Something Thoughtful

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So in my last blog I referenced a book I was reading and that if it were worth talking about, I might bring it up in a future post. Okay, well I finished that book 2 days ago. I even finished another once since then. For 2 days I've wanted to say something about "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"...I just didn't know how I was going to get it across.

Do I recommend the book - yes. Then what may you ask, is the "rub"? The beginning was sorta slow, because you start with the prologue which seems a bit out of place....but it plays an important role later. You get the light bulb in your head and say "aaahhh yes".

As an animal lover, I became really attached to the life and story of Edgar Sawtelle. The interactions between him and his family, life on the farm, and best friend Almondine. For me, the story was great...I kept reading because I wanted to know where are you taking me Mr. Wroblewski. So what was the issue.....

SPOILER ALERT (sorta)
So I left the book unhappy. Unhappy because I didn't get my closure. After everything is said and done, no one wins. After nearly 600 pages, I guess I didn't see the end coming the way it did. I wanted something else...happiness. After following the adventure page after page - and just when you think you know what's going to happen you take an abrupt turn to somewhere you didn't want to be. And then you sit there with a little hope saying "yes get up, GET UP". I could see my ending so clearly...I was sad. I didn't cry but I was left feeling empty.

If you follow the link above you will find the first 100+ pages of the book. It is a good one.

For now, I bid you adieu.

An Interesting Read

I just completed a really good book - I know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. I have to say that, no - I didn't cry but it was a page turner and really interesting. It's about twin brothers where one ends up being schizophrenic and the struggle of his "normal" brother to take on the burden of his care.

I think what I found so interesting about this book is the way in which the main character struggles with so many different emotions from divorce, death, an abusive father, medical emergencies, etc. etc. The ending is a surprise which is both sad but gives you a sense of relief and closure.

I've since moved onto another book...who knows - if its worth mentioning then it may end up in a post here oneday.

Until then - keep reading my friends.

"A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it." ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

Stop, Drop, Duck.....wait what do I do here?

Ok so it wasn't the "big one"....but its the biggest one I've ever been in. Yes, the 5.4 Chino Hills/Whittier earthquake.

After just changing for pilates, my office starts to mildly jiggle. It's not the first "mild jiggle" I've been in - so I think this will pass. Then the building starts to rattle, tiles in the ceiling are ready to fall....and I see my magentized door unbolt itself from the wall and start to close. So I start to run and at the same time yell "Kim...Kim...what am I supposed to do". I meet Kim at her office and the two of us stand in the doorway. Yes I realize I wasn't supposed to run.....but duck and cover.
May I remind you that I'm from the south where we practiced for tornado drills....bend over in the hallway outside your class, head tucked into your lap, fingers laced tightly around the base of your neck or the back of your head....
I've also dealt with hurricanes where you receive warnings and can escape to the nearest safe city....so yes in the earthquake I ran.

I figure...if the buildings going to collapse, I don't want to be stuck in my office all alone - so RUN! Remember my fellow Californians - next time "duck and cover".

Books, Books, Books, and yes more books

I've been reading a lot this summer. It has been my first summer off since going the grad program...and my days of reading have been filled with nothing but networking, economics, etc. etc. etc.

So now that I have more "me" time I've decided to fill it with books. I've read a bunch of stuff - some more memorable than others. I think every now and again during this adventure I'll throw in some of my tid bits about various books or authors.

First let me start with Jodi Picoult. I've read a few of her novels: Thirteen Minutes, Sister's Keeper, Salem Falls, and The Pact. Obviously none of these books are literary masterpieces but Picoult definitely has a way of drawing you into the character and story. Of my Picoult pieces, Sister's Keeper was definitely the most touching (probably because I have a sister).

I tend to think that most men wouldn't enjoy the Picoult books that I have read thus far but who knows....

So if you're looking for page turning - whats coming next type books then pick up something from Jodi Picoult. Thus far every book of Picoult's that I have read includes some sort of twist or big "ta da".

I still have one more Jodi Picoult book sitting on my table - Picture Perfect. But before I start that I will begin reading "I Know This Much is True" by Wally Lamb. It's a big one so I hope to report in soon.

The Introduction

Hello World Wide Web of blogging fanatics. I've decided to move my blogging to larger pastures. The myspace bloggin' just doesn't satisfy my need to be vocally creative, err shall I say creative typing?

As I have the summer off from school - its been the perfect storm of all the things that have been absent in my life for the past 6 semesters: friends, books, and relaxing. I've also signed myself up for a 10k "The Human Race".

In addition I've learned that self tanning isn't what it used to be and thus far have managed to stay away from "oompa lumpa orange".

So as you peruse the shelf of blogs...remember to keep the interesting concoction in mind - you just never know what you're gonna get.