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Austen in August Reading Challenge

Sign up over at Roof Beam Reader.

Welcome to the sign-up post for AUSTEN IN AUGUST, a reading event taking place next month! This event was inspired by a Twitter conversation that took place with @alliedanielson and @JillIsReading.  I am especially excited about it, I think, because I own almost all of Jane Austen’s books, but I have only ever read two of them (Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice).  Also, considering that I will be finishing up with Allie’s Victorian Celebration at the end of July, it is fitting and appropriate to move on to the most famous of all pre-Victorians, Jane Austen!

So, for this event, the goal is to read as many of Jane Austen’s novels as you want/are able, during the month of August.  Biographies and re-reads also count.  I will post throughout the month (planning for Tuesdays and Fridays) on different subjects, as well as with my own reviews of the Austen books I finish.  I will be offering giveaways and I am hoping that some participants will also be interested in writing guest posts or hosting giveaways of their own, to make this more interactive.

If you are going to participate, you can read any of Jane Austen’s novels, a biography about her, or any contemporary re-imaginings (such as Austenland or The Jane Austen Book Club, for example). All posts will help you qualify for prizes, which I’ll explain in a later post!

I plan on reading at least two Austen novels (probably Northanger Abbey and Persuasion) and a couple Austen-esque novels (possibly Midnight in Austenland).  Plus I will be rewatching a few of the mini series/movies.

tags: Jane Austen
categories: Reading Challenges
Tuesday 07.31.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Title: Ashfall (Ashfall #1)

Author: Mike Mullin

Publisher: Tanglewood Press 2011

Genre: Post-Apocalypse

Pages: 476

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: YA

How I Got It: Library Loan

Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don't realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying supervolcano. It has erupted three times in the last 2.1 million years, and it will erupt again, changing the Earth forever.

Fifteen-year-old Alex is home alone when the supervolcano erupts. His town collapses into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence, forcing him to flee. He begins a harrowing trek in search of his parents and sister, who were visiting relatives 140 miles away.

Along the way, Alex struggles through a landscape transformed by more than a foot of ash. The disaster brings out the best and worst in people desperate for food, clean water, and shelter.

Wow!  I think that was the scariest post-apocalypse novel I have ever read.  It has everything you would want: romance, thrills, suspense, joy, mystery.  I couldn't put it down.  In fact, I sped through it in only two days.  I didn't think I was going to finish another book for July, but I did.  Now I have to revise my monthly wrap-up post.  (Such a chore...)  Anyway, back to the book.  Mullin creates a crazily realistic world after the eruption of a super volcano.  I can just imagine the horrors some people would inflict on others just as can imagine the kindness of others (like Elroy and Edna, loved them).  It was also a great coming-of-age story.  Alex starts the story as a sullen teenager quick to fight with his parents and focus on the trivial.  Throughout his journey, every obstacle and accomplishment help him grow into a strong, determined young adult.  I loved seeing his changes.  Darla is a great foil for Alex.   They are so different, and yet find they compliment one another.  I can't wait to read what happens in the sequel, Ashen Winter.

Side note: Mullin lists a few great books on super volcanos in the back.  I've actually read one of them, Krakatoa.  It was an amazingly written account of the legendary eruption gleaned from a variety of sources.  I added the other books to my never-ending TBR list.

Ashfall

  • #1 Ashfall
  • #2 Ashen Winter
  • #3 Sunrise
tags: 5 stars, Mike Mullin, post-apocalyptic
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 07.30.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Music Monday -- 1998

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.

Year: 1998

Book: Readings on Shakespeare's The Histories

Music Selections: 

  1.  The Offspring "Americana" -- I loved The Offpsring, all the old stuff.  The new stuff just doesn't have the same fun.  I think this was their last record that liked.  And I saw them in concert either 2000 or 2001.  Great times.
  2. Goo Goo Dolls "Iris" -- One of my all time favorite songs.  I've recently caught this song on Lithium multiple times.  Can't help but stop and sing along.
  3. Matchbox Twenty "3 am" -- Another high school favorite of mine.  I hear they have a new song.  Haven't heard it yet, but I'm sure it won't compete with 3 am.
  4. Savage Garden "Truly Madly Deeply" -- A gooey love song.
  5. Barenaked Ladies "One Week" -- I still can't sing the entire song, but I love it anyway.  Plus, it was on the soundtrack for 10 Things I Hate About You, which is one of my favorite high school era movies.
tags: Barenaked Ladies, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, My Years, Savage Garden, The Offspring
categories: Music
Monday 07.30.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Importance of Being Earnest Readalong

Very excited about this one from Unputdownables.  Check it out and join us.

Some Facts About the Read-a-Long:

  • You do not have to be a book blogger to join.
  • We will be reading the book in August (first three weeks), with the first discussion happening on Friday, August 3rd / the book is 54 pages (paperback, Dover Thrift edition) so that’s roughly 3 pages a day.
  • Don’t be intimidated. We will be going at a slow pace and discussing the book throughout our reading. The discussions are quite fun, and make the reading process very enjoyable!

What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?  

Oscar Wilde’s madcap farce about mistaken identities, secret engagements, and lovers entanglements still delights readers more than a century after its 1895 publication and premiere performance. The rapid-fire wit and eccentric characters of The Importance of Being Earnest have made it a mainstay of the high school curriculum for decades.(via goodreads.com)

Interesting tidbits about the author, Oscar Wilde:

Born on October 16, 1854 in Dublin, Irish writer Oscar Wilde is best known for the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the play The Importance of Being Earnest, as well as for his infamous arrest and imprisonment for being gay.

For more information and several videos, visit Oscar Wilde’s page on the Biography website.

Also – fun fact – his house in London has just been put up for sale! See the article inThe Telegraph.

Schedule:

Beginning Friday, August 3rd and ending Friday, August 17th.

READING SCHEDULE:

Week #/ What to Read:

Week One/ Act One Week Two/ Act Two Week Three/ Act Three

POSTING SCHEDULE:

Post #/ date post should be up on blog:

Start up Post/ Today! Week One/ August 3rd Week Two/ August 10th Week Three/ August 17th (Final Review)

** Please don’t forget to come to this blog each week to share your thoughts in the comments section of the weekly Read-a-Long discussion (see below for more information).**

tags: readalong
categories: Books
Monday 07.30.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 2
 

Day Zero Project Update: Week 41-44

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

3. Listen to 26 new bands (one for each letter of the alphabet) (20/26)

  • Alex Clare "Damm Your Eyes"
  • The Lumineers "Ho Hey"

5. Make a playlist of my favorite 101 songs -- in progress

8. Have a Pixar marathon -- ongoing

  • Wall-E -- A's pick
  • Brave -- I loved it!  A great new Pixar movie starring a girl!

9. See 101 new movies (50/101)

  • Rio -- Fairly decent kids movie
  • Brave -- Amazing!
  • The Amazing Spider-Man -- Great movie!
  • In Time -- so so
  • This Means War -- I could have done without the romance angle.  Would have been better as a buddy cop movie.
  • The Last Legion -- pretty boring retelling of the story of fall of Rome and Excalibur
  • One Night with the King -- a badly acted version of Esther's story from the Bible
  • 9 -- Great children's flick with an interesting message
  • Crazy, Stupid, Love -- Amazing movie with Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling.  A Must See!
  • Bright Star -- This story of John Keats has been on my list forever.  Grabbed it from the library.  Good, if a little moody.
  • Unknown -- Liam Neeson being Liam Neeson.  Better than I thought it would be, but not really great.
  • 30 Minutes or Less -- Not the best...
  • Mirror, Mirror -- Loved that Snow White wasn't a damsel in distress, but the rest was a bit jokey.
  • Casa de Mi Padre -- Amazing Will Ferrell movie!  Loved the little touches.
  • Rise of the Planet of the Apes -- Better than I thought it would be...

12. See all of IMDB’s Top 250 movies  (12/250)

  • Wall-E

24. Keep a journal for this project -- Ongoing

26. Keep a “Six Words to Describe the Day” journal for 6 months -- Finished!

27. Make a list of 101 inspirational quotes (45/101) -- added to the page

28. Blog 1001 times (488/1001) 76 posts this period

32. Finish 30 reading challenges (11/30)

  • Graphic Novel
  • Vampires
  • Support Your Local Library

33. Read my height in books (60/68in.) -- 5 inches this period

95. Participate in or create a scavenger hunt -- I made one for the boys

What I Plan to Do Next Week.

35. Join or create a book club -- Still waiting to find a good one.

72. Complete “50 Questions that Free Your Mind” (20/50) -- really slacking on these...

Overall Progress

17/101

tags: 101 in 1001
categories: Day Zero Project
Sunday 07.29.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Sunday Salon #21

The Sunday Salon.com Listening To: Lots and lots of Alt Nation on Sirius X and Mumford and Sons (can't wait until September for their new album!)

Book finished: Dog Blood; Them or Us

Reading: Mythology by Edith Hamilton; The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan; Ashfall by Mike Mullin

On the Nightstand: Ashfall; Shakespeare; Jane Austen

Making Lists: Meal plans...  I've completely gotten away from doing this and need to get back

Around the house: I've been on a weird cleaning kick lately.  I vacuumed, did ton of laundry, washed many dishes, reorganized some areas.  Crazy motivation!

On the Web: All of the Chik-Fil-A crap is just too much for me.  At this point, I am really having some mixed feelings.  While I don't agree with the company's thoughts, what do we expect from a fundamentalist Christian company.  I have decided that my personal philosophy must be to not patronize companies whose political stances I disagree with.  So I won't be eating at Chik-Fil-a, but I also won't be throwing insults around.

Watching: We're up to S5 of Doctor and the boys are begging to finish the series.  I also caught up with Parks and Recreation.  I'm ready for the fall season.  And we've been watching a ton of new to me movies and The Princess Bride.

Wondering: If we'll be having a boy or a girl?

From Nature: Do I need to say it?  Absolutely perfect...

Shopping Scores: Lots of clothes.  I found some great pre and post pregnancy pieces to get me through.  Plus, I did break down and buy actual maternity pants.  I'm sure I'll be getting another pair at some point.  I didn't take any pictures, but will probably share at a later date.

Project: The boys go back to Indiana on Wednesday.  We have a few days, but need to start organizing their room and luggage pile.

tags: Sunday Rambles
categories: Weekly Wrap-up
Sunday 07.29.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Big News!

It's official.  We found out on Friday that we're going to have a baby.  9 weeks along.  Due date: March 1st. So this explains my horrid health for the last few weeks.  I've had a near constant low level headache, all day nausea, and trouble sleeping.  At first, I just thought I was coming down with something.  But then, things started to come together and I started to think something else might be going on.  And it was... There's a baby growing in there and of course my body doesn't like it.  But we are excited!  A new little baby coming in a few months.

I imagine that there will be some update posts along the way.  And of course, come March there will be a ton of pics to share.

tags: pregnancy
categories: Life
Sunday 07.29.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Them or Us by David Moody

Title: Them or Us (Hater #3)

Author: David Moody

Publisher: Thomas Dunne 2011

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 368

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie

How I Got It: Library Loan

The war that has torn the human race apart is finally nearing its end. With most towns and cities now uninhabitable, and with the country in the grip of a savage nuclear winter, both Hater and Unchanged alike struggle to survive.

Hundreds of Hater fighters have settled on the East Coast in the abandoned remains of a relatively undamaged town under the command of Hinchcliffe---who’ll stop at nothing to eradicate the last few Unchanged and consolidate his position at the top of this new world order. This fledgling society is harsh and unforgiving---your place in the ranks is decided by how long and how hard you’re prepared to fight.

Danny McCoyne is the exception to the rule. His ability to hold the Hate and to use it to hunt out the remaining Unchanged has given him a unique position in Hinchcliffe’s army of fighters. As the enemy’s numbers reduce, so the pressure on McCoyne increases, until he finds himself at the very center of a pivotal confrontation, the outcome of which will have repercussions on the future of everyone who is left alive.

Great ending, but to be honest, I was pretty bored in the middle.  How many times can I say that this series just isn't as good as Autumn?  It just isn't.  I was so confused for most of the book.  Should I connect with Danny or with the scattered unchanged or with no one.  I was horrified with most of the actions of the people in the book.      It's definitely a scary possible future.  One I really don't want to live at all.

Hater trilogy

  • #1 Hater
  • #2 Dog Blood
  • #3 Them or Us
tags: 4 stars, David Moody, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 07.28.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Dog Blood by David Moody

Title: Dog Blood (Hater #2)

Author: David Moody

Publisher: Thomas Dunne 2010

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 336

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie

How I Got It: Library Loan

The Earth has been torn into two parts by an irreversible division. Whether due to nature, or the unknown depths of the mind itself, everyone is now either Human or Hater. Victim or killer. Governments have fallen, command structures have collapsed, and relationships have crumbled. Major cities have become refugee camps where human survivors cower together in fear. Amidst this indiscriminate carnage, Danny McCoyne is on a mission to find his daughter Ellis, convinced that her shared Hater condition means her allegiance is to people like him. Free of inhibitions, unrestricted by memories of peace, and driven by instinct, children are pure Haters, and may well define the future of the Hater race. But, as McCoyne makes his way into the heart of human territory, an incident on the battlefield sets in place an unexpected chain of events, forcing him to question everything he believes he knows about the new order that has arisen, and the dynamic of the Hate itself.

The second book in the Hater trilogy leaves us on a horrid cliffhanger.  To be honest, I started to lose interest about halfway through, but kept at it.  And thank good I did.  It really got moving with twists and turns and huge actions.  Moody definitely knows how to write horror.  I was terrified throughout most of the book.  But I must say that I still don't like this series as much as the Autumn series.  This is more disjointed.  I found myself connecting with the Haters, but then I had to take a step back and reevaluate.  Should I empathize with the Haters or the Unchanged?  I felt conflicted through most of the book.  I still don't know.  And maybe that's the genius of this series.  I grabbed Them or Us from the library so I can finish this series.

Hater trilogy 

  • #1 Hater
  • #2 Dog Blood
  • #3 Them or Us
tags: 4 stars, David Moody, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.26.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Quote Wednesday -- Love Edition

Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. -- HL Menchen  

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. -- Ingrid Bergman

 

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses. -- Voltaire

 

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. -- Mother Teresa

 

Treasure the love you receive above all.  It will survive long after you gold and good health have vanished. -- Og Mandino

Sometimes I'm in a mushy, lovey-dovey mood.  So I thought some great love quotes would be perfect for today.

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 07.25.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

High Summer Readathon -- Finish Line

Comments: I failed the last three days of the readathon.  I just didn't get around to reading at all.  We had way too many family activities taking up my time.

Time Read Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time Read: 9 hours 58 minutes

Pages Read Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 98 of Dog Blood

Total Pages Read: 1136

Total Books Read: 3

Goals:

  • Read at least 5 books -- failed
  • Review all books read √
  • Read at least 15 hours this week -- failed

TBR Pile (in the order I want to tackle):

  • Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (finished before readathon started)
  • Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
  • Hater by David Moody
  • Dog Blood by David Moody -- In progress
  • Jemima J by Jane Green -- DNF
  • Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
  • A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
  • The Wizard of Oz by Baum
  • Mythology by Edith Hamilton
  • The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan -- in progress
tags: High Summer Readathon
categories: Readathon
Monday 07.23.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- New Music V

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am finding some new music.  Specifically I want to find a great new-to-me band for each letter of the alphabet.  Today, I have a few songs to share.

Music Selections: 

Alex Clare "Damn Your Eyes" (Etta James cover) -- I ran across one of his songs on another blog (can't remember which) and now I'm captivated by his voice.

The Lumineers "Ho Hey"

Complete A to Z list (so far):

  • A – Awolnation “Not Your Fault”
  • B – Birdy “Just a Game”
  • C – Cake “Mustache Man (Wasted)”
  • D -- Alex Clare "Damn Your Eyes"
  • E – Ellie Goulding “Lights”
  • F – Fun “We are Young”
  • G – Gotye “Somebody That I Used to Know”
  • H – Edward Sharpe “Home”
  • I – Imagine Dragons “It’s Time”
  • J -
  • K – Kindness “House”
  • L - The Lumineers "Ho Hey"
  • M -
  • N – Neon Trees “Everybody Talks”
  • O – Of Mosnter and Men “Little Talks”
  • P – Punch Brothers “Dark Days”
  • Q -
  • R – Radical Face “Welcome Home”
  • S – St. Vincent “Cheerleader”
  • T – GROUPLOVE “Tongue Tied”
  • U -
  • V -
  • W – Walk the Moon “Anna Sun”
  • X -
  • Y -  Young the Giant “Cough Syrup”
  • Z – Zulu Winter “We Should Be Swimming”
tags: 101 in 1001, Alex Clare, The Lumineers
categories: Day Zero Project, Music
Monday 07.23.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Sunday Salon #20

The Sunday Salon.com

Book finished: Spirit Bound, Last Sacrifice, Hater

Reading: Dog Blood by David Moody; Mythology by Edith Hamilton; The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

On the Nightstand: Wizard of Oz; A Kiss in Time; The Reader

Around the house: I got into a weird cleaning kick yesterday.  Cleaned two of the three bathrooms, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed the master bedroom.  I don't know what got into me, but it was nice.

Farmer's Market Finds: I made it this week for my lovely nectarines and some breakfast for J and I.

Crafting: A great little card making class this week.

Watching: The boys and I have made it through four seasons of Doctor Who.  We are currently watching the specials before Matt Smith takes over.  I imagine that we'll get up to date before they leave.  And I've been watching Parks and Rec.  Love it!  Leslie Knope is like me in so many ways.  Hee hee.  I'm currently into season four and I can't wait to see how the city council race ends.

Wondering: If my headache will go away anytime soon?  Ugh!

Project: Trying to finish the house and get things ready for the boys' departure.

tags: Sunday Rambles
categories: Weekly Wrap-up
Sunday 07.22.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Sunnyvale Summer Week 6

The boys are here! Now on to the fun.  I thought it would be a easier to do a week in review for all of our summer adventures.

Sunday:

  • Chill day at the house

Monday:

  • Pool day
  • Doctor Who marathon -- Series 3 with Martha Jones.  Not my favorite, but it does include some great episodes, especially Blink (scariest episode ever)

Tuesday:

  • Library visit
  • Sunnyvale Golfland -- We played another round in the Knight's Quest course and some arcade games.  By the time we were done, the boys had earned 2100 tickets to redeem.  And here's their haul.

Wednesday:

  • Exploratorium in San Francisco -- This time we traveled by car up to the peninsula.  The Exploratorium is a huge hands-on science museum.  The boys really enjoyed their time there.  I especially loved the life sciences sections.
  • Palace of Fine Arts -- Right outside of the Exploratorium is the old remnants of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.  They are just gorgeous and make for great photo ops.
  • Golden Gate Bridge visit -- The boys and I drove over the bridge to get the view from the other side. It was worth the $6 to get back to the city to see the view.
  • Dinner at the Sunnyvale Music and Food Wednesday -- Murphy Street hosts a great collection of band, vendors, and food trucks.  I ordered some amazing fish tacos from the Oaxacan Food Truck.  The boys got some curry chicken nuggets (A loved, N not so much) and yummy yummy sauce.

Thursday:

  • Chill day at home

Friday:

  • Great America -- We finally hit some of the attractions that we hadn't before.  And I got to ride The Grizzley (wooden style coaster).  Plus we took in a show.  It was a good day.

Saturday:

  • Chill day at home with Doctor Who marathon.

Starting goals:

  • Getting a library card (for the boys) and weekly trips √
  • Sky High  √
  • Great America √
  • Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco √
  • Alcatraz
  • Scavenger hunt/photo scavenger hunt √
  • San Jose Giants baseball game
  • Beach trip √
  • Exploratorium in San Francisco √
  • Summer camps  √
  • Most likely daily pool visits √
  • Get together with an old friend and her kids
  • Possible bike rides
tags: boys, vacation
categories: Life
Saturday 07.21.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Hater by David Moody

Title: Hater (Hater #1)

Author: David Moody

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2006

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 281

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombie

How I Got It: Library Loan

REMAIN CALM DO NOT PANIC TAKE SHELTER WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS THE SITUATION IS UNDER CONTROL Society is rocked by a sudden increase in the number of violent assaults on individuals. Christened 'Haters' by the media, the attackers strike without warning, killing all who cross their path. The assaults are brutal, remorseless and extreme: within seconds, normally rational, self-controlled people become frenzied, vicious killers. There are no apparent links as a hundred random attacks become a thousand, then hundreds of thousands. Everyone, irrespective of gender, age, race or any other difference, has the potential to become a victim - or a Hater. People are afraid to go to work, afraid to leave their homes and, increasingly, afraid that at any moment their friends, even their closest family, could turn on them with ultra violent intent.  Waking up each morning, no matter how well defended, everyone must now consider the fact that by the end of the day, they might be dead.  Or perhaps worse, become a killer themselves.  As the status quo shifts, ATTACK FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER becomes the order of the day...  only, the answers might be much different than what you expect....

I previously read Moody's Autumn  series and adored it.  I had wanted to check out the Hater trilogy for awhile.  Thankfully, I grabbed the first two books up from the library.  While this one doesn't live up to Autumn, I did enjoy this unconventional zombie novel.  I was unsure of where this was going at first, but I definitely loved the turn of events.  I loved the interspersed vignettes of other "Haters."  It added to the story beyond Danny's own journey.  And what a cliffhanger...  My goodness I am on the edge of my seat wanting to know.  Thank goodness I have the second book, Dog Blood.

Hater trilogy

  • #1 Hater
  • #2 Dog Blood
  • #3 Them or Us
tags: 4 stars, David Moody, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.20.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

High Summer Readathon -- Day 4 Update

Time Read Today: 3 minutes  16 minutes

Total Time Read: 8 hours 48 minutes

Pages Read Today: 48 of Jemima J (DNF), 281 of Hater, 39 of Son of Neptune

Total Pages Read: 1038

Total Books Read: 2.4

Comment: I just couldn't get into Jemima J at all.  After 48 pages, I decided to move on to something else.  I did read another few chapters of Son of Neptune to the boys before bed.  It's really getting good.  And I read the entirety of Hater this afternoon.  Can't wait to read the second book.

TBR Pile:

  • Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
  • Hater by David Moody
  • Dog Blood by David Moody
  • Jemima J by Jane Green -- DNF
  • Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
  • A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
  • The Wizard of Oz by Baum
  • Mythology by Edith Hamilton
  • Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan -- in progress
tags: High Summer Readathon
categories: Readathon
Friday 07.20.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Title: Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2011

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 608

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires

How I Got It: Library Loan

Last Sacrifice is the sixth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. It is the last book in the original storyline, but Mead will continue writing more Vampire Academy books in a spinoff series. Lead character and dhampir, Rosemarie Hathaway, is locked in Moroi jail after being framed in the cold-blooded murder of the Moroi Queen. The punishment for this crime is immediate execution. At the same time, she is faced with the challenge of somehow locating Princess Vasilisa Dragomir's lone remaining relative, her secretly existing illegitimate sibling. Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

The last volume in this series did not fail to keep me attached.  The previous five books left a ton of loose threads out there.  Thankfully we get some conclusions.  But not everything is wrapped up in a little bow.  And I must say I prefer this type of ending.  I can't stand the "happily-ever-after" bullshit endings.  This seems more real.  Beyond the ending, I do say that I really loved the characters in this book.  Lissa, not my favorite at all, became bearable in this volume.  Adrian and Christian are amazing as usual.  And while Rose become a bit annoying in the fifth book, she cleaned back up for this one.  Plus we got to see more of Eddie (under used character) and Janine and Abe and Mikhail.  I finished the series, but have no desire to leave the world.  That is a sign that I really did enjoy the series.  Thankfully, Mead has written a spin-off series.  I must check it out.

Vampire Academy

  • #1 Vampire Academy
  • #2 Frostbite
  • #3 Shadow Kiss
  • #4 Blood Promise
  • #5 Spirit Bound
  • #6 Last Sacrifice
tags: 5 stars, Richelle Mead, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.19.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Thanks on Thursday

I found this wonderful meme idea on Ruby Bastille.  I thought it would be a great way to share my life with my readers.  This week's thankfulness...

1) Books -- I am always amazed how a book can transport me from my stressful life into another fascinating (and sometimes scary) world.  I completely lost myself in books.  I love that feeling.  Although, I am always a little sad when a book ends.

2) Good health -- So far this California climate agrees with me.  Aside from a few allergy sniffles, I haven't been sick at all.

3) Summer with the boys -- Even though they can be downright crazy some days, I'm loving every day with the boys this summer.  We've had some great adventures and have a few more planned.

4) Donuts --  The donut place across the street fries their donuts in palm oil.  They are the best donuts I've ever had.  And they're huge.  And they're very reasonably priced.  Yummy!

5) Great America's The Magic Hat magicians -- On our first trip to GA, N and I had the chance to be the finale for the magic show.  I think N really loved being in the spotlight and "disappearing" his mom.  We're really loving that amusement park.

tags: Thankful Thursday
categories: Life
Thursday 07.19.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

High Summer Readathon -- Day 3 Update

Time Read Today: 39 minutes

Total Time Read: 5 hours 32 minutes

Pages Read Today: 22 of Son of Neptune  and 57 of Last Sacrifice

Total Pages Read: 670

Total Books Read: 1.3

Comments: Epic fail today.  We traveled up to San Francisco (by car, so no travel reading) to go to the Exploratorium.  We had a great day.  However, it left no time to actually read.

TBR Pile:

  • Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
  • Hater by David Moody
  • Dog Blood by David Moody
  • Jemima J by Jane Green
  • Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
  • A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
  • The Wizard of Oz by Baum
  • Mythology by Edith Hamilton
  • Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan -- in progress
tags: High Summer Readathon
categories: Readathon
Thursday 07.19.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Quote Wednesday -- FDR and MLK

The nation that destroys its soul destroys itself. -- Franklin Delano Roosevelt We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.  Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -- Martin Luther King Jr.

Been thinking a lot lately about civil rights.   They've been in the news a lot.  Bottom line: everyone has a right to live as long as it doesn't hurt others.  And the big issues right now don't actually hurt anyone.  We need to look at domestic policy as a protection of civil rights, not as a way of ensuring our personal agendas or ways of life.

 

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 07.18.12
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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