Trip and a Challenge and Holiday Cheer!

Final book read while sitting on various planes -- Dashing Through the Mall.  Three holiday themed romances set in the same mall on Christmas Eve.  Good fun, predictable, but fun.  The book included "Santa, Baby" by Sherryl Woods, "Assignment, Humbug" by Darlene Gardener, and "Deck the Halls" by Holly Jacobs.  My favorite, hands down, was "Santa, Baby."  The story might have been predictable, but the characters were real with personalities.  The other two stories were good; they just didn't have the extra little something that I wanted.  The paperback ended up being 312 pages long, but I finished it in one leg of my journey back home.  Good, fast read to keep the holiday cheer! Final state of the list:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble (waiting until Jan. 1 to include in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge)
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor (waiting until Jan. 1 to include in Fantasy Reading Challenge)

Well, 4 out of 9 isn't bad.  I really only spent time reading through the traveling parts.  Now I need to get started on all the reading challenges that I convinced myself I just had to do.  Wish me luck!

2011 Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge

I cannot believe that I haven't read Georgette Heyer before now.  An early to mid twentieth century author writing historical fiction primarily set in the Regency era is right up my alley.  A Heyer reading challenge seemed perfect for what I already wanted to read this year. Thus the Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge 2011:

I've decided to host some of my own reading challenges for the 2011 year and the first challenge I've decided to host is a Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge. This is going to be a laid back challenge with not very many rules because it's just for fun. A while ago I set a goal for myself and that was to try and read all Georgette Heyer's Historical Fiction novels in two years. So I thought this challenge would motivate and help me complete my personal goal. So if you want to join in with me please feel free to do so! This challenge is open to EVERYONE you don't have to have a blog to participate. Have fun!

Rules:

• The book must be by Georgette Heyer obviously and it must be HF. It can't be one of her mystery novels.
• You must read at least 3 books and they can't be one's that you've already read because that sort of defeats the purpose.
• This is a year long challenge so you have until January 1st of 2012 to finish your personal goal.
• It's not mandatory to post a review but it would be nice so other people can read them but Non-bloggers please include your information in the comments below.
• When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the the Georgette Heyer Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

Since I never read any Heyer before, I decided to start my challenge at the beginning of her bibliography.  I've also decided to challenge myself to reading 5 of her books this year.  My choices are (with any cross listings with other reading challenges):

1. The Black Moth (TwentyEleven: Show It Who Is Boss)
2. These Old Shades (TwentyEleven: Way Back When)
3. The Transformation of Philip Jettan aka Powder and Patch
4. The Great Roxhythe
5. Instead of the Thorn

I picked her first five books.  I will have to look them later and make sure they are part of her historical fiction.  If one is a mystery, I will replace it in the future so all are historical fiction.  After reading, I will post reviews of each book.  Anyone else want to join the challenge?

Trip and a Challenge and Geeks!

Interested little book full of useless information... just what I love. Where else can you learn to say "Where is the bathroom" in 12 languages?  Or  6 great moments in pre-1980 Kung Fu movies (of which I have seen 2)?  How about Band Trivia from America's Top Universities?  Must have for anyone wanting to add to their ridiculous knowledge basis.  And just for good measure: 5 Latin phrases to shout while heading into battle.  Per aspera ad astra!  (Debuting as my own personal Latin motto) State of the list:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs (started yesterday)
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble (going to not read; wait until Jan. 1 to include in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge)
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor (going to not read; wait until Jan. 1 to include in Fantasy Reading Challenge)

One more trip and a challenge update to go before it's back to normal. Time to get started on all those reading challenges I signed up for.

2011 Zombies Reading Challenge

I love zombies!  I absolutely adore anything zombie related.  So a zombie centered reading challenge is just about perfect for me. The challenge is being hosted at Book Soulmates:

Satisfy your undying hunger - for books! The new year is beginning and we know the majority of our close friends and family are going on a diet, I know I am {Vanessa}, so we need to find an outlet for our hunger. What better substitute than books! Let's devour ZOMBIE books! I only read one Zombie book this past year and I think it's time start piling up the bodies, er, I mean books! So start devouring!

Challenge Rules & Info:

• Challenge STARTS January 1, 2011 and ENDS December 31, 2011

• Sign up by filling your info in the Mr. Linky below {If you don't have a blog, you can use your FB, Goodreads, etc}

• Read at least 10 Zombie books this year. They don't have to be ALL about Zombies, just have Zombies in them. Remember, the more the merrier! Here's a LIST of zombie books that may help :)

• The books can be print, ebooks, and audio books.

• Reread books ARE allowed, BUT, the review must be rewritten. You cannot use old reviews.

• I'll have a post up each month with the Mr. Linky to have the reviews posted.

• Challenges are open to non-bloggers. A review must be written and posted on a literary site, such as GoodReads, Amazon, etc.

• Grab a button to show your Challenge spirit!

• Lastly, have fun reading!

My choices for the challenge (with any cross listings for other challenges):

1. The Undead World of Oz -- Ryan Thomas
2. Zombies for Zombies -- David Murphy
3. Flip this Zombie -- Jesse Petersen (TwentyEleven: Hot Off the Presses)
4. Zombies vs. Unicorns - Larbalestier (TwentyEleven: It Wasn't Me)
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan
6. The Dead-Tossed Waves - Carrie Ryan
7. You are So Undead to Me - Stacey Jay
8. Undead Much - Stacey Jay
9. Zombie Blondes - Brian James
10. Generation Dead - Daniel Waters (TwentyEleven: Hot Off the Presses)

Of course, I wil write reviews for all books read.  Try to keep up with me.

Trip and a Challenge and Zombies!

Finished another book and this one was great.  An anthology of zombie stories!  New, classic, twists, different points of view... so many styles to choose from.  Like with every anthology, I find I loved some, was okay with some, and hated some.  For sake of brevity, I am just going to highlight my favorite stories: "Lazarus" by John Connolly -- a retelling of the classic Biblical story, but with a twist

"In the Dust" by Tim Lebbon -- classic survivor story set in a small village; think 28 Days Later

"Life Sentence" by Kelley Armstrong -- a very rich man looking for immortality, who wouldn't think zombie?

"Delice" by Holly Newstein -- voodoo style zombies, very classic

"Ghost Trap" by Rick Hautala -- a long forgotten danger waits at the bottom of the harbor and Jeff finds it

"Kids and Their Toys" by James A. Moore -- kids discover a zombie, they get themselves into a world of mess, interesting progression of a plot

And my absolute favorite, the last story in the book "Twittering from the Circus of the Dead" by Joe Hill -- told entirely through tweets, with one hell of an ending... enjoy!

State of the list:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem (starting today)
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble (going to not read; wait until Jan. 1 to include in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge)
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor (going to not read now; wait until Jan. 1 to include in Fantasy Reading Challenge)

Not as far as I thought I would be, but I've gotten distracted the last few days with other projects and of course trying to enjoy my time with J.

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

I tend to already lean towards Fantasy as a genre, so I thought this would be a perfect challenge for me to join.  Here's the introduction and guidelines from Darlyn and Books:

I love reading fantasy and this is actually a big opportunity for me to make myself read all fantasy books I've collected from buying and won from some giveaways.The Fantasy Reading Challenge was actually hosted at Royal Reviews and then at Queen of Happy Endings. When Alaine offered up bloggers for a new host blog for 2011, I'm so happy to volunteer.

A) The challenge is open to everyone. If you don't have a blog, it's okay, just leave your information in the comment.

B) There are four levels:

1. Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.

2. Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.

3. Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.

4. Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

C) You don't have to list the books right away. It's your choice and you can always change whenever you feel want to.

D) The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.

E) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.

F) Starting on January 1st trough December 31st, 2011, you can start posting your review on my 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page. But of course it must be read on 2011 only and I don't mind if you re-read.

G) If you successfully finish the challenge, according to your selected levels, write a wrap up challenge post and leave the link at the 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge wrap up at my page. Noted: only if you finish the challenge. It will run through until December 31st, 2011.

H) And the fun part is that, on January 1st, 2012; 2 reviews from 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page and 1 lucky person from the wrap up challenge post will be randomly selected to win $10 to pick a Fantasy Fiction of their choice from the Book Depository. But the trick is, the choice of the book will come from any books from the books reviewed by other participants. So, you must always link your review and wrap up post at the page to be selected.

I) If you're a blogger, you must write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in (not your blog address). Feel free to use the button above. When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge post. Please put your name/nickname and blog on the subject e.g. Darlyn@Darlyn and Books.

Thanks and good luck!

My choices for the Fantasy Reading Challenge (with any cross listings):

1. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (YA)
2. Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia (A to Z: G)
3. Evermore - Alyson Noel (TwentyEleven: It Wasn't Me)
4. Inkheart - Cornelia Funke (YA; A to Z: F)
5. The Prestige - Christopher Priest (Pages to Screen)
6. Archenemy - Frank Beddor (YA: TwentyEleven: Mind the Gap)

Look forward to some great reads and reviews.  Stay tuned!

Quote Wednesday - Chesterfield

"Advice is seldom welcome, and those who want it the most always like it the least." -- Lord Chesterfield

Lately, I have been given a lot of advice about my current situation.  I am not going to go into any detail, but there are a lot of things going on that various people in my life want to know the current and my future path.  And I must say, I am sick of the advice.  I know all the people giving it are trying to be helpful.  They all care and hope for the best with me, but it is tiresome.  Over and over telling the same story and the same choices I have to make.  Right now, I am stuck in a holding pattern.  I cannot really do much, but that doesn't stop people from telling me what I should be doing.

So here's my response to everyone... there's a plan, but I have to wait.  When I know anything more, I will make sure you know.  So I would appreciate not having to talk about it until then.  I have a few people that I go to and actually solicit advice from.  You know if you are one of those people.  Otherwise, please let me be.  Thank you.

2011 Sci Fi Reading Challenge

I've always read a bit of science fiction, but I thought I would really amp up my interest.  Encouraged by J, who loves science fiction, I have decided to participate in the Science Fiction Challenge II.

From the challenge website Stage and Canvas:

One of science fiction’s quirks is that it’s more encompassing than specified genres like mystery so not as clearly defined. That’s one reason why I like it, but also think it’s detrimental and confusing for some. It seems that what turns a lot of people off from the genre is the stigma that it’s all aliens, robots, outer space, scientific terminology, and Star Wars, but it’s so much more than that. In brief, it’s a vast literature of ideas and infinite possibilities that may include the past or future, a completely different timeline, utopias or dystopias, science and technology like time travel, or an invasion of body snatchers. There’s something for everyone, from alternate histories to classics like Frankenstein and H.G. Wells to contemporary literature like the Handmaid’s Tale and then some. I love the genre because of its wide study, commentary, and exploration of humanity and technology. From cyberpunks to super-humans and beyond, it spans tastes and is limited only by the imagination.

I decided to start a science fiction reading challenge for several reasons. Firstly, I acquired a few books and a pile of recommended reading at last year’s WorldCon and thought others might be interested in an open read along. Secondly, to scrape off some of the stigma mentioned above. Thirdly, people who generally don’t read sci-fi frequently ask where to start. Fourthly, although I enjoy reading fantasy I feel its growing popularity has pushed sci-fi to the sidelines. Lastly, I’ve discovered that challenges not only stimulate conversation among bibliophiles, but they’re fun as well. Anyway…

Guidelines:

1. Read 4 or 8 science fiction books (or audio books). Some suggestions are below. 2. The challenge runs from August 28, 2010 to August 8, 2011. You may join at any time. 3. Sign up using Mr. Linky below (please link directly to your post). If you don’t have a blog, just enter your name and leave the URL blank. 4. Each time you read a book, please link to your reviews. If you don’t do reviews, no biggie. 5. Overlaps with other challenges are fine. 6. Have fun.

My choices for the challenge (complete with any crossovers to other challenges):

1. The Left Hand of Darkness -- Ursula Le Guin (TwentyEleven: Show it Who is Boss)
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Douglas Adams (TwentyEleven: Back in the Day; A to Z: A; Pages to Screen)
3. The Children of Men -- P.D. James (Pages to Screen)
4. Ringworld -- Larry Niven (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
5. Snow Crash -- Neal Stephenson
6. Ender's Game -- Orson Card (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
7. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress -- Robert Heinlein
8. The Puppet Masters -- Robert Heinlein
9. Have Spacesuit Will Travel -- Robert Heinlein (YA)
10. The Martian Chronicles -- Ray Bradbury (A to Z: B)

I know, more than the 4 or 8 for the challenge, but I couldn't pare down the list, so it is what it is.  I will write reviews after reading each book.  If you notice my other reading challenges, I have a few books that overlap, but this way I should hopefully read a lot of books and finish a lot of challenges.  Hopefully I finish this challenge before the end time...  I'll keep you posted.

Music Monday -- Jars of Clay "Flood"

Ahh... Jars of Clay.... How I love you? I've been a fan since this song came out.  I now own all of their cds and continue to love them.  I've seen them three times in concenrt and loved every minute.  Although they're a Christian band, they really take the time with there lyrics and imagery.  It's not all "Praise Jesus" but a lot of story telling and speaking to people.  I never tire of hearing their songs.  And this is the song that started it all.

My favorite part (the chorus of course):

Lift me up so high that I cannot fall Lift me up Lift me up - when I'm falling Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying Lift me up - I need you to hold me Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

If you can find them, they released two music videos for this song; one made early and one made exclusively for MTV.  If you can find it, the older version where the lead singer, Dan, has long hair, is better.

Trip and a Challenge and the Paranormal!

I know I've missed a day, but it was good day spent relaxing, eating, and watching some Doctor Who.  That said, I've gotten quite a bit of reading done already.  While stuck in various airports (only two but it felt like much more) I read one and a half of the books on my list. Four hour layovers at O'Hare give you a lot of time to do nothing.  I decided to start with some fun holiday paranormal. Holidays are Hell contained four short paranormal themed, holiday centered stories.  I've not read anything by any of the authors included, so it was a nice change of pace.  Out of the four stories, I really like two of them, one not so much, and just couldn't get into the fourth.

• "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel" by Kim Harrison  included vampires, magic, and a ghost.  I loved this story and have put Harrison on my must read list.
• "Run, Run, Rudolph" by Lynsay Sands focused on a scientifically caused shape-shifter.  An entertaining fast paced adventure.  Another author to add to my list.
• "Six" by Marjorie M. Liu had a necromancer, a government agent, and vampires.  I enjoyed it but just couldn't connect to the characters as much as the previous two stories.
• "The Harvest" by Vicki Pettersson involved Zodiac warriors and a fight against the Shadow.  I just couldn't get into the story at all.  Interesting premise, but the writing was confusing with references to other characters not introduced and a pretty long back story.  I wonder if her other books are of the world.  Maybe if I read her other pieces first, I would have been able to connect to this one.

Oh well, three out of four isn't bad.  I did like how the stories were short enough that my interruptions of changing planes and gates didn't really distract me from the plots.  After fishing Holidays are Hell I moved on to the anthology of zombie stories.  I'm really into this one.  I'll write a mini review when I'm done with it.

Here's the updated list of book:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden (120 pages read out of 378)
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor

Trip and a Challenge

Christmas Day and I leave to go visit J for a week--a much-needed escape after the last few weeks.  While away from home, I thought I would give myself a challenge.   I have been reading more than usual, but I wanted to take the time to really get into my growing TBR pile.  And so, I packed nine books in my suitcase.  Hopefully I get all nine read, but if not, that's okay.  I'm there not just to read but to enjoy J's company and get some relaxation.  I plan on keeping the list updated throughout my mini vacation. To help, here's the tentative list:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor

Lots of collections of short stories, some holiday themed, a zombie anthology (of course), a funny how-to, historical Christian fiction, an action adventure paperback, and the conclusion of a The Looking Glass Wars... I'd say a ver eclectic selection, but that's usually how my reading goes.  I figure I'll start with one of the holiday themed collections, but if it doesn't grab me, I can always switch to zombies for guaranteed enjoyment.  As I read, I hope to do a few mini reviews, or just thoughts on the book and/or author.  I have a 3 hour layover at O'Hare today, so I have plenty of time to get started...

Confessions and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

Recently I picked up these two books at the library.  I am a sucker now for anything Jane Austen related.  With "Jane Austen" in the title, how could I resist?

Basic Premise: Two women, Jane Mansfield, a contemporary of Jane Austen although she's never met the author, and Courtney Stone, an Austen fan in present day LA, switch bodies a la Freaky Friday.  From there, each woman has to learn to navigate the new society and life.  Hilarity, confusion, and a sweet story evolve from there.

I enjoyed the new experiences each woman faced.  Even though Courtney is an Austen addict, she has now idea of what life was really like back in the Regency era.  Likewise, Jane cannot even fathom life in the 21st century.  Specifically Courtney is appalled at the hygiene of the 19th century (something I know I would never get used to; I love indoor plumbing and soap).  Although Jane has muscle memory for things like driving a car, her amazement at the new fangled gadgets of our time are delightful.  It's almost like a kid discovering a new trick or phrase.  Her glee at figuring out the "new" is infectious.  

The characters were likable, flaws and all.  Each woman had her misconceptions and prejudices that the other had to deal with in order to be happy in that life or her original.  The supporting cast had a good blend of obvious cads, close friends, meddling parents, potential love interests, and enemies.  I enjoyed the exchanges between characters, especially when the women were insistent that each was someone else.

The setting descriptions were realistic and attentive without dwelling too much on the detail.  The author obviously did her research on Regency era England settings.  I could really picture the places in my mind.  LA was, well, LA, but that's okay.  It was a nice dichotomy of the worlds, time and place.  Even the characters comment on the settings, which is definitely appropriate considering the circumstances.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed these books.  I didn't realize when I read the first one that there would be a sequel.  I am glad I happened upon it at the library or I never would have known Jane's side of the story.  A definite must read for all Jane Austen addicts out there.

New Feature About Books (Of course it's about books!)

I've said it often lately, but I'll say it again... I've been reading a lot of book based blogs lately.  In doing so, I've gotten a lot of great ideas for this blog, great potential additions to be TBR pile, and a few interesting features.  I decided that I like the Booking Through Thursday feature, so I'm joining up.  Every Thursday a new book related question is posted to answer.  Knowing me, I probably won't answer the question every Thursday, but I'm going to try and stay on top of it...

Which Book Changed Your Life?

I would have to go with The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

In 10th grade I was in an American Literature/U.S. History class.  As part of our "final" we were split into groups of 3 or 4, given an American classic to read, and had to present an hour-long lecture/discussion/review of the book.  We were each told to list our Top 3 choices from a lost 25 classic works.  I dutifully listed my Top 3 choices (I think Huckleberry Finn was on the list) and didn't get any of my choices.  My English teacher pulled me aside the day we officially started our project to explain.  She told me that I had probably never heard of The Awakening but she just knew that it was the perfect book for me.  I was skeptical. A book written in 1900 about some women named Edna who I guess has an awakening?  I wanted action and adventure, but I begrudgingly accepted the book and went home to read.

Imagine my surprise when I loved every minute of it!  The characters, the struggle, the setting, the controversial ending (I won't spoil it here for those who haven't read it).  In preparing for the hour with my group, I started to really get into discussing the book.  Previous to 10th grade, I was really pretty quiet and reserved.  I didn't answer questions or speak up in class.  I had a few friends, but mostly kept to myself.  After reading the book, I started to open up.  I started expressing my opinions.  I started to get loud and crazy at times.  I started to reach out to other people.  I started to be more of the person I am today.

On a different but related note, I also found a passion.  After reading the literary criticism on the book, I began asking questions about this feminism stuff.  Why did the word come up often in the reviews?  How did an author 100 years ago relate to women of the 1970s?  I read more... and more... and more about feminism and in general about women in history.  Two years later I started college at Ball State University with a major in Secondary Education Math and a minor in Women's Studies.  When I transferred to IPFW three years later, I was overjoyed that they offered a major in Women's Studies.  I focused on women in U.S. History (I had switched my other major to Secondary Education Social Studies by that time) and women and religion.  I graduated a few years ago with two Bachelors and all because my teacher "made" me read a little, not very well-known book called The Awakening.

Art of Reading

Beautiful paintings of women engaged in reading.  I love the postures, the colors, the facial expressions.  Nothing is better than relaxing in a great setting reading a book.  Somehow I don't think that taking a photo of me reading would  convey the same sense of serenity.  These paintings are much more expressive of how I see the art of reading.  Hope you appreciate these as much as I do!

Quote Wednesday -- Carroll

"And what is the use of a book, thought Alice, without pictures or conversations?" -- Lewis Carroll

Some days I agree with Alice.  I love books with pictures and visuals.  I love graphs and tables.  I love little illustrations here and there.  One of my favorites as of late has been Dawn of the Dreadfuls which had great line drawings of zombies and mid-action shots.  They were a great surprise.  Plus the cover is all kinds of awesome.  I also just checked out Freakanomics, the illustrated edition, from the library.  I loved the book before, but so much more with the inclusion of graphs, charts, and cartoons.  It really added to the experience.  As a bonus, it kept me focused on the page.  I didn't wander away at all, instead really focusing on the text because I was drawn in by the visuals.

So, Alice it's okay.  You can expect pictures and conversations from books.  They make the written word that much more enjoyable.

Reading Habits Revealed

I thought it was time to share a bit about my reading habits.  I found this book meme on another's blog, so I thought I would participate, too.  So, here's my answers...

Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback? Usually I go for a trade paperback.  They tend to be better constructed than the mass market paperbacks, but lighter than hardbacks for carrying around.

Barnes & Noble or Borders? Well, I got to both.  But I have a new found love for Half Price Books and our other used book stores Village Books.  I mainly use the big ones to get ideas, but not really to buy.

Bookmark or dog-ear? Bookmark! I only dog-ear in necessity, if I lost my bookmark and have no receipt or some paper I can put in. Or if I want to remember a line but don’t want to write in the book.

Amazon or brick-and-mortar? Tend to gravitate to brick-and-mortar as I shop by perusal.

Alphabetize by author, or alphabetize by title, or random? Usually a shelf of read and a shelf TBR.  No real order to either shelf.

Keep, throw away, or sell? Keep the favorites, sell the rest.  Better yet, borrow a lot from the library.  If I like one, then I will go out and buy it.

Keep dust jacket or toss it? Neither.  Don't like hardbacks, so don't deal with the dust jackets.

Read with dust jacket or remove it? Usually the hardbacks I read are from the library, so they're taped on anyway.

Short story or novel? Novels

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? I enjoyed both, but definitely Harry Potter has a special place in my heart.

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? I always read to a chapter break.

“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? A little of both... but probably a bit more "Once upon a time"

Buy or borrow? Borrow, I'm too poor to keep up with my reading.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations, or browse? Usually I have a list of recommendations and reviews, but then I browse to make my final picks.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Tidy endings, please!

Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading? Mostly I read at nighttime, but also when I waiting for something or someone.

Stand-alone or series? I do like a good series!

Favorite series? Jane Austen.  Yeah I know, not technically a series, but I tend to see the six novels existing in the same world, so they're like a series.

Favorite children’s book? The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Favorite YA book? From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L Konigsburg

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Ummmm... nothing coming to mind right now

Favorite books read last year? Married with Zombies by Jenna Petersen. Castles by Tracie Peterson.

Favorite books of all time? The Awakening by Kate Chopin

What are you reading right now? Check out the My Bookshelf page.

What are you reading next? Probably more Christian historical fiction and a novel about the history of philosophy Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder.

Favorite book to recommend to an 11-year-old? From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg -- must read.

Favorite book to re-read? Any Jane Austen

Do you ever smell books? I love new book smell but also old book smell.  I need a good smelling book.

Do you ever read primary source documents like letters or diaries? Yes, I am a history teacher by trade so I tend to read a lot of these.

Music Monday -- Anberlin "Impossible"

I found Anberlin about two years ago and immediately fell in love with the band.  Great music, great lyrics, great music videos.  They released Dark is the Way, Light is the Price earlier this year.  One of my favorites is "Impossible" off that album.  It's definitely not a very happy song, but one I feel has such strong emotions.  It's hanuntingly beautiful.  The music and lyrics make a complete picture.  The music video is even better.  The graphics are awesome with a great grey scale color scheme. My favorite lyrics:

you're impossible but lovely so impossible to win or please i'm wearing you out, just wearing you out but i'm wearing you down

take what you want from me, it means nothing now take everything from me, it means nothing now not so easy to forget, harder to forget take what you want

Highlight of the Week -- School Program

On Wednesday, the boys had their school Christmas program.  Although I picked the program for my highlight of the week, I have mixed feelings about the program itself. The Bad

For whatever reason, the school decided that the Christmas program would be a patriotic tribute to America.  No Christmas songs, no Frosty, no Santa, no nothing.  It was full of every patriotic song I knew and many I didn't know.  We all expected to hear some carols, maybe a song about snow, hopefully an audience sing along.  But what did we get?   This Land is Your Land and the Star-Spangled Banner.  My grandmother decided not to come because of the songs being sung.  She wanted Christmas and so did I.

The Good

Even with the nonChristmas music, all the kids did such a good job.  They were adorable.  There were cowboy kids and stepping kids.  Kids with little speaking parts and kids with cute barbershop choreography.  Although A definitely was a step behind on the choreography. he said he loved dancing and singing.  N look so cute in his barbershop hat taking a bow after his song.  N's class (who I help during the week) looked so finished and sophisticated in their performance.  As a bonus, they all mobbed me when I dropped off and picked up N from the cafeteria.  They had to confirm that I thought they did well.  So adorable!  I love watching little kids perform.

Added fun: The finale unintentionally sung in a round was the hilarity of the night!

Snow Challenges

I live in Indiana.  In Indiana during December and January and February and March and sometimes November (but not this year) it snows.  We have flurries, blizzards, big flakes, small flakes, sleet, ice, powder, wet snow, really every kind of snow imaginable.  It's expected and even wished for by many people (like my boys).  For native Hoosiers (really anyone native to the middle to upper latitudes of the United States) we have had to deal with snow every winter. Yet somehow, people around here forget how to drive when it snows!  How does this happen?  It's like they've never seen snow before and don't know what to do with it.  They lose all driving ability instead choosing to go 5 mph everywhere.  They brake randomly and stop way before the intersection.  They swerve into the next lane without looking but refuse to turn right on red even if it's clear.

I really don't mind driving in the snow.  Over the past 12 years of driving, I have learned to manage it well.  I go slower if there is packed snow or ice.  I try not to tail people.  I test my brakes when leaving the neighborhood to see the state of the roads.  I try to be mindful of other cars.  But I still drive.  I don't go 5 mph unless the road is completely covered in ice.  And if that's the case, I try not to drive anywhere.

It's comical really.  All the people on the roads cannot be new to driving in snow.  And yet that's how they drive.  My advice: be cautious, but please keep driving.  If you can't handle driving in the snow, don't drive anywhere.  Get a friend to drive you or just stay in the house.  It would make everyone's commute that much better if you stay off the roads.  Please...

Purple Power

I love purple!  It's my favorite color of all time.

What is it about colors?  Every one of us has a favorite.  Every one of us as a most hated color.  We gravitate towards certain shades.  Psychologists have looked into the power of colors.  There are studies and Women's Magazine articles about how color affects our attitudes and thought patterns.

As a little girl, I hated pink.  I only wore dresses on Easter and Christmas and am sure hated every minute of it.  I was not and am not a "girly-girl."  I don't like doing my makeup and hair.  I wear dresses and skirts every once in a while, but usually dress in jeans or khakis and a sweater or t-shirt.  I am a low maintenance type of girl.

But I love purple.  I love all shades.  Lavender for spring time. A deep royal purple for the middle of winter.  A bright purple for summer.  A bordering-on-red purple for fall.  I have a closet full of clothes, but what color do I keep buying?  Purple of course.  And I don't even do it consciously.  I just gravitate towards the color. I shy away from reds and pinks in favor of the blue-green side.

I wore a lot of purple clothing.  I love writing in purple pen.  I want to paint my house purple.  My cabin on FrontierVille is purple.  My Mii character is wearing purple.  I choose purple when playing Trivial Pursuit (extra bonus the purple category in the new betting version of Trivial Pursuit is Arts and Literature!).  I would drive a purple car if they made more of them.  I want a pair of purple Chucks for my next pair.  If I have a big wedding with bridesmaids, my colors definitely will include some shade of purple.  I wish I was born in February (I almost was) so I could have amethyst for my birthstone.

So what does all this purple say about me?  I did a simple Google search for color and personality and here's what I found:

• According to Annie Bond at Care2.com "purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a  strong desire to be unique and different.  Temperamental, expansive, and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood.  If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority."
• According to Kate Smith from Squiddo, "Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls. How the color purple affects us mentally and physically: Uplifting, Calming to mind and nerves, Offers a sense of spirituality, and Encourages creativity."
• According to Emily Gems "Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation. Purple has been used to symbolize magic and mystery, as well as royalty. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Most children love the color purple. Purple is the color most favored by artists. Thursday's color is purple."

Does this sound like me?  Parts of it are definitely me, but I think some of the rest is like horoscopes--so general that everyone can find something.  Oh well!  I'll still love purple.

Interesting blog about colors: Sensational Color

All About Purple and other colors too.