Dewey Update #5 (Final Update)

This is it.  I am beat.  I really didn't plan all that well and am ready to be done reading.  I've developed a headache in the last two hours which hasn't helped.  I haven't felt awesome all day.  I wonder if I'm coming down with something.  Anyway, I've decided to throw in the towel.  I've been up for many hours, reading for 8.  I finished three books.  Three books that took 5 spots in my reading challenges.  I participated in 3 mini challenges.  I think I have a respectable showing for my first 24-Hour Readathon.  I want to do this again in April.  But before then I seriously need to think about my game plan a bit more.  See you then!

Number of books I’ve read: .5
Total number of books I’ve read: 3

Pages Read: 292
Total Pages Read: 1115

Time Read:  2 hours 13 minutes
Total Time Read: 8 hours 2 minutes

My goals:

• Read 3 books √
• Read at least one Net Galley book (didn't get around to it this time)
• Review all books read √
• Participate in mini challenges (3 done) √

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope’s Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

Dewey Update #4

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now? In the middle of Night World Vol. 1; really liking it so far

2. How many books have you read so far? 2.5

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- that's if I don't crash before then.  I'm really not doing so well today.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Nope.  No work or commitments today

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Yeah... overslept, eating out for breakfast/lunch, sanity break for my eyes.  I think I'm really doing okay for my first time.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? Just how great the cheerleaders have been.  Thanks for all the support!

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?  got nothing

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Plan my day and breaks a bit better

9. Are you getting tired yet? Oh yes

Number of books I’ve read: .5
Total number of books I’ve read: 2.5

Pages Read: 192
Total Pages Read: 823

Time Read:  1 hours 23 minutes
Total Time Read: 5 hours 49 minutes

My goals:

• Read 3 books (2 done)
• Read at least one Net Galley book
• Review all books read (2 done)
• Participate in mini challenges (3 done)

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope’s Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith (in progress)
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

The Boys: The Self Preservation Society

Title: The Boys Vol 6: The Self Preservation Society

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 200

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: None

How I Got It: J owns it

It had to happen sooner or later: the supes get mad enough to go after the Boys. One of the world's most powerful superteams decides to hit our heroes, all guns blazing, and the Female is the first to fall into their lethal trap. The sixth Dynamite collection of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's The Boys is here, complete with a cover gallery.

Wow!  We get an altercation with Payback, plus some of their origin story.  A shakeup with VA and the Seven.  And origin stories for MM, Frenchie, and the Female.  What a volume!  I've really come to care about The Boys and what happens to them.  I want to see MM avenged, Frenchie loved, and The Female become human.  I want Wee Hughie to be happy, whether with Starlight or not.  And I want to see Butcher made whole again. We don't know his story yet, but I'm sure it's a good one.  I'll just have to wait for the next installment.

The Boys:

1. The Name of the Game
2. Get Some
3. Good for the Soul
4. We Gotta Go Now
5. Herogasm
6. The Self-Preservation Society
7. The Innocents
8. Highland Laddie
9. The Big Ride
10. Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker
11. Over the Hill with the Sword of a Thousand Men
12. The Bloody Doors Off

Dewey Update #3

Number of books I’ve read: 1.3
Total number of books I’ve read: 2.3

Pages Read: 442
Total Pages Read: 631

Time Read:  2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time Read: 4 hours 26 minutes

My goals:

• Read 3 books (2 done)
• Read at least one Net Galley book
• Review all books read (2 done)
• Participate in mini challenges (2 done)

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope’s Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith (in progress)
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Title: Brave New World

Author: Aldous Huxley

Publisher: HarperCollins 1932

Genre: Classics

Pages: 268

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Science Fiction; 2011 - Back in the Day: A to Z Author X

"Community, Identity, Stability" is the motto of Aldous Huxley's utopian World State. Here everyone consumes daily grams of soma, to fight depression, babies are born in laboratories, and the most popular form of entertainment is a "Feelie," a movie that stimulates the senses of sight, hearing, and touch. Though there is no violence and everyone is provided for, Bernard Marx feels something is missing and senses his relationship with a young women has the potential to be much more than the confines of their existence allow. Huxley foreshadowed many of the practices and gadgets we take for granted today--let's hope the sterility and absence of individuality he predicted aren't yet to come.

This is one of those books that I try to read every couple of years.  I first encountered Huxley's dystopian tale in high school.  It spoke to me.   I found danger in the words.  A danger that we can avoid if we pay attention. I think this book cemented my love of the social sciences.  I wanted to learn more about psychology and sociology and government and philosophy and art and history.

While reading, I still find myself stopping and contemplating passages.  I read paragraphs.  I digest the thoughts and insights into the human experience.  Huxley's book speaks to as a philosophy tract albeit more engaging.  I love the story of revelation and loss.  I love the characters for their stereotypes and flaws.  My favorite has to be Mustapha Mond who sacrificed his curiosity and education for safety within the civilized world.  I cry over John the Savage's discovery of and then loss of the world.  I rail against Bernard's waffling.  All in all, Huxley has produced the best characters to illustrate his vision of a possible future.

Dewey Update #2

Second update.  Only a few hours in for me (7 for the readathon), but I've made good progress.  I finished my first book and reviewed it with updates to my reading challenges page.  I've also participated in two mini challenges.  Here's my second one from Lisas's World of Books:

Top 5  What are the 5 books you are looking forward to in the next few months or really into next year?

1. Reread of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- Can't wait to laugh again the reidiculousness.
2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs -- Just won the book from a previous contest.  I've been wanting to read it since it came out!
3. Timeless by Gail Carriger -- I started the Parasol Protectorate series last month and own the rest.  I can't wait for Timeless to be released so I can grab that one too.
4. Hand of Isis by Jo Graham -- I loved the Black Ships and can't wait to read the second book set in that world.
5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman -- J has been bugging me to read this one for awhile. It's sitting here waiting to be picked up.

Number of books I’ve read: 1
Total number of books I’ve read: 1

Pages Read: 161
Total Pages Read: 189

Time Read:  1 hour 33 minutes
Total Time Read: 1 hour 54 minutes

My goals:

• Read 3 books (1 done)
• Read at least one Net Galley book
• Review all books read (1 done)
• Participate in mini challenges (2 done)

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope's Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

Dewey Update #1

Late start to the readathon.  I overslept!!!  Oh well, got started a bit ago.  This is my first check-in.

1) Where are you reading from today? Trying to first finish Brave New World that I started two days ago.  It's a reread, but I haven't revisisted it in awhile.

2) Three random facts about me… I love pickles, have a fear of clowns (and really anything human like but not human), and hate my first name (hence the moniker TFrances).

3) How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? Too many... 13.  I know I won't get to all, but it's nice to have options.

4) Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? Just to read as much as I can.  Hopefully J keeps himself occupied.

Number of books I’ve read: 0
Total number of books I’ve read: 0

Pages Read: 28
Total Pages Read: 28

Time Read:  21  minutes
Total Time Read: 21 minutes

My goals:

• Read 3 books
• Read at least one Net Galley book
• Review all books read
• Participate in mini challenge

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope's Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon 2011

What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October.

It was created by the beloved Dewey (her blog has since been taken down, so the link won’t work). The first one was held in October 2007. Dewey died in late 2008. We’re still saddened by her absence, but the show must go on. The read-a-thon was renamed to honor its founder in 2009.

I'm very excited to enter my first 24-hour readathon.  I have a pile of books, food in the house, my laptop with power cord, a blanket, and music.  I think I'm ready to jump in.

My goals:

• Read 3 books
• Read at least one Net Galley book
• Review all books read
• Participate in mini challenge

My TBR pile:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Boys: Vol. 6
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Penelope's Daughter by Lauren Corona
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith
• Night World Vol. 3 by L.J. Smith
• Changeless by Gail Carriger
• Blameless by Gail Carriger
• Heartless by Gail Carriger
• Jack of Fables: Turning Pages
• Jack of Fables: The Bad Prince

The Affinity Bridge by George Mann

Title: The Affinity Bridge (A Newbury and Hobbes Investigation)

Author: George Mann

Publisher: A Tor Book 2009

Genre: Steampunk

Pages: 333

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Steampunk

How I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Welcome to the bizarre and dangerous world of Victorian London, a city teetering on the edge of revolution. Its people are ushering in a new era of technology, dazzled each day by unfamiliar inventions. Airships soar in the skies over the city, while ground trains rumble through the streets and clockwork automatons are programmed to carry out menial tasks in the offices of lawyers, policemen, and journalists.

But beneath this shiny veneer of progress lurks a sinister side.

Queen Victoria is kept alive by a primitive life-support system, while her agents, Sir Maurice Newbury and his delectable assistant Miss Veronica Hobbes, do battle with enemies of the crown, physical and supernatural. This time Newbury and Hobbes are called to investigate the wreckage of a crashed airship and its missing automaton pilot, while attempting to solve a string of strangulations attributed to a mysterious glowing policeman, and dealing with a zombie plague that is ravaging the slums of the capital.

I loved loved loved this book!  It had everything I want in an adventure novel: great characters, witty dialogue, fast-paced action, a bit of romance, mysteries, and zombies.  Okay, confession time...  I will read almost anything with zombies.  But I have found a few that I didn't like.  This falls into the majority.  I loved the mystery surrounding the murders and the downed airship.  The zombies were a welcome addition to the mystery.

Newbury and Hobbes are an entertaining detective duo.  I loved that they didn't make Hobbes a wimpy wallflower, but gave her some strength.  She's still a lady of the time period, but she's a progressive lady.  And Newbury is the right amount of gentleman and kick ass hero.  The villains are villainous.  The danger is real.  It was a roller coaster adventure.  I can't wait to read more from Mann.

Newbury and Hobbes Investigations

• #1 The Affinity Bridge
• #2 The Osiris Ritual
• #3 The Immorality Engine
• #4 The Executioner's Heart
• #5 Case Book of Newbury and Hobbes

Top Ten Tuesday - Irresistible Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

Author note: Computer was acting up so no pretty pictures...

This week's topic is Irrestible Covers and Titles, but I have a confession to make.  I am a sucker for a pretty covers.  They matter much more to me than the titles.  I know that's a bit shallow for a dedicated reader.  But they're so pretty!  Therefore, I am making this list Irresitible Covers...

1. Twilight Saga -- I know that I've seen this style over and over lately, but I really loved the Twilight saga covers when they were released.  They're simplistic, yet engaging.  They have meaning, but aren't overwhleming.  I love the look of these.

2. The Hunger Games trilogy -- Confession time, I haven't actually read these.  But I just love the covers.  I can't wait to get the second and third book so I can read before the movie releases.

3. Autumn by David Moody -- So creepy!  I love the distorted face.  It really scares the crap out of me.  I don't even have to know that the story's about zombies.  I'm scared already.

4. Fables series -- Each volume's cover is so intricate yet beautiul.  I find them fascinating.  I want copies of these to hang in my house.  Yes, I am that geeky and proud of it!

5. Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger --  I'm so in love with steampunk right now.  I especially am drawn to steampunk clothes.  These covers have beautiful clothes amongst interesting black and white city scapes.  I love the look: modern and yet old.

6. All of Jill Mansell -- I love these redone covers.  They are definitely chick lit, but no half naked men or women.  They're tasteful yet whimsical.  I especially love Staying at Daisy's with Clarissa the dog featured. 

7. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris -- Makes me giggle every time I see it.  Plus, the stories are just wonderfully delightful. 

8. Zombies vs. Unicorns -- Usually anthology covers are pretty blah with tons of names and writing.  I love the simplicity of this cover.  And I'm obsessed with zombies!

9. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan -- I've read that lots of people don't like this cover, but I love it.  I usually shy away from covers with people. I like to create an image of the character in mind.  But somehow this was exactly how I pictured Mary.  Love it!

10. The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff -- Very simplistic yet stylistic.  It's not overwhelming, but there's enough going on to catch my eye.  And this book is one of my favorites this year.

Music Monday - The Black Keys "Howlin' for You"

It's a rainy cold day here in Omaha.  So I've been listening to some bluesy music, especially The Black Keys.  Enjoy!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I must admit I can't explain All these thoughts racing Through my brain

It's true Baby I'm howlin' for you

There's something wrong With this plot The actors here Have not got

A clue Baby I'm howlin' for you

Mockingbird Can't you seeThe little girl'sGot a hold on me

Like glue Baby I'm howlin' for you

Throw the ball To the stick Swing and miss In the catcher's mitt

Strike two Baby I'm howlin' for you

Day Zero Project: Week 4 Update

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

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times —  11 posts for the last week (57/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height:  1.5 in   (11/68 in.)

31. Finish 30 reading challenges -- Graphic Novel Challenge finished (2/30)

72. Complete “50 Questions that Free Your Mind” -- You can read my answers to questions #1-5 here.  (5/50)

100. Scrapbook 100 pages -- Catching up on my backlog.  I'm finally up to Jan. 2011.  (15/100)

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same.  Plus I want to start on my homemade Christmas cards and inspiration quotes.

Monthly Goal

None.  A breather month to adjust to the plan and my new work schedule.

Overall Progress

3 / 101

The Walking Dead: Book 3

Title: The Walking Dead: Book Three

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: borrowed from library

This hardcover features another 12 issues of the hit series along with the cover art - all in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers and anyone interested in reading a zombie movie on paper that never ends.

Another winner.  I just love this series.  It hasn't topped Fables, but it's a close second as my favorite graphic novel series.  Every page is horrifying, even if you don't see any zombies.  The ever-present danger and unease comes through.  As much as I love zombies, I don't want to live in world of The Walking Dead.  I will pass, thank you very much.  We finally get to meet The Governor.  I've heard bits and pieces from other readers and fans of the television series (speaking of it start's this weekend!).  He is just as interesting and dangerous as I heard.  I love the ending (or is it?) for his character.  Plus we get see more of Glenn, Michonne, and Rick.  And we get to meet some new survivors.  I loved Dr. Stevens.  The zombie attacks were horrifying.  The quiet moments were filled with unease.  The confrontations were high tension.  All the aspects of the series that I have grown to love.  Can't wait for the next book.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Title: Heat Wave (Nikki Heat #1)

Author: Richard Castle

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 216

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Page to Screen (Or should I say Screen to Page)

How I Got It: Borrowed from the library

A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.

Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly best-selling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. PulitzerPrize-winning Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat.

I'll admit it...  I was really hesitatnt to read this one.  I absolutely adore Castle, but in the past I have found television and movie tie-in books to be very badly written.  So only after hearing great things about this one, I picked up the book.  And I'm so glad I did.  This was just delightful.  A suspense filled detective story with the charm and with of Castle.

All the characters are there, albeit with some name changes.   I especially loved the Detectives Raley and Ochoa, affectionately referred to as Roach.  They were the comic relief in the book.  So much fun to see Ryan and Esposito redone.  Loved it!  Lauren Parry, the ME, has a passing resemblence to Laney, but she has a very small part.  I would love to see more of her in the next book.  Captain Montrose is the fatherly figure guiding the department.  Sounds like Captain Montgomery.  And finally we come to the two main characters: Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook.  Nikki has a resemblance to Kate Beckett in her strength and determination.  The difference is we get to hear her inner monologue through the book.  This really adds to the character.  We get to hear about her insecurities.  Kate Beckett shows it on the television show, but in a more restrained way.  And Jameson (Jamie) Rook... What can I say?  It's Nathan Fillion.  Oops!  I meant Richard Castle.  I love the play on names: Castle/Rook.  He's the sauve journalist trying to get the inside scoop on detective work and Nikki Heat.  Their will they/won't they romance wasn't long and drawn out, but just the right amount of wait.  They didn't jump into bed together in the frist 25 pages.  I appreciated seeing their relationship development.  Eventually they get together.  I wonder what this says about the future of Beckett and Castle?

As to the storyline, I liked it.  It was a bit predictable, but kept me entertained.  I appreciated the logical red herrings and revelations.  It didn't read like a fantasy story where characters know things they shouldn't.  It read like a real detective story.  We get bits and pieces of the puzzle and have to put it together with the detectives.  I definitely stayed with the story the entire way.  I can't wait to read the sequels: Heat Rising and Naked Heat.

P.S. The acknowledgements at the back are priceless!

Nikki Heat

• #1 Heat Wave
• #2 Naked Heat
• #3 Heat Rises
• #4 Frozen Heat
• #5 Deadly Heat
• #6 Raging Heat
• #7 Driving Heat

Graphic Novel Reading Challenge -- Finished!

 So the rules are basically still the same:

1. The challenge starts January 1, 2011 and ends December 31, 2011. You can start anytime you want to especially if you want to start early.
2. The level of participation: Beginner (3 comics or graphic novels),Intermediate (3-10 books), or Expert (10+)
3. Overlaps with other challenges is definitely okay
4. Re-reads count
5. Feel free to post your list at any time

I went for the Expert level (10+ books).  I am at 10 books right now, and plan to read at least a few more in the next month.  I am declaring this challenge completed!  I look forward to this challenge again next year.

 

Here's my final list:

 

1. The Walking Dead: Book One (8/24/11)

2. Greek Street: Blood Calls for Blood (8/24/11)

3. Greek Street: Cassandra Complex (8/29/11)

4. Hatter M Vol. 1

5. Hatter M Vol. 2

6. Hatter M Vol. 3

7. The Walking Dead: Book Two (9/25/11)

8. The Boys: The Name of the Game (10/5/11)

9. The Boys: Get Some (10/6/11)

10. The Boys: Good for the Soul (10/9/11)

11. The Boys: We Gotta Go Now (10/9/11)

12. The Boys: Herogasm (10/11/11)

13. The Walking Dead: Book Three (10/13/11)

 

 

 

The Boys: Herogasm

Title: The Boys Vol 5: Herogasm

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2009

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

Garth Ennis, John McCrea, and Darick Robertson bring another tale from The Boys! An evil so profound it threatens all mankind! The mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all! A secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable! But have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico, and every other supe on Earth team-up for an annual event like no other...and where the supes go, can a certain "five complications and a dog" be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm!

Interesting volume.  I could have done without all the "activities."  I did like the reveal of what's been going on in the White House.  It leads to some intriguing conclusions and speculations about just what the war is about.  I can't wait to find out what happens next...

The Boys:

1. The Name of the Game
2. Get Some
3. Good for the Soul
4. We Gotta Go Now
5. Herogasm
6. The Self-Preservation Society
7. The Innocents
8. Highland Laddie
9. The Big Ride
10. Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker
11. Over the Hill with the Sword of a Thousand Men
12. The Bloody Doors Off

In Which I Share Some Personal Thoughts...

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am answering "50 Questions to Free Your Mind" (Google it).   I had originally thought to do these in my personal journal, but then I thought, why not put them on my blog.  So get ready for some rambling answers.  Don't say I didn't warn you...

1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

18.  (I'm 29 really.)  In many ways I still feel like a kid (maybe that's a good thing).  I don't feel overly worked or tired.  But I also don't feel like I'm a grown-up with a grown-up life.  I'm still figuring out what i want to be when I grow up.  I was a teacher and loved it, but don't know if that's my career path.  I still want to have more kids and possibly get married.  I don't get the settled feeling that I associate with being older.  Maybe this is what being an adult feels like, but I just feel really young. 

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

The teacher in me is screaming "never trying." And overall, that would be my answer.  But here's the thing... I'm always scared to try.  I am a really shy person.  I have a hard time putting myself out there.  So sometimes I make excuses to myself to not try.  And I know I will end up regretting things unless I get out there.  That first step is really hard.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don't like and like so many things we don't do?

Often we have a very warped sense of priorities.  We let certain things rule our life.  I've met people so focused on their job (even though they hate it) that they miss time to relax or spend with family and friends.  I've met others who get so caught up in cleaning or having their house just perfect that they work themselves to the bone.  And it's not completely their fault.  We've been taught that perfect households and a high paying job are what we strive for.  That's just not true.  We all need to stop and take a look a how we spend our time.  What are our priorities?  Are we missing out on things?  I admit that I really need to stop sometimes and prioritize my own life. 

4. When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?

Probably.  Again it's hard for me to take that first step so sometimes I talk a lot but don't act.  Currently I am really trying to reexamine my wants and needs. 

5. What is the one thing you'd most like to change about the world?

Our ability to listen.  Many of the world problems come from misunderstandings or lack of truly listening.  We need to get better at listening to other people when they talk and share instead of just thinking about what we're going to say next.  My prime example of this is American politics.  All I see and hear and read is people (I don't care what side you're on anymore) yelling at the "other side."  We don't listen and try to respond.  We don't listen and understand.  We don't listen and care.  We yell.  And yell louder if it seems like the other side isn't hearing.  Peace starts with listening...

Top Ten Tuesday - Books with Magical First Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

I have those books that I love so much, I wish I could read them again for the first time.  There's some so magical about the first dive into a book.  You don't know what's coming next.  You wait on the edge of your seat for the story.  Will it end happy or sad?  Will the characters change or stay the course?  Will there be any unexpected twists?

1. Entire Harry Potter series -- How can you not get sucked into the magical world?  I loved every minute of these stories.  Often I read the book in one sitting, ignoring my need for food and sleep.  That is the definition of a magical read!

2. Jane Austen novels -- I love her world and characters.  The first time I finally read one (probably not until high school/beginning of college), I was amazed that I hadn't grabbed one of these before.  I was hooked.  I love J.A.  I reread her books all the time.  I watch all of the film/tv adaptations.  I even read and/or watch Austen related stories.

3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- This book set my on the path to a Women's Studies degree in college.  I don't think I would have ever picked this book up on my own.  I'm thankful it was set in my path by a great HS English teacher.  It opened my eyes to Feminist Theory!

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury -- I didn't read this one until college (I know crazy!).  But this is one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't let go.  The story is so compelling and scary.  I don't ever want to live in that world!

5. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card -- J's recommendation.  He was amazed that I had never read it, but to be honest, I am not a huge fan of science fiction.  At least I wasn't.  I am still figuring out the types of scifi that I love.  I think I'm leaning more towards the soft scifi/fantasy books.  Ender's Game blew me away with the world, the characters, and the storyline.  I plan on passing this on to my boys this next summer.  I know N would love it!

6. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -- I am such a fan of this book now.  I wish that I remembered the first time I read it.  I am sure that I loved it to bits.

For the Love of Jane of Austen - Reflections

The wonderful people over at Historical Tapestry are hosting Jane Austen Week.  My goodness, that's right up my alley.  It's like they knew JA was my favorite author and thought it would be nice to share that fact with the blogging world.  Anyway, I love Austen.  As part of their week, they are hosting some interesting activities and questions.  I think I should participate also!  And I think I will be needing update my reading and watching list to include some Austen. 

Today's post:

Do you have a story to tell about how you were introduced to Jane Austen? A review of your favourite Austen, sequel or spin off? Have you already read and reviewed JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT?Anything else that is Austen related? We are looking forward to know how others enjoy Jane Austen's work and what she has inspired. If you want to participate in our week please use the Mr Linky to add a post from your blog or tell us your story in the comments field. Looking forward to chat about Austen with all of you!!

 My introduction to Jane Austen came late in life.  Well, not completely late in life, but definitely later for such a big reader.  I probably saw some Austen adaptations during high school, but thought the books were way too old-fashioned and boring.  (I know, how wrong I was.)  During later high school, I started reading exclusively American classics.  I went through a huge transcendentalist phase and a Emily Dickinson phase, but no Austen.  In college, I finally decided that I should read this book that everyone keeps raving about: Pride and Prejudice.  I read it and loved it.  I loved it so much that I had to run out and rent the BBC mini series.  It was beautiful.  Of course Colin Firth was just amazing.  But so was everyone else. 

After the success of P and P, I thought I should try some of the others.  I read Sense and Sensibility (pretty good!), Emma (not my favorite heroine, but good), Mansfield Park (little heavy, but interesting topics), Northanger Abbey (really fun read), and finally  Persuasion.  As soon as I finished it, Persuasion became my number one favorite Austen novel.  I love the idea of redeemed love.  Anne Elliott may be a bit withdrawn, but she has a level head.  Once she realizes her mistake, nothing will stop her from reconnecting with Captain Wentworth. 

Since my discovery, I have gone on to own at least one copy of all six novels.  I also have two movie versions of each novel.  I love Austen.  I give copies of the books to people as presents.  I have convinced J that Austen is a good writer.  He doesn't love her like I do, but that's okay.  He at least appreciates her place in the literary canon.  I have read a few Austenesque novels, but in general stick with the original.  I reread all the novels every couple of years.  (That's even one of my goals for my Day Zero Project).  I watch the movies when I need a bit of melancholy or romance or something pretty to look at. 

My novel ranking:

1. Persuasion
2. Northanger Abbey
3. Pride and Prejudice
4. Sense and Sensibility
5. Emma
6. Mansfield Park

Frightful Fall Readathon Finish Line

Time Read Today:  1 hours 42 minutes
Time Read Total: 14 hours 15 minutes

Pages Read Today: 276
Pages Read Total: 1877

Books Read Today: 1.5
Books Read Total: 9

Thoughts/Comments:  Finished The Boys Volumes 3 and 4.  Love them both.  I am powering through these volumes!

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books COMPLETED!
• Review all books read COMPLETED!
• Update once a day COMPLETED!
• Participate in the mini challenges/contests COMPLETED!

TBR List:

• Jack of Fables: Americana
• Fables: Wolves
• Heat Wave by Richard Castle
• Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy
• Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy
• The Affinity Bridge by George Mann
• Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith

Added reads:

• The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy
• The Elephant Mountains by Scott Ely
• The Boys: Vol. 1 The Name of the Game
• The Boys: Vol. 2 Get Some
• The Boys: Vol. 3 Good for the Soul
• The Boys: Vol. 4 We Gotta Go Now

I read over my goal (9 books!) and completed all reviews for books read.  I'm very proud of myself for staying on top of everything even while settling into a new job and a new routine.  I also participated in a few mini challenges (my favorite was the Scary Movie trivia, I just adore trivia).  Overall, I think I did a good job with this readathon.  Now I have a week off and then the Dewey 24-Hour Readathon and Bout of Books Readathon.  I think I'll take a bit of a reading break in preperation for those.