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.