The Lovely Bones - A. Sebold

I just read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, which is now a feature film starring Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, and Saoirse Ronan.

In the book we meet Susie Salmon, murdered at 14. Susie lives in her version of Heaven along with Holly, a young girl she met in the afterlife. The two girls end up 'roommates'.

From Heaven Susie watches her family - she lives vicariously through her sister, watches over her mom and dad, and keeps tabs on the lives of her friends - Ruth and Ray as well as her killer. Her constant "presence" in each of their lives affects each person in different ways, but none of them are really able to move past Susie's death.
- Abigail Salmon runs away hoping to forget the tragedy and family
- Jack Salmon is broken by her death and becomes obsessed with finding the killer
- Lindsey Salmon grows up known as "the girl whose sister was murdered"
- Buck Salmon grows up too quickly in the shadow of a broken home
- Grandma Lynn in the absence of a mother, becomes the family's pillar of strength
- Ruth and Ray become good friends through Susie's death - holding vigils and sharing memories of her

Though very dark and sad, I enjoyed this book. It felt honest because there wasn't the "happily ever after" ending. I don't want to give away what happens but Sebold does end the novel on a note of optimism for the Salmon family; however, for the most of the book there's just overwhelming sadness. For days after reading this book, I couldn't lift the fog that settled over me - I had to read a couple books with happy endings for a quick pick me up :) There was only one part - Susie and Ruth's swap that didn't fit the story well, but I could appreciate a 'final hurrah'. So what's the verdict?

I do recommend the book...just not around the holidays. It's really rather depressing.

Major Fashion statement

This was passed on to me this morning. It's a fantastic trouser available for men. Some of the highlights include the slim capri fit in the calf area which is accentuated by the very spacious crotch area - not to mention the waist band fit highlighted with a small white button. Can you tell me what's not sexy about this?! And you can either dress it up as shown in the picture, or dress it down with a pair of sneakers!

If you're not convinced, read some of the customer reviews:

Name: He Who Shall Be Nameless, Small Village, World
Review: FINALLY! Capri pants for men. I guess they obviate the question of "dress right" or dress left". Christ, there's enough room in that crotch to hide a rabid badger... Overall, I give this effort a solid B+. Do the shoes come with that? If not, izzok- I have a set of wooden clogs left over from my village idiot apprentice uniform...

Name:Mongerel, Dogtown, Texas -
Review: My c**k is so long I have to roll it into a bun. Thank goodness I found these pants to disguise my embarrassing package....

Name:Mike Hunt, Gilmer
Review:These pants are ideal for birthing babies at work, or croos country trips if you don't want to stop. I've filled up a 12-14 pound diaper in them without anyone noticing....

Name:Headless Horseman
Review:These fit me much better when turned around and worn as a long sleeved shirt. Now no more cold breeze on my bloody stump, not to mention the embarrassing glances I get....

Still not convinced you should own a pair, read more of the reviews for yourself (click read more in the lower right)
http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=MJOL-MP5&c=Athletic&s=Season&d=Mens+Trends

Happy Wednesday people.

What I Thought I Knew - Alice Eve Cohen

Imagine this...
- You're unable to have children so you adopted
- You're on hormone therapy yourself
- You have a higher chance of cancer due to hormones taken by your mother during her pregnancy
- You have have two uterus(es)
- Your mother died of cancer
- You find out you're in early menopause

That is the author's story. She was a DES baby...this means while her mother was pregnant she took a synthetic hormone (Diethylstilbestrol) which was thought to be safe. Well it wasn't and many of these babies were found to have a higher risk for cancer, ectopic pregnancies, and transsexualism. So after years of trying, Alice and her then husband adopt Julia....fast forward some years.
Alice is now happily engaged to Michael - a fellow free lance artist who is about 10 years younger than her. Around this time Alice begins to feel "strange" - meaning that she has an abnormal lump on her stomach, her breasts are tender, she has an increased need to urinate, and she's very lethargic. After consulting various different specialists and gynocologists, Alice learns she has muscle tone loss, an overactive bladder, and possibly cancer (the lump on her lower abdomen). In order to more accurately detect the cancer or tumor, Alice is sent in for a scan - where she learns that she is 6 months pregnant!

She's in her 40's with a VERY high risk pregnancy. For the past 6 months she has had no prenatal care and exposed the baby to multiple medical procedures, hormones, and alcohol. Not to mention, Alice has crappy insurance and almost no one will accept her as a patient!!! So now she must struggle with the idea - keep the baby or abort at 6 months?

She decides to have the baby...and learns that she is going to have a boy. After genetic testing, they find that the baby actually has XX chromosomes...so its either going to be a transgendered boy OR be a lesbian female athlete....so now she wonders "Do I put the baby up for adoption".....Alice is having the baby she always wanted at a time when she doesn't...on top of that she has a million other things to worry about - bleeding to death, premature labor, transgendered issues, exposure to cancer, etc. Most mothers just have to hope for a happy and healthy baby.

This book is a quick and easy read. It's an interesting story that makes you wonder - what would you do in a similar situation? How would it feel to be misdiagnosed for 6 months and be medically unable to terminate a problematic pregnancy? Not having children - I can say that I wasn't able to relate to her situation much, but it does make you wonder "What would you do?"

Dear John - N. Sparks

In Sparks' novel we meet John Tyree, a homegrown North Carolina boy whose enlisted in the army after finding himself on the fast track to nowhere after high school. Home on leave for a few weeks in the summer, John meets Savannah Lynn Curtis. Savannah is a college student working Habitat for Humanity during her summer vacation. She has a strong Christian foundation, beautiful, smart, and an all around good girl. Of course the two fall madly in love with one another. With Savannah's help John sees his father's quirkiness in a whole new light. Ultimately, he and his father enjoy a relationship that neither of them thought possible.

Fast forward a bit - John returns to Germany while Savannah returns to school. The two countdown to John's tour of duty overseas and his eventual release from the Army; however, in the aftermath of September 11th John decides to reenlist to serve in the war everyone will soon know as Operation Iraqi Freedom. While this will prolong John's time overseas Savannah is understanding and willing to make it work.

While fighting in Iraq John receives the goodbye letter from Savannah - she's met someone else, fallen in love, and moving on. With nothing to go home to John re-ups for another tour in Iraq....but returns home briefly due to the death of his father. While back in NC, John visits Savannah to find that not only has she married, but she's dealing with problems of her own. So do we get our happy ending here in this Sparks novel? Well not exactly. In the end - everyone is happy but it's not tied up in a pretty red bow like some of his other stories.

The book had enough in it to keep my attention and though it was an easy read...the story wasn't complex and neither were the characters. It was a breath of fresh air to find a Sparks story where the story doesn't have the ultimate warm fuzzy feeling at the end, but in the end it wasn't a show stopper. I've been reading a lot of his novels lately...mostly because they're easy reads and they're decent stories. This novel is also being turned into a movie to be released some time in 2010. My recommendation - pass on this one for now unless you're hard pressed for a book to read.

I'm picking up "What I Thought I Knew" today....Happy Reading!!!

At First Sight - N. Sparks

At First Sight is a follow up to Sparks' "True Believer".
In True Believer, Jeremy Marsh is a scientific/paranormal debunker who went to investigate the eerie lights of the Boone Creek cemetery in NC. While investigating the lights Jeremy falls madly in love with Lexie Darnell (the town librarian).

The last time we saw Jeremy Marsh we learned that he is moving from NYC in exchange for the small town of Boone Creek and he's going to be a father. As Jeremy adjusts to his life in the small southern town he is plagued by the inability to write while second guessing his relationship with Lexie.

In this book Jeremy and Lexie are preparing for the arrival of their first child, buying a home, and planning a wedding. The stresses of life are overwhelming Jeremy and putting a major strain on his ability to write. It doesn't help when mysterious emails arrive casting doubts on his relationship with Lexie; Jeremy begins to wonder is the child really his, how much does he and Lexie really know about one another, and what other secrets is Lexie keeping??

In At First Sight love does conquer all, but it definitely doesn't offer the typical Sparks ending (Boy meets girl and lives happily ever after). We learned a lot about Lexie and Jeremy in True Believer and in this follow up book you watch them move onto the next big adventure together. I think between the two books you really become attached to the central characters and you want Jeremy and Lexie's relationship to work out; I guess it's almost something you expect. So, in the end, I think the twist will be a bit surprising but very touching. I had to hold back my tears a couple times...

Happy Reading!

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

The much anticipated follow up to the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons....THE LOST SYMBOL.

Our favorite symbologist Robert Langdon is back. Upon being summoned by his mentor Peter Solomon to Washington DC to deliver a speech last minute, Robert finds himself in the middle of a terrible kidnap, murder, mystery plot surrounding one of the oldest and most secretive groups in the world - The Free Masons.

In this novel we learn about symbology and it's importance in Washington DC architecture as well as to this country's founding fathers. As Robert begins to unravel the mystery set before him, we're pulled into the deepest secrets of free masonry and it's highest degree along with their most highly guarded secret.

At first I wondered what is really going on here. First we meet the mysterious tattoo'd man with his wealth, secrets, and makeup...I wasn't quite sure what was going on. As the story picks up we follow the plot to save Peter while we also watch Katherine desperately try to save both herself and her work.

If you were enthralled by the complexity of the Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons then you'll be stumped here in The Lost Symbol as well. Running around DC after Masonic secrets and theoretical pyramids - throw in the whole issue of who can be trusted and of course a madman to rival Silas of Da Vinci and you have your the Dan Brown suspense mystery you love so well. I enjoyed the book but I think the ending let me down...to the point where I say it's simply okay. Yes, it was riveting BUT....in the end it wasn't as profound as the "Holy Grail" reveal. Even after our plot and subplot resolution, the last few chapters seemed to build even more supsense as we wait for Katherine and Robert to open a door for one last surprise.

And as I read those last few pages I did find myself a tad bit disappointed. Though the main plot resolution wasn't what I expected it to be; I could live with it. However, after the FINAL reveal...I was disappointed. But this is a best seller and the meat of it has enough to keep your mind spinning!

Happy Reading....

The Rescue - N.Sparks

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks details the trials and tribulations of Denise Holden...giving up teaching, struggling as a waitress in a small town, moving into a run down home - all in order to dedicate her time to her young son Kyle. Kyle has trouble learning and in particular he does not speak. The book opens with Denise and Kyle driving back from one of his many Dr.'s appointments in a terrible storm. After narrowly hitting a deer, Denise loses control of her car and crashes into the dense and marshy forest. After losing consciousness, Denise realizes Kyle has wandered off. Her only hope is the stranger who found her - volunteer fireman Taylor McAden. As Denise is whisked from the scene in an ambulance, Taylor and a small group of local fireman search the marsh amidst one of the worst storms in NC history.

So what happens? Of course Taylor finds Kyle...and falls in love with Denise BUT OF COURSE - Taylor's past makes him unwilling to allow himself to be loved.

In true fashion, Nicholas Sparks writes in the back drop of a slow North Carolina town. Do we get the happy ending...Yes.
But was the story touching, riveting, or profound? Not really. I read the book mostly becuase it was based upon Nick's own family experience with his own challenged son.

I read the book in one day...it was short, easy and entertaining read. At least Nick has always been able to keep my attention regardless of how little attachment I have to the story or characters. So if you're looking for a great read - Pass. If you just want something with a little drama, suspense, mystery, and a love story with a happy ending...then give it a go!

Happy Reading.

Up on deck:
- N. Sparks Dear John
- N. Sparks At First Sight
- D. Brown The Lost Symbol

The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough

The Thorn Birds was written by Collen McCullough in the late 1970's and was later adapted into a tv series. The book is nearly 700 pages detailing love, life, and tragedies of the Cleary family. Though you meet many Cleary family members and characters throughout the book, the main characters include:

- Fee Cleary: the family matriach
- Meggie Cleary: the only daughter amongst the Cleary family
- Ralph de Bricassart: Catholic priest
and later you meet
- Justine O'Neil: Meggie's oldest child and only daughter

We follow the Cleary family from their humble beginnings on a small farm in New Zealand - to inheriting the largest property in Australia - Drogheda. Though men are obviously more important to society and the Cleary's, the real story is about the women.

We watch Fee struggle with various losses in her life - the loss of her husband, Frank, and Stu. She has an iron clad personality; showing little emotion towards almost all her family members.
Then you have Meggie who falls in love with Ralph, but marries another man since Ralph won't leave the cloth. Again, another Cleary woman who has to deal with loss and struggle. She has no idea how to love her daughter or talk to her own mother.
And finally there's Justine, who like the other Cleary women keeps her emotions in check. As an actress she can hide herself behind a character - always keeping her distance from any type of emotional attachment.

There is a lot of hardship, tragedy, and death in this book. Some of the deaths surprised me and made me sad; however, I was never really too attached to any character. Though its a nice story - it definitely felt a bit dated to me. Though the ending isn't tragic, I guess I always hoped that somehow Meggie and Ralph would find a way...but alas it wasn't meant to be. But I think the true importance of the book is about love and family - and finding your own way.

So what's the significance of the title? Well there's a poignant story in the book about a thorn bird - "a legend, about a bird that sings just once in its life. From the moment it leaves its nest, it searches for a thorn tree... and never rests until it's found one. And then it sings... more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. And singing, it impales itself on the longest, sharpest thorn. But, as it dies, it rises above its own agony, to outsing the lark and the nightingale. The thorn bird pays its life for just one song, but the whole world stills to listen, and God in his heaven smiles."

Could any character be classified as a thorn bird? I think yes - Dane (Meggie's son), and maybe each of the Cleary women. In their old age they are able to rise above their own agony to find a relationship with one another at last.
Would I recommend this book? Probably not, but I'm glad I read it nonetheless.

Her Fearful Symmetry - A. Niffenegger

Another one down - after reading Time Traveler's Wife, I figured I'd have to read Her Fearful Symmetry by Ms. Niffenegger.

This book follows the life of identical twins Valentina and Julie as they inherit their dead Aunt Elspeth's London flat and money. Upon learning of their inheritance you find that there is some sort of history between Aunt Elspeth and their mother. The will stipulates that the twins MUST live in the apartment for at least 1 year before they can sell it, and that their parents (Jack and Edie) can never set foot in the flat. So what's the bad blood for - no one really knows BUT you do learn that Elspeth and Edie are also identical twins. So why haven't they seen or spoken to one another in almost 20 years?

So the twins embark on their journey to London - move into the flat and meet their neighbors: Martin and Robert.

Martin - he's an obsessive compulsive whose wife has left him since she can no longer live with the madness.

Robert - he's the young lover of Elspeth, working on his thesis while providing tours of the cemetery across the street.

As time passes the twins acclimate themselves to London but at the same time grow apart. Valentina wants to become her own person, go to school, and wear black...but Julie is the stronger personality and Valentina simply never stands up for herself. So what happens? Valentina comes up with the craziest plan to free herself from the bondage of "twin-ness". Does it work out - well read it for yourself.

What did I think about the book? I'm on the fence. It definitely kept me interested because I wanted to know 1) What is this family secret and 2) Is Valentina's plan really going to work? I did get answers to both questions so that's a plus!

However, I was dismayed at the direction that Niffenegger decided to take with Robert. At one point in the book he is VERY mad at Elspeth and says "I will never forgive you". But apparently he does and goes on to live his life with the Elspeth.

You see, something happens between Elspeth and Valentina and I didn't think Robert would be willing to overlook Elspeth's actions. But he does!!!

In the end Niffenegger sorta fixes it. She makes it apparent that Robert is bothered by Elspeth. BUT still - I was really mad at how it all went down and though the book doesn't say Elspeth did it on purpose....it was DEFINITELY on purpose. Something about the last quarter of the book left me with bad feelings.

So should you read it? Pick it up....If the mystery surrounding the story is enough to keep your attention then keep reading. But come back and let me know how you felt at the end.

Happy reading!

The Last Song - N. Sparks

Yesterday, I finished another Nicholas Sparks novel. You're probably wondering - is it a love story? Yes. Does the couple end of together? Yes, of course.

Again, Sparks doesn't disappoint. In each of his books you're always looking for the happy ending and YOU GET IT. Do you always want a happy ending - of course not. But every now and then you just need it. You need it because:
1) You've read too many books where it just doesn't work out in the end
2) You're looking for a good pick me up
3) You need to be reminded of love and romance

Anyway - for this book the main story isn't really about Will and Ronnie falling in love. It's more about family, friends, mistakes, and time. Ronnie (and her younger brother) are sent to spend the summer with their dad (Steve) in North Carolina. Ronnie hasn't spoken to her father since he left the family almost 3 years ago...and now she has to spend an entire summer with him. Talk about awkward!

Of course while in NC, Ronnie starts to hang out with the wrong crowd until she meets Will the volleyball player/aquarium volunteer/mechanic (inside joke from the book) . As the summer progresses the two fall in love realizing the summer is winding down, Ronnie has to return to NY while Will is off to Tennessee for college. But always in the background the larger story is that - Ronnie is starting to get along better with her father. Although she still won't play the piano or let her father play the piano - their relationship is far better than its ever been. So what's the catch??

This book offered a lot of sadness - you can sorta see it coming if you read the book. I had to hold back tears a couple of times. I actually liked this story - and come to find out it is also being made into a major motion movie starring Miley Cyrus....dunno how I feel about that.

Three Weeks w/ My Brother - N. Sparks

For whatever reason - when I read an author's books and find them relatively entertaining....I end up having to read just about everything that he/she has written. It's just one of my odd habits.
So as you can see (if you've been reading previous posts) I've read quite a few Nicholas Sparks books here recently. And in a previous blog I ranted on how he wrote the same love story over and over....man and woman meet, fall in love, problem arises, situation resolved, and everyone lives happily ever after.

Well I decided I'd pick up his memoir, co-written by his brother. The book came about because Nicholas receives a brochure advertising the trip of a lifetime. You'd visit all various iconic spots around the world: Easter Island, Machu Picchu, Malta, Cuzco, Cambodia, Taj Mahal, Guatemala, etc. in only 3 weeks. So Nicholas ends up on the trip of a lifetime with his brother Micah. Dispersed amongst the story of their adventure and personal pictures you learn about the history of these two men. Their story is both tragic and uplifting - what would it be like to be the last 2 surviving members of your family? At times I felt like their history surreal - but we all know that some families are just marked with a lot of tragedy.

In this book you also learn that some of Nicholas' more famous books were inspired by people in his family. For instance, "A Walk to Remember" was inspired by his little sister. Though you might not enjoy his works of fiction, I think everyone would enjoy his memoir. It's a fantastic portrayl of family, love, tradition, struggle, and hope. I found myself crying in at least 2 different places.

The Choice - N. Sparks

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks in set in the slow watery banks of Beaufort, North Carolina. It's a story in which Gabby must choose between her boyfriend Kevin or sexy veterinarian (and neighbor) Travis.

Most of the story deals with the meeting and courtship of Gabby and Travis. Gabby is new to the neighborhood and soon realizes her pure collie is expecting. Of course she blames it on none other than Travis - the free spirited neighbor, whose dog runs the neighborhood off leash. As with other Sparks novels the characters soon fall for one another BUT add the complexity the boyfriend Kevin and you have yourself a love triangle. So as the title of this novel states - this story is about choices; however, the choice actually ends up being not about what you'd expect.

So this is only my 2nd Sparks novel. Yes, its another love story with the typical cliche - man meets woman (or vice versa), they fall in love, enter the complication, and end result = they live happily ever after. But at least in this book you're surprised. Again - most of the book deals with the courtship and budding relationship between Gabby and Travis but whether she decides to pursue a relationship with Travis or play it safe with Kevin isn't the actual choice that needs to be made. As always I won't give the details away...if you're looking for a light but enjoyable read then this book can offer you that.

Up next:
- Three Weeks with my Brother
- The Art of Racing in the Rain
- The Thorn Birds

True Believer - N. Sparks

I just finished reading Nicholas Sparks' True Believers. It's a book about Jeremy Marsh - a sci fi writer and debunker of the supernatural. He's a New York native and divorcee whose not only smart but incredibly charming and handsome.

Jeremy receives a letter requesting he visit Boone Creek, NC in order to debunk the ghostly lights in the local cemetery. Amongst the small town charm and southern hospitality Jeremy finds himself falling in love with local girl and librarian - Lexie. It's a witty and complicated courtship that leaves the reader saying "don't be so hard-headed"!!!

I've always said I'm a sucker for a good love story - and though I've read only one other novel by Mr. Sparks I agree with someone who said something to the effect - "his books are the same....two people fall in love but can't be together and then somehow in the end they find a way to be together"(LOL). Sometimes you can be in the mood for a romance story you know that's not going to break your heart - and for that we can rely upon Nicholas Sparks.

So if you're a sucker for a love story (like me) and you don't want to be left emotioanally sad and drained then I think you'd be in the mood for something from his long list of love stories. True Believers is a short read and being from the south myself, it was particularly nice to read.

Middlesex by J. Eugenides

For my e-book club we just finished reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.

Let me start of by saying I was a little misled by the summary or synopsis of this book. The premise is supposed to be about hermaphrodite's struggle to identify with his sex as a boy after being raised as a girl.

What I ended up reading for the 1st few hundred pages was more about the family history (incest and all) and how the unique circumstances created Calliope otherwise known as Cal. The story is told through the eyes of Cal as he recalls his family's genealogical past. We also jump back and forth between Cal's current life in Germany and his past - being raised as a girl and then finding out that she was actually a he.

So the book won a pulitzer and though its written well - I think there was a lot left to be desired here. First of all - though I appreciated the family background I think that it could have been simpler and shorter. By cutting down the first half of the book Eugenides could have focused more on Calliope/Cal's story. Which is the 2nd issue I had - I don't think I ever really got an idea about how Cal was coping - how his brother and mother adjusted to his new life, etc. It's sorta hinted that Cal's still dealing but we don't get real insight. Cal's character as a man is never developed....we don't really know who he is.

And lastly - I was left wanting more. The book really just ends abruptly leaving you with lots of questions. Not only do you want more of Cal's story but you wonder - what happened between him and Julie?? The author just sorta wraps it all up by saying "well the brother loses all the family's money, mom moves down to New Smyrna Beach, and Cal is in Germany...." whoop de doo.

As of today I have no books on tap - some requests with the library but the only thing I have to read is my Battles of the American Revolution.....

Echo In the Bone - continuation of the Outlander Series

Diana Gabaldon's 7th book in the series Outlander came out on 9/22/09 to much anticipation. I'm a rather new fan to the series having read all the books within the past 2 months, which actually worked to my benefit...I didn't have to wait 3 years between each book to find out "what happens next".

If you read Breath of Snow and Ashes then you'll know that Echo doesn't quite pick up in the place that you'd expect. Rather than start with a letter from Jamie and Claire as expected, you begin with a narration by William and his involvement with the British army against the Americans. There are over 800 pages in the book detailing the late 1700's - 1778 through various narrators, such as: William, Lord John Grey, Claire, Jamie, and of course Brianna, and Roger Mac (their time frame falls between late 1970's and early 1980's).

The ever so clever Gabaldon is able to keep you in suspense the entire book as she developed new and impossible circumstances for each and every character; with a few of these being real eyebrow raisers. You'll be wondering just what the heck is going to happen. And of course, that's where she leaves you at the end of book 7 - clueless. You'll be aching for book 8 in order to fill your need to know what is going to happen. Just about every main character has an unresolved problem...(I've left these issues rather vague in order to not spoil the story for those who will read it)

1. What will happen between Jamie and Claire now?
2. What will happen between Claire and Jenny?
3. What will happen with Fergus and his inheritance?
4. What will happen between Lord John and William?
5. What the heck happens to Roger & William Buccleigh Mackenzie?
6. How will Diana solve the issue with Brianna, Rob, and Jem?
7. What happens between Ian and Rachel?

Of course, Diana had to bring about the tears with a death of beloved character...and one of the most endearing moments on the novel - Jenny buying her baguette in French...it was so touching I had to read that part twice!

Another favorite moment of mine is when Claire catches Jamie praying "Lord let me be enough". It's not until later that Claire understands the prayer wasn't about the war, him as a soldier, etc. It's about her....his prayer is a request that he'll be enough for Claire as she leaves everything behind - her heart of full of grief, loss, and fear. I can say that it was hard for me to see this more mature relationship because I was so fond of the Claire and Jamie of Outlander, but now after reading Echo I understand that it was necessary in order to create the intensity and understanding they have now.

My vote - read the book! If you haven't read any of the Outlander series, start with the 1st book Outlander and make your way through the other 6 books. If you're smart pace it out so by the time you're done with Echo maybe book 8 will be coming out. As for me, I'm not stuck with everyone else, waiting.....

Books in my current lineup:
- Middlesex (halfway through so my post will be coming soon)
- Thorn Birds
- True Believers

Follow the Stars Home - L. Rice

Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice is about a woman torn between the life she has and the one that could have been. After learning her baby in utero will have issues, Dianne is abandoned by her husband and forced to raise her deformed daughter alone.

Most of the story is about Dianne's decisions, her life now, and where she's going to end up. It's not the best story I've ever read but it was endearing. You get your happy ending and surprisingly you even get to hear from Julia - the daughter in the epilogue. I think that in particular is the best treat of all. Her silence and random babbling through the book make you wonder...whats really going on with her. Other characters in the book tell you "when she says Gaaa...I think it means..." or "she just loves the beach"....you wonder, is this just a parent's wishful thinking? So Rice adding just a few pages of Julia's voice was a really nice way to end the book. Read it if your reading list is running short. I was able to finish in a day.

Happy Reading!

Soul of a Dog by J. Katz

I just finished "Soul of a Dog" by Jon Katz. The book details Jon's dogs and other notable animals on his small farm in New York. He ponders the existence of a dog's soul and in the broader sense - those of his other animals such as Elvis the bull whose appetite for Snickers is uncanny. The "chapters" are broken down by animal where John details different experiences and relationships between himself and the animals or just between the animals themselves.

Does the book answer whether an animal has a soul...not really. Jon himself doesn't really mention what he believes, I guess he's sorta like me...you can only hope that there's a place for them in Heaven.

Twillight - The Series

So I didn't read Twilight or watch the movie - too much hype and I'm not too fond of reading about blood sucking and blood spewing out of someone or the sensation of being bitten in jugular.

Well then I found out that none of that stuff really happens and a few friends convinced me to give the book a try. I started the book and about 13 pages in...I thought to myself "so whats the big deal, thus far nothings happened but rambling on and on about how much Bella hates this, that, or the other."

But my friends weren't pleased with my reading progress so I picked up the pace and found myself hooked...like I've said before, "I'm a sucker for a good love story". hahaha


So I read all 4 books in a matter or a few days. What can I say - I really was hooked and now I want an Edward for myself :P

It's not a literary masterpiece by any means but its definitely entertaining and worth the read. What woman doesn't like to read about being loved in a way that surpasses all other desires. Once you read the 1st book there's no way you can't read the other 3....and when you get to the final book "Breaking Dawn" - you're only left wanting more of Edward and Bella's love story.

If you make it to book 2 - New Moon...just trudge through it. It was my least favorite of all the books...very depressing and bleak. And since Edward is absent through most of the book its hard to commit yourself to the story...but if stick with it you'll find its worth it.

After reading the book I watched the movie and found myself laughing at some of the silliness. But despite the characters were cast good...I'm not a huge Kristen Stewart fan but she does fill the role of unhappy Bella. I hope that New Moon will have a little more depth to it....but again this is teen fiction :)

My Obession

As part of my book club I read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve been entwined in the entire series now, which consists of:

- Outlander
- Dragonfly Amber
- Voyager
- Drums of Autumn
- The Fiery Cross
- A breath of Snow and Aspen
- An Echo in the Bone

Thus far I have read 4 of the 7 books, currently working on book 5 – The Fiery Cross…with the 7th in the series due out in September. After reading all these books I still haven’t been able to figure out exactly how to write about them. I thought I might write about each book, but felt like it wouldn’t be sufficient. So let me at least start with a description of story.

Outlander the series starts with the introduction of Claire Randall, a woman travels to the past – the 18th century to be exact. Once the time travelling begins, the story unfolds rather quickly with Claire marrying 18th century Jamie Fraser, while at the same time trying to return to her 20th century husband Frank. After the intimacies shared during their time together both good and bad, Claire falls madly in love with her 18th century husband. The big question in book 1 is – will Claire return to Frank? The remainder of the books follow Claire and Jamie on their lives as they live together and apart – separate by 200 years. Each book provides you with new journeys, characters, and places – and even additional time travelers. Additional complications and romances bloom throughout the reading adventure. You simply want to read the next book in order to satisfy the need to know…

So many questions as you read the book:
- Will Claire leave Jamie and return to the 20th century?
- What will happen while they are separated?
- Will Claire and Jamie be reunited?
- Will Jamie ever meet his daughter, conceived in one time but living in another
- When will Jamie die and will Claire be there with him?
- Etc. etc. etc.

So I read Outlander because it was a book chosen amongst us in our group. But I read the series of my own accord…committed to see the story to the end. The reason why – maybe that’s harder to explain. I don’t know that I can put into words how great a story it is. Keep in mind each book is at least 800 pages with a few being over 1000 with characters showing up in each book – DG has done a very good job of keeping everything relevant.

I would not say that Outlander (or any other book within the series) is my all time favorite book – ask me when I’m bent over with no teeth and white hair. Maybe then I can answer that question “what is your favorite book”, but today I have no answer for that. However, I can say that love story of Jamie and Claire is definitely my all time favorite. It reminds me of Pillars of the Earth – but because that love story was contained within one book, it wasn’t as moving as Diana Gabaldon’s (DG) books. With Outlander you have to get involved – there’s no other way around it.

The landscapes: Scottish Highlands, Paris, the Indies, and of course primitive America are romantic in and of themselves with vivid descriptions, smells, and sounds. And of course there is Jamie – the stubborn, handsome, tall, and strong red haired Scot clad in plaid and kilt. He is the embodiment of a woman’s fantasy – chivalrous, loyal, loving, handsome, good in bed, funny, and romantic. Fighting for his life, family, country, love, and always for Claire. I can’t say exactly what makes me swoon over this love story, but I think DG was able to capture the fairy tale women look for albeit this one in the 18th century. No the love isn’t always perfect and some things are downright astonishing but a man that would give his life, body, soul, and mind to you completely and swear celtic oaths is nothing less than “dreamy” (haha). And the essence of the accent on the pages helps verra much. :)

So I didn’t want to tell you book by book what happens – because that wouldn’t do justice to the series. I think if you start with book one you’ll find it necessary to read the others. Yes, the beginning is slow – just get to the part where Claire time travels and you’ll be hooked from there.

Some of my Summer

So my brother was here visiting for 2 months and we had lots o' activities to take in from kayaking at the Channel Islands, Xgames 15, and the Sequoia National Forest to name a few things...and here are the shots that say it all:


I had no space on the way home!!!


Me and the buttress tree (it fell over in the 50's for no reason).

Just where are your photo credentials young lady?!
Hiking around the land of the giant trees.

Inside Crystal Cave - the inside of the stalagmites/stalagtytes have turned to marble!!! Free kitchen renovation anyone??



Driving through a fallen tree.
General Sherman - I say good day to you sir!
Sitting on the legs of General Sherman.
Little bro hanging with the Sherminator - he's 2300 years old!
Tunnel Rock - Can you spot Robert??
Almost getting pushed off Moro Rock - 6k above sea level. It is a loooong way down!
Bouldering on Moro Rock.
On top of the world....lovin it!
Coming down Moro Rock.
The view from Moro Rock.

Refreshing waterfalls
Biggest skateboard in the world - created by Rob Dyrdek

Xgames 15 in LA August 2009
We watching best whip, some sort of high motor jump, and big air!
Rockin' out at Xgames!
Big air baby.
Oh so scary!!

Jake B won big air - yay you unbreakable skater you! He's just happy to be alive!

So I am almost done with "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb. I've read two of his other books...and I think that this may be in the running for one of my favorites from him. I really enjoyed "This Much I know is True" and this book was just as good. If you're interested you can read some parts of the book at Google Books.

Whats the plot? Well its about the life of a girl - Dolores Price and the struggles of growing up through various traumatic experiences - divorce, rape, death, mental instability...I mean you name it and she's had to deal with it.

As you read the book you wonder - can she get a break or what?! You start rooting for her as she struggles to get herself together....I haven't finished the book but I'm almost there. Whether Dolores succeeds or continues on a downward spiral I can't be sure but I'll be happy with this book either way.

Upcoming Posts

So it's been awhile - I've been busy with my brother who's visiting for the summer.

But I do have a couple upcoming posts. Right now I'm trying to finish "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb. I have read 2 of his other books.

I'm also starting Outlander, which is our book club pick of the month....

Happy Reading!!!

Reading - Unaccustomed Earth

So I just read Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri which is comprised of small mini stories all centered around different Bengali Indian characters.

I like the stories because almost all of them left you connected to a character in each story. The downside is that with most short stories, you're yearning for a little more. Wondering what happened to the alcoholic brother, the aging father, the unhappily married couple....

I liked the stories but it's not a favorite for me.