Winter 2012 - 2013 Reads

i did try to read non-trash.  i'll admit, it's hard after a long week or over vacation to focus on something that requires coherent thought.  i've become accustomed to the fast read, so things that take a bit longer are sometimes tiresome. Like The Thornbirds.  Wonderful book, but darn if i tend to lose interest after one of Meggie's adventures.  i'm on the third library renewal, and don't think i'll get it finished by then.  i'm hoping a break of B&B trash i discovered via our online library (hey! shout out to the Frisco Public Library for really growing their online resources in the last year or so -- nicely done.) will encourage me to pick it up again. 

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In reviewing these titles, it occurs to me that i did a terrible job uping my reading level. *sigh* Giving it another go in the Spring.  I have CS Lewis and Malcom Gladwell on the list.  Perhaps that will redeem me.

What is it about Fall that drew me to a few (but just a few) more intelligent reads?  Oh, yeah, had to stop the brain melt from so much trash last season.

i'm also proud to say that i checked out two bits of mind"less" reading from the library before the holiday began, sampled both, and declared them too dumb to even finish chapter one.  So i started Asimov's Foundation instead.  Slow start, picking up steam.  i'll be pleased to add that classic to my Winter list.  i'm trying to be interested in the stash i've been collecting for some time -- read it or pass it along or maybe both.

Definitely summer vacay reading -- vampires, werewolves and tattoos, oh my!  And only one book club meeting, so very little redeeming fiction.  But must say, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet was a great one.  Highly recommended.  And loved spending time with Jamie of the Jamie & Claire family.  Not my fave Diana Gabaldon, but it's like spending time with an old acquaintance.

So far for fall, working on two non-fiction books, which are slow, but hopeful, and a good old fashioned sci fi.  And still contemplating the 3rd in the Games of Thrones series... it's just so depressing.  Keep thinking something good's gonna happen, but nope.  So, it'll stay on the back burner for a while.  Progress on my 1001 books to read before i die:  0%.  They stare at me and i stare back.  i stack them on my bedside table, hoping to generate interest, but "boring" they say, "boring."

Oh, a blog.  Hmmmm... i'd almost forgotten.

And all i have for you is a list of the books i've conquered over the winter (and early spring 2012)... at least those that i can remember.  Feel like there's some fiction pieces i've forgotten... ummm hmmm, taking gingko biloba for that.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks & Bossypants were both book club picks.  Really enjoyed both -- very different, but glad i read them.  Always working on a "business" book.  Picking up Lencioni's new one next.

Cheers!

Library E update...

Fall reads (since it's so frickin' cold and we will be having our first freeze tonight, all books from here until spring are hereby dubbed winter reads):

Also, a very brief synopsis of our Thanksgiving holiday:

Lots of time to rest up, hang with Hubbie & the Girls, scrapbook, read, movies and lots of cooking to stick with my 5-day detox diet.  Cheers!

You know, you just can't be prepared too far in advance for something as important as....

So Tara ((double parentheses. be afraid. her shocking idea when we viewed the previews--that make a movie 210 minutes versus the 160 advertised minutes--before The Help--a very, very good film--who i just learned this evening (thanks to Tara's handy iPad) has a character in common with the Twilight series--you'll just have to google it)) suggested a Twilight movie night.  Yeowsers!  Of course we need one of those, and so handy that it's a three-day weekend next week!

As such, tonight we watched Twilight & Eclipse.  And the important question of the evening, as discussed over dinner between the shows, was:

Tara is currently Team Jacob and i'm still an Edward fan (not cuz of movie Edward, but because of book Edward--two very different characters).  Hubbie thinks they are equally whiney.  He was not watching this evening, but offered his two cents over dinner (which i cooked and it was fabulous--all parties agreed!)

Which are you?

i heart Christopher Walken and i heart Fatboy Slim, so of course, this video of Walken tap dancing to  Weapon of Choice is a winner in my books.

Speaking of books, here's the summer reading pic for Library E:

at least what i remember (i know, i'm working on that gingko biloba).

My fav was The Help.  And such a great movie too.  Jane, i heart you, but Mansfield Park wasn't my fav tale of yours.  i would've liked Fanny to have been a stronger character like the Dashwoods or Lizzy Bennett.  But she did stick with her convictions.  And JR Ward, well, she's just a fun trashy, vampire read.  This was the newest in her popular series and a good one for the summer trip (caution:  not a read for those preferring a light-hearted, romantic story).  Been meaning to read Interview with the Vampire for ages.  This is another not for the faint of heart.  Vampire psycho-babble:  check.  And... checking off a book from the 1001 list!  i'll have to try another Ann Rice to determine if i'm a fan.  Neutral at this point.  True to summer, only one business book.  It's Your Ship is a fine book for leadership basics, and a fairly fast read.  Captain Abrashoff spoke at our Leadership Summit this year.  His speech summarized the concepts in the book, but was a hit with our folks.  The rest were, well, they were get yer mind off things, but nothing notable.  A couple were cheapies for the Kindle.

Just picked up Games of Thrones.  50 pages in.  So far so good.  i've been waffling on which biz book i want to pick up next.  Got quite a few to choose from.  Stay tuned...

Happy National Book Lover's Day to you!

and you, and you, and you...

Library E:  The April Review

Lots of reading in April.  Must be why my brain's tired.  And not one on the 1001 books to read before you die list, which i shall now begin calling the "dreaded list." It's an achievement that's becoming un-fun.  Seriously, it seems that to qualify for the list your book should be b-o-r-i-n-g.  Ok, that was unfair.  Not boring -- serious, at times slow moving, and thorough.  There's no skimming for the main idea and to see what happens next.  These are thought-provokers, vocabulary building type reads.  It's a serious re-training for me on how to read -- slow down and really read. So, April was a vacation from serious for a few days of vacay-type reads. Also got in research on branding books, as you can see.  And! i've met a new favorite author--Tom Peters.  Great stuff!  i know, a little late to just be reading Peters, but hey--better late than never!  He writes just like my brain thinks.  And he's got good, thought-provoking stuff to say.

Oh, and fyi, it's totally ok to start a book, decide you don't like it, then skip to the end to find out what happens because you have a completer/finisher obsession with books and it's the topic of the next book club meeting.

Library E:  The March Review

Decided i would borrow a tradition of capturing an image of the books i've read each month from a blog i enjoy perusing from time to time.

i am rather dismayed to find that i hadn't completed many books this month.  Really, the trash shouldn't count, but i'm an achiever, darn it.  In addition to the four listed here, i started The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood (but the library called and wanted their book back, and once you're overdue you're like a fugitive and they don't let you renew online) and Possession by AS Byatt.  Also, no business books this month.  i'll have to remedy that in April.

i finally finished The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne weekend before last.  It was a good, good day.  i have been reading on this one for a good four months at least.  Yes, i enjoyed it, but sheesh, Mr. Hawthorne wass definitely and thoroughly opinionated about Rome, the Catholic faith, and art, among other things.  He postulated on his opinions in looooonnng passages.  And, all the characters spoke with the same "voice" - they were all his voice, so i imagine.

There were a few passages i rather enjoyed (i suppose because i related to them).  Here's one of them:  "It is the iron rule in our day to require an object and a purpose in life.  It makes us all parts of a complicated scheme of progress, which can only result in our arrival at a colder and drearier region than we were born in.  It insists upon everybody's adding somewhat--a mite, perhaps, but earned by incessant effort--to an accumulated pile of usefulness (especially liked this phrasing), of which the only use will be, to burden our posterity with even heavier thoughts and more inordinate labor than our own." Indeed.

And i especially love that my copy was originally a gift to Grace from Stovey in 1911.  It has that particularly musty bookish smell that makes my eyes roll back into my head with pleasure. *sigh*

So naturally, i had to take a break and read something really, really trashy this last weekend about a werewolf who falls in love with a half-vampire.  But, of course.  i mean, really.  So, maybe i'll top it off with another trashy choice before i get back into Possession, which i recently began.  hmmm...

Evening Friends!

Just saw this post from a blog i enjoy checking in with periodically - The Lit Connection.  i like the way the author has highlighted the books she's read throughout 2010.  May try that for my list in 2011.

Hope you're reading something intriguing these days!  i'm working on three books at the moment:  Mojo by Marshall Goldsmith (usually have a business or leadership book going), The Marble Faun by Hawthorn (yes, still!  good stuff, but slow going) and just started Outlander again (my fav -- it's been calling to me for a re-read).  i need to start The Glass Castle later this week as a few of the leddies from work are hosting a book club about it -- must do my homework!

September & October were like a combo month for Library E... started in September and finished in October:

• Fellowship of the Rings - first book in the Lord of the RingsTrilogy -- a great one! Thicker plot than the movie, but such great imagery and imagination.
• Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake -- a quick, sweet young adult romance tale set in the late 1700's
• Queen of Dragons by Shanna Abe -- nice break for the mind that took a Friday evening and a couple of Saturday hours to consume
• Beyond e-learning by Marc Rosenberg -- taking virtual learning further
• Beyond Free Coffee and Donuts (marketing book for trainers) -- using it already!

Rather sad tally for two months. Feel like there were others, but can't recall them. Falling asleep within 15 minutes of hitting the pillow may have something to do with getting so few books read *yawn.*

Aragorn of the movies was a handsomer and more dignified fellow than in the narrative.

Can't believe it's been more than a month since i've posted. it's been a busy, busy month -- a good one, but a busy one. Hoping September slows down a tad.

i've been thinking about how nerdy i truly am when it comes to the world of literature. So... i'm going to start tracking my reading habits each month. Feels like i've been reading a lot lately... not getting any wiser (likely due to the trashy nature of much of my reading), but enjoying the written word, nonetheless. So here's what i know i've read in August (aging quickly... can't remember if there was another):

Also finished up the last of the vampire series i've been into lately (no, not True Blood, and no i do not watch the show... even i have limits) -- luckily picked up a new one by the same author at the library yesterday about a fallen angel *snicker.* Love, love, love the cheez factor!

Only got in one leadership title and one from "the list" this month *slacker.*

On a side note, i've increased my blog intake (yes, there are some that i keep up with of a serious nature) so i guess that should count for literary input as well. Here's a couple of good ones: Savvy Abby and SouleMama.

Haircuts - an important topic.

i was laughing with my work buddies today about calling Hubbie for (budget) "permission" to make a hair appointment... and i was wondering if i actually would not make one if he replied that i shouldn't. Call for permission = call of politeness and expectation setting. Hmmm... does he know that? Likely.

Hair appointments are just not on Hubbie's list of "must haves." In fact, he informed me not a few minutes ago...

"I've made it a personal goal to not cut my hair until I reach 200 lbs."

"Really? Because not getting a hair cut is such a great motivator?" i ask. "So really, it's just a great excuse to not get your hair cut?"

Nod.

"Hmph," i reply. "But you declined an invitation to join me at a free evening out with my class last week because you hadn't gotten your hair cut."

Grin.

"So how much do you have left to lose?" i ask.

"Well, after today's yardwork, i'm at 220," he replied purposefully.

"So.... you're going to not cut your hair for 20 lbs?"

Nod.

"I'm going to have to get you a barrette to hold back that pompadour growing out the top of your head."

Laughing out loud.

i run my fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. "You know you're growing a tail... just like those kids who used to grow rat's tails when we were young. Can i braid it if it gets long enough?"

So... is it a guy thing to not like to get hair cuts? Is that why Sport Clips is popular -- like those Kidz Cuts places that distract from the fact that you're actually getting a hair cut? Plus, i would not mow the lawn to lose weight. Get the flu maybe, but definitely not conduct a yard working session in 97 - feels like 103 - degree weather.

Library E post:

Finished the Jennifer Fallon trilogy a weekend ago. Great, easy, engaging read. Then decided i would read something discussable with your normal, average, everyday book nerd (you know, those who don't play online video games and discuss the progress of their dps score or trips to ComicCon) - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. No wizards, swords, dashing heroes or damsels in distress, but tattoos are a plus! Kind of a crime/mystery/drama set in Sweden and apparently first written in Swedish. So isn't that fun. *cough, sarcasm*

Started Bridget Jones' Diary, but just not happening yet. i do love me some Jen Lancaster, but just not in the Bridget groove just yet. Thought i'd jump right in, but alas... i mean, she's no Owen Meany. *chuckle* Still think about Owen every now and then, wondering how he would interpret such and such. Good characters live with you for a while.

Happy July 4, 2010!

For some reason, i thought there would be firework extravaganzas today -- on the actual day of Independence for this great nation -- so i had my plan working to watch the shows after a fine dinner with the fam. However, i'm supposing a show on Sunday would be far out of schedule for Saturday suburbia, as i'm sure at least 3 people have to work on Monday,... so i missed the shows *hand raised in frustration.* i do love a mighty fireworks show.

Instead, today, i got my Martha Stewart on. Fought the grocery store crowds, used coupons, baked beautiful oatmeal bread, brownie bites, tossed a tasty salad with homemade herby viniagrette, blogged about it, and the day's not done... may get a little crafty.

Here's a pic of the beautiful bread after a taste test. i can verify - delish.

Also, adding to the list of completed Library E endeavors (but not about the list of books to read before i die, cuz sheesh, gotta take a break from depressing):

• Medalon by Jennifer Fallon -- really enjoy her stuff. quickly engaging, political enough, pretty good character and plot development; lovely for a good fantasy read without those characters who suck you in and make you think about them for days.
  

• Master of Surrender -- trashy romance just like all the others, but how can you not appreciate reading 384 pages over several hours, and enjoying the wonderful frenzy of love-hate going on when the wench falls for the invader who killed her father out of mercy *hoot*. Hey - it was free eye candy at the library when i picked up the sequel to Medalon. i do, however, have a bone to pick with the cover art pickers... at least make the hair color of the cover model match the color of the hero's do... details people.
  

So pleased to present the first 2 pages of my 2010 scrapbook album.

Hosted a little scrappy get-together last night that was great fun and surprisingly productive. And yes, it's May and i'm justing getting started on 2010... but hey, i'm hopeful that i'll get this one done before May 2011. And maybeeee even catch up on 2007's album... but let's not stretch expectations. i'm firmly living in an "under promise, over achieve" philosophy.

Library E

Also, i've finally finished A Prayer for Owen Meany this afternoon. Such a great literary concoction. It reminds me that literary works are worth the time and that trash really is trash. Doesn't mean it's not good for something... but never be confused with a book that gets you thinking and expands the mind versus one that can be read in an evening. I admit, i've just wiped away a few tears for dear 'ol Owen. I think i'm going to miss him.

But moving on to the next book on the 1,001+ list... reporting back soon on which literary work will next expand this teensy brain of mine.

H to the E to the Y! Heyyyy...

Next installment to Library E:

i wish i could report that i've finished John Irving's fine book, Prayer for Owen Meany (which is great!), but... with all the trashy books abounding, wait for it... free... at the library -BAM!-, really, who has time for the classics. Owen Meany (WHO TALKS IN ALL CAPS) is a new favorite character. Owen's story on the other hand, is a little harde

r to get through in a read til 2am cuz i just have to find out

what happens kind of timeframe. So, rather than making progress on the 1001+ books i should read before i die list, i'm making tremendous progress on the way trashy, this stuff will rot your brain, list of books that lonely women (though i'm not) read as they pine away for the crazy hot love life they wish they had (vampires optional) - YES, PLEASE!. So, do you get my drift? i've been enthralled (enthralled meaning i think about the silly characters of this series i'm reading alot - or as Owen would say "ALOT"). And i can't even report that i'm learning anything historical from this series, which i can sometimes claim from the historical romances i find myself trapped (i've fallen and i can't get up trapped) in at times.

Let me share with you the cover of one of the fine books i've been devouring like chips and salsa... i mean really, how can this book not be phe-nom-i-nal? The man on the cover is beautiful (but likely gay), his tat is sexy, and yes, i too would like to be avenged! We women - we're suckers - or at least this woman is. So, as a sucker for media of all sorts about vampires, i decided i should try this one out for some mindless r&r. To use a new phrase i learned from my BFF's family "well, good (pronounced gud)." Cuz now i've got to read every single book in the series. *hangs head pathetically* i even looked for the companion guide that they publish for sad folks (ok, women) like myself who like to study mythical characters without value in depth (for free, at the library, people!).

So we'll see what Mel (sister) says about it. If it's too trashy and without moral value for her, then sheesh - i've hit a new low. She watches True Blood after all (pays for HBO just to watch it). So if she's disturbed by the series then i'm doomed.

Now i'm rambling. So to the book review. If you like trashy, depraved books about vampires (who are a lusty sort), then i'll recommend this one to you, my friend. If you prefer things a little cleaner and full of sweet love, these books are not for you. There are plot bits intertwined throughout the series, and the characters are interesting. I can see why women like them -- each one is about a tough guy who stares adoringly at his mate who he's fought to recover from the goons. But, i don't think this series about the "Brotherhood of the Black Daggers" (*chuckle* love it!) will end up on the list of books to read before you die, nor on Oprah's Reading List.

Got to go now to start a new one in the series...

Why is Rod Stewart's vintage music good for scrapbooking (especially You're Insane)? Yeah, no idea, but it's what's on and gets my foot to tapping and my head to bobbing. Blame it on Mom and her love of rock n' roll.

Finally felt in the mood to be scrappy again this evening. Finishing my 2009 album has been hanging over my head like an overdue, over budget work project. Can't claim to have finished a ton of layouts (in spite of them being only a tad bigger than 5x7" pages), but... got pictures printed, 2 layouts completed and have a few creative ideas. Felt like the scrapbooking gnome had packed up her rolling craft cases, glue dots, scallop-edged scissors, and moved on.

Been noodling my 2010 album, and hoping to get started on it next weekend if the girlz end up getting together to scrapbook. Elizabeth Kratchner's delightful scrapbooking style has been inspirational lately. So want to create fluttery butterflies and sweet florals on my 2010 pages. We'll see if i can actually channel that girliness.

Library E post:
Finished Edith Warton's Age of Innocence a while back. Really liked it. And such a good conclusion to a tense social and romantic dilemma. Started A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Like it, too, but slow going thus far.

Girlz!!!! Hubbie and i watched Whip It this evening. So, so funny. i think i'm going to start loving roller derby. For me that's more like roley derby, as they would just be rolling me around the rink, but gosh! how Fun with a capital F! Maybe i wouldn't have so many hormonal days if i roley derbied it! (Drew Barrymore is also a fav, so it's easy to like her stuff.)

So, hmmm.... new ambition in life? dunno... have to learn to skate first, i mean really skate... no hokey pokey at the skating rink, girls. Or... need to take the advice of one of my fav new sites: the Happiness Project. Here's the revolutionary thought i came across as i was researching for a class i'm writing on getting comfortable with your (well, it's the general, inclusive "your," but yes, that includes you!) leadership style (because Friends, we are all leaders in some way or another). (Am i beginning to sound like a Quaker with the use of so many "Friends" in my posts?): Accepting who i am and what i like and don't like, also means coming to terms with the fact that there are things i will never do, adventures i will never seek, because i don't want to. For someone who hates to limit the possibilities and actually commit to a course of action (such as the Yoga classes i've been heartfully considering, but keep forgetting to check on), this is a great, deep sadness. My new Friend Gretchen Rubin (the Happiness Project author) also laments this in one of her paradoxes of happiness. Sadness indeed... i'll have to ponder this one further before i give up roley derby entirely. Maybe i could be a mascot?

ALERT!!! New Library E post:

I've finished my first book on the Kindle.... Reading on the Kindle is marvy! i would like to share that my first download was one of the books on my must read list, but no. And, no, not proud of the fact that it was a good, ol' fashioned trashy romance. i decided to kick it old school with what i hopped was a new classic from Iris Johansen, called The Treasure. It was not a classic, nor should it have been read. Her early historical romances where lusty, yes, very naughty, yes, but decent on the character interest and writing. This one was bad - even the naughty scenes were severly lacking... not up to her past standards. Perhaps she's taken on a very bad protege. Most paragraphs where one line and the characters were awful. So did i pitch it and get back to my Edith Warton classic, Age of Innocence? Which by the way, i was delighted to find wonderfully engaging. i can see why it's a classic on the list of must reads. Umm, no, i finished it, and cannot claim to be a better individual for it. Also, a sadness.