Just Finished New Moon

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I TOTALLY understand the Twilight craze now. After reading the first book in the series, ‘Twilight,’ I just could not get what all the fuss was about. After reading ‘New Moon,’ however, I’m right there with those shrieking teeny-boppers. Stephenie Meyer officially has another fan. I am not ashamed that I was completely enthralled by the melodramatic and emotional love triangle that has only just begun with this book. I cannot wait to find out what happens to the characters- so glad I didn’t read any spoilers. Usually I don’t like reading a book after the movie has already been made, but for some reason I loved thinking of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner acting out these incredibly juicy roles. It was so soap-opery and delicious, I lapped this book up like a vanilla cone from McDonald‘s on a hot summer day. It was almost impossible to put down, even when the expressions of teenage love were at their corniest. Bella really has it going on, with two pretty great guys vying for her affection. I think I know who she’ll choose in the end, but I can’t wait to find out. Too bad I don’t have ‘Eclipse’ waiting right here to get started on. I have to request it from the library STAT!

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WOW

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can honestly say I have never read a book like this one. It was truly unique from the very beginning, with an approximately 30 pg intro/prologue full on ramblings and sketches. Dave Eggers even put in parts that he supposedly retracted from the text – think about it; he printed, in full, complete sections taken from different parts of the book. Who does that?! It was incredible to feel like you are really in another person’s head, more so than I have ever felt while reading a book. It totally makes sense to me how the author befriended someone like Spike Jonze; I can see how they would be right up each other’s alley. If you have ever seen ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ you’ll know what I’m talking about when you read this book. Dave Eggers is something genuinely special; this book touched my heart. The title couldn’t more aptly describe the experience of reading. I have to read all of his other works, and soon.

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Interesting Article

I just read this article on the NY Times site and I am ashamed to say that I am guilty of this. Sometimes I start yelling before I even realize what I'm doing. Sydney yells too, which I hope is phase or habit she will grow out of or that we can break. This article was really interesting, especially when the person notes that yelling is not a parenting technique. Also, if someone yelled at you at work, how would you react? I have to remember this the next time I feel a scream coming on.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22yell.html

Be Still My Heart.....

This past year, Adam Lambert helped me remember why I used to love 'American Idol.' Details magazine did a great profile of him I just finished reading here. I haven't bought a CD in months, but I will definitely be in line at Target or Best Buy on Monday, November 23rd when Adam's debut disc drops. There is just something about him and its not just his brain-liquefying vocals and audacious/exciting stage presence. I absolutely CANNOT wait!! I wish him all the best.

Beautiful Title

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers





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The author of this book co-wrote the screenplay of the recently released 'Where the Wild Things Are,' which I posted about previously. I LOVE the title.

Opening line: "Through the small tall bathroom window the December yard is gray and scratchy, the trees calligraphic."

Barely Finished This One

Third Degree by Greg Iles


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This one not one of my favorites by Greg Iles. It was too much for me somehow. I couldn't believe that a cuckolded husband would go this far without actually killing their spouse and it was unsettling to read.

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Funny Baby Video

This video cracked me up!

Sydney

Sydney said the funniest thing yesterday which isn't a new occurrence but this was particularly noteworthy. I showed her some new underwear that I bought (for myself) and she goes, "That's beautiful, Mommy! It's beautiful!"

It was so sincere and so clearly spoken that I did a double take and immediately called Donte. It's funny, because she always notes our reactions to things. So of course she saw my expression and when I asked her to repeat it, she did. Now she goes around the house saying 'That's beautiful' to everything, probably hoping to get the same reaction she got the first time. So funny and adorable!

She is really something and I am amazed at the way she always surprises me. She is truly a special child and I can't thank God enough for bringing her to our lives.

Switched Books

I had to put down Water for Elephants because the library book stunk. I mean it literally stunk, so much that I couldn't stand to hold it up, let alone read it. I returned the book and I will request it again at a later date.

I'm starting this Greg Iles' book, a suspense/thriller.

Third Degree by Greg Iles





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Opening line: "Floating in the half-world between sleep and wakefulness, Laurel reached down and slipped her hand into the crack between the mahogany bed rail and the box springs, searching...searching for her connection to life."

Rachel Maddow is Spot-On

This video completely describes my previous post, albeit in a much more fluid and understandable way.

Nobel Peace Prize

I had decided to not blog about politics as a rule, leaving that to the many experts who do it for a living. But I really feel the need to comment on the top news story of the day, our President receiving the tremendous honor of the Nobel Peace prize.

It is absolutely amazing how ridiculous people are behaving in reaction to this announcement! Somehow Barack Obama brings out the worst in some people and it can be downright scary to behold. I could not believe the excoriating remarks made by some of my favorite online writers this morning. I have to say I wasn't surprised by the reactions from the RNC, Rush Limbaugh and the Taliban (notice how I linked the three, just the DNC spokesperson did justifiably).

This man is the leader of our great nation and he cannot get a break. When he loses something that he obviously wanted for his hometown as well as his country, people are rejoicing in American streets (i.e., the Olympic bid failure of last week). Now, when he is awarded this prize out of his control, he is kicked about like he paid off the committee or something. I smell a lot of jealousy and I hate to say it, but racism as well. It is disgusting and I am ashamed of many of my fellow countrymen today who could have taken the high ground just ONCE and congratulated our President. Let Mr. Obama work on trying to deserve the honor as he so graciously put it this morning.

Also, shame on the media for doing the same old thing and glorifying the haters as they always do.

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen





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My mom just listened to the audio book and was telling me that she wouldn't recommend it to me, but she hadn't even gotten through telling me about the main character's childhood when I stopped her and told I wanted to read it and find out for myself. I was intrigued to say the least. Happy Reading!

Opening line: "Only three people were left under the red and white awning of the grease joint: Grady, me, and the fry cook."

This Will Make a Great Movie

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I finished this one last night and I was very satisfied. Jonathan Tropper must have been very close to a female figure growing up or he is the most observant man ever. It’s almost like he has lived as a woman in a past life. The book is from the point of view of a man, Judd Foxman, but he is uniquely attuned to women. He describes the course of falling in love and getting into a rut in a marriage with alarmingly jarring detail.

I REALLY enjoyed this book, although I would never be able to cast the movie like I thought I would starting out. The actor playing the lead role of Judd will likely have to be a relatively unknown actor, because no current big star fits the bill in my opinion. The family is Jewish and specifically described, so blonde or straight-haired actors need not apply.

I had heard of sitting shiva before, but I am really unfamiliar with the nuances of the Jewish faith. It was nice to learn a little bit about a different culture while still enjoying a great novel. Even the ending was a nice surprise, although I saw one part coming.

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Fringe, Again

I wrote about the season premiere earlier and shame on you if you haven't tuned in yet. Tonight's episode promises to be a dinger, for both fans and newbies. I can't wait!

Started 'This Is Where I Leave You'

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper





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I LOVE this title! I would steal it if it wasn't already taken. Also, this is going to be made into a movie so I'll try to cast the film as I read. The author is also currently writing the screenplay for the remake of'Harvey' to be directed by Steven Speilberg. If you haven't seen the original 'Harvey' starring the incomparable Jimmy Stewart, go rent/but it immediately!

Opening line: "Dad's dead, Wendy says offhandedly, like it's happened before, like it happens every day."

Songs For the Missing

Songs for the Missing: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was unimaginably sad which affected my overall rating. I really cannot abide by really sad subject matter for some reason. Especially when it is unrelenting as was the case for this book where there is no happy ending. I didn’t finish ‘The Lovely Bones’ for this reason and I likely won’t see that movie, either.

This book was written beautifully and was a little like a thriller for the first few months after Kim went missing, but it turned into a devastating manual on how not to grieve as evidenced the way each character came to turns with the loss of their daughter, sister, friend. It was too much for me and I can’t say I would recommend it.

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Starting Songs for the Missing

Songs for the Missing: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan





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It seems like a downer to go from a happy novel to a book about a missing person, but oh well! That's the way the cookie crumbles...

Opening line: "July, 2005. It was the summer of her Chevette, of J.P. and letting her hair grow."

Loved The Family Man!

The Family Man by Elinor Lipman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was an absolute delight. I would re-read it right now if I didn’t have another library book due next week. It was fun from start to finish with the perfect, light-hearted upbeat tone throughout. Many authors outdo themselves with symbolism and the darkness of people’s innermost secrets, but I found this to be a refreshing take on happiness. Elinor Lipman told a beautiful story that was unbelievably understated but filled with so many great things; I could go on and on.

The main character (John) Henry Archer had me at ‘hello,’ and I loved that he got a happy ending. Henry Archer is an openly gay man, but don’t think if you read this you will getting an E. Lynn Harris type novel. We are never told Henry’s race, but I assume he is not Black. Henry is also affluent, openly gay and not struggling with it, and his sexual escapades are not detailed. As a matter of fact, he starts off single and ends up with a partner! I loved that this happened, but almost without the reader knowing since the main story was about Henry and his reunion with his former step-daughter Thalia. It’s a long story to explain how a gay man has an ex step-daughter but I recommend reading this great book to find out. I loved it!!

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