Oscar Nominations

I have always loved the announcement of the Oscar nominees. For some reason, it is so exciting because there is always someone who really deserves the recognition and accolades. This year, I was rooting for Jeremy Renner who received a Best Actor nomination for his role in 'The Hurt Locker.' I've watched a few of his interviews on the talk show circuit and he has been so nice and funny. When he was on Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy introduced him as "Modesto's own...Jeremy Renner!" Since he is from the area, its fun to root for someone who came from such a small community. The Today show had him, another actor from the film and the director as guests so they were able to catch his reaction to the nomination. I've watched this several times and it's still so touching to see genuine surprise and joy for him to realize every actor's dream. The part where his name is announced is at approximately 3:00 and the part right after the nominations are finished is about 6:40. He's so gracious.

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Enough said.

Started 'Step Out On Nothing'

Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges by Byron Pitts



Mom, I'm finally reading this one! It took forever for it to become available at the library. I'm not a regular '60 Minutes' viewer, so I'm not that familiar with the author, but I look forward to finding out more about this inspiring story.

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Opening line: "In five, four, three, two..."

Finished 'Cutting for Stone'

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be one of the best books of 2009. It was completely enthralling from the very first chapter. I loved how each character was developed, although I wish we knew a little more about Genet's thoughts since she ended up being a major player in how the novel ended. It was really a love story to medicine and I found myself appreciating people who choose this field even more after reading this magnificent story. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!

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Started 'Cutting for Stone'

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese





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I have been on the hold list for this book since March, so I am anxious to read this one. The author lives in my neck of the woods, the Bay Area; Palo Alto, specifically. EW gave it an A grade; here is that review.

Opening line: "After eight months spent in the obscurity of our mother's womb, my brother, Shiva, and I came into the world in the late afternoon of the twentieth of September in the year of grace 1954."

Finished Codex

Codex by Lev Grossman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was really impressed with this other Lev Grossman novel. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did his newest book, 'The Magicians,' but I still found myself racing to the finish to find out what was going to happen to Edward Wozny. Gaming isn't really my thing and neither is medieval literature, so I wouldn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It was kind of like 'The Da Vinci Code,' but with less twists and a better final reveal.

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'Nuff Said

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