When the weather started hinting at getting cool I reached for a book about living in Mexico. I keep thinking about the beach at Akumal, Mexico and how it looked when we were there in January. WANT TO GO BACK! So, I settled for...
1) Gringos in Paradise by Barry Golson. Retirees from back East decide to locate in a Mexican village. The book covers their move and the building of their home there. Very entertaining. Not near England though!
2) Boy meets Girl by Meg Cabot. Written unconventionally through emails, notes on napkins, texts and every other form of communication, it's a fun read. Amy has to fire someone and then she gets fired and along the way finds true love and revenge. Fun.
3)Revenge of the Middle-aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan. Loved this book! A woman's husband of 25 years leaves her for her assistant and then she loses her job and home. After a bit of pity and introspection she gets it together and comes out better for it in the end. All set in England and would make a great movie!
4) England Have My Bones by T. H. White. Older book about life in England through the eyes of a gentleman of leisure. Flying, fishing, hunting are covered as well as his pet cats and snakes. It took me a while to get through the fishing chapters as I'm not a fisher woman but the rest was a delight and it definitely was all English!
01 December 2010
September and October
September
1) Within Tuscany by Matthew Spencer. Yet another foray into Tuscany! There are a few travel writers who romanticize Italy on the market. Did I really need to read another book about how wonderful it would be to live there? YES!!! This book is a few years old but oh so nice to get an artists perspective. Not a bit English but at least it's Europe.
2) Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Victorian London, supernatural, gifted people, conflict between good and evil. What's not to like and oh so English.
3) A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Hailey. This was a very nice book set in a time when women were just emerging out from behind menfolk. Navigating the 20th century solo was an interesting story. I liked it. Not a bit English.
4) Love & Biology at the Center of the Universe by Jeannie Shortridge. A most excellent story set in the Northwest. An errant husband destroys a marriage and sends Mira to escape up the coast to Seattle. Her car breaks down in front of a coffee shop and that's where she gets a job and an apt and starts putting the pieces of her life together. I would have preferred another ending but the book was a delight even without a nod to the English.
5) Kisses From Hell(Anthology). All the young impulsive vampire stories a girl could ask for. A bit too young adult for me but enjoyable nonetheless. Richelle Mead among the authors.
6) The Eternal Kiss(Anthology). More paranormal vampire short stories!! Cassandra Clare among the authors.
7) Cathedral Cats by Richard Surman. Neat little book with pictures of beautiful cathedrals and cats that live there. Liked it immensely and it was all in England!
OCTOBER
1) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobleski. This book was a delight. If your a dog person you'll love the story and it's a great story set in the US about a family of dog breeders but specifically a young boy and his special ability to train their dogs. Not an Englishman in sight.
2) Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs.The imagination of Briggs at work again. Another world. Other supernatural powers. Good against evil. Good stuff. I gave all the characters English accents. Why not??
3) Ravens Strike by Patricia Briggs. Once again the creativity of Briggs has created a world of wonder. A family of exceptional abilities works together to save each other and the kingdom they live in from evil powers. Still gave the characters English accents...the bad guys were probably French!
4 How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. Wonderful history of a wonderful people that continue to mesmerize me. This is my favorite period of time and I never tire of the cast of characters. A good effort from Cahill retelling the story of Monks and manuscripts and western civilization. Recommend it most definitely.
1) Within Tuscany by Matthew Spencer. Yet another foray into Tuscany! There are a few travel writers who romanticize Italy on the market. Did I really need to read another book about how wonderful it would be to live there? YES!!! This book is a few years old but oh so nice to get an artists perspective. Not a bit English but at least it's Europe.
2) Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Victorian London, supernatural, gifted people, conflict between good and evil. What's not to like and oh so English.
3) A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Hailey. This was a very nice book set in a time when women were just emerging out from behind menfolk. Navigating the 20th century solo was an interesting story. I liked it. Not a bit English.
4) Love & Biology at the Center of the Universe by Jeannie Shortridge. A most excellent story set in the Northwest. An errant husband destroys a marriage and sends Mira to escape up the coast to Seattle. Her car breaks down in front of a coffee shop and that's where she gets a job and an apt and starts putting the pieces of her life together. I would have preferred another ending but the book was a delight even without a nod to the English.
5) Kisses From Hell(Anthology). All the young impulsive vampire stories a girl could ask for. A bit too young adult for me but enjoyable nonetheless. Richelle Mead among the authors.
6) The Eternal Kiss(Anthology). More paranormal vampire short stories!! Cassandra Clare among the authors.
7) Cathedral Cats by Richard Surman. Neat little book with pictures of beautiful cathedrals and cats that live there. Liked it immensely and it was all in England!
OCTOBER
1) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobleski. This book was a delight. If your a dog person you'll love the story and it's a great story set in the US about a family of dog breeders but specifically a young boy and his special ability to train their dogs. Not an Englishman in sight.
2) Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs.The imagination of Briggs at work again. Another world. Other supernatural powers. Good against evil. Good stuff. I gave all the characters English accents. Why not??
3) Ravens Strike by Patricia Briggs. Once again the creativity of Briggs has created a world of wonder. A family of exceptional abilities works together to save each other and the kingdom they live in from evil powers. Still gave the characters English accents...the bad guys were probably French!
4 How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. Wonderful history of a wonderful people that continue to mesmerize me. This is my favorite period of time and I never tire of the cast of characters. A good effort from Cahill retelling the story of Monks and manuscripts and western civilization. Recommend it most definitely.
05 August 2010
Junebugs
The summer flies by seemingly with a will all its own. April showers, May flowers, June bugs, July heat making way for August splendor.
Book 1) Boelyn: Tudor Vampire by Cinsearae S. was a modern and interesting angle to the much written story of Anne Boelyn. Anne's much maligned character gets some further tweaking along the Vampire way. It's a quick, unexpected and fun read and it's most definitely English.
Book 2) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes.The travel genre has definitely a specialized band of followers, myself included. Travel writing is awfully fun for me to read because I've been fortunate enough to travel to some of the countries I read about. Some of the countries I've studied and Mayes lives and travels in them!! How jealous am I of that! Second best to being there is Mayes books! Total recommend!
Book 3)The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. Finally something from Meyer!!! It's about time too!! There are so many characters in the Twilight series that could be a series or novellas all their own. Bree's sad story not only fills out even more the depth of characters but also opens the way for some others. If only Meyer will explore them soon!
Book 4) The Queen's Man-Sharon Kay Penman. A Medieval Mystery...not only does Penman research thoroughly but she brings history to life in a very entertaining way. This is the first in the series about the character Justin de Quincy. Set in the 12th century and in England so I enjoyed the time as well as the mystery. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
Book 5) Wide Open by Jeremy McGrath. Not in the least bit English or historic unless you consider how he singularly changed the sport of Supercross. His vast achievements on the track and in the air are only surpassed by his personal exploits.
The story is very entertaining for those who love Supercross.
July was a total wash-nothing finished. Perhaps I'll redeem myself in August!!
Book 1) Boelyn: Tudor Vampire by Cinsearae S. was a modern and interesting angle to the much written story of Anne Boelyn. Anne's much maligned character gets some further tweaking along the Vampire way. It's a quick, unexpected and fun read and it's most definitely English.
Book 2) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes.The travel genre has definitely a specialized band of followers, myself included. Travel writing is awfully fun for me to read because I've been fortunate enough to travel to some of the countries I read about. Some of the countries I've studied and Mayes lives and travels in them!! How jealous am I of that! Second best to being there is Mayes books! Total recommend!
Book 3)The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. Finally something from Meyer!!! It's about time too!! There are so many characters in the Twilight series that could be a series or novellas all their own. Bree's sad story not only fills out even more the depth of characters but also opens the way for some others. If only Meyer will explore them soon!
Book 4) The Queen's Man-Sharon Kay Penman. A Medieval Mystery...not only does Penman research thoroughly but she brings history to life in a very entertaining way. This is the first in the series about the character Justin de Quincy. Set in the 12th century and in England so I enjoyed the time as well as the mystery. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
Book 5) Wide Open by Jeremy McGrath. Not in the least bit English or historic unless you consider how he singularly changed the sport of Supercross. His vast achievements on the track and in the air are only surpassed by his personal exploits.
The story is very entertaining for those who love Supercross.
July was a total wash-nothing finished. Perhaps I'll redeem myself in August!!
03 June 2010
April showers and the May flower thing
April showers bring May flowers as the old saying goes.Actually I believe it was from an old poem but the rhyme hints at remaining patient through the rains in anticipation of the beauty to follow. Patience...there's that word again. Just hearing it makes me well...impatient! Perhaps coming from being continually busy methinks. I still seemed to squeeze in a few books tho from some favorite authors!
April.....
1)Life Lessons from the Monastery-Jerome Kodell.The format of this book entails brief chapters of essays, from talks he's given. It's a very insightful collection that in it's simplicity gives example of what is important. In this modern world simplicity is often akin to brash humor and entertainment that push out the dignity and necessity of simplicity. Easy but reflective read.
2)Silver Borne-Patricia Briggs. Wonderful installment from a local author! Briggs brings out another nice tale about Mercy Thompson, urban fantasy heroine extraordinaire. There's trouble in the pack with Mercy in the mix but it only serves to draw Mercy and Adam closer. I get such a kick out of reading about places in the book that are right where I live. As mentioned here before I was fortunate to meet Ms. Briggs a couple of times. She's as down to earth as Mercy her character. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next go round!!
3)Succubus Shadows-Richelle Mead. Liked it! Loved it! Want some more of it! WHEN are they gonna get Georgina on the big screen???? We got all sorts of supernatural beings and of course even a writer among the cast of characters all set in Seattle. This series so needs to be on film!!! It's got action, sex, fantasy and books in it. What else do you need???
Hm..not much Englishness here tho.....
May...
1) Burned-PC & Kirstin Cast. Another in the House of Night series. The ladies gave us another delicious treat. It's a quick read that explores all the characters a bit deeper yet. Even the bad guys get a shot at redemption. The story line moves through the eyes of different characters and along nicely with a nice switch of location keeps you interested. Can't help but remember meeting them at a book signing. They were a kick in the butt! Nothing English here tho.....
2) My Fair Lazy-Jen Lancaster.What a delight Lancaster is! I love her wit and sarcasm. her work still feels like me and my girlfriends are sitting around catching up. I hope she doesn't wait too long for another installment! Heh! I've met her too! And, yes, she was remarkably like she is in her books. Tho, nothing English here either...
3) Truly Madly-Heather Webber.This was a freebie sent to me for review. I put it off for months because I thought it was gonna be a bit to cheesy but it was easily entertaining! Lucy Valentine comes from a family of matchmakers but an electrical surge gives her the ability to find lost objects which she eventually learns to put to good use of finding a lost child. Along the way she finds love too. Alas, not a drop of English here as well.....
4) Dead in the Family-Charlaine Harris. Went to Portland for the book signing and the book. The author is wonderfully personable! It was so worth the trip to meet her however briefly. And, the book was of course worth the wait as well.I am so...Team Eric and got more of him.(Can't wait till the tv series catches up to the Eric & Sookie thing!)Sookie gets into the usual trouble with the supernatural world but as usual comes out with greater strengths and sense of herself. I was hoping Harris would delve a bit deeper into Sookie's Fae bloodline and she did but not enough for me. Maybe the next book!!!! Still, nothing English here tho...
5) Spirit Bound-Richelle Mead. Latest in the Vampire Academy series. After the dramatic ending of book 4 I had no idea where Mead was gonna take Rose. This book felt a bit more grown up and I enjoyed it more because of that. The ending was a huge surprise and of course now I can't wait to see what happens in #6.!! Mead is a most enjoyable writer. Nothing of the English variety here either but I promise to remedy that next month!!
April.....
1)Life Lessons from the Monastery-Jerome Kodell.The format of this book entails brief chapters of essays, from talks he's given. It's a very insightful collection that in it's simplicity gives example of what is important. In this modern world simplicity is often akin to brash humor and entertainment that push out the dignity and necessity of simplicity. Easy but reflective read.
2)Silver Borne-Patricia Briggs. Wonderful installment from a local author! Briggs brings out another nice tale about Mercy Thompson, urban fantasy heroine extraordinaire. There's trouble in the pack with Mercy in the mix but it only serves to draw Mercy and Adam closer. I get such a kick out of reading about places in the book that are right where I live. As mentioned here before I was fortunate to meet Ms. Briggs a couple of times. She's as down to earth as Mercy her character. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next go round!!
3)Succubus Shadows-Richelle Mead. Liked it! Loved it! Want some more of it! WHEN are they gonna get Georgina on the big screen???? We got all sorts of supernatural beings and of course even a writer among the cast of characters all set in Seattle. This series so needs to be on film!!! It's got action, sex, fantasy and books in it. What else do you need???
Hm..not much Englishness here tho.....
May...
1) Burned-PC & Kirstin Cast. Another in the House of Night series. The ladies gave us another delicious treat. It's a quick read that explores all the characters a bit deeper yet. Even the bad guys get a shot at redemption. The story line moves through the eyes of different characters and along nicely with a nice switch of location keeps you interested. Can't help but remember meeting them at a book signing. They were a kick in the butt! Nothing English here tho.....
2) My Fair Lazy-Jen Lancaster.What a delight Lancaster is! I love her wit and sarcasm. her work still feels like me and my girlfriends are sitting around catching up. I hope she doesn't wait too long for another installment! Heh! I've met her too! And, yes, she was remarkably like she is in her books. Tho, nothing English here either...
3) Truly Madly-Heather Webber.This was a freebie sent to me for review. I put it off for months because I thought it was gonna be a bit to cheesy but it was easily entertaining! Lucy Valentine comes from a family of matchmakers but an electrical surge gives her the ability to find lost objects which she eventually learns to put to good use of finding a lost child. Along the way she finds love too. Alas, not a drop of English here as well.....
4) Dead in the Family-Charlaine Harris. Went to Portland for the book signing and the book. The author is wonderfully personable! It was so worth the trip to meet her however briefly. And, the book was of course worth the wait as well.I am so...Team Eric and got more of him.(Can't wait till the tv series catches up to the Eric & Sookie thing!)Sookie gets into the usual trouble with the supernatural world but as usual comes out with greater strengths and sense of herself. I was hoping Harris would delve a bit deeper into Sookie's Fae bloodline and she did but not enough for me. Maybe the next book!!!! Still, nothing English here tho...
5) Spirit Bound-Richelle Mead. Latest in the Vampire Academy series. After the dramatic ending of book 4 I had no idea where Mead was gonna take Rose. This book felt a bit more grown up and I enjoyed it more because of that. The ending was a huge surprise and of course now I can't wait to see what happens in #6.!! Mead is a most enjoyable writer. Nothing of the English variety here either but I promise to remedy that next month!!
28 April 2010
The Ides of March
Spring has sprung!March was a very crazy, busy month between birthdays and employment issues and the weather changing and working out a bit,I still managed to read 5 books!
1) Started out finishing Amazing Grace by Kathleen Norris. It's one of her best religion books. She tackles the vocabulary that sometimes inhibits a search and understanding of faith. Norris is at her best when she just relates her perspective and throws in a bit of historical theology to boot. Faith can seem distant to believers and non-believers alike. This bestseller brings what can be a strange language of faith down to earth. "The temptation to simply reject what we can't handle" and I might add understand might seem to be part of human nature. But as Norris says, "a perpetual seeking for something, anything, doesn't lead us back to where we came from". Perhaps the curiosity of human nature is confounded by unfamiliar vocabulary. Still, it seems to be equally to be the nature of human to seek understanding. This book can help.
2) Holy the Firm-Annie Dillard. I picked this up mainly because the content occurs in the Pacific Northwest.The nature of the PNW seems to invite introspection. Regional reading is a new intrigue for me but this was a disappointment.I found her writing dis-jointed and distracting. Wouldn't recommend this one.
3) Wild Goose Chase-Mark Batterson. Was looking for something along the lines of "The Shack". This wasn't it. Batterson has many insights that are easy to identify with but the whole enterprise seemed to be an advertisement for his ministry and church. I dislike it when it seems an author is trying to sell something and using f God and Christianity to do it. Don't recommend this one either.
4) Four Queens-Nancy Goldstone. I really like this historical novel. Like Phillipa Gregory Goldstone has done her research and intertwines truth and fiction extremely well. The thirteenth century history of Provence is unfolded through the lives of four sisters whose marriages of political importance and ambitions molded European civilization. So often history negates or ignore the contributions of women. These four women affected medieval civilization and fortunately their stories weren't lost to time. I definitely recommend this one.
5) The Best of Catholic Writing (2004). I picked this one up on a clearance table. Looking for a little uplifting reading and found it for the most part in this volume of writings. With short chapters written on newsworthy topics, it was handy to read on the go and still had room for thoughtful contemplation.
Next month there will be more fun reading as two of my favorite authors had new releases (Patricia Briggs and Richelle Mead). Those who read fairly frequently may recognize how one book may seem to lead to another, at just the right time for the reader. I alternate between contemplative faith reading and historical fiction and biographies to what I used to call fluff reading, Supernatural creatures among them.
I am not sure how they all flow into each other but they seem to in my mind. I cannot imagine a world without books!
1) Started out finishing Amazing Grace by Kathleen Norris. It's one of her best religion books. She tackles the vocabulary that sometimes inhibits a search and understanding of faith. Norris is at her best when she just relates her perspective and throws in a bit of historical theology to boot. Faith can seem distant to believers and non-believers alike. This bestseller brings what can be a strange language of faith down to earth. "The temptation to simply reject what we can't handle" and I might add understand might seem to be part of human nature. But as Norris says, "a perpetual seeking for something, anything, doesn't lead us back to where we came from". Perhaps the curiosity of human nature is confounded by unfamiliar vocabulary. Still, it seems to be equally to be the nature of human to seek understanding. This book can help.
2) Holy the Firm-Annie Dillard. I picked this up mainly because the content occurs in the Pacific Northwest.The nature of the PNW seems to invite introspection. Regional reading is a new intrigue for me but this was a disappointment.I found her writing dis-jointed and distracting. Wouldn't recommend this one.
3) Wild Goose Chase-Mark Batterson. Was looking for something along the lines of "The Shack". This wasn't it. Batterson has many insights that are easy to identify with but the whole enterprise seemed to be an advertisement for his ministry and church. I dislike it when it seems an author is trying to sell something and using f God and Christianity to do it. Don't recommend this one either.
4) Four Queens-Nancy Goldstone. I really like this historical novel. Like Phillipa Gregory Goldstone has done her research and intertwines truth and fiction extremely well. The thirteenth century history of Provence is unfolded through the lives of four sisters whose marriages of political importance and ambitions molded European civilization. So often history negates or ignore the contributions of women. These four women affected medieval civilization and fortunately their stories weren't lost to time. I definitely recommend this one.
5) The Best of Catholic Writing (2004). I picked this one up on a clearance table. Looking for a little uplifting reading and found it for the most part in this volume of writings. With short chapters written on newsworthy topics, it was handy to read on the go and still had room for thoughtful contemplation.
Next month there will be more fun reading as two of my favorite authors had new releases (Patricia Briggs and Richelle Mead). Those who read fairly frequently may recognize how one book may seem to lead to another, at just the right time for the reader. I alternate between contemplative faith reading and historical fiction and biographies to what I used to call fluff reading, Supernatural creatures among them.
I am not sure how they all flow into each other but they seem to in my mind. I cannot imagine a world without books!
04 March 2010
February Spring
What an interesting month! A new Grandchild, my birthday, new beginnings all around. The weather has been so mild the mountain passes are more accessible than usual. I love it! I spent the month reading about my favorite subjects...history and religion.
1) Agincourt-Bernard Cornwell. LOVED IT! My 2nd favorite battle of all time written in novel form by a masterful writer. Too often historical fiction lacks the grit that I look for. Cornwell writes from a mans point of view and I like that. The battle scenes were well done and the story line leading up to the October 1415 battle flows nicely.It's written through the life of an archer-Nicholas Hook. I've always admired the longbows the English employed to give a good whooping to the French. I totally recommend it if your a battle or history nerd and of course it's got the flavors any Anglophile might look for in a novel!!
2)Lying Awake-Mark Salzman.This is a very nice novel set in a Carmelite monastery near Los Angeles.A nun is having intense spiritual experiences that spur on her writing that helps sustain the monastery. Turns out she has an illness affecting her experiences. It's a touching story. I enjoy reading about the lives of nuns and monks past and present and this was no exception. Nice. Nothing English here but nice all the same.
3)The Shack-Wm. Paul Young. Excellent way to look at the tragedy that we see daily. Wonderful way to possibly see how God/The Trinity may operate in and through our lives. It's enveloping and a quick read. A warning though: it may affect your heart!!
4)The White Queen-Philippa Gregory. Interesting read. Gregory's writing style is different but good. The book is set during the wars of the roses, just before the Tudors took over. I love the time period! It's written through the life of Elizabeth Woodville the wife of Edward Plantagenet and the mother of the infamous princes who disapeared or were killed in the Tower. One of histories mysteries. Gregory always does more than a fair share of research for her novels and I appreciate that work she does!! This was an Anglo fix for sure.
That's it for February. I always find it interesting what order I read books in. Sometimes one book leads to another inadvertently answering or dealing with problems I have in my life. I may pick them up randomly but they, amazingly enough, relate to things on my mind and I find answers in them that help. Anyway, it's nice to get this out on time. Thanks Theresa for the gentle reminder!!!!
1) Agincourt-Bernard Cornwell. LOVED IT! My 2nd favorite battle of all time written in novel form by a masterful writer. Too often historical fiction lacks the grit that I look for. Cornwell writes from a mans point of view and I like that. The battle scenes were well done and the story line leading up to the October 1415 battle flows nicely.It's written through the life of an archer-Nicholas Hook. I've always admired the longbows the English employed to give a good whooping to the French. I totally recommend it if your a battle or history nerd and of course it's got the flavors any Anglophile might look for in a novel!!
2)Lying Awake-Mark Salzman.This is a very nice novel set in a Carmelite monastery near Los Angeles.A nun is having intense spiritual experiences that spur on her writing that helps sustain the monastery. Turns out she has an illness affecting her experiences. It's a touching story. I enjoy reading about the lives of nuns and monks past and present and this was no exception. Nice. Nothing English here but nice all the same.
3)The Shack-Wm. Paul Young. Excellent way to look at the tragedy that we see daily. Wonderful way to possibly see how God/The Trinity may operate in and through our lives. It's enveloping and a quick read. A warning though: it may affect your heart!!
4)The White Queen-Philippa Gregory. Interesting read. Gregory's writing style is different but good. The book is set during the wars of the roses, just before the Tudors took over. I love the time period! It's written through the life of Elizabeth Woodville the wife of Edward Plantagenet and the mother of the infamous princes who disapeared or were killed in the Tower. One of histories mysteries. Gregory always does more than a fair share of research for her novels and I appreciate that work she does!! This was an Anglo fix for sure.
That's it for February. I always find it interesting what order I read books in. Sometimes one book leads to another inadvertently answering or dealing with problems I have in my life. I may pick them up randomly but they, amazingly enough, relate to things on my mind and I find answers in them that help. Anyway, it's nice to get this out on time. Thanks Theresa for the gentle reminder!!!!
10 February 2010
October thru January
How unusual for me to look back over 4 months and realize how little I have read. The seasons parties and social to do's and not too mention familial gatherings took up more than a fair amount of time apparently. This catch up posting will be lackluster no doubt but here we go...
October...
1) The Vampire Diaries Vol 1. The Awakening. It's a very quick read but lacks the depth that Meyer or Cast or Ward bring to the tables. Alas this "young adult" book is truly a YA book.
2)Shakespeare's Christmas-Charlaine Harris. Another fun little read from Harris and the Bard series. The characters continue to develop and I remain interested in Lily. Keep em coming Harris.
3)The Vampire Diaries-The Fury and Dark Reunion. Better than the first volume. Although I was willing to give book 2 a shot I found it of no less interest than Vol 1.
4)Cry Wolf-Patricia Briggs- Loved it! Briggs is delightful at winding my locality into a world of fantasy that is interesting and engaging. Looking forward to more from this series.
5)Night World- L.J. Smith. Better than Vampire Diaries and the way the different stories cross over was more than a nice change.
November-
1)Tempted-PC& Kristin Cast. Well done ladies. A nice addition to the rest. The House of Night series continues to be of interest and add nicely to the genre. (((Saw the ladies at a book signing and they were positively normal. A delight!)))
2)Dark Lover-J.R. Ward. I positively devoured this one. How nice to read an adult book with my favorite supernatural beings abounding with character.
3)Lover Eternal-J.R.Ward. Again I ripped through this one at lightening speed. It was a fun read written for adults and full of the depth that that audience requires. Well done.
December-
1)My love Affair With England-Susan Toth. A travel Memoir not on par with Bill Bryson but fondly just the same for any self professed Anglophile.
January-
1)The Virgin of Bennington-Kathleen Norris. This was disappointing for me as I enjoy other of Norris work. This was more a biography of her Mentor Elizabeth Kray than of Norris herself. Sadly, I wouldn't advise it.
Okay! I am now caught up and hope to amend my errant ways this month.
Blessings!
October...
1) The Vampire Diaries Vol 1. The Awakening. It's a very quick read but lacks the depth that Meyer or Cast or Ward bring to the tables. Alas this "young adult" book is truly a YA book.
2)Shakespeare's Christmas-Charlaine Harris. Another fun little read from Harris and the Bard series. The characters continue to develop and I remain interested in Lily. Keep em coming Harris.
3)The Vampire Diaries-The Fury and Dark Reunion. Better than the first volume. Although I was willing to give book 2 a shot I found it of no less interest than Vol 1.
4)Cry Wolf-Patricia Briggs- Loved it! Briggs is delightful at winding my locality into a world of fantasy that is interesting and engaging. Looking forward to more from this series.
5)Night World- L.J. Smith. Better than Vampire Diaries and the way the different stories cross over was more than a nice change.
November-
1)Tempted-PC& Kristin Cast. Well done ladies. A nice addition to the rest. The House of Night series continues to be of interest and add nicely to the genre. (((Saw the ladies at a book signing and they were positively normal. A delight!)))
2)Dark Lover-J.R. Ward. I positively devoured this one. How nice to read an adult book with my favorite supernatural beings abounding with character.
3)Lover Eternal-J.R.Ward. Again I ripped through this one at lightening speed. It was a fun read written for adults and full of the depth that that audience requires. Well done.
December-
1)My love Affair With England-Susan Toth. A travel Memoir not on par with Bill Bryson but fondly just the same for any self professed Anglophile.
January-
1)The Virgin of Bennington-Kathleen Norris. This was disappointing for me as I enjoy other of Norris work. This was more a biography of her Mentor Elizabeth Kray than of Norris herself. Sadly, I wouldn't advise it.
Okay! I am now caught up and hope to amend my errant ways this month.
Blessings!
15 October 2009
August
August came and went... with only a few entries to add to the pile. I finished the current book of the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series by Richelle Mead. Went to two of her book signings and got most of my copies of her works signed. A nice score and a fun road trip with sister/friend Yvette! Blood Promise is the best of the series. For sure she builds on the others but this book was just fun to read and guess where Ms. Mead was taking the characters to next. Looking forward to the next one of course!
#2 was the first of a new series that I've had my eye one. The covers are nicely done. CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare is yet another take on the whole unearthly creatures/human interactions. A little slow at the beginning but once it took off it was entertaining reading.
September was better with 5 entries.
#1 was CITY OF ASHES by Cassandra Clare. Picking up where BONES left off this one picks up the pace and was loads easier to read. Clary is a very likable girl who's family life leaves her open to some very interesting encounters with the normal assortment of supernatural beings. Her abilities are interesting and Clare broadens Clary through them in this book.
#2 was CITY OF GLASS by Cassandra Clare. Recently out and a very nice addition to the series. Some unusual travels, twists to characters and the usual good versus evil make it a nice touch. Liked it the best of the series so far.
#3 was the first of a new series by a local author-Patricia Briggs. A bookie friend at work (thanks Corey!)has been telling me to check Briggs out for a while now and I am glad I did. The series is set here in my hometown which gives things an interesting twist. MOON CALLED is set around Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who is also a shape-changer. We got Vampires friends, Werewolf friends and lovers, demons and Fae in this book. Briggs weaves it all together in a most enjoyable manner.
#4 BLOOD BOUND-by Patricia Briggs. #2 in the series. There's a new vampire in town and things aren't quite right in the Tri-Cities. Mercy helps out her friend/Vampire Stefan and rouses up some trouble for herself. Her love life continues to be complicated between Samuel and Adam-she needs to make a choice there. It's a fun read for sure.
#5 IRON KISSED-by Patricia Briggs. #3 in the series. Mercy has her hands full messing with the Fae, plus she's got a few werewolves on pins and needles. This one wasn't as good as the last but it was fun to watch the story evolve!
#6 BONE CROSSED-by Patricia Briggs. The best yet. Really liked this one. Adam comes to the forefront and some of the other characters get fleshed out a bit more too. Really like that this series is touched by Native American touches as well as the local flavor of places!!
There ya go. Two months in one. I'm on a series thing still. Starting up a few more in October now that I have other series caught up. Oh yeah! Went to Patricia Briggs book signing here locally. She's a delight to talk to. Totally unpretentious and approachable and an entertaining writer!! Then I had to read a short story in an Anthology that is related to this series. It's about Samuel's bro Charles and his adventures. Which sets me off to yet another series.Fun!
#2 was the first of a new series that I've had my eye one. The covers are nicely done. CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare is yet another take on the whole unearthly creatures/human interactions. A little slow at the beginning but once it took off it was entertaining reading.
September was better with 5 entries.
#1 was CITY OF ASHES by Cassandra Clare. Picking up where BONES left off this one picks up the pace and was loads easier to read. Clary is a very likable girl who's family life leaves her open to some very interesting encounters with the normal assortment of supernatural beings. Her abilities are interesting and Clare broadens Clary through them in this book.
#2 was CITY OF GLASS by Cassandra Clare. Recently out and a very nice addition to the series. Some unusual travels, twists to characters and the usual good versus evil make it a nice touch. Liked it the best of the series so far.
#3 was the first of a new series by a local author-Patricia Briggs. A bookie friend at work (thanks Corey!)has been telling me to check Briggs out for a while now and I am glad I did. The series is set here in my hometown which gives things an interesting twist. MOON CALLED is set around Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who is also a shape-changer. We got Vampires friends, Werewolf friends and lovers, demons and Fae in this book. Briggs weaves it all together in a most enjoyable manner.
#4 BLOOD BOUND-by Patricia Briggs. #2 in the series. There's a new vampire in town and things aren't quite right in the Tri-Cities. Mercy helps out her friend/Vampire Stefan and rouses up some trouble for herself. Her love life continues to be complicated between Samuel and Adam-she needs to make a choice there. It's a fun read for sure.
#5 IRON KISSED-by Patricia Briggs. #3 in the series. Mercy has her hands full messing with the Fae, plus she's got a few werewolves on pins and needles. This one wasn't as good as the last but it was fun to watch the story evolve!
#6 BONE CROSSED-by Patricia Briggs. The best yet. Really liked this one. Adam comes to the forefront and some of the other characters get fleshed out a bit more too. Really like that this series is touched by Native American touches as well as the local flavor of places!!
There ya go. Two months in one. I'm on a series thing still. Starting up a few more in October now that I have other series caught up. Oh yeah! Went to Patricia Briggs book signing here locally. She's a delight to talk to. Totally unpretentious and approachable and an entertaining writer!! Then I had to read a short story in an Anthology that is related to this series. It's about Samuel's bro Charles and his adventures. Which sets me off to yet another series.Fun!
09 July 2009
June, June, June. Where. Did. You . Go?
Summer nearly half over. Not that I mind that much. I am looking forward to fall more than usual for some reason I can't place my finger on, other than I just delight in mild weather. Still managed to get in a few books in June.....
1) Vampire Academy-Richelle Mead. Decided since I enjoyed her Succubus series so much I would check out her young adult series. VA has less depth but the story line works. Our heroine Rose is a guardian of her friend and vampire royalty Lissa. The adventures and reactions of the characters are at times adolescent but then that's who its written for. Entertaining at least.
2) Grave Sight-Charlaine Harris-The twist with this mystery is Harper. Our girl was hit by lightening and it enables her to sense where dead people are and their last moments before their death. Harris takes us through multiple corpses and police work with the aid of Harper's step brother Tolliver and with a degree of cynicism and humor that keeps the storyline rolling. Liked it. Knew I would.
3) Grave Surprise-Charlaine Harris. #2 in the series. This time Harper and Tolliver are in Memphis mixed up in a quick paced southern mess with lot's of bodies and unexpected twists to the story. I like this one better than the first one even.
4) An Ice Cold Grave-Charlaine Harris. #3 in the series. I liked this one the best. Set in the winter this time the duo are in North Carolina. Teenage boys are dropping like flies and someone wants Harper to be next. Tolliver and Harper take their realtionship to a deeper level that I had hoped for in the last book. I am looking forward to the next installation in this series.
5) Bella Tuscany-Frances Mayes. Of "Under the Tuscan Sun" fame Mayes takes us through her continued bonding with Italy, the restoration of her villa and the locals who delight the whole process. Loads of her recipes are dispursed throughout but what's most delicious is her love and connection with Italy. It's like a warm hug for your heart and mind.
6) Shakespeare's Landlord-Charlaine Harris. Didn't stray from her for long did I?! This is a different series though. Lily Bard is the center of this one. No paranormal powers going on here. Just a solitary wounded woman trying to survive in the town of Shakespeare, Arkansas. Lily cleans for a living and practices Karate. Doesn't keep her out of trouble though. After her landlord comes up dead Lily seems to be unwillingly in the center of the action. I like Lily and will be back for more of this series.
7) Storm Born-Richelle Mead. Loved it! It's up there with the Succubus series. Very imaginative story line. Eugenie banishes spirits and fey folk out of this world and she likes her job. Things get complicated though when she learns the truth about who she really is and where her powers come from. Enchanting quick read.
8) Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man-Steve Harvey. I know-out of my usual literary buffet huh? One of my daughters suggested I'd like this one and I did (Thanks Bethany). Harvey uses his humor to give a little counsel to the womenfolk of the world. Some advice through the eyes of a man to help women get and keep and good man in their lives. Slightly resembles his stand up comedy routine.
9) Shakespeares' Champion-Charlaine Harris. Lily is back and trouble hits town through the murder of a local white man and unleashes some underlying racism in town. A new interest is introduced-Jack. Yet another good, entertaining read.
10) Nine Ways God Always Speaks- Mark Herringshaw. This was a book I won through Librarything.com, that I had to submit a reveiw for. I liked the premise and enjoyed the book. It's not a book you just zip through. I read a bit and thought a bit all the way through. Herringshaw relates through real stories ways to look for and see how God speaks to us, in everyday words that are easy to relate too. I recommend this one.
11) Rembrandt's Whore-Sylvie Matton. Similar to the story in "The Girl With the Pearl Earring" this story is about another artist (Rembrandt) through the eyes of a servant girl/model/mistress/mother of his child. It articulates the social, historical life, community of the artist in 17th century Amsterdam. It's sad but charming all the same. I liked it immensely.
12) Sex and The Single Vampire-Katie MacAlister. Couldn't stay away from the vamps for long could I? Loved this! First I have read of Katie Mac. Our heroine Allie is a summoner. She goes to haunted places and sends spirist on to the other side. In theory thats how it works but she's new to this line of work and things have got complicated quickly. See, there's this hunky vampire that thinks she's his beloved and...well...read it and find out. Set in London and fun to read all the way through. I will read more of Katie Mac!
All-right that's enough for one month don'tcha think?!! I'll be going to a book signing For Richelle Mead in August in Redmond. Am looking forward to another road trip with Kindred Spirit Yvette. Ciao.
Summer nearly half over. Not that I mind that much. I am looking forward to fall more than usual for some reason I can't place my finger on, other than I just delight in mild weather. Still managed to get in a few books in June.....
1) Vampire Academy-Richelle Mead. Decided since I enjoyed her Succubus series so much I would check out her young adult series. VA has less depth but the story line works. Our heroine Rose is a guardian of her friend and vampire royalty Lissa. The adventures and reactions of the characters are at times adolescent but then that's who its written for. Entertaining at least.
2) Grave Sight-Charlaine Harris-The twist with this mystery is Harper. Our girl was hit by lightening and it enables her to sense where dead people are and their last moments before their death. Harris takes us through multiple corpses and police work with the aid of Harper's step brother Tolliver and with a degree of cynicism and humor that keeps the storyline rolling. Liked it. Knew I would.
3) Grave Surprise-Charlaine Harris. #2 in the series. This time Harper and Tolliver are in Memphis mixed up in a quick paced southern mess with lot's of bodies and unexpected twists to the story. I like this one better than the first one even.
4) An Ice Cold Grave-Charlaine Harris. #3 in the series. I liked this one the best. Set in the winter this time the duo are in North Carolina. Teenage boys are dropping like flies and someone wants Harper to be next. Tolliver and Harper take their realtionship to a deeper level that I had hoped for in the last book. I am looking forward to the next installation in this series.
5) Bella Tuscany-Frances Mayes. Of "Under the Tuscan Sun" fame Mayes takes us through her continued bonding with Italy, the restoration of her villa and the locals who delight the whole process. Loads of her recipes are dispursed throughout but what's most delicious is her love and connection with Italy. It's like a warm hug for your heart and mind.
6) Shakespeare's Landlord-Charlaine Harris. Didn't stray from her for long did I?! This is a different series though. Lily Bard is the center of this one. No paranormal powers going on here. Just a solitary wounded woman trying to survive in the town of Shakespeare, Arkansas. Lily cleans for a living and practices Karate. Doesn't keep her out of trouble though. After her landlord comes up dead Lily seems to be unwillingly in the center of the action. I like Lily and will be back for more of this series.
7) Storm Born-Richelle Mead. Loved it! It's up there with the Succubus series. Very imaginative story line. Eugenie banishes spirits and fey folk out of this world and she likes her job. Things get complicated though when she learns the truth about who she really is and where her powers come from. Enchanting quick read.
8) Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man-Steve Harvey. I know-out of my usual literary buffet huh? One of my daughters suggested I'd like this one and I did (Thanks Bethany). Harvey uses his humor to give a little counsel to the womenfolk of the world. Some advice through the eyes of a man to help women get and keep and good man in their lives. Slightly resembles his stand up comedy routine.
9) Shakespeares' Champion-Charlaine Harris. Lily is back and trouble hits town through the murder of a local white man and unleashes some underlying racism in town. A new interest is introduced-Jack. Yet another good, entertaining read.
10) Nine Ways God Always Speaks- Mark Herringshaw. This was a book I won through Librarything.com, that I had to submit a reveiw for. I liked the premise and enjoyed the book. It's not a book you just zip through. I read a bit and thought a bit all the way through. Herringshaw relates through real stories ways to look for and see how God speaks to us, in everyday words that are easy to relate too. I recommend this one.
11) Rembrandt's Whore-Sylvie Matton. Similar to the story in "The Girl With the Pearl Earring" this story is about another artist (Rembrandt) through the eyes of a servant girl/model/mistress/mother of his child. It articulates the social, historical life, community of the artist in 17th century Amsterdam. It's sad but charming all the same. I liked it immensely.
12) Sex and The Single Vampire-Katie MacAlister. Couldn't stay away from the vamps for long could I? Loved this! First I have read of Katie Mac. Our heroine Allie is a summoner. She goes to haunted places and sends spirist on to the other side. In theory thats how it works but she's new to this line of work and things have got complicated quickly. See, there's this hunky vampire that thinks she's his beloved and...well...read it and find out. Set in London and fun to read all the way through. I will read more of Katie Mac!
All-right that's enough for one month don'tcha think?!! I'll be going to a book signing For Richelle Mead in August in Redmond. Am looking forward to another road trip with Kindred Spirit Yvette. Ciao.
02 June 2009
Seriously, series!
May was all about getting caught up in the series world. Book and DVD. I mean seriously, 6 different ones. Maybe there is something to this Type A personality thing...
Book 1) Chosen-PC and Kristin Cast. Mostly deals with the very teenage topic of friends and the importance thereof within the House of Night series. However, it moved smooth enough and I pressed on to...
Book 2) Untamed-PC and Kristin Cast. Book 4 of the series. This one was more to my liking as the character Sister Mary Angela was introduced and Aphrodite is evolving into a tolerable being. She gets more believable as things move along.
Book 3) Hunted-PC and Kristin Cast. Book 5 and newest of the series. Had to buy it hardbound even. Our heroine Zoey shows more maturity but I still wish the characters were flushed out more. Still, it moves fast and is enjoyable. Okay, that's series 1.
Book 4) Dead and Gone-Charlaine Harris. Sookie is back! Newest and book 9 in the series. Again, hardbound, worth it though. This is the best of the series so far. The beginning catches you offguard and Harris brings the Were's out of the closet ( finally) and keeps things rolling . This book will make for some fun TV. Okay, that's series 2.
Book 5) Bright Lights Big Ass-Jen Lancaster. Book 2. Lancaster chronicles her life with more hilarity than her first outing. I highlighted so many funny one liners it looks like this is a text from college. She's working on life as a writer and as always her observations are spot on. She writes what most of us think but we're to polite to say much less put to print. I adore Jen and I want a Fletch of my own!!
Book 6) Such a Pretty Fat-Jen Lancaster. Book 3 takes us through the whole watching your food, dieting, body image thing. Only she's not 5'9" and pencil thin to begin with so she's oh so normal and delightfully honest about her struggles.
Book 7) Pretty in Plaid-Jen Lancaster. Newest and book 4 of Jen's. this one's a bit different becasue she goes back in time and explores her past to explain why she's turned out the way she is. It's good fun and as usual I found myself nodding my head because, I too, had experienced some of the same things she related. Only. Now. My memories. They look a whole lot funnier!!
A little side note: I went to Portland with another book addict friend (Prynces Yvette) to Jen's book signing for Pretty in Plaid. We sat front row and enjoyed Jen immensly. She's delightfully the same as she is in her books. Got all four of my copies of her works signed of course. Thankfully Jen has 2 more titles in the works....seriously, the series continues and that was series 3 for the month if your keeping up.
Book 8) Succubus Heat-Richelle Mead. Book 4 in the Georgina Kincaid series. The best one yet.
Once again we're in Seattle with Kincaid but also taking a few trips over the border to Vancouver. Immortality and reality all in one. I like this series because it's not run of the mill paranormal with teenagers working on being adults. It's adults in real places (Seattle and the PNW rock) and besides the ending is wonderful but unfortunately I have to wait till April 2010 for the next fix. Series 4 on my list. I really wish this was a TV series.
Dvd 1) I watched Season 2 of the Tudors. Seriously historical, definitely sexy and wonderfully fun. Series 5 on my list and my one nod to Anglicusuam Historiae this month. You can hardly get more English(or raunchy) than the Tudors.
DVD 2) Season one of Trueblood on HBO and series 6 on my list. I am still not sold on the cast they picked for the HBO series. But like any book you can't please everyone when you convert to visual. Although, I will admit that the god they chose to play Eric was a good, um......fit. Still, I like seeing the stories played out and look forward to season 2 starting in a few weeks. Thankfully, Sookie's adventures continue....
As do mine apparently. Look for the new blogs coming out. One on travel and one on bookstores.
Can you say Dork? I can!
Book 1) Chosen-PC and Kristin Cast. Mostly deals with the very teenage topic of friends and the importance thereof within the House of Night series. However, it moved smooth enough and I pressed on to...
Book 2) Untamed-PC and Kristin Cast. Book 4 of the series. This one was more to my liking as the character Sister Mary Angela was introduced and Aphrodite is evolving into a tolerable being. She gets more believable as things move along.
Book 3) Hunted-PC and Kristin Cast. Book 5 and newest of the series. Had to buy it hardbound even. Our heroine Zoey shows more maturity but I still wish the characters were flushed out more. Still, it moves fast and is enjoyable. Okay, that's series 1.
Book 4) Dead and Gone-Charlaine Harris. Sookie is back! Newest and book 9 in the series. Again, hardbound, worth it though. This is the best of the series so far. The beginning catches you offguard and Harris brings the Were's out of the closet ( finally) and keeps things rolling . This book will make for some fun TV. Okay, that's series 2.
Book 5) Bright Lights Big Ass-Jen Lancaster. Book 2. Lancaster chronicles her life with more hilarity than her first outing. I highlighted so many funny one liners it looks like this is a text from college. She's working on life as a writer and as always her observations are spot on. She writes what most of us think but we're to polite to say much less put to print. I adore Jen and I want a Fletch of my own!!
Book 6) Such a Pretty Fat-Jen Lancaster. Book 3 takes us through the whole watching your food, dieting, body image thing. Only she's not 5'9" and pencil thin to begin with so she's oh so normal and delightfully honest about her struggles.
Book 7) Pretty in Plaid-Jen Lancaster. Newest and book 4 of Jen's. this one's a bit different becasue she goes back in time and explores her past to explain why she's turned out the way she is. It's good fun and as usual I found myself nodding my head because, I too, had experienced some of the same things she related. Only. Now. My memories. They look a whole lot funnier!!
A little side note: I went to Portland with another book addict friend (Prynces Yvette) to Jen's book signing for Pretty in Plaid. We sat front row and enjoyed Jen immensly. She's delightfully the same as she is in her books. Got all four of my copies of her works signed of course. Thankfully Jen has 2 more titles in the works....seriously, the series continues and that was series 3 for the month if your keeping up.
Book 8) Succubus Heat-Richelle Mead. Book 4 in the Georgina Kincaid series. The best one yet.
Once again we're in Seattle with Kincaid but also taking a few trips over the border to Vancouver. Immortality and reality all in one. I like this series because it's not run of the mill paranormal with teenagers working on being adults. It's adults in real places (Seattle and the PNW rock) and besides the ending is wonderful but unfortunately I have to wait till April 2010 for the next fix. Series 4 on my list. I really wish this was a TV series.
Dvd 1) I watched Season 2 of the Tudors. Seriously historical, definitely sexy and wonderfully fun. Series 5 on my list and my one nod to Anglicusuam Historiae this month. You can hardly get more English(or raunchy) than the Tudors.
DVD 2) Season one of Trueblood on HBO and series 6 on my list. I am still not sold on the cast they picked for the HBO series. But like any book you can't please everyone when you convert to visual. Although, I will admit that the god they chose to play Eric was a good, um......fit. Still, I like seeing the stories played out and look forward to season 2 starting in a few weeks. Thankfully, Sookie's adventures continue....
As do mine apparently. Look for the new blogs coming out. One on travel and one on bookstores.
Can you say Dork? I can!
12 May 2009
April showers.....
I cannot for the life of me remember a time when I did not voraciously read. I have this dorky picture of me when I was in 1st grade and I am holding up a book (of course) "Gentle Ben" like it's my most prized possession. It probably was. We moved A LOT and books were the closest things I had to the feeling of "home". That's probably still true in a way. If I have to explain that to you, you probably won't understand. If you get it, then you get me.
The month of April I did a bit of traveling (when not at work) but still managed to squeeze in 3 titles. Imagine that.
1) Marked-by PC & Kristin Cast. Another Vamp series. It's friggin' addictive I tell you. It (and the rest of the series) are such quick fun reads, you just zip through them. I wished there had been a bit more preamble about the coexistence of Vamp and humans but once I got past that the story picked up. I think what I liked about this story line was the addition of the Native American spirituality. Zoey is a young woman but her link to her heritage strengthens her. I also liked the nod to cats being companions of Vampires (not witches). Zoey gets marked to be a vampire and has to live in the "House of the Night" a bit like Hogwarts for Vampires. Quick read.
2) Next I finished off "The Lady in the Palazzo" by Marlena de Blasi. It's a romance/travel/culinary work. I read another one of her works and loved it, so yeah, now I gotta read all of her stuff! This work chronicles the two years she and her husband look for, find and wait for their palazzo. It's very endearing. Life on the continent is so very different than here in the Americas but she describes them very fluidly. It's probably a chick book but I liked it immensely.
3) Betrayed-by PC & Kristin Cast. Second in the above mentioned series. It's really just more of the filling in on the story line. It's all very adolescent (for the most part) and still somewhat along the lines of Hogwarts idea. But with a bit more adult content. Vampires seem to be highly sensual beings no matter who the writer is..........
That was it for April. Not much to go on. May will be vastly bigger as I am already on book 5 for the month of May. I am such a book addict. None of the above had a stitch to do with England. Curious for me I know but I'll get back across the pond eventually as that's where my heart really lives. Tata for now.
The month of April I did a bit of traveling (when not at work) but still managed to squeeze in 3 titles. Imagine that.
1) Marked-by PC & Kristin Cast. Another Vamp series. It's friggin' addictive I tell you. It (and the rest of the series) are such quick fun reads, you just zip through them. I wished there had been a bit more preamble about the coexistence of Vamp and humans but once I got past that the story picked up. I think what I liked about this story line was the addition of the Native American spirituality. Zoey is a young woman but her link to her heritage strengthens her. I also liked the nod to cats being companions of Vampires (not witches). Zoey gets marked to be a vampire and has to live in the "House of the Night" a bit like Hogwarts for Vampires. Quick read.
2) Next I finished off "The Lady in the Palazzo" by Marlena de Blasi. It's a romance/travel/culinary work. I read another one of her works and loved it, so yeah, now I gotta read all of her stuff! This work chronicles the two years she and her husband look for, find and wait for their palazzo. It's very endearing. Life on the continent is so very different than here in the Americas but she describes them very fluidly. It's probably a chick book but I liked it immensely.
3) Betrayed-by PC & Kristin Cast. Second in the above mentioned series. It's really just more of the filling in on the story line. It's all very adolescent (for the most part) and still somewhat along the lines of Hogwarts idea. But with a bit more adult content. Vampires seem to be highly sensual beings no matter who the writer is..........
That was it for April. Not much to go on. May will be vastly bigger as I am already on book 5 for the month of May. I am such a book addict. None of the above had a stitch to do with England. Curious for me I know but I'll get back across the pond eventually as that's where my heart really lives. Tata for now.
10 April 2009
The Ides of March
FINALLY! We've gotten a bit of warmth in the air. Geez usually spring starts (around here anyway) in February and for some reason we had to sit on winter for an additional month. So, in my usual propensity for spring aversions I have been getting a bit of travel time in. Music up, window down. Sunsets, sunrises. Coffee, coffee. I can hardly contain myself. Still, managed to read a few books in March though, I know that's sooooo surprising.
1) Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead. Like a dumbass I grabbed the third in the series first. Didn't figure that out till I was halfway through. Interesting read set in Seattle. Nothing like home turf stuff. The author is a West sider herself-UofW but I forgive her for that. Go Cougs! It's yet another look at the whole Vampire/ fantasy kick I'm on currently. Georgina is a Succubus. Gotta love the Greeks for giving us this rational explanation for wet dreams.
2) Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead. The first in a series (I recommend starting with the first personally) about this gal who's a Succubus and her adventures in Seattle. She's a manager at a book store. So, automatically she's got to be all-right to some degree. Mead has a Seattle flippancy about her writing that I find appealing as I am a bit of a smartass my self (along with being a bit of a dumbass apparently). Worth the reading time.
3) Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead. The 2nd in the series. My favorite line is towards the beginning when Georgina (our heroine) turns to Carter one of her Vamp friends and says "I swear, if you weren't already an abomination before the Lord, I'd accuse you of heresy." There's nothing like a spiritual reference between a Vampire and a Succubus. Both pillars of virtue in the hierarchy of angels and demons. Makes my own humanity a little less circumspect.
4) Bitter is the New Black-Jen Lancaster. Speaking of smart asses earlier... Jen and I are apparently twin sisters from different parents and coastlines. She's hilarious, mean and lovable all at the same time. She writes what most of us think but have too many manners to say out loud. Fortunately, I have the same problem. I think and then my words come out of my mouth. I suppose I should kick my "inner child's little ass" more often. Oh well.....Heh, a note on Jen-I am going with another book/Vampire/Jen addict (that would be my girl Yvette) to Portland in May for a book signing. How cool is that. We're gonna combine our Twilight/Jen addictions by staying at the Viewpoint (the inn at the end of Twilight) and go to Jen's book signing. Plus it's a road trip. Stay tuned for the adventure.
5)The Illuminator byBrenda Vantrease. This promised to be a good book. It's got a story line intertwined with some good History but it's so frickin' sad at the end that I was sorry I read it. Christ, everyone dies, or is separated from who they love, no happy ending. If I wanted that shit I would just read the newspaper!!! Anyway, don't read this one unless you want to be depressed and have plenty of chocolate and/or alcohol around. It's one redeeming value was it was set in England which, as you know is near and dear to my little bitty pea picking heart.
So, there family and friends is the literary digestion for March. Slainte.
1) Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead. Like a dumbass I grabbed the third in the series first. Didn't figure that out till I was halfway through. Interesting read set in Seattle. Nothing like home turf stuff. The author is a West sider herself-UofW but I forgive her for that. Go Cougs! It's yet another look at the whole Vampire/ fantasy kick I'm on currently. Georgina is a Succubus. Gotta love the Greeks for giving us this rational explanation for wet dreams.
2) Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead. The first in a series (I recommend starting with the first personally) about this gal who's a Succubus and her adventures in Seattle. She's a manager at a book store. So, automatically she's got to be all-right to some degree. Mead has a Seattle flippancy about her writing that I find appealing as I am a bit of a smartass my self (along with being a bit of a dumbass apparently). Worth the reading time.
3) Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead. The 2nd in the series. My favorite line is towards the beginning when Georgina (our heroine) turns to Carter one of her Vamp friends and says "I swear, if you weren't already an abomination before the Lord, I'd accuse you of heresy." There's nothing like a spiritual reference between a Vampire and a Succubus. Both pillars of virtue in the hierarchy of angels and demons. Makes my own humanity a little less circumspect.
4) Bitter is the New Black-Jen Lancaster. Speaking of smart asses earlier... Jen and I are apparently twin sisters from different parents and coastlines. She's hilarious, mean and lovable all at the same time. She writes what most of us think but have too many manners to say out loud. Fortunately, I have the same problem. I think and then my words come out of my mouth. I suppose I should kick my "inner child's little ass" more often. Oh well.....Heh, a note on Jen-I am going with another book/Vampire/Jen addict (that would be my girl Yvette) to Portland in May for a book signing. How cool is that. We're gonna combine our Twilight/Jen addictions by staying at the Viewpoint (the inn at the end of Twilight) and go to Jen's book signing. Plus it's a road trip. Stay tuned for the adventure.
5)The Illuminator byBrenda Vantrease. This promised to be a good book. It's got a story line intertwined with some good History but it's so frickin' sad at the end that I was sorry I read it. Christ, everyone dies, or is separated from who they love, no happy ending. If I wanted that shit I would just read the newspaper!!! Anyway, don't read this one unless you want to be depressed and have plenty of chocolate and/or alcohol around. It's one redeeming value was it was set in England which, as you know is near and dear to my little bitty pea picking heart.
So, there family and friends is the literary digestion for March. Slainte.
03 March 2009
Fluff n' stuff
Well, I seem to have cranked the pace up this month. It's kind of nice to be up to my usual rate of literary digestion. Amazing how much time I seem to have to read for FUN now that I've grad-u-a-ted. So, I tossed my usual propriety to the wind and read (gasp) romances of sorts.
1) An Italian Affair- by Laura Fraser. It's a true story about an ongoing affair this American woman has with a Frenchie. They have trysts all over Europe and San Francisco. It's kind of a travel/ romance/woman's empowerment book. I kept wishing she would just dump the guy for good or find someone more willing to offer her more of himself. Nothing in this book the slightest bit related to England or anything English though. Hm....
2) A Thousand Days in Venice- Marlena de Blasi. This one was better, though along the same lines as the last one. She's a writer in the food business. Blasi is in Venice and this charming Venecian falls in love with her. It's a true story about finding love mid way through life. Almost made me hopeful.....
Okay now I took a sharp left from my usual course of intellectual buffet and steered myself to what I call Fluff reading. Girls at work have been dribbling on about another vampire series and I was up for more so I bit (pun intended).
3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9) were the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. "Dead Until Dark" all the way through to "All Together Dead". Sookie is the main character and she's got the gift of reading people's minds. The books are quick reading for sure but it was interesting to compare the Vampire world in this one compared to the Twilight Vampire folk. Poor Sookie never does quite settle down with any Vampire, Shifter, Were, Wolf, Witch or Faery. Yeah, they're all in there. The TV series "True Blood" follows the first book and Harris has another book coming out this spring to add to the series. Maybe they'll go to England.
And just so you don't think all I do now is read fluff I read some stuff too. Bill Bryson for two in a row.
10) "A short History of Nearly Everything"by Mr. Bryson. It's really interesting to view science from the mind of a smart ass travel writer, but it works. It took me a while to finish it because I kept re-reading parts. He covers a lot but it's worth the time. And, of course he mentions several things British so that gets the Anglicusuam nod.
11) This was a re-read of many years ago. Bill Bryson wrote "Neither Here Nor There" in 1992. It's about a trip across Europe. It's got the usual sarcasm tinged with British wit. I love his liners.
He visits some town and calls it Where the Fuck, Finland. Or how about..."The best that can be said for Norweigian television is that it gives you the sensation of a coma without the worry and inconvenience." Or my favorite..."The other thing I have never understood about the French is why they are so ungrateful. I've always felt that since it was us that liberated them-because let's face it, the French Army couldn't beat a girls hockey team-they ought to give all Allied visitors to the country a book of coupons good for free drinks in Pigalle and a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower." Or how about..."after Paris, it was just a relief to cross a street without feeling as if I had a bulls eye painted on my butt." Anyway, you get the idea. I like Bill Bryson. He writes like I think-outloud and everything.
Stay tuned.
1) An Italian Affair- by Laura Fraser. It's a true story about an ongoing affair this American woman has with a Frenchie. They have trysts all over Europe and San Francisco. It's kind of a travel/ romance/woman's empowerment book. I kept wishing she would just dump the guy for good or find someone more willing to offer her more of himself. Nothing in this book the slightest bit related to England or anything English though. Hm....
2) A Thousand Days in Venice- Marlena de Blasi. This one was better, though along the same lines as the last one. She's a writer in the food business. Blasi is in Venice and this charming Venecian falls in love with her. It's a true story about finding love mid way through life. Almost made me hopeful.....
Okay now I took a sharp left from my usual course of intellectual buffet and steered myself to what I call Fluff reading. Girls at work have been dribbling on about another vampire series and I was up for more so I bit (pun intended).
3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9) were the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. "Dead Until Dark" all the way through to "All Together Dead". Sookie is the main character and she's got the gift of reading people's minds. The books are quick reading for sure but it was interesting to compare the Vampire world in this one compared to the Twilight Vampire folk. Poor Sookie never does quite settle down with any Vampire, Shifter, Were, Wolf, Witch or Faery. Yeah, they're all in there. The TV series "True Blood" follows the first book and Harris has another book coming out this spring to add to the series. Maybe they'll go to England.
And just so you don't think all I do now is read fluff I read some stuff too. Bill Bryson for two in a row.
10) "A short History of Nearly Everything"by Mr. Bryson. It's really interesting to view science from the mind of a smart ass travel writer, but it works. It took me a while to finish it because I kept re-reading parts. He covers a lot but it's worth the time. And, of course he mentions several things British so that gets the Anglicusuam nod.
11) This was a re-read of many years ago. Bill Bryson wrote "Neither Here Nor There" in 1992. It's about a trip across Europe. It's got the usual sarcasm tinged with British wit. I love his liners.
He visits some town and calls it Where the Fuck, Finland. Or how about..."The best that can be said for Norweigian television is that it gives you the sensation of a coma without the worry and inconvenience." Or my favorite..."The other thing I have never understood about the French is why they are so ungrateful. I've always felt that since it was us that liberated them-because let's face it, the French Army couldn't beat a girls hockey team-they ought to give all Allied visitors to the country a book of coupons good for free drinks in Pigalle and a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower." Or how about..."after Paris, it was just a relief to cross a street without feeling as if I had a bulls eye painted on my butt." Anyway, you get the idea. I like Bill Bryson. He writes like I think-outloud and everything.
Stay tuned.
02 February 2009
Crawling into oblivion
Now that I have all that Undergraduate stuff done I have more time to work with. Read a few books, saw a few movies, got a new tattoo, partook of some tasty libations. So, this is what life is like outside the classroom. I like it.
Book 1) The Intentional Life by Cardinal Hume. This a compilation of talks he gave while Abbott of Ampleforth Abbey in merry old England. It is mainly directed to Monks but there is much to be derived from his musings. He has a knack for cutting to the core of what he's trying to express. One thing he wrote that struck me as wonderful in a simple way was" Another characteristic of the religious instinct is a sense of bafflement in the face of the unknown: an awareness that all things have an ultimate meaning that the mind cannot grasp, yet it is always seeking". This idea that we may not have scientific proof that God exists but somewhere inside us is an awareness that bypasses the mind. Knowing without proof.
Book II) House of Glass by Pramoeyda Ananta Toer. This is the last of the quartet that I have mentioned previously. Not my normal cup of tea. I didn't like how he developed the story line through the native policeman character. I guess he was trying to flush out yet another layer to the complicated issue of colonialism but it detracted from the flow of the other three books. I liked this one the least of the four books.
Book III) I finally got around to seeing what all the hype was about with the Twilight series. I went to the movie first and that totally reeled my imagination in so I got the book. Twilight by Stephanie Meyers is easy to read and disappear in. She was initially self published. Pretty amazing when you consider how many of the books are out there now. This vampire story line is different without the gore that the Underworld story line carries. True it's written for a younger audience but the idea of exploring "good" vampires is a novelty that worked.
Book IV) New Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. The next installment explores what happens when Edward leaves trying to protect Bella. He's trying to do what he thinks is best for her but really what is best for her is to be with him. In the meantime she gets involved (sort of) with Jacob to complicate things in a sort of juvenile way. Still the good guy (the vampire) gets the girl in the end. Of course it's not the end because there's still 2 more books......
Book V) Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers. This time the wolves and the vampires are fussing and there are "bad" vampires creating havoc in Seattle. The kids graduate form High school. The wolves and the vampires become allies to protect Bella in the ensuing conflict. They plan a wedding.
Book VI) Breaking Dawn. This one was really hard to put down. Ms. Meyers excelled herself.
I read it through on my day off. I cannot wait to see the movie and how they create what happens. They kids get married, honeymoon in the Tropicals, Bella becomes immortal, there's a confrontation with the Vampire elite from Italy. It's all very imaginatively wonderful. I only wish she would write a series about Carlisle now. These books were far from the intellectual and spiritual works but they sure were a great diversion, a love story, to end the undergraduate days with.
It's nice for now to be able to crawl into bedand read for hours just for fun. It's nice to crawl into bed and not have a paper going on in my head, waking me up in the middle of the night. I can just sleep and be oblivious. It won't last though. My last paper was a chapter in something I want to write about a few ancestors that served in the military. A family history book of sorts. I am such a book addict.
Book 1) The Intentional Life by Cardinal Hume. This a compilation of talks he gave while Abbott of Ampleforth Abbey in merry old England. It is mainly directed to Monks but there is much to be derived from his musings. He has a knack for cutting to the core of what he's trying to express. One thing he wrote that struck me as wonderful in a simple way was" Another characteristic of the religious instinct is a sense of bafflement in the face of the unknown: an awareness that all things have an ultimate meaning that the mind cannot grasp, yet it is always seeking". This idea that we may not have scientific proof that God exists but somewhere inside us is an awareness that bypasses the mind. Knowing without proof.
Book II) House of Glass by Pramoeyda Ananta Toer. This is the last of the quartet that I have mentioned previously. Not my normal cup of tea. I didn't like how he developed the story line through the native policeman character. I guess he was trying to flush out yet another layer to the complicated issue of colonialism but it detracted from the flow of the other three books. I liked this one the least of the four books.
Book III) I finally got around to seeing what all the hype was about with the Twilight series. I went to the movie first and that totally reeled my imagination in so I got the book. Twilight by Stephanie Meyers is easy to read and disappear in. She was initially self published. Pretty amazing when you consider how many of the books are out there now. This vampire story line is different without the gore that the Underworld story line carries. True it's written for a younger audience but the idea of exploring "good" vampires is a novelty that worked.
Book IV) New Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. The next installment explores what happens when Edward leaves trying to protect Bella. He's trying to do what he thinks is best for her but really what is best for her is to be with him. In the meantime she gets involved (sort of) with Jacob to complicate things in a sort of juvenile way. Still the good guy (the vampire) gets the girl in the end. Of course it's not the end because there's still 2 more books......
Book V) Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers. This time the wolves and the vampires are fussing and there are "bad" vampires creating havoc in Seattle. The kids graduate form High school. The wolves and the vampires become allies to protect Bella in the ensuing conflict. They plan a wedding.
Book VI) Breaking Dawn. This one was really hard to put down. Ms. Meyers excelled herself.
I read it through on my day off. I cannot wait to see the movie and how they create what happens. They kids get married, honeymoon in the Tropicals, Bella becomes immortal, there's a confrontation with the Vampire elite from Italy. It's all very imaginatively wonderful. I only wish she would write a series about Carlisle now. These books were far from the intellectual and spiritual works but they sure were a great diversion, a love story, to end the undergraduate days with.
It's nice for now to be able to crawl into bedand read for hours just for fun. It's nice to crawl into bed and not have a paper going on in my head, waking me up in the middle of the night. I can just sleep and be oblivious. It won't last though. My last paper was a chapter in something I want to write about a few ancestors that served in the military. A family history book of sorts. I am such a book addict.
30 December 2008
November/ December blur
Work/school/work/school/work/school. Geez, next thing I know finals are over, the Christmas dance of chaos is over and it's almost January. I feel like I have been under a rock somewhere.
Anyway November had only one book to claim. "Child of Nations" by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It's the 2nd in the series. It moves quickly like the first one-like a roller coaster ride that ends suddenly and then you want to find out more about the characters. Unfortunatley, I didn't have the time get to book three until December.
BookI: for December is called "Footsteps" and is much longer than the prior two. It's got some quite complicated turns to it but it ends abruptly and of course I will begin the last book in the quartet immediately. This series is long and drawn out with rich details and insights into the whole subject of colonialism.
Book II: Landing Ship, Tank by Gordon L. Rottman. It's a slip of a thing put out by Osprey bout the LST craft used during WWII. It's a dandy. My Grandfather served on one and it helped me to understand, to visualize some of his experiences in a small way but it also helped for me to understand how instrumental to the landings at Normandy ( Salerno, Scicily and others) the LST crafts were. Quite handy indeed.
A note of nerdy interest: I found a personal catalog website and I have been cataloging my books. I am up to 812 with several boxes in storage yet to go.
Anyway November had only one book to claim. "Child of Nations" by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It's the 2nd in the series. It moves quickly like the first one-like a roller coaster ride that ends suddenly and then you want to find out more about the characters. Unfortunatley, I didn't have the time get to book three until December.
BookI: for December is called "Footsteps" and is much longer than the prior two. It's got some quite complicated turns to it but it ends abruptly and of course I will begin the last book in the quartet immediately. This series is long and drawn out with rich details and insights into the whole subject of colonialism.
Book II: Landing Ship, Tank by Gordon L. Rottman. It's a slip of a thing put out by Osprey bout the LST craft used during WWII. It's a dandy. My Grandfather served on one and it helped me to understand, to visualize some of his experiences in a small way but it also helped for me to understand how instrumental to the landings at Normandy ( Salerno, Scicily and others) the LST crafts were. Quite handy indeed.
A note of nerdy interest: I found a personal catalog website and I have been cataloging my books. I am up to 812 with several boxes in storage yet to go.
October
Let's see October was busy with readings for classes. "This Earth of Mankind" by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It's the first in a series that relates the story of colonialism and it's influences on the native peoples of Java. The class was Modern Imperialism. It's a different tone than I am drawn too but Toer weaves the characters lives in such a way that I couldn't help but want to know what happened next. Human emotions are very universal although it's true we display them very differently from culture to culture. The story of Imperialism continued with "Dumb Luck" by Vu Trong Phung. This time the story takes place in colonial Vietnam. Next was "Weep not, Child" by Ngugi Wa Thiongo set in colonial Kenya. I's very sorrowful. Last one on the colonial train of readings was "Dusk" by F. Sionil Jose. Imperialism in the Philippines was very much the same as it was experienced elsewhere. How incredibly cruel and sad humans can behave. After reading about oppresssion and cruelty I finished the month with "Lovers of the Place" by Francis Kline. Subtitled "Monasticism loose in the church". Kline does an excellent job of erasing some of the boundaries that seperate monasticism from the rest of the church. The same values, ideals and practices exist in both worlds. Indeed should exist in both worlds although to varying degrees. Some times it is easy for those of us not in a cloister to use our location as an excuse to not practice our faith as much as we should. Life should be lived with purpose, on purpose.
11 October 2008
September Greetings
Only two books for September. What with family members having babies, a full work schedule, fall semester starting and changing residences, I seem to have not had much time for personal reading. I really must get my priorities straightened out.
Book I: "Unveiled" by Cheryl Reed. The author traveled to various monastic institutions, hung out and asked a few questions. She picked a diverse group of places to visit and so she develops a broad range of experiences to write about. Some of the Nuns are quite traditional and others are less than conventional to say the least. It was interesting to read all in all, although, I can't think of any link to English History except that it was about Monasticism.
Book II: "Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders" by Mark W. McGinnis. I very much enjoyed this one.This author went to thirty different monasteries and interviewed the same number of Benedictine elders, some of whom have passed away. I was struck by the humble strength they all had. I have a soft spot in my heart for the geriatric set anyway, but, these folks were quite endearing. I bought the book and read it while I was on retreat at Mt. Angel (Oregon). One of the gentlemen that was interviewed of the book, Fr. Bernard, resides at Mt. Angel. He spoke of how... "accepting people's differences and weaknesses is a way to become holy." That's a nice turn of phrase. Some folks have a hard time with spirituality because they mistakenly think you have to be this exceptionally perfect individual before your good enough for God. That's just so opposite to how God works. Anyway, I highly recommend this book for those of you that are monastically inclined. As for the nod to English History, um, well again there isn't any. We'll see how next month lines up but until then, cheerio.
Book I: "Unveiled" by Cheryl Reed. The author traveled to various monastic institutions, hung out and asked a few questions. She picked a diverse group of places to visit and so she develops a broad range of experiences to write about. Some of the Nuns are quite traditional and others are less than conventional to say the least. It was interesting to read all in all, although, I can't think of any link to English History except that it was about Monasticism.
Book II: "Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders" by Mark W. McGinnis. I very much enjoyed this one.This author went to thirty different monasteries and interviewed the same number of Benedictine elders, some of whom have passed away. I was struck by the humble strength they all had. I have a soft spot in my heart for the geriatric set anyway, but, these folks were quite endearing. I bought the book and read it while I was on retreat at Mt. Angel (Oregon). One of the gentlemen that was interviewed of the book, Fr. Bernard, resides at Mt. Angel. He spoke of how... "accepting people's differences and weaknesses is a way to become holy." That's a nice turn of phrase. Some folks have a hard time with spirituality because they mistakenly think you have to be this exceptionally perfect individual before your good enough for God. That's just so opposite to how God works. Anyway, I highly recommend this book for those of you that are monastically inclined. As for the nod to English History, um, well again there isn't any. We'll see how next month lines up but until then, cheerio.
20 August 2008
Organized Chaos and all of its siblings
It's been over a month....sorry Deb....I told her I would try to do this more frequently and I have lapsed. No excuses really just friends, food and beer. The chaos of summer. Soon (next week) to give way to the rigor (organization) of class schedules. I look forward to the infusion of intellectual pursuits and their petitions on my mind and time. Chaos is grand for a wee bit but I need the balance of some resemblance of boundaries as well.
Since the last entry my reads have been mostly journals, magazines and newspapers. With all that flitting about I still managed to finish off three books. First off. "Me and My Bleeding Mouth" by Sue Weller. It's the story of an Irishman by name of Gary McCormick. Gary was one of the men in the television series "Finding Sanctuary" that I told you about in my last entry. It's short and compelling, although a little sad and disturbing. He was given a rough hand but then made choices that are probably demonstrative of a substantial slice of of todays youth. Still you root for him as he struggles. While this one isn't overtly English the connections are there.
Book two has me leaving England and heading straight for the beaches of Normandy. "D-Day" by Stephen Ambrose is as extensive and interesting as anything else he puts pen to. He just immerses you with facts and personal experiences from all angles. I love that. It gave me a richer understanding about the mechanics involved in the build up of troops and machinery. That alone was phenomenal but the implementation of it all leading to eventual success is still more than amazing. My Grand-Fathers were in WWII. One was part of the Allied invasion at Omaha Beach and so D-Day is part of my personal history as well as my cultural history. Great stuff by a great writer.
Last on the list is "In the Spirit of Happiness" centered around the monks at New Skete, an Orthodox monastery in upstate New York. Although it's not so much about the Orthodox way of doing things but about insights into a spiritual way of looking at life in this age. How important true self-knowledge is in the attainment of happiness (at all levels) and how our lack of acceptance of our own connection to divinity inhibits us. Lot's to chew on.
I have a few other books that I am slowly making my way through. Diverse topics (like a family) but somehow related in my mind. Strands out there in the wind. Eventually the wind dies down and they all flow back together and I can see how they (like siblings) relate to each other and to my own interpretation of the world. So, from the world of organized chaos (and all of its siblings) I bid you adieu.
Since the last entry my reads have been mostly journals, magazines and newspapers. With all that flitting about I still managed to finish off three books. First off. "Me and My Bleeding Mouth" by Sue Weller. It's the story of an Irishman by name of Gary McCormick. Gary was one of the men in the television series "Finding Sanctuary" that I told you about in my last entry. It's short and compelling, although a little sad and disturbing. He was given a rough hand but then made choices that are probably demonstrative of a substantial slice of of todays youth. Still you root for him as he struggles. While this one isn't overtly English the connections are there.
Book two has me leaving England and heading straight for the beaches of Normandy. "D-Day" by Stephen Ambrose is as extensive and interesting as anything else he puts pen to. He just immerses you with facts and personal experiences from all angles. I love that. It gave me a richer understanding about the mechanics involved in the build up of troops and machinery. That alone was phenomenal but the implementation of it all leading to eventual success is still more than amazing. My Grand-Fathers were in WWII. One was part of the Allied invasion at Omaha Beach and so D-Day is part of my personal history as well as my cultural history. Great stuff by a great writer.
Last on the list is "In the Spirit of Happiness" centered around the monks at New Skete, an Orthodox monastery in upstate New York. Although it's not so much about the Orthodox way of doing things but about insights into a spiritual way of looking at life in this age. How important true self-knowledge is in the attainment of happiness (at all levels) and how our lack of acceptance of our own connection to divinity inhibits us. Lot's to chew on.
I have a few other books that I am slowly making my way through. Diverse topics (like a family) but somehow related in my mind. Strands out there in the wind. Eventually the wind dies down and they all flow back together and I can see how they (like siblings) relate to each other and to my own interpretation of the world. So, from the world of organized chaos (and all of its siblings) I bid you adieu.
14 June 2008
Eve's apple: Godwins to Sanctuary
It's early am. The house is quiet. There's a slight breeze coming through the window. I should put on a sweater but the bite in the morning air is waking me up. The last few weeks have felt more like fall than spring. I don't mind. The cool air warms my heart.
On the desk before me is an alabaster apple. Hand carved in Italy and purchased at Barnes & Noble. It reminds me of my gender and all the emotional ties that go with being a woman. That's appropriate since it's June. (from Juno the Queen of the Gods and goddess of women, marraige). It brings to mind my spiritual ancestor Eve. Alone in the garden with Adam and somehow drawn to that tree, that fruit. I bet she thought about it for months before she took that bite. Worried about it, analyzed it as best she knew and still...she reached out for the unknown. It's a story familiar enough but the apple on my desk is an attempt in reverse. A witness to the folly of reaching out too often. Being too busy. Much of what I reach out to grasp I could find by not reaching out at all, what I already have access to or am part of.
I am repeatedly drawn to a point in time. An intense curiosity of a family-the Godwins. Their story is representative of the time and culture they lived in but sstill peaks to things that confront modern man. I read "The Godwins" by Frank Barlow. Eleventh century history has all the good stuff. Cultural incursions, political intrigue, power mongering, sibling rivalry, travel, influence of the church, people with funny names. To quote Barlow, "They are all flawed heroes and heroines in a northern saga" (11). Sounds like todays headlines. My favorite of the family is still (always) Harold. His life pulls at my imagination and fires up my interest over and over. Anglo-Danish England-I love it.
After that I checked out a little book by Lauren Winner called "Mudhouse Sabbath". She is from a Jewish family and converted to Christianity. Her feet are in both worlds. She looks at the spiritual discipline/ traditions that Judaism gave and still offers to Christians today. Namely the idea of practicing a "Sabbath", a day of "rest". How modern folks keep the Sabbath. Her reflections gave me pause to think of my own ideas of what "rest" is. The Mudhouse in the title is a coffee house. That got me on to a humorous speculation about Starbucks being a new religious house. Imagine all the Monks there jacked up on triple shot, white mochas. A lot of work would get done but the Sabbath would be a day of withdrawals not rest......I wanna go there!!
Getting myself back on track with...Merton....of course. "The Monastic Journey" by Thomas Merton. I never tire of him. It's written more for those with a religious vocation but is as relevant to those with lay vocations. We are all religious about something or another whether we see it or not. He covers all the basics...service, silence, poverty, charity, prayer. Mostly I took away from the book a stronger sense of the need for community that humans have, that God intended for us to have. Community is a wide open word. In the vein of Monasticism/ Christianity it is paramount to faith. He makes a call for people to "lead a simpler and more prayerful life within the framework of community" (167). We should be taking care of each other not depending on Gov't agencies to do it for us. See......Merton gets me every time!
The last one is "Finding Sanctuary" by Abbott Christopher Jamison. The BBC series "The Monastery" lead to this little jewel. He's a Benedictine, (but, of course) Abbot from Worth Abbey in Sussex where the TV series took place. The book talks about creating sanctuary within ourselves as much as our personal space. A complicated venture in this day and age. The line that grabbed me was ..."distractions inside my head are actually noises inside my heart..."(48). I am not only battling with the busyness and pull from society but the clamor in the deafening silence of my heart. Hopefully, I can learn to let the silence drown out the noise....
On the desk before me is an alabaster apple. Hand carved in Italy and purchased at Barnes & Noble. It reminds me of my gender and all the emotional ties that go with being a woman. That's appropriate since it's June. (from Juno the Queen of the Gods and goddess of women, marraige). It brings to mind my spiritual ancestor Eve. Alone in the garden with Adam and somehow drawn to that tree, that fruit. I bet she thought about it for months before she took that bite. Worried about it, analyzed it as best she knew and still...she reached out for the unknown. It's a story familiar enough but the apple on my desk is an attempt in reverse. A witness to the folly of reaching out too often. Being too busy. Much of what I reach out to grasp I could find by not reaching out at all, what I already have access to or am part of.
I am repeatedly drawn to a point in time. An intense curiosity of a family-the Godwins. Their story is representative of the time and culture they lived in but sstill peaks to things that confront modern man. I read "The Godwins" by Frank Barlow. Eleventh century history has all the good stuff. Cultural incursions, political intrigue, power mongering, sibling rivalry, travel, influence of the church, people with funny names. To quote Barlow, "They are all flawed heroes and heroines in a northern saga" (11). Sounds like todays headlines. My favorite of the family is still (always) Harold. His life pulls at my imagination and fires up my interest over and over. Anglo-Danish England-I love it.
After that I checked out a little book by Lauren Winner called "Mudhouse Sabbath". She is from a Jewish family and converted to Christianity. Her feet are in both worlds. She looks at the spiritual discipline/ traditions that Judaism gave and still offers to Christians today. Namely the idea of practicing a "Sabbath", a day of "rest". How modern folks keep the Sabbath. Her reflections gave me pause to think of my own ideas of what "rest" is. The Mudhouse in the title is a coffee house. That got me on to a humorous speculation about Starbucks being a new religious house. Imagine all the Monks there jacked up on triple shot, white mochas. A lot of work would get done but the Sabbath would be a day of withdrawals not rest......I wanna go there!!
Getting myself back on track with...Merton....of course. "The Monastic Journey" by Thomas Merton. I never tire of him. It's written more for those with a religious vocation but is as relevant to those with lay vocations. We are all religious about something or another whether we see it or not. He covers all the basics...service, silence, poverty, charity, prayer. Mostly I took away from the book a stronger sense of the need for community that humans have, that God intended for us to have. Community is a wide open word. In the vein of Monasticism/ Christianity it is paramount to faith. He makes a call for people to "lead a simpler and more prayerful life within the framework of community" (167). We should be taking care of each other not depending on Gov't agencies to do it for us. See......Merton gets me every time!
The last one is "Finding Sanctuary" by Abbott Christopher Jamison. The BBC series "The Monastery" lead to this little jewel. He's a Benedictine, (but, of course) Abbot from Worth Abbey in Sussex where the TV series took place. The book talks about creating sanctuary within ourselves as much as our personal space. A complicated venture in this day and age. The line that grabbed me was ..."distractions inside my head are actually noises inside my heart..."(48). I am not only battling with the busyness and pull from society but the clamor in the deafening silence of my heart. Hopefully, I can learn to let the silence drown out the noise....
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