some insight to anyone who could never relate.

GBFC: The tone of your book is very conversational. Did this happen naturally, or did you have to concentrate on keeping it light?

KS: This happened naturally. What is in the book and how it is presented is me. I didn't worry about proper sentence structure, punctuation,etc., because I wanted it to get my point across and felt the best way to validate what I was saying was to just be me.

GBFC: Do you read? If so, what are some of your favorite books?

KS: Yes, I do like to read when I have the time. I am a hopeless romantic and a sucker for good historical romance, anything with a happy ending :) Pretty much anything by Lisa Kleypas, Amanda Quick, and Judith McNaught are my favorites

2009-05-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

Making Light of Being Heavy by Kandy Siahaya

2009-05-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I picked up MLoBH not knowing what to expect. I should add a disclaimer that I am not the target audience of this book and so some of the things may not have spoken to me the way they should have.

I've battled a bit with my weight in the past, but never to the extent of what some women have had to. That being said, I can understand having self image problems, and I was truly interested in Kandy's light-hearted spin to such a heavy(no pun intended) subject.

At 90 pages, this book was a great afternoon read for me. I read through it in one sitting, and really was surprised by it. The book probably wasn't meant for me. I found myself flipping through the first few pages trying to get into it because it seemed a bit complain-ey and I wanted to get to the funn-y (haha, see what I did there?).

After the intro, though, it really did pick up. Kandy has a way of showing you her world, or the world of a "fat person" (I'm using quotes to avoid sounding rude. Kandy, along with one of my favorite comedians George Carlin, are both against the term "obese"). She does this without being whiny or too 'Poor Me'. In fact for the most part she's honest and in your face, which is quite refreshing.

There is a bit where she talks about catalogues from her childhood along with exercise moves that are commonly recommended for overweight individuals thatdefinitely had me grinning. Also a paragraph toward the end about common misconceptions about overweight individuals is pretty much golden.

Verdict - B. I wasn't astounded by the writing, and there were certainly a few parts that could have been different. That being said, it's refreshing to see someone so comfortable in their own skin to put something like this out there. Kudos to Kandy for not only writing a book, but writing one that so many women can relate to - and it may even boost their self-esteem a bit in the making. It's not a self help book, a diet book, or even a commentary on life as an obese individual. What it is is a book reminding you that you are you no matter what shape or size, and you need to be happy with just that.

I was lucky enough to get to interview Kandy Siahaya. The interview will be posted tomorrow!

Perfect Fifths by Megan Mccafferty

2009-05-01T08:10:00.001-07:00

Finished Perfect Fifths

The conclusion of Marcus

And Notso’s story

When sweet Jessica

Missed a flight to paradise

She runs over him

Marcus, former dreg

Gets tackled by his old love

Re-igniting fire

By taking some risks

Megan Mccafferty shines

With talent and grace

Dreg, hippie, or nerd,

I’ll miss you Marcus Flutie

I cherished each word

If you haven’t read

The story of this couple

Run don’t walk; enjoy

I loved this series

Goodbyes can be bittersweet

Till next time, with love.

Verdict: A +. DUH!

I suck.

2009-04-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about my blog! We had a loved one pass away last week, and had to make a last minute trip out of town. We're back now, so I'll be back up to my blogging duties tomorrow. Have a good night!

Oh and to all HP: Revisited participants, this week's digest and updated scoreboard should go out tomorrow. Happy reading! Can't wait to discuss on Friday.

Harry Potter: Revisited - Challenge Calendar

2009-04-24T10:19:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, here are the dates for our discussions and trivia for the HP:Revisited Challenge!

It's not too late to sign up! Sign up today for 10 bonus points! For more info on the contest and readalong, check this post.

Spectacular, Spectacular!

2009-04-20T10:15:00.001-07:00

I'm having an awesome day. Fantastic, even. And it's only 12:15!

I got tickets to go see U2! Wahoo! And I've received two awards! Yes!

Angela at Library Girl Reads gave me this sassy little award a couple of weeks ago, and I haven't had a chance to post it. (Sorry, Angela). that doesn't mean I don't LOVE it though, because I do. I've always admired this beauty on other blogs.

I'm going to cheat on this one and give it to all my blogger-buddies. I think all of your blogs are fabulous! :o)

And then Shonda at TexasRed gave me this cute little guy! Shonda doesn't know, but I have a serious thing for Panda Bears!

"We give and get awards for having a great blog and being a good friend. What I want to award is those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to me. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment ... I wanted to recognize some special bloggers whose comments have made such an impact on me. The “You Don’t Say?” Award is awarded to these special bloggers in hopes that they will pass the award along to 5-10 of their best commenters!"

Well, I do love me some comments! Choosing recipients for this bad boy was easy, thanks to my little comment widget.

Shonda at TexasRed (right back at ya, sista)

Christina at Christina-and-Mark

Courtney at Citylove

Beth F at BFishReads

Jessica at Reading is Sexy

Musing Mondays

2009-04-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've played along w/Musing Mondays... Time to get back in the game.

Coming towards the end of April, we’re a third of the way through the way through the year. What’s the favourite book you’ve read so far in 2009? What about your least favourite? (question courtesy of MizB)

Wait.

Hold.

The.

Phone.

We're a third of the way through 2009? Oh Good Lord!

Okay, not to sound like a Grandma, but Where has the year gone?!?!

Favorite:

I adored this book! Read my review here.

Least Favorite:

Now, in my defense, I REALLY enjoyed this book! Turns out, I haven't read a lot of books I haven't REALLY enjoyed this year... So I had to choose it. Read my review here.

What about you? Fave? Least Fave?

HARRY POTTER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2009-04-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I teased a bit about an exciting Harry Potter announcement coming out today, so without further ado....

GBFC is proud to present - Harry Potter: Revisited.

I am going to be hosting a read-along/watch-along, of the seven books and their movies between now and mid-june. Each book will be discussed with you, my faithful readers, and each movie will be watched on a particular weekend.

Ohhhh but that's not all, my friends! Not even close!

We're proud to be hosting a HUGE contest in anticipation of the release of the Half Blood Prince movie!!!

At the end of the contest there will be a grand prize, a runner up, and two second runners up! That's a lot of prizes! Check out the goodies you could win by playing along:

GRAND PRIZE:

The first prize winner will recieve ALL FIVE HP movies on DVD, and a ticket through fandango to go see Half Blood Prince in the theatre. (See, I told you it was huge!)

First Runner Up:

The second place winner will recieve a copy of Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli

Two Second Runners Up:

The third place winners will get a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans as well as a hand made Harry Potter Bookmark

ALL PARTICIPANTS WITH 50 POINTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A HANDMADE HARRY POTTER BOOKMARK!

Do I have your attention now? Good, here are a few more details on the contest:

After we read each book and watch each movie I will post trivia questions on the site pertaining to both the movie and book of that week. I will keep track of the winners via a scoreboard that will live on the right column of my page (over there ----------->).

Each week there will be a 5, 10, 15, and 25 point question. Email me your answers, and the winner (chosen in June) will be decided by who has the most points.

There are more ways to get points!

By participating in the dicussions each week, you automatically get 5 points per discussion, you just have to make sure I know you're participating!

Bonus Points

25 point bonus - Post a blog about and linking back to our contest page! (Hey, this is an effort to get more blog readers and HP fans, after all...)

15 point bonus - Get a friend to participate in the contest. They MUST say to me that you are the one that referred them. Limit one per participant.

15 point bonus - Add my pretty little Harry Potter: Revisited icon to your blog, email for instructions/file.

10 point bonus - Sign up to play along before next Friday, April 24th!

See! FUN! Want to play along? I'll be posting the calendar of discussion dates soon. We'll start with book one (HP and the Sorcerer's Stone) in May!

Can't wait!

If you have any questions or want to play along, post a comment asking the question and be sure to include your email address! Don't want to post your email? Mine is theworldsmystage@gmail.com.

Rubber Side Down by Jose Gouveia

2009-04-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I was sent a review copy of this by the lovely Lisa Roe. Thanks, Lisa!

So I picked Rubber Side Down to review simply because it is so out of my normal reading style. Occasionally I like to step out of my comfort zone (bah!) and read something new. That being said, it took me a couple of weeks to pick this bad boy up. I have a love/hate relationship with change. We're working things out.

So anyway, Rubber Side Down is a biker poet anthology. Basically this Jose Gouveia has spent several years as a biker and meeting other biker poets - and has even hosted many biker poet reading sessions which are hugely popular.

So I had no idea or concept of the world of biker poets. You could set me up right next to the group of people who think that motorcycles are scary and so not for me, and so I've never thought to look into that culture or way of life. Which it is a way of life. Have you ever met a biker? I've known a few and they are so relaxed and view things so differently than I do. So I went into this knowing a bit about the culture, but not much beyond that.

Let me just say that I loved this book so much more than I expected to. Branching out, while scary, proved successful this time around. Thank goodness.

The poetry is really across the board from comic to romantic to tragic, and is written by several different biker-poets. Let me tell you, these people have some talent! I found myself flagging a lot of the pages to come back to in the future to read again. I really enjoyed them, particularly the works of J. Barrett (Bear) Wolf, Jose Gouveia, and J.H. Colorado T. Sky.

It was so intense to get a look into this world that I have no clue about. I learned a lot about the hearts and souls of these people, and it was incredibly rewarding.

The poems range from several pages long to one short stanza, and the authors are all just as different. They're mixed in with great photography by Michael Lichter and short bios and stories about some of the contributors.

Verdict: A- It creates the perfect mix of stories, poetry, and photography. Even though it was something completely foreign to me that I never thought I would enjoy - I really loved this book. It's sitting on my shelf, with several pages flagged, just waiting for me to revisit them. I think someone who is a biker or knows bikers well would probably enjoy it more than I did, and there were a few poems that I didn't 'get' because I'm not one, but it was very good. Definitely check it out if you're into poetry or learning about the biker movement. I kinda want to try riding on a motorcycle now... Kinda. Except that I'm terrified of them. Maybe in a few years. For now I'll just enjoy the good poetry.

EPIC!!!!

2009-04-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Behold, my friends... The final Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer, released just one hour ago:

I. Can't. Contain. Myself!!!

This movie looks fantastic.

Check in tomorrow for another exciting Harry Potter Announcement!!!

Off to watch it a thousand more times before I go to bed....

Are We There Yet? by David Levithan

2009-04-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

I picked this book up on a whim at my local library. (Yes! You read that right! I am now a library girl! ::beams:: ) I have been wanting to read some David Levithan for awhile now. Particularly Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, but alas, they didn’t have it. So I did what I do best – I picked

based on the cover and title.

Are We There Yet tells the story of two brothers who (think they) hate each other. They are tricked into going on a trip to Italy together, much to their chagrin.

So you know how the story is going to end before you finish reading the description on the back, right? They’re going to hate each other so much on this trip that they figure out they really love each other and become all chummy, as brothers do.

So I knew going into it that it would be a fluffy and fun read. I read it in one night and really enjoyed it. David Levithan has a very interesting writing style, that once I got used to, I really enjoyed. He writes like a true storyteller, but when it’s YA lit, it kind of throws you at first. Here is an excerpt:

Cal smiles and returns to the party. Elijah rearranges his pillows and fits himself within the sheets. And as he does, he wonders. He wonders about goldfish asleep with their eyes open. He wonders about Italy, about his parents, about whether the stars will be brighter in Venice. He hears voices at a distance, the lively sound of voices from the common room. Like the spots of color whenever he closes his eyes. He closes his eyes. He thinks about what a wonderful friend Cal is. How lucky he is to have such friends, all of his friends. He is happy. He is almost empty with happiness. . . .
-Are We There Yet, by David Levithan

So it was a very fun, flowing read. Contrary to my early impressions, the book wasn’t all fluff. You really get to know Elijah and Danny’s weaknesses and insecurities – which are very realistic. The characters are extremely real and I had no problem imagining them.

Verdict: B+ I will say this book probably isn’t for everyone. It’s very dry and straightforward. There isn’t a lot of conflict, and you go in about 90% sure of what the outcome is going to be. That being said, I really had a lot of fun reading it, and can’t wait to dig into more of David Levithan’s work.

Have you read anything he’s written? What would you recommend?

Hiding in the Library Shelves

2009-04-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Got this fun quiz from Amanda over at Urban Bachelorette. It was surprisingly accurate, though I'm not sure how I feel about being shoved in w/the encyclopedias.... :-/

Smash's Dewey Decimal Section:

714 Water features

Smash's birthday: 7/29/1985 = 729+1985 = 2714

Class:
700 Arts & Recreation

Contains:
Architecture, drawing, painting, music, sports.

What it says about you:
You're creative and fun, and you're good at motivating the people around you. You're attracted to things that are visually interesting. Other people might not always understand your taste or style, but it's yours.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

Smash's Dewey Decimal Section:

029 [Unassigned]

Smash = 93198 = 931+98 = 1029

Class:
000 Computer Science, Information & General Works

Contains:
Encyclopedias, magazines, journals and books with quotations.

What it says about you:
You are very informative and up to date. You're working on living in the here and now, not the past. You go through a lot of changes. When you make a decision you can be very sure of yourself, maybe even stubborn, but your friends appreciate your honesty and resolve.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

What is your Dewey Decimal Section?

Fourth Comings by Megan Mccafferty

2009-04-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

WARNING: SPOILERS!

Okay, this should be the last Jessica Darling review from me for at least two weeks! Hopefully you're not sick of her yet! I know I'm not.

.
So this is the second to last book of this series, and it opens with Jessica Darling nice and sloshed in a bar on the Jersey Shore. Huge difference from our teenage drama queen of Sloppy Firsts, eh?

So after about five pages of scratching my head and trying to put my finger on what was so different about this one, I figured it out.

This book is Jessica's journal to Marcus, as opposed to Jessica's journal about Marcus. Get it? So instead of real, no frills, sassy Jessica, we get Jessica as she is toward Marcus. So aside from a drunk entry or two, we get to read some of her censorship and outward shell of what she wants Marcus to see her as.

So, once you get past that and figure out the basis of the story (Marcus has popped the question in the most awkward, casual, Marcus-ey way possible; and Jessica is given a week to decide - hence the journal to Marcus) you are catapulted into the world of Darling once again.

This book was so completely different from the others that it took me awhile to enjoy. It's 300 pages only cover one week of Jessica's life, so it can seem a bit slow at parts. You're like "Just tell me if she says 'yes' or 'no' already!" But at other times, you're just as nervous and torn as she is. It's just as witty and funny as the first three, but there are times that you don't need to know every little detail of the ride to work one day.

Another new detail. The perfect Hope (off bff fame) is introduced in the flesh. I couldn't get used to her as a IRL character. I liked it when she was someone far off who you never get to meet. It was jarring for me to picture her as a talking breathing person, so that took some getting used to.

It's a good book. I wasn't disappointed or even totally surprised by the ending, but it did leave me a little bummed. Was it my favorite? No, not at all. In fact, I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it.

It is definitely a book about growing up, which is just what Jessica winds up doing.

Verdict: B. Probably the weakest in the series from my point of view, but still a great, fun read. Megan Mccafferty is wicked talented. Two weeks till the last book. Which my friend Jessica read and adored. Can't wait!

Coolest.Award.Ever!

2009-04-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've always hated people that over-use exclamation points (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) or plus signs (A++++++++++) because it just defeats the purpose of punctuation. But that's a rant for another day. The only reason I brought it up is because I actually had like six exclamation points in my title, before seeing the error of my ways and erasing five of them.

That being said....

Amy over at Passages to the Past has given me the COOLEST AWARD EVER! Seriously! Check it out!

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

Okay, now I have to ask you not to brave the pack of zombie chickens to read my blog. But, if you must, I understand - but be sure to bring backup supplies to our shelter. I'm not running a charity, here. ;o)

This Zombie Love has to be passed on to other deserving blogs. Now I took my time in choosing, so if you're a recipient - consider yourself loved! ;o)

Amanda at Urban Bachelorette

Shonda at Texas Red Books

Beth at BFish Reads

Lilly at Reading Extravaganza

Michele at A Readers Respite

Enjoy, Ladies. And congrats! And thanks to everyone who reads and loves my blog, zombie chickens, or not! :o)

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

2009-03-31T11:16:00.001-07:00

I flew through this series, but I have been trying to space out my reviews. I know not everyone wants to be bombarded with Jessica Darling, as I do.

So… how you been?
.

I’ve been good, you know… Planning a few trips… Working in my garden…

Oh!

Right. The Review…
.

So we meet Jessica once again through her journal. She is a freshman at Columbia. And so the differences begin. Charmed Thirds is so completely different from the first two in the series, that it could almost be a stand-alone novel. Instead of going through a year to a year and a half of Jessica’s life, we get all four years of college in one 300 page helping.
.

This made me realize that I don’t like change. Well, I do in real life… I’m kind of addicted to it, actually. But not with my books. This book is the first in the series that wouldn’t fly as a YA novel, either. The book grows up w/Jessica – but not quite like Harry Potter books or other series. This one is more abrupt, so it took me a few pages to get the feel of legal (18) Jessica and her new problems.

One thing that was really cool and kind of jarring about it – Jessica moves to go to NYC for college in 2002. Yours truly left to go to NYC for school in 2003. It was so cool that Megan Mccafferty did her research. The things she described, I clearly remember from my time in New York. There really are clumps of poor students asking you to “Tell Them a Story” in the summers. I remember the reactions to the tsunami. Also, I remember when the RNC came to town, which is mentioned a few times as well. It was almost a little too close to home at some points – like I was reading a friends diary. I LOVED it! It was so cool to almost re-experience those years through her eyes. Props to Megan for doing her research!
.

There are a lot of ups and downs in this book, making it a rollercoaster ride through four defining years. There were plot points I loved, and ones I didn’t care for, but more because I was rooting for a different outcome during those points. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there are a few jaw-dropping moments.

Also – Spam haiku is possibly one of the most genius things ever.
.

Verdict: B+ I loved this book. It’s no secret that I love this series like cake. Unfortunately the change was a little to abrupt for me, so I can’t say I loved it as much as the first two. Second Helpings is still holding strong as my favorite in the series.

Mischief of One Kind...

2009-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you may have seen this, or you may have missed it... But I just had to post. My inner nine year old is bouncing in her seat - crazy curly hair flopping every which-a-way.

Why?

Well, my friends, because of this:

PUMPED!

This is seriously one of the best childrens books EVER and it looks like the movie is going to be SO good!

Okay, inner nine year old needs to go play with barbies now...

I CHALLENGE THEE!!!

2009-03-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. I'm challenging myself, though! Here are the challenges I'm participating in (so far) this year.

The "Read at least 100 Books Challenge." (Also known as the, smash just being smash challenge. There is a 200 books challenge that I'm tempted to do, but I might lose my job if I did. So, 100 it is!)

The NBC Spring Book Challenge!
(Remember back in December when I did the Winter Book Challenge? Well I didn't do so hot on it, so I'm going to give it a shot again this spring. Here are this season's categories:)

My ideas are in green.

5 Points
Motherhood or "mother" in title
Released in April, May or June 2009: Perfect Fifths by Megan Mccafferty
Two favorite childhood chapter books: Baby Sitter's Club, Island of the Blue Dolphins
One-word title: Sandpiper
Flower or plant in title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See
Spring word in title: The Secret Life of Bees
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, or Wedding in title: On Borrowed Wings
Close your eyes and point to a book on your TBR pile:
Baseball theme: When Women Played Hardball
Name of character or person in title:

10 Points
Listen to an audio book:
Collection of short stories/poetry: Dreams Underfoot - Charles De Lint
Takes place in your city/state: I do, But I don't - Cara Lockwood
Hispanic author:
GLBT author or character:
Classic: Persuasion or Emma - Jane Austen
Main character is a child:
Husband/SO picked for you: East of Eden
True crime: Under the Banner of Heaven
War/soldier:

15 Points
April, May or June book club pick and participate in discussion: Little Lady Agency
Required of you in h.s. that you didn't finish or appreciate: The Scarlett Letter or Animal Farm
1001 list (http://www.listsofbests.com/list/2222 ): Middlesex: A Novel - Jeffrey Eugenides
Started but you've never finished (less than 1/2 through): Dragonfly in Amber - Diana Gabaldon
Movie adaptation coming out in 2009: Watchmen
Title format: The ___________'s _________________: The Memory Keeper's Daughter (maybe)
Pulitzer Prize winner (http://www.litweb.net/pulitzer.html) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Character/author has same name as you/SO
Released the year you were born
Friend tells you what to read: The Pact by Jodi Picoult

25 Points
Stephen King/Richard Bachman novel The Green Mile or Shawshank Redemption
Historical fiction AND a nonfiction on the same subject
Genre you do not normally read
Read a book and cook a meal inspired by it
Book inspired by a song you like. Write a haiku or song verse based on it:

Got any ideas for the blank categories? The challenge starts in a week and I need to ~~go spend all my money at the bookstore~~ prepare!

Are you doing any challenges right now?

!!!

2009-03-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

'Tis a GLORIOUS day!

My dear blogging-buddy Lilly (reading extravaganza) has given GBFC the Sisterhood Award!

Now I'm not sure if this is meant to be like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but if it is, I totally call the role of the angsty girl who dies her hair different colors. I forget her name, but that was so me in high school.

So anyway, thank you, Lilly! I really love this award, and it means so much that you gave it to me!

With Praise, Comes Responsibility:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Well, Shonda at TexasRed for sure, bc she was my very first blogging buddy!

Amy at Passages to the Past because I have adore her blog and her facebook comments.

Christina at Christina-and-Mark because we've known eachother almost long enough to be sisters!

Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin because I've recently become addicted to her blog.

Also, when I google-image searched for 'excited', this popped up. Awesome.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-03-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Friday fill-ins are brought to you by the FFF blog. Enjoy! My answers are in green.

1. Why do we have to pay bills?

2. Reading before bed, taking vitamins, and feeding my puppies are now habits.

3. I have like fifty books in my TBR pile.

4. I had never heard the phrase "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" and I totally thought Madonna wrote it for her song last year. My husband was a little too quick to correct me on that one. ;o).

5. I will post this and then check out all the blogs I follow, the way I always do.

6. How was I to know that so many people would be upset that I didn't like Sookie? I'm sorry guys! I really wanted to love her!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm making a pizza with my husband, then going to a movie , tomorrow my plans include working in the yard, getting a passport, and going bowling and Sunday, I'm going to have some girls over to watch Twilight and then my cousin will come over for the season finale of Big Love!

Have a great weekend!

Booking Through Thursday

2009-03-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

BTT is brought to you by the btt blog.

How about, “What’s the worst ‘best’ book you’ve ever read — the one everyone says is so great, but you can’t figure out why?”

Ohhh! Good question! For this, I've decided to present my answers next to the cover of the books.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

People who have been reading my blog for awhile will remember my scathing review of this. I just didn't get it. I wanted to love this book so bad, and it was a big fail for me. Sorry, Sookie Stackhouse! I really wanted us to be good friends!

This was one of my early reviews, and I offended a few people with it, so sorry if it seems rude. I was just so disappointed that I didn't love it. Find my review here.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

I was so let down by this book. It seemed like such fun! For the three main reasons I didn't like this book, check out my review here.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.

Oh, Stephenie... What the heck were you thinking?!

I never reviewed this one. There was just too much to say. If you want more of my thoughts on it, just let me know in the comments.

Did you loooovvveee these books? Did you not like them? What about you? What are some much-loved novels that you secretly (or in my case, very openly) disliked?

Second Helpings by Megan Mccafferty

2009-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I got my second helping of the Jessica Darling (see what I did there?! Aren't I witty?!) series.

I always go into a second novel a little apprehensive. What if it isn't as good as the first? What if a major character has changed dramatically? What if it's boring?

Well, clearly I wasn't too nervous, because I bought it the first chance I could.

If it is at all possible, this book is even better than the first. I loved it! (Does anyone remember the lady that loved everything on SNL and would kick out of her chair screaming 'I love it, I love it, I love it!'? I think it was Molly Shannon? Yeah, that seems to be me with this series).

So we get to finish High School w/Jessica and all of her trials that she goes through. She graduates in 2002, so we get to hear about 9/11, choosing a college, Prom, and much more. Jessica continues to narrate with her snarky journal entries that had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

Now stop right there! I know what you're thinking! This is so not your typical high school experience novel. It was so different and real. I just can't get enough of her, or Marcus Flutie.

Verdict - A. Did you even have to ask?

Wow.

2009-03-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Things I could buy with $19.000.00:

An Electric Car:

4,750 Caramel Machiattos from Starbucks:

5,428.5 Sprinkles Cupcakes:

15,200 Coke Zeros:

Or this:
A Softcover of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. One of only 500 first edition copies ever sold - 200 of which were softcover. (It also came with an autographed card). My hubby works at one of the largest auction houses in the country, and that’s how much this baby sold for a couple of weeks ago.

You know what's bad? I really really want it.

Sloppy Firsts by Megan Mccafferty

2009-03-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

<3<3<3<3<3<3

So I finished Sloppy Firsts last Friday... Went to buy Second Helpings on Saturday, finished it yesterday afternoon... Went to buy Charmed Thirds yesterday, and went ahead and grabbed Fourth Comings because I was seeing a trend. The guys at Borders probably know me by name now.

So anyway, we meet Jessica Darling (yes she realizes her name is sickeningly cute) halfway through her sophomore year of High School. She's witty as all get out, and over-analyzes every moment of her life in her journal, which is what you get to read. It's written through her journal entries and letters she sends to her BFF who moved across the country right before her 16th birthday. Jessica reminded me so much of myself in high school, it was crazy. Well, except I could only wish to be that witty. She's smart, funny, and extremely insecure. In other words, she's very real, which is great. This is no typical teen heroine.

So this book follows her through about a year of her life, while she goes through some of the more awkward ups and downs of being 16. It seems YA lit has changed a lot since I was in High School, because Jessica and her friends actually cuss and drink and make mistakes and do things teenagers actually do! In my day, they were pure as snow. Or I wasn't reading the right YA books.

We get introduced to Marcus Flutie, who will have your heart thumping for reasons you can't quite explain. He does the same to Jessica, and torments her throughout the year. Jessica is also dealing with learning who her friends really are, and what that friendship might actually mean. It's a year of ups and downs, mostly downs - and you can't help but love all of the characters.

I loved it, I laughed out loud so many times during it. Megan Mccafferty is a very talented writer. She grabs you from the get-go and keeps you until the very end. And then she gets you to rush to Borders twice in one weekend just to see what happens to Jessica (notso) Darling.

Verdict : A. This is a very fun novel. While it's target audience is probably about 17 or 18 years old, any woman that ever went to a Public High School will love this book. It's a quick read and it will have you giggling until you cry, and you will definitely enjoy the ride. Just be sure to have the second one on hand. ;o)

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-03-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's FRIIIIDDAAYY! I'm so excited. I've been barely keeping my eyes open for like four days. Smash needs some sleep. Big. Time.

As usual, my answers are in blue. :o)

1. When I look to the left, I see my blackberry. Le sigh.

2. My Living Room is the room that has the best view in my home. (you can see our pool. we don't have a great view from any rooms. No gorgeous mountains or anything near us. We live right on a lake, but we are on the wrong side of the street. Darn Suburbs)

3. Let it work itself out. It always winds up bettr that way.

4. Dude. How many people are going to put Dirty Deeds here? done dirt cheap! And now the song is in my head. ::facepalm::

5. Literacy is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any red wine feel free to share the love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping and finishing Sloppy Firsts (wahoo!), tomorrow my plans include a birthday bbq and lots of yardwork. Oh and we're going to watch Will Ferrell make fun of George Bush on HBO and Sunday, I want to read a book. Yes an entire book. I want to do nothing but read alllllll day.!

For more friday fill in fun, check out the blog.

If you play along, let me know.

Also, how do you guys like the new look? I finally mastered the three-columns! ::fistpump::

I'm not ungrateful!!!

2009-03-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Lilly over at reading-extravaganza gave me an award like a week ago and I've yet to post it! I'm so sorry Lilly! This award means so much to me, and I'm so excited to have gotten it. But I am a crappy blog-friend. Anyway, here she is!!!!

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

Wow! Exceedingly charming? Me? ::bats eyelashes::

I will say that I love awards. They mean so much to me. I love the friends I've made through this blog and the books I've found through it as well. Aw, look at me getting all mushy!

Anyway...

Now is the time to announce four recipients of this award:

Jessica at Reading is Sexy - Dude this girl has the best taste in YA I've ever seen.

Amanda at Urban Bachelorette - I love this girl, and her blog is fantastic. Even though I am adding a ton of books to my tbr pile just by glancing at her page.

Carie at Love, Life.... - Talk about a blog friend, this is one of the nicest girls I've ever met.

Kayla at Central Cooking - I drool just thinking about her yummy recipes.

Congrats, gals! I love your blogs!

UPDATE: AWWW! So I had just posted this when I check my email to see that Shonda at TexasRedBooks also gave me this award! Wahoo! Two awards by two of my favorite bloggers?! This calls for a celebration!

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

2009-03-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

STATS:
Originally Published: 1989
Pages: 983

I feel like I've just finished my first marathon. Whew!! I did it! Congratulate me!

Okay, maybe it's not that big of a deal, but man did this book kick my butt. I really thought I'd have it done in a week. Maybe two. Nope. Try the entire month of February. Oh well, it was worth it.... Or was it...? ;o)

So I'm not sure where to begin w/this one. It's always hard to review longer books. It's inevitable that you will love some parts and hate others. A few weeks ago I had an update w/my feelings on the first 200 pages of the book.

So I started off not crazy about it, but enjoying it. I'm going to do this in two sections, what I loved and what I didn't love. Otherwise I could go on for pages and pages, because there was just.so.much.

Loved.
Well for one thing, I've never had a building be a main character of a book before. No the building didn't talk or think, but the entire novel centered around this Cathedral, and that was great. It was always in the background, looming over the charcters. It was very cool, and I found myself more attached to that cathedral than a lot of the people I was reading about.

Aliena and Jack. LOVED this relationship! I loved Aliena the most out of all the characters. She was so spunky and independent. Even though she drove me CRAZY w/the loyalty to her oath. I did like her.

Ellen. Man. What a bada$$.

I liked Prior Phillip so much for the first three quarters of the book. He was just so crafty and determined. How could you not love that in a monk? Also I think it's a huge trend to make monks/priests/etc villians in some way in Historical Fiction. I was glad he was honestly devout and pure.

The writing style. It was very dry and a bit humorous mixed with educational and gripping.

The fact that we got into William's head. So often the villain is this unknown person who only comes into the story when action is needed. It was cool to be able to follow him and hear his thoughts. Disgusting as they were. I think this made me hate him even more, which was a good thing in this situation.

Hated.
The loooonnnnggg descriptions. I get it. It takes a lot to build a cathedral. I don't need to read about what goes into shaping, building, and assembling a column for 12 pages before seeing any dialogue. Sorry, not for me.

Switching POVs after every 7 pages. (Or so it seemed.) I've never been a fan of books that abruptly switch POVs in the beginning. I find I never have enough time to get attached to a character. This could be why I was so in love w/the Cathedral, because for about the first 500 pages of the book, this was the only thing that was constant. Give me time to love a character before you introduce me to someone else.

I could have lived without the first 300 pages of this book. I didn't need the backstory on Tom and Agnes. I didn't need to follow them starving through the woods to understand just how much Tom-needed-to-build-the-cathedral. I wasn't truly invested in a could-not-put-it-down sort of way until about page 600. It gripped me before that, but it just wasn't THAT gripping.

William almost became a caricature of himself in the end. I knew if there was a girl in sight, he would want to rape her. I knew he would think he would win every battle. I knew he would run to Waleran for all of his problems. It got to be a bit annoying, in the end. I stopped caring because it was just another scene of William being a jerk. I felt it could have been switched up a bit.

A few more words...

A lot of people have commented that this book is incredibly violent and full of graphic rape scenes. I didn't get turned off by either of these things. There is more rape in the Outlander series than this one, and I don't hear of people complaining there. It is a violent book, but look at the time and what it focuses on. There was only one scene that I thought the description of the violence was a bit much, but I understood why they did it and it didn't leave me hating it, that's for sure.

Verdict: B. I enjoyed this book. I really loved the last three hundred pages, and I was very attached to it in the end. The beginning was just a bit too slow of a start for me to say I LOVED it. Do I understand all the rave reviews? To an extent. The way Follett weaved all these characters together to tie into eachother in the end was awesome. I also loved the juxtaposition of the hangings in the prologue and epilogue. It is not for those with weak stomachs, but if you read it - stick with it. You'll like it in the end. Even if it takes a month to read. ;o)

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

"That's because born beauties get so much pretty-girl praise that their appearance becomes crucial to their oh-so-delicate self-worth. Boo-freaking-hoo"

Page 9 of Sloppy Firsts by Megan Mccafferty

~~~~~
Bwahahahaha! I love me some bitter teen angst!

I'll be honest I chose my teaser today, it's not random. I just wanted to share that little tidbit. :o)

Review of Pillars of the Earth will be up tomorrow. Be excited.

Let down by the SS Office and DMV. :o(

2009-03-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

So I went in to change my name today, (yes I've been married for 6 months...), and I was all excited to have the morning off and sit in line and be able to read my book. I went to starbucks and got my favorite coffee and got on my happy little way.

I only had to wait for like 5 mins at the SS office! That's it! I didn't even have time to open my book! And I came in excited. They had these comfy chairs and nice lighting - I would have been happy to wait 20 or 30 minutes w/my iced coffee and reading. No luck.

Then I go to the DMV thinking 'well there is always a line here'. The receptionist lady hadn't even handed me my ticket and my number was called! Seriously, my hand hadn't even touched the paper. Argh! I can't win.

Drove back to work drinking coffee on the way. I wont be able to read more until after I get home late tonight. Boo.

Stupid SS and DMV being all on top of it and crap.

;o)

Musing Mondays

2009-03-09T07:05:00.001-07:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about new authors… (brought to you by Rebecca)

What is your policy when it comes to new authors? Do you feel comfortable purchasing a book or do you prefer to borrow new authors from the library? How often do you 'try out' a new author?

Hmm. My policy is that I have no policy. I try as hard as I can not to rule out an author before trying them, and I do pretty well with that. The only times I don't read books by certain authors is when I truly don't enjoy their writing style, and,well, you have to read them first to find that out. ;o)

That being said, I'm pretty sure we've all been swayed by the media in the past - to like or dislike an author... but I do my best to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-03-06T11:59:00.001-08:00

FFI's are brought to you by the FFI blog. My answers are in blue. Let me know if you play along. :o)

And...here we go!

1. Adopting another soldier was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place would be way too much stress right now.

3. I tend to get more caught up in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!.

5. For so many different directions, Our separate paths might have turned. (Yes, those are Rush lyrics. I really had nothing, and that's what Google brought up. lol)

6. Our home reminds me that there is plenty to be thankful for.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Reading, Shopping, Relaxing tomorrow my plans include working in the yard, seeing Watchmen w/hubby, and Sunday, I want to sleep and watch Big Love.

BTT - Playing Catchup

2009-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I really liked yesterday's Booking Through Thursdays question, but I got too busy to post my answer, so here we are. :o)

We’ve all seen the lists, we’ve all thought, “I should really read that someday,” but for all of us, there are still books on “The List” that we haven’t actually gotten around to reading. Even though we know they’re fabulous. Even though we know that we’ll like them. Or that we’ll learn from them. Or just that they’re supposed to be worthy. We just … haven’t gotten around to them yet.

What’s the best book that YOU haven’t read yet?

Now that I'm writing it out, I'm not sure I want to post this post! I can sense the backlash coming! "You call yourself a reader?!?! Outrage!!" But here we go...

Jane Austen. Any of them.

JRR Tolkien. Any of them. (I tried The Hobbit several times. I really truly did! I'm sorry! ::shame::)

The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

The Kite Runner (Tried this one too, couldn't get into it.)

Life of Pi

Gone With the Wind (I've seen the movie a million times...)

Watchmen

I'm sure there are more, but that's all I got off the top of my head. Which one are you most shocked by? Have you read any of these? What books are you ashamed to admit you haven't read?

Oh My Goodness!

2009-03-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

MUST. CONTAIN. EXCITEMENT.

HEAD SPINNING.

132 DAYS.

CAN'T. WAIT.

TOO. MUCH. EXCITEMENT.

::dead::

2009-03-05T13:53:00.001-08:00

And the Winner is. . .

2009-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to BethF of Beth Fish Reads! She has won a copy of both Riding Lessons and Flying Changes by Sara Gruen from my guest post/giveaway last week. Keep an eye out for future giveaways here at GBFC and over at my own blog, Urban Bachelorette.

Musing Mondays

2009-03-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

Musing Mondays are brought to you by Rebecca.

When reading do you read every word? Do you ever skip chapters or skim over parts?

Good Question! For me there are several answers to this question, but I'll do my best to keep it short!

In a nutshell: I read every word.

Or at least I try my best to. I will admit to skimming on occasion.

Things Smash skims through:

Long Descriptions. - If I don't see dialogue coming up, I'll skim or speed read.

Long songs, poems, limericks, diddies, etc. - I know there is symbolism and foreshadowing oozing out of these puppies, but I get bored. Sorry. I like action.

Boring books that somehow grab me - I just want to know what happens!

Seriously-mind-blowing-fast-paced action scenes - Sometimes I justhavetoknowwhathappensnext as fast as possible!!!!

So there you have it! What about you? Do you skim? If you play along let me know in the comments so I can read your answer, too. :o)

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-27T08:31:00.001-08:00

Friday Fill-ins are brought to you by the Friday Fill-in Blog. My answers are in blue. :o)

1. I'm Tired, I'm stressed and I'm gulping down coffee.

2. Why do I have fat and not muscle??? Surely it's not the diet coke and popcorn I ate last night at the movies, is it?

3. How does this adult-hood thing work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put shoes on my feet.

5. I consider myself lucky because: there are so many things. My home, my husband, my family, my pets. I'm a pretty blessed gal, and I'm so thankful. :o)

6. One day we’ll see flying cars. Hopefully not in my lifetime, though. It would be a tad too much to handle.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing my Mom, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with my Mom, Aunt, and Cousin and Sunday, I want to work in the yard.!

If you play along, let me know! I love reading people's answers!

Awww... Shucks! You guys!

2009-02-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Amy over at Passages to the Past has given GBFC a blog award! I think she might have been on a crazy pill, because I've been so bad about blogging lately! Thank you so much Amy! It means so much to me! I still can't believe people actually read my blog, but it looks like they really do! :o)

This might be my favorite award yet, the Blog Friends Award. Thanks Amy! I pink-puffy heart my award, and I love your blog, too!

Now if I could ever figure out how to get the three-column template to work, I'll post all of my blog love that I've gotten since starting this puppy. Three awards, baby! I want to show them off like a proud mama.

Thanks again! And I promise I'll get back to posting regularly.

Now for my blog friends award ceremony. I chose three blogs that I have started ~~stalking~~ reading regularly. They're just too good to miss.

Michele at A Reader's Respite
Beth at Bfish Reads
Shelburns at Write for a Reader

Three G’s! Giveaway, Guest Post, and… Gruen?

2009-02-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hey guys. Remember me? Smash? Well, here I am, out of hiding! I wanted to let you know that I have had a lot of craziness going on in my personal life (nothing too dramatic), and I haven’t had much time to read (or blog!). :o(

So I’ve been missing you all dearly and hope that you don’t forget me. I’m almost finished with my current read and plan to be hopping around the blogosphere again soon.

That being said… I didn’t want to leave you lonely for too long! So I have asked the ever entertaining Amanda of Urban Bachelorette to do a guest post for us today. I guess she was feeling generous, because she decided to review TWO books AND host a giveaway! Thanks Amanda! Check out her blog for reviews and great bits about life as a single gal in New York City. She’s no Carrie Bradshaw! So without further ado….

Thank you Smash for the great introduction! As she indicated, not only am I reviewing two books, but I'm also going to be giving them away as a set. So read on ahead and good luck on winning!

I picked up these two books on a whim while perusing the Buy 2 get a 3rd free tables at the bookstore. I have a considerable soft spot for good horse stories and these seemed like although a quick and easy read to be a good bet. Smash has been bugging me for ages to read Water for Elephants, but that wasn't on the table, but since these are by Sara Gruen as well, I figured that the writing would at least be good. I was not disappointed.

The first book, Riding Lessons, follows Annemarie Zimmer as she has a devastating accident just as she was about to become an Olympic hopeful with her horse Harry. Flashing forward 20 years, she has moved away from her parents' farm, married, and has a daughter who is at that fun age of almost 16. Annemarie hasn't been on a horse since Harry and has no intention of doing so ever. When her husband decides to leave her for his 20 something affair, she moves back to the farm with her daughter, Eva, and discovers just how badly her father's ALS has progressed. She has a difficult time dealing with his sickness and it's quick progression and tries as best she can to avoid spending too much time with him and manging the stable so that her mother can spend whatever time is left with her father.

Time passes and you follow the story of her trials at managing the stable, frequent fights with her daughter, dealing with the divorce, and discovering her still present feelings for Dan the local vet/horse rescuer who she fell in love with when they were younger and she was competing. Some pretty typical romance stuff, but Sara Gruen throws in another horse that looks just like Annemarie's long past horse, Harry. Annemarie is sucked into finding out what happened to this horse (he ends up in pretty sad condition at the horse rescue Dan runs) and she thinks she knows who this horse is since the particular markings on Harry and this horse are rare enough that it should be easy to trace.

The story does not disappoint and I found myself swept up into the story wanting to know what was going to happen in all aspects of Annemarie's life.

The second book, Flying Changes, picks up about a year after the first book and we find that things aren't really great between Annemarie and her daughter Eva, but at least Annemarie has worked her way past her fear of getting on another horse even though she rides so early in the morning that no one else sees her. Eva has competed in one competition and despite Annemarie's intentions that this would get it out of her head, Eva wants to up her training and continue to compete. As Annemarie's accident happened and she lost Harry while competeing (it was a tragic accident, but not one that could have been avoided or even forseen coming), she is terrified that her daughter wants to compete and to jump too. Annemarie works past her issues and decides to let Eva start training.

As I read this book, the plot unfolds and it's one thing after another. I enjoyed it but at times felt that maybe it was rushed a bit as the majority of the events happen very close together and they are all huge dramas. It still invoked strong memories of the bonds between a horse and rider and it was a good story, but towards the very end I was like really? all this drama and heartache and everyone still manages to get everything they wanted? But you'll have to read it yourself to find out all the juicy details.

I really enjoyed these books. Not only did they make me laugh at times, but they also grew that little flame I still have for riding myself. I rode for a few years when I was in my mid-teens and couldn't have been happier. I didn't get to the point of competing although it was the direction I was headed. The horse I rode was Vixen. Very appropriate name for her, but I was able to work with her and through our lessons and the time I spent with her outside of lessons, grooming, mucking, etc. I managed to form a bond with her. Reading these made me realize that I haven't been on a horse in a number of years and I haven't been in an English saddle (my preferred style of riding) in well over 10 years. I even went so far as to look up online local places where hopefully I can pick up some lessons and start riding again. I am also very tempted to perhaps take a riding vacation for my big 30th birthday this year. There are some reasonably affordable week long trips all over the world (the offerings in Ireland, Italy, and New Zealand look particularly intriguing) and I think it would be a wonderful way to get back into the swing of things. That and my current riding abilities according to their standards puts me at the Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate level which means posting the trot, cantering, galloping, and an average of approximately 6 hours a day riding. I can't think of a better way to spend a vacation than on the back of a horse enjoying some gorgeous countryside.

That being said, if you are interested in these books, drop a comment with your email address (VERY importan!) indicating your interest and a random winner will be chosen on Wednesday March 4th so be sure to get your comment in soon. I truly recommend them for anyone who loves horses and who has ridden themselves or always wanted to learn.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

So this is going to be my Friday meme. I found it on Write for a Reader, and it is brough to you by the Friday Fill-Ins blog. :o)

My answers are in blue.

1. Give me money and I'll spend it.

2. Whenever I finish a book, I feel a little sad. Like I'll never be able to experience it for the first time again.

3. I wish I had a job where I was paid to read.

4. Shrimp w/penne, roasted tomatos and asparagus in a white wine sauce (dinner last night) was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world you've got to have spunk.

6. Other than this one, Write for a Reader is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Slumdog Millionaire, tomorrow my plans include Finishing Pillars of the Earth (finally), Watching 3 of the Oscar Movies w/a girlfriend, and going to a wine tasting and Sunday, I want to Go see my friend Mandy in her play, visit w/my great aunt and Dad. :o)!

Leave a link to your answers in my comments too, if you play along. :o)

Smash and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

2009-02-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

I overslept.

I lost my wallet.

I went to get lunch outside of the office to cheer myself up only to realize I couldn't pay for it without the missing wallet

I have a migraine.

Bah!

And because I know I really don't have it that bad... I'll post a pic of the worlds smallest violin.

And this guy:

And just because she always makes me laugh:

Wednesday Funny

2009-02-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Smash = Not the Coolest Kid on the Block.

2009-02-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

So we went bowling with two other couples on Saturday night. All of the girls had read (and obsessed) over the Twilight Saga.

Well, in the lane next to us, there was a girl with her family. She was probably not older than 12, if that old. She had on a shirt that said 'I <3 Boys Who Sparkle.' I know! Awesome, Right??

So anyway I freak out and give her a thumbs up and tell her how she has the coolest shirt and that we all love twilight, while pointing to the other girls. My girlfriends loved the shirt too and one of them even gave a squeal. I don't know why we were so excited, but we were. It could have been the booze.

Anyway, so the girl gets all embarrassed and keeps giving us these weird judgy looks for the rest of the night. And I realized, to her we just look like a bunch of old ladies that are trying to be cool and are obsessed with twilight. I feel old.

**headdesk**

WANT.

2009-02-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Okay so on one of my book club message boards, a girl came across the Book Lover's Section on CafePress.

Oh my gosh, I want everything on there! I have always loved CafePress' stuff, but this is like a whole world of things Smash must buy. Like, right now. Except that I'm broke. Maybe my husband will read this post and get me something pretty for Valentine's Day..? Lol, hey, a girl can dream. ;o)

Anyway, check these goodies out!

OMG I seriously need this shirt.
In case you can't read it, it says
'Reading is Sexy' with a pinup
girl behind it! Want.

Words to live by

This one might be my favorite.

Oh, and in case you guys were still wondering or interested... Yes, I am still reading Pillars of the Earth. It's a very long book. I plan to take advantage of my three day weekend (woohoo!), and have the review up early next week!

Spotlight: GBFC...? ...? ...?

2009-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this may be my favorite Meme ever! I got it from Beth at BFishReads. She got to give me a Mini-Interview and come up with the questions herself. She came up with some good ones!

BFR: 1. What's your current favorite cheap red wine? All of them? ;o) I really love Robert Mondavi's Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Very very yummy. Also a good staple at my house is Yellow Tail's Shiraz. Both less than $12 at the grocery!.

Funny Story: We went to a wine tasting at a vineyard a few weekends ago, and Yellow Tail was mentioned. I started talking about how I loved YT and it was so good for after a rough day. Well there was a bit of a wine snob there and she kept talking about how Yellow Tail is crap. Complete crap. **Shrugs**. I still love it like I love cupcakes.

BFR: 2. Name a tune on your MP3 player. It'd be easier to name one that's not on there. We have so much music. I'll say 'Super Massive Black Hole' by Muse. It's my current favorite song to speed to. :o)

BFR: 3. Your blog writing is a lot like that of Lewis Carroll. Have you ever read any of his books? Do you think you write like him? 59% as a matter of fact! I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I actually haven't read Alice in Wonderland. I'd love to, though! I've heard it's crazy. I have read some of his poetry, though. Not enough to write home about or anything...

BFR: 4. Now that you're married, do you have more or less time to read? Erm. Maybe more? It's pretty close to the same... Hubby and I have lived together for a long time, so it's hard to remember how much I read before. I've always been a nonstop reader though. It comes with the territory of marrying me, I guess. Now, the real question should be 'now that I'm married, do I have time to cook and clean while reading' That answer is no.

BFR: 5. Name one of your favorite child (young person) character from a book. Only one??? Are you trying to kill me?! The first answer that comes to mind would clearly be Harry Potter. What a kid! But that seems too easy, coming from me. I'll try to make it interesting... I really like the character Felicity in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. She has created such a mask for herself, that not even she knows who the girl behind it is. I love characters with layers, instead of the typical snobby girl or nerdy boy. Going back a bit, Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird is a great character. Also I loved Calvin in A Wrinkle in Time.

If you want to play, leave a comment asking me for questions and I'll send you your very own mini-interview.

Thrifty Spender

2009-02-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

So on Saturday hubster and I randomly decided to swing by our Goodwill to see if there was anything of interest.

Of course, I could find something to buy in just about any store, so we knew going in that we might come out with a treasure or two.

Boy did we! Behold the stack of books we came out with!!

We got seven books for $12.00!!!

INCLUDING a first edition of The Shining by Stephen King! Check out the list of 'other works'!! (the picture isn't great, but there are just two: Carie and Salem's Lot! SK has written more than 70 books now...)

Anyway, so I bought all of these goodies and thought to myself that I would have spent at least five times that on them brand new.

So I got a little idea for a blog.

Now, don't get me wrong... I LOVE a big huge bookstore. Barnes and Noble is like a haven to me, and Borders has a great selection. I buy books here a LOT.

But, in order to keep my husband from killing me, I have to find ways to not spend too much money on books. I've bought16 (that I can think of) new books in the past month - imagine if they were all on cover price!

Behold - my favorite places to get books without spending a crap-ton of money.
1.) Paperbackswap.com. I refer to PBS a lot in my reviews because I LOVE it. It took me awhile to hop onto the PBS bandwagon - simply because I like to KEEP my books. If I love a book I want to treasure it and put it on one of my bookshelves for a rainy day. That being said, I don't love all of the books that I read. Once I finally joined, I was hooked. It's a great service, and I get to keep all the books I love. The books I don't find a new home, and I use the credits from them to find MORE books I love! It's a win/win situation. (bookmooch is a similar program.)

2.) Half.com I discovered half.com a few years ago around Christmas time. It is wonderful! Shipping can take awhile, and you sometimes have to double check some lister reviews, but it's a great place to buy books brand new or used/like new for c.h.e.a.p.

3.) Thrift Stores!! See intro to this post. ;o)

4.) Borders/Barnes & Noble - I KNOW! I KNOW! I said inexpensive!! But, hear me out. Borders and B&N both have email incentive programs that are great. I regularly get emails from borders with 20%-40% off. When I do treat myself, I try to hold onto these. Enter their email programs, they don't spam your inbox, and it's worth it. Also B&N's bargain-priced books are great. I've found some serious gems in that section.

Number Five would be where I list the Library, right? Well, it is an awesome resource - and if you like to go to the library, kudos! I wish I could! But I have a bad habit of not returning things on time. (I think they have a picture of me at the counter at blockbuster... Not really, but they should! It was a good day when they did away with their late fees!). Anyway, I think that Libraries are awesome and I fully support them. They're just not for me. Also, see number 1 about my liking to OWN my books. It's a problem I'm working on.

So where do you buy your books? Any tips for saving money on book binges?

Musing Mondays - AKA Y'all are going to kill me...

2009-02-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Musing Mondays are brought to us by Rebecca.

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about bookmarks…

What do you use to mark your place while reading? Do you have a definite preference? Do you use bookmarks, paper, or (gasp) turn down the pages? If you use bookmarks, do you have a favourite one?

If you play along, link it in my blog too, so I can read your answer! :o)

Oh Lord....

How do I say this?

**looks down ashamed**

I fold the page down at the top corner and close the book.

I know!! The horror!

In my defense, I just don't have any bookmarks. And if I did, I'm not sure I'd keep track of them very well. I'd love to have a huge collection of them in a pretty little tin, but alas, I don't. So I fold. I do. And you know what? It feels good! I'm a rebel, I know! ;o)

Truth be told, it doesn't really bug me to fold the pages. I never leave them folded long, and it doesn't permanently damage the book.

If I am reading an older book with fragile pages I'll stick a receipt or something from my purse to keep my place.

So? am I going to be put on trial for book treason? I'll put up a good fight. ;o)

Bookworm??? Me???

2009-02-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, so apparently today is catch up on memes day.

Shonda at TexasRedBooks tagged me in the bookworm meme. I know! Wherever did she get that idea???

And well, since I missed out on this week's Teaser Tuesdays... This will fill that void. :o)

In the Bookworm Meme, we are required to grab the book closest to us (no exceptions), turn to page 56, and tell everyone what line 5 says.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

"...look after herself, he knew; and even if the outlaw spotted...."

See? I stuck to the rules and only did line 5! If you want to know the rest, well I guess you'll just have to read the book!

Bwahahahaha

If you're reading this, you're tagged.

Happiness is a warm gun; Bang Bang Shoot Shoot

2009-02-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

I've been sick. :o(

Technically I'm still sick, but I'm at work. So cheery disposition, but not pleased about it.

I love that my blog yelling at blogger has gotten the most comments out of any post before. Stick it, blogger!

So anywhoozles. I was tagged for a meme (and we all know I love memes!) by Lori at Arch Thinking. (Thanks Lori!) Here we go!

The rules for the tag are simple.

Link to the person who has tagged you. (Check!)

Write down six things that make you happy.Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it. (Check!)

Then tell the person when your entry is complete. (Check!)

Six Things That Make Smash Happy...

1.) Talking in third person. Smash doesn't know why.

2.) Red Wine of the cheap variety. (Who says you can't spend $12 on a good bottle of red wine? Psshh!)

3.) Coffee.

4.) My husband. Every day. Okay, I'll try not to be too gooey.

5.) Driving fast to loud music.

6.) The smell of old library books.

Now for my tags. If I don't tag you and you want to play along - please do!

Lilly at Reading Extravaganza

Michelle at A Readers Respite

Amanda at Urban Bachelorette

J. at Drawing Curves w/Fingertips and Graphite

LisaMay at Look at That Book

Shonda at TexasRed

PS. Extra props to anyone who knows the song I quoted in the title. Even more props if you sing it aloud.

FRUSTRATED AT BLOGGER!

2009-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

I promise I edit my posts. I try to make them look very pretty and in nice little paragraphs. Somehow, blogger decides not to show where I've put breaks in lines lately, and it's driving me nuts! Sorry the post below looks like one long paragraph, I promise there are line breaks! Is anyone else having this problem?

Pillars Update

2009-02-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Okay so I've had a few of you ask me how I'm doing on the marathon that is the Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, so I thought I'd post a little update for you to enjoy. :o)

I'm about 200 pages in, which normally I could do in a day, but for some reason this book is reading a tad slower than most.

That could be due to the ridiculous amount of YA I've been reading lately - which all comes in nice, easy to read, large print.

So far, it's pretty good. I'm enjoying his writing style - It feels like a movie in my head; very vivid.

It's taking me a bit longer to get me through it, though, because I hate when authors change POVs on you every time it gets interesting. I realize it's a device, and I can respect it. It's just not my taste... But that's a whole other post. Seriously. I plan to post about it this afternoon!

So yeah, every time it does that, I find myself putting the book down to do something new.

Aside from that, I'm liking it. Ellen is Angelina Jolie in my mind. I don't know why, but that's who I saw when he first described her. (Thin, long brown hair, olive skin, large lips, golden eyes... The only thing that didn't fit was the eyes). William is just as disgusting I think he's supposed to be. Tom is perfectly lovable, though frustrating with his children. And I love Phillip, he's just plain fun.

So, is it so far? I'm liking it. It's a fun read, and I'm excited to see where it's going. That being said, I'm not twitching at my desk wanting to read more. Very fun book, but I'm still waiting to see what all the hype is about...

And with 800 pages left to go, I think I'm sure to find it somewhere in there!!

Down the Rabbit-Hole

2009-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Found this great little blog analyzer. Thought you would enjoy! Leave what you got in the comments!

What Classical Author does your blog writing most resemble?

Lewis Carroll - greatbooksandfreshcoffee.blogspot.com does in many ways resembles to those of Lewis Carroll . Let me read more text in that neat crazy style!
59% alike!

Neat and crazy? Meh, sounds about right. Except I'm not too sure how neat it is... I can't wait to see what some of you bloggers get!

Drumroll Please!!

2009-01-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Alright Folks! Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. I had a lot of fun with this, and it was really rewarding reading the entries.

The winner of a free autographed copy of No Experts Needed is Sharon!!! Congrats! I hope you enjoy, and I can't wait to hear what you think of the book!

For my review of the book - go here.

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

2009-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

I may love this series.

Okay, I do. I love this series.

I want SO bad to just run to B&N and buy the third one, but alas, I will stay loyal to my readers and continue on my path of discovering new authors.

So, here we go.

Rebel Angels is the second installment in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. You can read my review of the first book, A Great and Terrible Beauty, here.

Okay, so let me just say right now that this review has spoilers for A Great and Terrible Beauty. Sorry, it does. I can't skirt around them, so if you haven't read it and plan to - don't read this review. :o)

Okay, now that I've got my little disclaimer out of the way...

So the story picks up not long after the first one drops off. I'm pretty sure it's about two months after Pippa's death. They are all still at their Boarding School (oh to be in boarding school!), and Gemma, Felicity, and Anne are all still loyal friends - though there is plenty of hostility remaining from recent events. This is one thing that I liked. A lot of series end on a sad note, but begin all sunshine and roses like nothing ever happened. This one started dark and just got darker.

I really loved this book. The first half was a bit slow for me, building up too much around Christmas. It was kind of like saying "This is going to be super exciting....in about 100 pages...". I enjoyed it, and it was great to see a glimpse into London life for a teenage girl in 1895, but I like action, I guess.

The thing I think Libba Bray does best with her novels is that she truly keeps you guessing. I HATE knowing what is going to happen way before the main character knows. It's like turning each page waiting for them to catch on. Bray doesn't do that at all. In fact there was a HUGE twist at the end that really surprised me. I caught on maybe 5 pages before Gemma did, and that was just about perfect.

I also liked the imagery and symbolism. The deterioration of the garden was the perfect picture of Gemma losing her grip on her own life to her search of the temple.

It was also nice that it wasn't too much of a 'middle novel'. A lot of times, the second book of a series can be all setup, but this one wasn't. It could stand on it's own, or be the end of the series and still be a great, gripping read. That being said, I'm glad it's not! I can't wait to get to the next one!

Verdict: A I really enjoyed this book. The lack of action in the first 200 pages was definitely made up for in the last half. I stayed up a bit too late last night, because I simply couldn't put it down. And I'm so glad I did. This was a really fun read. This series is so different from any YA lit I've ever read. It's dark, dreary, and delicious. :o)

Good Reads?

2009-01-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Are you a member of Goodreads? If not, you should give it a try. It's a great way to find new reads, reviews, and catalogue the books you're reading, will read, and have read.

It's like myspace for bookworms.

In other words, it's ridiculously addicting.

Anyway, so yeah - if you are on there - what is your screen name? I'm always looking to expand my buddies, it helps me find more books. (As if I needed help. At last count, my TBR Pile was at 16, and thats just the pile of books I already own!)

So yeah, post a comment with your profile link. Or ask me, mine is http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/954772.

We can all be BNFs! (Book Nerds Forever, yes, I made it up.)

Tuesday Silliness

2009-01-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dedicated Reader

2009-01-26T09:53:00.001-08:00

So I found this quiz and thought it was fun. Apparently I'm borderline Dedicated Reader and OCD Bookworm. LoL, should I be worried?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Book Snob
Literate Good Citizen
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

What did you get?

Musing Mondays

2009-01-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about lending books...

A few weeks back we had a question about borrowing books, this week I was wondering what your policy was on lending books. Do you lend books to anyone? Just friends? Only big readers? How long are they allowed to have them?

Okay. Here it is. I hate to loan out books.

I do.

I'm sorry! But if I keep a book, it's because I absolutely LOVED it. Otherwise it goes on it's happy little PBS train to some other home far far away.

So, if you want to know if I really truly love you? Ask to borrow a book. If I eagerly say "YES!", then you're one of my favorite people in the world. If not, well... Sorry.. **shrugs**

That being said, when I do loan out books I LOVE to loan out books. You can ask my friends. They'll walk in the door and I'm already at my book shelves looking for something new for them to read. I get a kick out of discovering other people's styles and suggesting books for them. It's good fun.

As far as a time period... I don't really think about it, but usually after about a month I get a tingle and start itching to get them back. I'm pretty understanding about this, though, so long as it doesn't get out of hand.

:o)

No Experts Needed by Louise Louis

2009-01-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

Check out the bottom of this post for giveaway information!!

Okay so yesterday I posted my very first Author Interview with Louise Lewis. But, the real question is - what did I think of the book?

You know, I would never pick up this book in a bookstore. I wouldn't.
A:) I don't usually read non-fiction and when I do, it's almost always from the Christian section, and
B:)I'm not a huge fan of the cover. And we all know that I am not ashamed of judging a book by it's cover!

Anyway, so I was sent this book for review, and I'm so happy I was.

No Experts Needed follows Louise's journey as she copes with losing her job, and other life experiences, while traveling through different places in life and geographically, asking everyone that crosses her path (and strikes the right chord) the same question. What is the meaning of life?

Now I have to give props to Louise. What a great idea for a book! I'm a sucker for quotes or polls, and she's got a whole book of them! It seems like such an easy question, but we all have a different answer.

That premise alone holds this book together.

Louise also takes you through several of her life experiences with her family and total strangers and their answers to this question. The story of her father literally had me in tears, and it alone (along with his answer to the question) made this book worth it to me.

The book is very conversational. I felt I could hear Louise's voice in my head as I read it. It's very casually written, and in that sense is different from any non-fiction book I've read. She never once comes across as trying to teach, more-so she is simply sharing her experience.

Not to say this book doesn't have it's flaws. Occasionally it gets a bit too conversational, and I found myself wanting to get to the next 'answer'. Also, on occasion, the ambiguity of 'spirit' kind of bothered me, though I understand why she made that choice.

For the most part, though, I enjoyed this book. It is so far out of my comfort zone, but I actually wrote down some of the "meanings" to get me through on bad days.
Verdict - B. It's a great read, probably even more if you're looking for this kind of thing. I really liked reading a lot of the quotes and opinions, but occasionally found it dragging. Check it out for yourself, I'd love to know your thoughts. All in all, I think it's great, and can't wait for her next installment in the series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And to pass on the love of this book, I'm hosting a giveaway! That's right! One lucky reader will get a free AUTOGRAPHED copy of the book compliments of GBFC! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment (with your email address - very important!) saying what The Meaning of Life is to you! The contest will end January 29th. :o)

(Oh, and if you're nervous about posting your email addy, feel free to email me your entry @ theworldsmystage@gmail.com)

The Starting Lineup!

2009-01-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, you may remember last week I posted a poll asking you, my friends, what I should read next! NOW... In my defense, the last time I checked it, Rebel Angels was in the lead, which is why it is my current read. SO I'm swapping that and will read and review the winner next week. Here are the (much anticipated, I'm sure) results!

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
33% (10 votes)

Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle Book 2) by Libba Bray
27% (8 votes)

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
17% (5 votes)

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
20% (6 votes)

House of Mondavi by Julia Flynn Siler
3% (1 vote)

Total Votes : 30

Poor House of Mondavi! Don't worry, I'll get to you soon!

Thanks for voting, everyone! This should keep me busy for awhile! :o)

Spotlight: Louise Lewis

2009-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Oh my! Tis a grand grand day!

It is my pleasure to bring to you readers a gift. Probably more exciting to me than anyone else - but here we go!!!

I'm very excited to give my very first author interview!

Tee hee. :o)

Can't you just see me with one of those little recorders with the mics like Patrick Fugit had in Almost Famous? I've always wanted one of those things! Except my interviewees wouldn't dare blow me off... Right? I am learning I may have rejection issues... Hmmm..

Anyway, so without further ado... I present to you my interview with Author Louise Lewis.

First, a bit about Louise (borrowed from her website):

Louise Lewis is the author of a new book, No Experts Needed: The Meaning Of Life According To You!
She has two decades of experience in marketing and advertising, having held senior-level positions on the client, advertising agency, and ad sales sides of the business.
Louise considers herself a self-growth junkie, continuing to seek light, love, and wisdom in her daily life.

A bit about the book (from my brain): After losing her job, Louise took herself on the spiritual journey of writing a book. She met hundreds of people and asked them all the same question. What is the meaning of life? This book follows her personal journey from person to person, and shows how different people's outlook on life can be, but also how similar and heartfelt.

So I had the pleasure of reading her book No Experts Needed this month, and was able to ask her a few questions about her experiences. (Questions are in Pink)

GBFC: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in an interview with Great Books and Fresh Coffee! Are you a reader? If so, what books do you like to read?
LL: Yes, I love to read, but admittedly, my nose is mostly glued to my computer screen these days.

GBFC: How long did it take you to write No Experts Needed?
LL: That’s a tough question because I wrote in spurts. I would take an “adventure” on my Spirit-led journey, then write about it. Go on another, then write about it.

Although my amazing journey continues today, I’d have to say that pulling it all together, filling in the gaps, and editing, editing, editing took about a year. Of course, even while I was in the full-blown writing stage, I would take time off for another “adventure”.

The full journey of living it and then writing about it spanned a six-year period. I truly lived out the saying, “it’s the journey not the destination.”

GBFC: When you sat down to write it, did you plan to get it published?
LL: From the very beginning, Spirit told me that I was to write it down and share my story with the world. But as I can be a little hard-headed at most times, it wasn’t until my journey became so great, so filled with many unbelievable experiences that I truly “got it.” I will always remember the internal feeling when I said, “This is going to be a book.”

GBFC: Beyond the vision in the airport, what inspired you to write No Experts Needed, and when did you make the decision to see it through to the end?
LL: It may sound odd, because I still can’t believe it myself, but that powerful message in the airport played a major role in keeping pen to paper (or fingers to the keyword.) Once my heart filled with Spirit’s words that day, I immediately made a promise to always follow the messages that were sent to me. My inspiration came from witnessing every day of my journey become a natural crescendo into the next. Since I love ‘connecting the dot’s of my life, I couldn’t wait to see what ‘picture’ developed. One picture was that of my book.

GBFC: Do you plan to write more books? If so, fiction or non-fiction?
LL: I am working on a second book to make No Experts Needed a series. This book is on “bikers” (the motorcycle kind) and the meaning of life. It, too, begins with a wonderfully inspiring event.

If I thought my first “adventure” was something, traveling cross-country to bike rallies and interviewing “dudes and dudettes” has been quite the surprising experience for this nerdy, Rebecca-of-Sunny-Brook-Farm looking gal!

GBFC: Have you always been so positive? How do you hold onto it in tough times?
LL: Well, as menopause marches across my brain, I seem to forget most of my past. Maybe that’s Mother Nature’s way of helping me forgive myself for all the dumb thoughts/words/deeds of my past.

Raised in a less-than-positive childhood environment, my heart was crusted with cynical beliefs for about the first third of my life Simply put, I just didn’t “get” life and vice versa. Thankfully, after much growing up and self-growth (“Hello, my name is Louise and I’m a self-growth junkie!”), I untangled myself from that life and created one on my terms.

What now helps me stay positive (as much as possible) through the tough times is the fact that I have built my life on a firm, solid foundation and I’ve found my ‘meaning of life’ answer. Holding onto that ‘meaning’ gives me the strength to weather most any storm.

GBFC: What was your initial goal in writing No Experts Needed? Did you realize how far it would go?

LL: My initial goal was twofold. First to fulfill my promise to Spirit, which was to share my story. The second goal was to put a finished book in my Mom’s hands before she passed on. (Thank God the old girl is still with us.)

As for how far it will go, I hold the belief that God’s plan is always far greater than what my pea-sized brain can even conceive. So He and I make a good tag team. I do my part and leave the rest in His hands. The journey continues…

GBFC: Did every person you asked make it into the book? How were you able to choose the ones who did/didn’t?
LL: Another promise I made to myself was to never judge anyone’s ‘meaning of life’ answer, so everyone on my journey remained in the book. I believed that each person who walked across my path did so for a reason. Who was I to edit a Divine plan?

GBFC: When you say spirit, I assume you refer to the Holy Spirit in the Christian sense, but it occurred to me numerous times that I could be wrong. Is this correct? If not, what is spirit to you?
LL: A great question. For me, I define Spirit by reaching as high as I can. So, as a Christian, Spirit is Divine. But as it was not my job then (as the interviewer) to impart my own thoughts or beliefs into the interviews, I now welcome the reader to “fill in the blank” with a word or term that best fits into their heart’s definition of Spirit.

GBFC: Finally, did the question (what is the meaning of life) come to your mind that fateful birthday with Carlos? Or had you been thinking of it before then?
LL: Oh, God! It’s so embarrassing to admit this, but never before that fateful night had I ever asked the question -- what is the meaning of life? -- of myself or anyone else. Nowadays, you can’t shut me up from asking questions!

But I have to wonder: Had I asked and answered this question earlier in life, would my life have been easier? Less confusing? More loving? More grounded? Maybe that’s why I am so passionate about planting the seed in the minds of others.

Fortunately, now that I am older (ahem, wiser!), I now understand that every step taken in my life has helped me to define my ‘meaning of life’ answer. And knowing that makes me look forward to my future stroll through life.

You can read more about No Experts Needed and Louise Louis herself on her website. I will be posting my review of her book tomorrow, so stay tuned! :o)

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

My Teaser:
"No one wants to be the one who brings truth to the table and spoils the evening, and so there is a lot of forced polite talk of holiday plans and doings at school and gossip about the town. "How are things at Spence, Gemma?" Father asks.

Lines 7-11; Page 137 of Rebel Angels by Libba Bray. (Gemma Doyle, Book 2)

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

2009-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

So I had the pleasure of reading This Lullaby over the weekend. It has been recommended to me over and over by some of my friends in one of the online book forums I participate in. So I finally took the bait and dove into it.

I expected a quick, fluffy, young-adult love story. I got quite the opposite. Well, aside from the quick read part. At 345 pages, this book is perfect for a rainy Sunday. (Or a sunny Sunday, if you're me and still prefer to hole up inside with the comfort of a cup of coffee and your two puppies cuddling you. Trust me, it's like Heaven.)

Anyway, so I always have a bit of trepidation going into books that are strongly recommended to me, simply because I'm insecure and worry endlessly about not liking it. And if I don't like it, do I have to pretend I did like it so not to offend my friends? What if I hate it, and by telling them, they ostracize me and leave me cold and alone in a dark alley living off of crumbs and begging for forgiveness?!?!?!?!

Okay, I think I read too much. My imagination keeps running away with me. Also, these are cyber-friends, and I'm not yet aware of any cold dark alleys in the interwebz, but just think if there were.... **Shiver**

Anyway...

...

So we meet Remy right after she graduates High School. She has one last summer to enjoy with her three best girlfriends (think Now and Then, only current, and with sex, cigarettes, and rock and roll). Remy is the definition of jaded. She doesn't believe in love. She's bitter from her mom's five marriages and never meeting her father, a famous musician. She has supposedly passed over her slutty-get-drunk-every-night-get-into-fights phase and is now just a plain cold-hearted b!tch who doesn't believe in a lasting relationship. I'm not exaggerating or anything, all of these words are actually used in the book.

So Remy meets Dexter, who is lanky, clumsy, playful, unpredictable, and just plain adorable. He's also a musician. BUZZZ! WRONG! Remy no-like musicians! So he's ruled out.

What we get is a game of cat and mouse, where Dexter just wont take no for an answer. It's not creepy, though. He is ridiculously charming. But Remy can't let herself fall in love. It always ends badly.

So anyway, we travel with Remy through her last summer as she discovers what love is, and is faced with whether or not she really wants to experience it.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Remy. I'm always interested in character development (I blame the actor in me), and Sarah Dessen has created an incredibly flawed and unusual character, who you grow to love. This is such a nice escape from the mean cheerleader, the unpopular nerdy-but-beautiful girl, or any other stereotype that we always run into in YA fiction. Quite frankly, Remy is a hot mess.

She also reminded me a lot of myself in high school, and so parts of the book were a little hard for me to read bc it seemed so real. I could really relate to her thought process, attitude, and life experiences.

Something else that Dessen did that was really cool, was she was able to write Remy's thoughts and feelings without it coming across as trite, whiny, or obvious. You really kind of felt you were the character, and it wasn't like a grown up trying to sound like a teenager. It was all very real and executed very well.

Not to say it wasn't a flawed book. Call me prude, but there was a lot of drinking and sex in a book that 15 year old girls are reading. It's not always sunshine and roses, but there are times that it seemed a bit much for a young adult book. Then again, maybe that's just me becoming an adult, and therefor not cool or hip with the times.

Also, there was one part that was way too predictable, but not so much so that it ruined the story.

In the end, I loved it. Remy and Dexter are fantastic characters, and I can't wait to read more of Sarah Dessen's writing.

Also, I may have a teensy-tiny book-crush on Dexter.

Verdict: A-. I wont say parts of it weren't extremely predictable (come on, it's YA romance!), and I wont say that it was the best book I've read this year. (well it is only January 19th, so maybe it is! LoL). But I will say this is a very fun, truthful, and touching read. I love it when you can read a story that could actually happen any day, on any block, and have a great time doing it.

Penny for your thoughts...

2009-01-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

So I read this great essay by Terry Pratchett today, and it's got me thinking.

Why are books challenged? Who has the right? Why are fantasy and sci-fi books looked down upon?

Whoa... Slow down, smash!

I'll start with the last question. I don't understand why Fantasy and Sci-Fi books get such a bad wrap. I feel like some people just wrinkle their noses when they walk past that section in the bookstore, muttering prayers for the heathens when they walk by. I just don't get it. I have so much respect for an author that can create their own world. I recently discovered in my own journey into writing a novel, that I write fantasy. This actually came as a shock, because contrary to my recent reads and reviews, I've never been a big fantasy reader.

Anyway, I'll never forget when I was a little girl (I think I was 12...)... I was sitting in church one day when a book was mentioned. A scandalous book that must not be published. It was about witchcraft. We were actually asked to pray that this book not be published, to keep it from teaching children the black arts. I was scared out of my mind. I prayed. I did.

In case you haven't figured it out by now... That book was Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone.

Of course it shames me to even admit doing that, seeing as I'm like the worlds biggest HP nerd, but I was so wrapped up in it. Oh the irony.

I HATE when people try to ban books, attack authors, and discourage books simply because of the genre they belong to. Are you freakin kidding me?

Harry Potter has been challenged so many times because it "promotes evil".

The Golden Compass movie was attacked and petitioned to cease production because it "attacks the church"

It's funny, because we challenge these books and movies, yet we let our kids watch whatever they want on television, play ridiculously violent video games, and who knows what else. And don't even get me started on Disney movies. Why is Snow White any different? Or Sleeping Beauty?

What really gets me is that the vast majority of the "Challengers" haven't even read the books they are so against. If I were to protest something, I would want to know everything about it before going in.

I just don't get it. Do you?

Which brings me to my next point. Do you know how many strange looks I get when I say I am a HP nerd? Or when asked what my book is about I say it's a fantasy novel? I feel like you are pigeonholed into this category of a geeky, antisocial, awkward type. I don't consider myself any of these things... Well, I'm sure I can be a little geeky at times, but not really. And I'm certainly not antisocial. I also very much hope I'm not too terribly awkward... ... ... I'm going to give myself a complex...

ANYWAY... Here is an excerpt of the essay I mentioned by T.P., you can read it in it's entirety here:

Here's to fantasy as the proper diet for the growing soul. All human life is there -- a moral code, a sense of order and, sometimes, great big green things with teeth.

-Terry Pratchett; 1994

I guess I just think it all just gets blown out of proportion. What about you, my faithful readers? Have you ever wanted a book banned or challenged? How do you feel about stereotyping readers? Thoughts?

**Steps off of soapbox**

Loving the Lyrics - AKA Smash's favorite songs.

2009-01-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

This week’s Booking Through Thursday post asks:

But enough about books… other things have words, too, right? Like…songs!

If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?

What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
Why?
And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?
You don’t have to restrict yourself to modern songsters, either … anyone who wants to pick Gilbert & Sullivan, for example, is just fine with me. Lerner & Loewe? Steven Sondheim? Barenaked Ladies? Fountains of Wayne? The Beatles? Anyone at all…

Ohhh wow. This could be a long one. I literally have journals filled with lists of my favorite songs, divided into categories!

I'm a lyric junkie. If I don't like the lyrics, I don't like the song. Also, nothing can tap into my emotions quite like a song can. They can make me laugh, cry, dance, and everything in between.

This could be why we have 13,000 songs on our computer at home! It's a sickness.

To spare you from a mile long list of songs with lyrics that touch me, I'll post just a few.

Better Man by James Morrison: Oh my, the words are just beautiful. I played this at my wedding, and it give me chills to think of it. To have a love like that, so real, so hard, but so awesome. Very Very Good Song. Check out the video.

Hurt by Johnny Cash/Nine Inch Nails - I realize Trent Reznor wrote it, but I like the Johnny Cash version better:

If You See Her Say Hello by Bob Dylan - Simply Beautiful.

My all time favorite lyrics? Easy:

Hallellujah by Leonard Cohen/Rufus Wainwright. Leonard Cohen is a genius and all of his songs are poetry, however I love the wainwright version too...

Enjoy. :o)

Recap: Smash and TexasRed

2009-01-13T09:59:00.001-08:00

So last night I had the pleasure of meeting Shonda of TexasRed for some coffee and riveting conversation.

We were sassy! We were intellectual! We bored our husbands to tears... ... ...

Anyway, so I had a great time gushing about our favorite books, least favorite books, and every book in between. It was so great to meet another member of the book-blogosphere. Good times, good times. As is custom when you get two booknerds together, we both went home with sizable stacks of books to add to our TBR piles.

Here is the skinny:

Shonda's Fave book of all time: A Wrinkle in Time - Loves it!

Smash's Fave book of all time: Tie between Great Expectations and Deathly Hallows.

Shonda's Least favorite author to read: Hemmingway. Yep, I outed you on my blog! ;o)

(Smash couldn't think of one, but her least fave read of the year was Breaking Dawn.)

Shonda's recs for Smash (which I bought):

Dreams Underfoot

by: Charles de Lint

Good Omens

By: Neil Gaiman

and Terry Pratchett

I'm super excited for both reads! Shonda actually made off with quite a few more than I did. I also got a new Vonnegut to read, and was thisclose to buying the watchmen until I saw that it was $40.

It was a wonderful evening, made even more wonderful by the fact that I found someone who may be just as obsessed with Buffy as I am. <3<3<3>

Shonda, you're a girl after my own heart!

Check us out in all our sassy glory!

Musing Mondays

2009-01-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about assigned reading…

How did you react to assigned reading when you were in school/university/college/etc? How do you think on these books now? What book were you 'forced' to read when you where in school that you've since reread and loved?

Leave a link to your answer in the comments at Just One More Page as well as here, cuz I wanna know, too!

Alright. I don't like this question.

::looks down and mumbles::

I hated assigned reading in High School. Wait, that's an overstatement. It went like this, see.

I LOVED to read and was in all the advanced Lit and English classes.

But something about being forced to read a book just didn't work for me. There is some sort of a mental block. I would start each book thinking 'Okay, this one I'll finish'. It could have been the best book ever written, but for some reason, because it was required reading, I wouldn't want to read it.

So, I spent a lot of the nights before tests speed-reading through the end of the books to get the gist of what happened. It was bad.

I'm ashamed of myself.

ME! A booknerd through-and-through. I just couldn't do it.

And somedays I sit here and romanticize and daydream about being a Lit teacher. The irony is not wasted on me, my friends.

I do have some 'required reading' favorites, though:

The Catcher in the Rye

Great Expectations

The Great Gatsby

1984

Animal Farm

A Wrinkle in Time

I'm sure there are more....

Anyway, I blame it on my desire to be a rebel. I couldn't go with the flow, even if I loved reading. That, or I was just a bit of a slacker. I made good grades, though - so that's nice.

Fun and Challenging. Challenging and fun! Fullenging? Challingfun?

2009-01-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

So I found this quiz on one of my message boards. It's a good time, but be prepared to have a permanent red mark on your forehead from slamming against your desk in frustration.

The 100 Most Common Words in the English Language.

I only got 58 out of a hundred. It makes me sad.

Post your score in the comments - I can't wait to see it! :o)

Oh, now this should be good....

2009-01-12T09:50:00.001-08:00

I am so excited!

Tonight I get to meet the glorious Shonda from TexasRed for a bookblogger's chat! I KNOW! How jealous are you?

Anyway, we plan to sit and sip at coffee and discuss our favorite books like the sassy intellectuals we are.

You know what makes you NOT an intellectual? Having to look up the spelling of it on dictionary.com before posting it on your blog. I blame Monday. I always have brain farts on Mondays...

I'll post a recap and pics tomorrow!

Doin' the happy dance!

2009-01-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

GBFC has been given another award! Wahoo! I am so touched that people even read my blog, let alone give me awards! I feel like Hilary Swank! Okay, maybe not. I'm not sure it's reached that level, but oh my! I'm very pleased to announce my second blog award, given to me by the wonderful book blogger Lilly at Reading Extravaganza. Check it out!

Premio Dardos Award

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.

Aww, shucks! **digs toes in the sand**

Thank you Lilly, so much! I really and truly love this award. Y'all (hi texas!) don't know how good it makes me feel. I'm all warm and fuzzy, now.

With awards come responsibility. Luckily, the rules on this one are fun!

The rules to follow are:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to other 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Okay, now, I am pretty sure a good chunk of my book blogging buddies were given the award by Lilly - but here are my picks:

Bethanne at Romance in Writing

Michele at Reader's Respite

Shonda at TexasRed

Stacey at Book-Thirty

Kylee at Kylee's 2009

Yeah, not even close to 15, but there you go! Congrats!