I know exactly what you're thinking -- BOOK THREE! ALREADY?! SHE'S AMAZING!
You'd be right. I am amazing. In so very many ways.
However, I did not quickly whip through an entire book in one night (not that I've never done that before, because I HAVE)(See above -- I can be amazing). In truth, I was already reading this book on the side when I was reading The Lost Symbol and Swapping Lives. Also, it's a small novel.
Book three of my "100 Books in 2010" Challenge is Charlaine Harris' Three Bedrooms, One Corpse. This is the third book in her Aurora Teagarden Mystery series. I've read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books (save for book 9, the newest one, as I'm waiting for it to be in paperback), so I thought I'd give some of Charlaine's other books a go. The first Aurora Teagarden book (Real Murders) was at my local bookstore, so I bought it. Quite liked it, so I moved on to book two (A Bone to Pick). Liked that as well, so I decided to continue with the series.
I have to say though, this particular book was more dull than the first two. The mystery was a good one, yet the middle section of the book dragged on without the mystery really being too prominent. A few more twists and turns would have improved the storyline. I do like the main character, however, and am starting to get into this world, so I am definitely going to continue with the series. I'm just not in that much of a hurry with it, and probably won't read book four for a little while.
If you're looking for light reads with a touch of mystery and murder, I do recommend the Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris -- although personally I like the Sookie Stackhouse series better (I'm a vampire fiction fan, and I like the TV series "True Blood" which is based off of the Sookie series).
3 down, 97 to go!
What I'm Reading Next (Yes, Two at a Time Again):
Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell -- another book borrowed from Melanie; I've never read any Candace Bushnell books before, but was a fan of the Sex and the City TV series of course.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan -- I gave this to my 11-year-old brother for Christmas, he LOVED IT, so now I'm reading it so that I can take him to the movie when it comes out in February (he said, "Estie!" that's what he's called me from when he was a baby, lol "Estie! Read this book, you'll really like it!", so I'm reading it!)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
2) Swapping Lives by Jane Green
Swapping Lives is the first Jane Green novel I've ever read, and I do think I'd read more of her books (if anyone recommends any particular titles, let me know!). I borrowed this book from my friend Mel. It's a chick-lit, which is what I enjoy (I like the escape they provide). It wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, but if you take it for what it is, it's a fine enough read.
The premise is of a single girl in London named Vicky who works for Poise! magazine swapping lives with a married American woman named Amber -- to see what it's like to be married with children, and to provide a married woman a chance to relive single life. For the title being "Swapping Lives", it wasn't until quite late into the novel that the characters actually swapped; and even then, it didn't go on for too much of the story. Instead, the story focuses more on the situations that lead the girls to swap; and then wraps up with the lessons they learned about appreciating what they had.
The book wasn't thrilling, but it was a nice enough story. In my copy I did find a couple of errors -- a few times where it said "Vicky" but it was clearly "Amber" speaking, so that was a bit distracting (for whatever reason, finding errors in novels happens to me a lot). This is definitely a good one to borrow from a friend or take out from your local library.
2 down, 98 to go! *facepalm*
The premise is of a single girl in London named Vicky who works for Poise! magazine swapping lives with a married American woman named Amber -- to see what it's like to be married with children, and to provide a married woman a chance to relive single life. For the title being "Swapping Lives", it wasn't until quite late into the novel that the characters actually swapped; and even then, it didn't go on for too much of the story. Instead, the story focuses more on the situations that lead the girls to swap; and then wraps up with the lessons they learned about appreciating what they had.
The book wasn't thrilling, but it was a nice enough story. In my copy I did find a couple of errors -- a few times where it said "Vicky" but it was clearly "Amber" speaking, so that was a bit distracting (for whatever reason, finding errors in novels happens to me a lot). This is definitely a good one to borrow from a friend or take out from your local library.
2 down, 98 to go! *facepalm*
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Movie Review: The Lovely Bones
I have been waiting for the screen version of The Lovely Bones for YEARS. I read the book about three years ago, I think, and the film had already been announced and I think most of the cast members had been chosen. The original release date for it was a year ago, I believe -- then they kept pushing it back. Finally, finally it came out in theatres en masse as of January 15th. Friday night I was able to convince (didn't take much) Steph2 to accompany me to finally see it myself.
Sometimes when I see a film adaptation of a favourite book, I'm disappointed. Sometimes greatly disappointed, to the point of needing to offer suggetions to filmmakers. With The Lovely Bones, I'm so happy to report, this was not the case for me.
Were there changes from the plot? Yes. There were. Some things happened out-of-order, some things were left out completely. A few main characters became minor, a few characters were non-existent. However, I don't think it detracted from the story. I think the story was told on screen in a way that did still stay true to the story in the book.
***Minor Spoiler Warning: Plot Spoilers Follow***
The main thrust of The Lovely Bones is of Susie's family coping with their loss of Susie, especially her father and sister, Lindsey. It is also mostly about Susie in the 'in-between' as she tries to stay connected to her family back on Earth and help her killer be caught. This is what the movie held true to; Susie and the 'in-between', Susie's father's struggle.
The special effects in the 'in-between' were stunning. I don't think they were too much -- it was supposed to be a fantastical place, Susie's own perfect world -- and at 14, her idea of perfect might be over-the-top. The acting was also great -- I think they cast each character very well, especially Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon. Some of the best moments were when Susie is speaking lines directly from Alice Sebold's novel; it was exactly as I imagined Susie speaking it when reading the pages myself. Also, some of the 'missing moments' from the book (especially more about Lindsey as a character, for example) are filled in via Mr. Harvey looking at news clippings.
What I found most pleased me was the overall feeling I got as I watched the film. Sometimes when I was a film adaptation of a novel I've enjoyed, I have a sort of "empty" feeling inside -- I can really feel those missing parts, and I don't connect to the characters/story as well as I think I should. With this film, I didn't have that feeling. I was engaged throughout the entire movie, and felt it told its story in a very full way, even if slightly differently from the original story (it's really not that different, as per usual some of the details are left out, but not enough to ruin it as a film).
I've read that some people were not fans of this film, but I found it to be an excellent adaptation, and no less than I would have expected from Peter Jackson -- the man certainly knows how to adapt books into movies; and I'm not even much of a Lord of the Rings fan.
So I recommend The Lovely Bones, but with a word of caution: although I did enjoy it a lot, I have heard from others who did not like it. I think it is a film you should judge for yourself. I definitely recommend this novel to those who have not read it (although it is deeply sad at times, and I think parents would definitely find it a hard read -- it is beautifully written nontheless).
Sometimes when I see a film adaptation of a favourite book, I'm disappointed. Sometimes greatly disappointed, to the point of needing to offer suggetions to filmmakers. With The Lovely Bones, I'm so happy to report, this was not the case for me.
Were there changes from the plot? Yes. There were. Some things happened out-of-order, some things were left out completely. A few main characters became minor, a few characters were non-existent. However, I don't think it detracted from the story. I think the story was told on screen in a way that did still stay true to the story in the book.
***Minor Spoiler Warning: Plot Spoilers Follow***
The main thrust of The Lovely Bones is of Susie's family coping with their loss of Susie, especially her father and sister, Lindsey. It is also mostly about Susie in the 'in-between' as she tries to stay connected to her family back on Earth and help her killer be caught. This is what the movie held true to; Susie and the 'in-between', Susie's father's struggle.
The special effects in the 'in-between' were stunning. I don't think they were too much -- it was supposed to be a fantastical place, Susie's own perfect world -- and at 14, her idea of perfect might be over-the-top. The acting was also great -- I think they cast each character very well, especially Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon. Some of the best moments were when Susie is speaking lines directly from Alice Sebold's novel; it was exactly as I imagined Susie speaking it when reading the pages myself. Also, some of the 'missing moments' from the book (especially more about Lindsey as a character, for example) are filled in via Mr. Harvey looking at news clippings.
What I found most pleased me was the overall feeling I got as I watched the film. Sometimes when I was a film adaptation of a novel I've enjoyed, I have a sort of "empty" feeling inside -- I can really feel those missing parts, and I don't connect to the characters/story as well as I think I should. With this film, I didn't have that feeling. I was engaged throughout the entire movie, and felt it told its story in a very full way, even if slightly differently from the original story (it's really not that different, as per usual some of the details are left out, but not enough to ruin it as a film).
I've read that some people were not fans of this film, but I found it to be an excellent adaptation, and no less than I would have expected from Peter Jackson -- the man certainly knows how to adapt books into movies; and I'm not even much of a Lord of the Rings fan.
So I recommend The Lovely Bones, but with a word of caution: although I did enjoy it a lot, I have heard from others who did not like it. I think it is a film you should judge for yourself. I definitely recommend this novel to those who have not read it (although it is deeply sad at times, and I think parents would definitely find it a hard read -- it is beautifully written nontheless).
Friday, January 15, 2010
1) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
I did it! I've finished ONE BOOK in 2010! Onward to the next 99! (OY VEY).
Funny/cute story -- Martin's adorable Polish 'Babcia' (grandmother) constantly said, "Oy yay! Oy yay!" in like, a really sad sort of tone when she was waxing poetic about the great sadnesses and such (all in Polish, Martin had to translate and sometimes he just looked at me and shrugged). Anyway! So now Martin and I are always like, "Oy yay, oy yay" when we're feeling 'great sadness' OR when we're reminiscing about visiting Babcia.
100 books in a year! OY YAY!, OY YAY!
The first book I read was The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I'm a Dan Brown fan, I am. However, my favourite books of his are his more stand-alone novels - Digital Fortress and Deception Point. Angels & Demons is still my favourite Robert Langdon story. With The Lost Symbol, I found myself feeling how I did when I was reading The Da Vinci Code. It took me a long time to get into it, some of the way-too-many-details-about-this-and-that-and-this-person distracted me too much from feeling any suspense, and I just didn't get so into it (his other books I'd gobble up in a couple days, flat, however and felt much more captivated and shocked by the twists and turns).
Was it a good book? Yes. He's a great writer, there's no doubt. However, even with a fairly alright twist near the end, it still doesn't rank as my favourite of his stories. Also, it's very religion-based as most of his Robert Langdon books are, and I just wasn't feeling it. The big ending was very anti-climactic in my, very humble, opinion.
It wasn't horrible, so if you've previously liked Dan Brown's novels, then definitely give it a read and see for yourself how you feel. I'm filing this one under "Library It", because that's sort of my middle-of-the-road option (otherwise I just 'recommend' a book or say 'avoid'). I just wasn't personally gripped by this one. I'd love some more stand-alone thrillers like Digital Fortress or Deception Point from Dan Brown in the future.
One down, ninety-nine to go!
Funny/cute story -- Martin's adorable Polish 'Babcia' (grandmother) constantly said, "Oy yay! Oy yay!" in like, a really sad sort of tone when she was waxing poetic about the great sadnesses and such (all in Polish, Martin had to translate and sometimes he just looked at me and shrugged). Anyway! So now Martin and I are always like, "Oy yay, oy yay" when we're feeling 'great sadness' OR when we're reminiscing about visiting Babcia.
100 books in a year! OY YAY!, OY YAY!
The first book I read was The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I'm a Dan Brown fan, I am. However, my favourite books of his are his more stand-alone novels - Digital Fortress and Deception Point. Angels & Demons is still my favourite Robert Langdon story. With The Lost Symbol, I found myself feeling how I did when I was reading The Da Vinci Code. It took me a long time to get into it, some of the way-too-many-details-about-this-and-that-and-this-person distracted me too much from feeling any suspense, and I just didn't get so into it (his other books I'd gobble up in a couple days, flat, however and felt much more captivated and shocked by the twists and turns).
Was it a good book? Yes. He's a great writer, there's no doubt. However, even with a fairly alright twist near the end, it still doesn't rank as my favourite of his stories. Also, it's very religion-based as most of his Robert Langdon books are, and I just wasn't feeling it. The big ending was very anti-climactic in my, very humble, opinion.
It wasn't horrible, so if you've previously liked Dan Brown's novels, then definitely give it a read and see for yourself how you feel. I'm filing this one under "Library It", because that's sort of my middle-of-the-road option (otherwise I just 'recommend' a book or say 'avoid'). I just wasn't personally gripped by this one. I'd love some more stand-alone thrillers like Digital Fortress or Deception Point from Dan Brown in the future.
One down, ninety-nine to go!
Monday, January 11, 2010
100 Books in 2010 - Status Update
To read 100 books in 1 year, I need to read 8.3 books per month.
EIGHT books per month at the very least. Approximately 2 books per week.
I figure that in July and August I'll hit that number no problem, and maybe be able to catch up a bit on any missed months. I don't want to leave this until the second half of the year and suddenly freak out that I didn't keep up with my goal, so I need to take a very firm approach -- and yet, I still want to enjoy reading.
It's January 11th, and I've yet to add one book to my Read list. However, I'm about halfway through two books -- so if I can get them both finished this week; and make some headway into a third, at least I'll be somewhere.
I'm not sure I'll make the 8.3 for January, but I'll push myself a bit to see how much I can read before the month is over.
EIGHT books per month at the very least. Approximately 2 books per week.
I figure that in July and August I'll hit that number no problem, and maybe be able to catch up a bit on any missed months. I don't want to leave this until the second half of the year and suddenly freak out that I didn't keep up with my goal, so I need to take a very firm approach -- and yet, I still want to enjoy reading.
It's January 11th, and I've yet to add one book to my Read list. However, I'm about halfway through two books -- so if I can get them both finished this week; and make some headway into a third, at least I'll be somewhere.
I'm not sure I'll make the 8.3 for January, but I'll push myself a bit to see how much I can read before the month is over.
Monday, January 4, 2010
My Personal Reading Challenge 2010
Okay, I don't get a lot of readers to this Blog, so I didn't have much input about my Reading Challenge (not surprising at all). Perhaps one day this site will grow, but no worries, I also keep this Blog for me and for my own record of what I'm reading and my opinions. Thanks to Brandie though for her input, I really appreciate it!
Brandie mentioned that she has tried the "Read 100 Books" challenge, and that it WAS a challenge. I imagine it is, considering how much that pesky thing called "life" gets in the way of reading (TSK! TSK! Isn't that SO disappointing?!). However, I'm mulling it over and you know what? I'm going to try it. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I've never given it a shot before. Also, if there was ever a year to try to read 100 books, 2010 might be it. I'm not in school anymore and my course is finishing this week, which means there's no homework in my way. I don't currently have a full-time teaching job, and supply work doesn't leave you with planning and such in the evenings, I also don't have a husband or children yet and still live separately from Martin... I just think it might be the right time to take on this particular challenge. I may have even read close to 100 books in 2009; I didn't keep track in a strict enough way to know for sure.
So without further ado, I introduce my first ever Reading Challenge: "Read 100 Books in 2010".
I'll update my Blog with each book I read. My first book in the challenge will be The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, as I've really only just started it. Let's see if I can hit the magic 100 -- and if I can't, at least I gave it my all!
My two personal rules for my challenge:
1) I can count ANY novel-type book I read in full; this can include any genre, fiction or non-fiction (so a professional text will count if read in full).
2) I can include any re-reads of novels from the past. I tend to re-read favourite novels now and then, and I don't want to have to go through a whole year without doing this because of trying to reach my quota of 100 "New" Books. It's just 100 Books, whatever they are.
Thanks, Brandie, for the idea!
Brandie mentioned that she has tried the "Read 100 Books" challenge, and that it WAS a challenge. I imagine it is, considering how much that pesky thing called "life" gets in the way of reading (TSK! TSK! Isn't that SO disappointing?!). However, I'm mulling it over and you know what? I'm going to try it. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I've never given it a shot before. Also, if there was ever a year to try to read 100 books, 2010 might be it. I'm not in school anymore and my course is finishing this week, which means there's no homework in my way. I don't currently have a full-time teaching job, and supply work doesn't leave you with planning and such in the evenings, I also don't have a husband or children yet and still live separately from Martin... I just think it might be the right time to take on this particular challenge. I may have even read close to 100 books in 2009; I didn't keep track in a strict enough way to know for sure.
So without further ado, I introduce my first ever Reading Challenge: "Read 100 Books in 2010".
I'll update my Blog with each book I read. My first book in the challenge will be The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, as I've really only just started it. Let's see if I can hit the magic 100 -- and if I can't, at least I gave it my all!
My two personal rules for my challenge:
1) I can count ANY novel-type book I read in full; this can include any genre, fiction or non-fiction (so a professional text will count if read in full).
2) I can include any re-reads of novels from the past. I tend to re-read favourite novels now and then, and I don't want to have to go through a whole year without doing this because of trying to reach my quota of 100 "New" Books. It's just 100 Books, whatever they are.
Thanks, Brandie, for the idea!
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