A Thousand Printed Words

Books 4 and 5

2010-02-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Book 4 - The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I once read where Stephenie described this book as science fiction for people who don't necessarily like the genre...she was absolutely right. I, however, love SciFi and I adored this book too. My husband probably wouldn't as he expects his SciFi to be techical and full of tech words that are difficult for some others to understand or imagine. All in all, it was a great SciFi book without all the 'classical' jargon which made it an easy read with a great story line.

Book 5 - Palimpsest by Catherynne M. Valente

Some of the first 'fantasy' books I read were The Odyssey and The Divine Comedy. I was young and had trouble understanding the overly descriptive text, but I powered through and walked away with my mind open and aware of something new and amazing. This books is now part of that group.
In the beginning it was a bit difficult for me as I have not read books like this in quite some time, usually sticking to things that require very little thought on my part; books for sheer enjoyment of the story. This requires thought and solitude from outside distractions...but by the last page you will feel as though you've experienced a world, scary at times, beautiful mostly...a world that you are not sure you'd ever want to visit but glad it was put into words on a page in a book.

The theme is adult by nature, keep that in mind...the only way to the new world is through intercourse...or is it?? :)

Book 3

2010-02-13T12:13:00.003-08:00

I finished City of Glass - I loved that it brought everything together, truths were told. I was euphoric from finishing a great series...and then went online and found out there are two more to be written. A prequel comes out this year (I believe) and the 4th book in the series will be out next year.

Honestly? If I'm going to read a series I'd rather wait until the last has been written before I begin. I do NOT do well with waiting. But, since this has already begun I will read the others faithfully when they come out.

As you'll see in my sidebar, I've made some recent purchases so I have at least a week worth of reading to do here. I'll post as soon as I complete each one.

Books 1 and 2

2010-02-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, I didn't read anything but blogs in January - but I have finally gotten on the bandwagon. Of course, I don't have to relegate myself to 'so many a month' to be able to complete this challenge. I read so fast that it doesn't really matter.

On that note, I've read two books in the last week and I have the 3rd in the series sitting next to me right now, waiting for tomorrow to arrive so I can dive in.

I'm reading "The Mortal Instruments" series by Cassandra Clare. Book 1 (City of Bones) and Book 2 (City of Ashes) were so much more than I expected them to be. Full of vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, angels, rune tattoos that give the wearer abilities, hidden family secrets, psychotic villians....There is SO much to the story.

I'd love to see this in movie form - but I probably wouldn't be able to watch them. I see a monster on a screen and I head for cover - I'd miss 90% of the movie...but I would certainly try.

There is a BIG revealed secret that affects the main characters that makes things....Odd...but you just have to keep reading and take it as a grain of salt...I'm looking forward to it not actually being an accurate secret...Read the book. I'm not gonna spoil it here, lol.

It isn't cheesy in the least and this is traditional vampire/werewolf stuff we're talking about - although they are NOT the main characters. They are just atmosphere 'filler'.

New Year, New Plan

2009-12-28T00:25:00.000-08:00

I got an e-mail today from the 50/10 Ning group. It's about reading 50 books in this coming year and I *plan* to participate. I'll post my progress here. The format of this blog won't change, I'll still review the book I've read and list what's coming up next in the sidebar...but now I'll have a purpose which, sometimes, I just need.

Please feel free to comment. Its ok to agree or disagree with my opinions...but, please remember that they ARE opinions. You don't have to agree with me, but please don't be rude.

Books 12 & 13

2009-11-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

As I thought I would, I loved this book. You think *maybe* you know whats going on but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. Definately a good book for someone who is in love with books - they will identify with the main character quite a bit.

Born of Night by Sherilyn Kenyon

I thought this was going to be another 'vampire' type book - its definately not. There is space travel, thieves, assasins...plenty of intrigue and *surprise!!* sex to keep you engrossed and entertained. It was surprisingly funny and touching. I'm chomping at the bit to get the next one. Readers be warned - book does contain somewhat explicit content and profanity.

Book 11

2009-11-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

Loved this book.

I remember watching the new movie with Matt Damon not long after it came out. I enjoyed the movie - the book was way better. I was actually surprised at how much more the book had to offer. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Book 10

2009-11-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

I opened this book and was dissapointed to see that it was not written by the original author. I should have noticed when I got it at the library, but I was in a trance from the title and didn't pay attention.

This book is what I assume the movie is really based on. It is the 'abridged' version of the original by S. Morgenstern. From what Mr. Goldman writes when he omits things I'm glad its NOT the original because I'd be wishing I could put the darn book down(but wouldn't because of a rule I have with myself: Always finish a book I start, even if I don't like it - there is always a chance for finding something that could change your life).

This is one of my favorites stories, now in book form as well as movie.

Book 9

2009-11-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips

As with the last one, it took some time for me to get into it. My mind was in so many other places that I shouldn't have begun reading it when I did.

With that said, I loved this one. After I finished it I was thoroughly upset that it was not wrapped up completely - but then I discovered it will be a series, of sorts, and that I will get to read more about the life of the modern day main character.

It weaves back and forth between a modern historian and a character from history. While the life of the historical character is summed up, I also wanted to know more about the life of the historian.

I look forward to reading the next book in the 'series' - The Devlin Diary.

Book 8

2009-10-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Man and The Moment by Elinor Glyn

This was a love triangle type story that, thank God, was only 173 pages long. I enjoyed it - but it made me incredibly frustrated.

*Edit - I really should put in here that I've been struggling with depression lately and it has interfered with my reading. Now that I've had time to think, I actually did enjoy this story. It is a love-triangle and, while a bit predictable, was not a bad read. There are a lot of 'things not being said' in it and it made me want to scream "Just tell him/her!" but that is what makes for a good story.

If you get a chance to read it, please do, and come tell me what you thought of it.

Book 7

2009-10-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

Finished Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris. It was definately not as heady as Fountainhead - thank God.

It was ok. That's really all I can say.

Actually - you know those books where they author spends a lot of time on backstory? Yeah, well this was not one of those. I kept feeling like I was missing half the story. It kept referring to things in the characters past that might be interesting....but you don't find out anything else and you're just left hanging.

Book 6

2009-10-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Just got done reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. As it was with Atlas Shrugged, I closed the book feeling like I'd accomplished something major and I had to have some time to myself to process everything I'd read. I'm sure that I will be thinking of it quite often for a while - going over some truths about the human psyche that were shown to me.

It takes me much longer to read her books than anyone else's. They are so deep and intellectual. She goes in-depth in her characters. There is often a lot of dialogue that speaks volumes about the situation - and even double-speak.

Ayn Rand was brilliant. I may not agree with her life or political views, but I can not deny that her work has spoken to me in many ways.

Books 1-4

2009-10-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

So this blog is mainly for me, but all who find it are welcome to say hi and share thoughts. I wanted a way to keep track of the books I've read, of books I want to read and quotes that I've gathered from them that mean something to me.

I've been severely slacking this year in my book reading. Here it is, October of 2009, and I've only read 4 books to speak of. Coincidentally, 4 books that I had promised I would never look at - much less read.

They are the Twilight series, by Stephenie Meyer. I have to admit - they were fantastic. Her style of writing is so intense and real. I've never found myself holding my breath for an entire chapter before. I didn't realize I was doing it at the time until I forced myself to look up, breathing instinctively, and realizing that my vision was severely impaired by a cloud at the edges. Lack of oxygen, I expect.

I would absolutely read anything that this woman writes. Any time. The Host is definately on my list of books to read very, very soon.

Book 5

2009-10-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

The Path of Dreams By: Eugene Woodbury

Although they have never met before, a seemingly chance encounter leaves Elaine Chieko Packard and Connor McKenzie haunted by passionate dreams they cannot control. They determine to resolve the growing tension between the moral strictures of their religion and their own overpowering emotions by eloping, a decision that triggers an entirely unexpected series of events.

Tentative Book List

2009-10-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips
--The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova - Read :)
--The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - Read
Leviathan by Scott Westerfield - Read
--Boneshaker by Cherie Priest - Read
Steampunk by Ann Vandermeer
Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz
Frankenstein: City of Night by Dean Koontz
Frankenstein: Dead and Alive by Dean Koontz
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crighton
Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn
The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Read
Heat Wave by Richard Castle
American On Purpose by Craig Ferguson - Read
An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon
The Vampire's Assistant and other Tales from the Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
--City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - Read :)
--City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - Read :)
--City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - Read :)
--Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Read
Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon
--Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Read :)
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
World Without End by Ken Follett
The Road by Cormack McCarthy
Katharine by Anya Seaton
The Journals of Ayn Rand