Beth's Library

Children of the Promise, Vol. 4: When We Meet Again by: Dean Hughes

2012-01-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

The war comes to an end, and the life of the Thomas family will go back to normal? Probably not, but now the hope is that everyone will find their way home to Sugar House. It's going to be interesting to see how the Thomases adjust to post war Europe and stateside. And, how will Wally adjust to life as a regular citizen?

Questions I hope will be answered in the final chapter which I have to admit I'm having a bit of a trouble getting into. Partly because I am kind of sad to see it end, and because my time has been split among real life challenges, etc and online gaming opportunities which I thoroughly enjoy!

A Note about the Holidays

2012-01-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

We have been richly blessed this year with the addition of our foster son (who wants to be adopted, by us) to our family. We were also watched over and granted by some miracle the ability to splurge a little and add to our library.

We received a total of 7 books. And those purchases have ignited in me a fire to keep reading, I am hoping to read (and probably re-read) many books over the next 12 months. Life is good.

Children of the Promise, Vol. 3 : Far From Home by Dean Hughes

2012-01-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Third installment where fictional LDS family "The Thomases" lead their lives in the midst of WWII. It is a good story with a lot to take in, I find myself wanting to know more about the individual circumstances that the characters find themselves in, which makes the Author's Note one that I will likely refer to time and again as I leave the fictional setting and turn toward unadulterated facts and history.

I like the sense of hope that this volume ended on and am looking forward to continuing the journey with "The Thomases" very soon. (Here's hoping books 4 and 5 are still at the library!)

Children of the Promise: Vol. 2 - Since You Went Away by: Dean Hughes

2011-12-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

A continuation of the story of the fictional LDS family living through WWII on the home front and during various events of the war front. I appreciated the author's note where he shared with his readers some of the resources from which he based the events that his characters experienced.

It had me crying with the loss of Gene Thomas, and finding my inner strength along with Wally. Seeing true love prevail between Alex and Anna was very nice as well.I'm on to the next in the series and am looking forward to seeing how it comes out in the end.

Children of the Promise, Vol. 1: Rumors of War by: Dean Hughes

2011-12-17T18:30:00.001-07:00

Story of a fictional LDS family thrust into the historic events of WWII. Mr. Hughes tells a good story that at the end of this chapter had me in tears. I picked up the next two volumes and plan on reading them over the next few weeks.

Months Later

2011-12-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

On the topic of my surgery. It was a success and I have more use of my left extremity as I could have hoped for plus, with the aide of therapists and follow ups with my surgeon, I can only hope for more improvement. There is only one rule when handling my current rate of ability. If I don't use it, I'm going to lose it and all that time, money and effort will be down the drain, so I intend to use my left hand as much as possible.

Since about the time of the surgery, our family has added a couple of members. Our new puppy Abe and our latest foster son. Both transitions have went well and it seems like our family is complete... for the time being.

Now as for my literary endeavors.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan 3 stars
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 4.5 stars
Children of the Promise: Vol. 1-- Rumors of War by Dean Hughes (Currently reading) [re-read: 4 stars]
Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery (Ebook format -- currently reading) [childhood favorite: 5 stars]

soon to come in no particular order:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast
Children of the Promise: Vol. 2 - 5 by Dean Hughes
Dexter Series by Jeffrey Lindsay
Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) Series by Charlaine Harris
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Hearts of the Children Series by Dean Hughes

And a ton of others that have escaped by memory for the time being.

The Last Day of My Life

2011-08-03T22:32:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I am going in for arm surgery.
A little history lesson on me.
At birth I had a stroke. It affected my right frontal lobe. Therefore, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, with left sided hemi-paresis. I went through years and years of therapy, and daily self exercises, but as I’ve gotten older, the routine has been harder and harder to the point where I could no longer do my upper body exercises on my own, and stopped doing them regularly.
Now, if you know me, you know I don’t let my disability define who I am or what I can do… I have never settled for what I can’t do, only what I can.
Which has led me to seek out first a primary care physician and then an orthopedic surgeon. After the consults, it was decided by us all that we will pursue surgery to improve the function of my left hand.
You might be wondering why I didn’t do this sooner, one word: Insurance. My life is going to be completely different. Today is the end of the life that I know, and the beginning of something new.
At 12:00pm MDT. I will be in surgery, I ask for your good thoughts and prayers.

The Last Olympian by: Rick Riordan

2011-08-03T13:23:00.002-06:00

WARNING: Spoilers ahead.

The last chapter of the Percy Jackson series was not a disappointment, except when it ended. I want to know what happens now that the world is safe and our demigod heroes can resume a mostly normal life. I want to see the newly constructed Olympus designed by Annabeth, I want to see how the camp expands and grows.

It was a good way to end the series, and now I am quite curious about the other stories that Mr. Riordan has to share.

Dragon's Oath by PC and Kristin Cast

2011-07-23T02:18:00.000-06:00

A House of Night novella, telling the story of Bryan Dragon Lankford and his mate Anastasia. In the HoN series featuring Zoey as the main character/heroine of the tale, we see the devastating loss of Anastasia for Dragon, because of his loss, we see a complete change in his character and the choices we as readers would think he would make.

Dragon's Oath gives us a glimpse of the 200 year love affair between Bryan and Anastasia and what events trigger the complete change in his character in the HoN series. I could have read this book in less than a day, but I spread it out and relished in it.

Good book and not at all disappointing.

Midsummer Update

2011-07-22T17:52:00.000-06:00

I have not forgotten about my virtual library... I had hoped that I would be reading frequently and enjoying lots of movies and discovering new music, life however has turned out quite different.

We are now licensed foster parents and have been going through the process of completing our training. We already sent home one foster child and are preparing to bring another to our home in the near future.

We had a visit from my mother, the first time since we've been married. She certainly turned my house (and day to day habits) upside down. Our home looks completely different, in a good way.

Lastly, I've been in the hiring process for a hopefully permanent at home position. I've also been getting the necessary adapters to finally get the elusive driver's license.

Reminder

2011-04-04T16:43:00.000-06:00

I would normally post this on my other blog but wordpress has had a brain fart.

Tears are good. Do not be afraid of them. Let them cleanse your heart and the pain of your soul. Be grateful for the peace that comes.

House of Night: Awakened

2011-01-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Really fun, tear jerker and left me wanting more, as usual. I really look forward to seeing Heath's spirit come out in the golem. And, really when is Neferet going to get what's coming to her??

Update: Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! Happy New Year 2011. I'm sorry I haven't been in to tell you of my adventures in literature. I have been reading, of course.

I picked up 'The Vampire Diaries' books 1 & 2, and I have to say, I was a tad bit disappointed. Not because it wasn't interesting, but because I was expecting it to be different... more like the television series, I guess. I will have to re-read it during the summer when I'm not watching the t.v. show and can separate the stories better.

I picked up the Fledging Handbook by PC Cast. Which is really fun to read through.

Right now I am reading 'What a Friend We have in Jesus' also, picked up a digital copy through the Kindle app of A Christmas Carol and The Age of Innocence that I'm going to work my way through.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians -- Book Four: The Battle of The Labyrinth

2010-09-17T11:06:00.001-06:00

Annabeth finally leads her own quest. What will be the outcome? I'm not sure, but Mr. Riordan better not kill off my favorite or I may not be able to forgive him

UPDATE: October 1, 2010--

I finished this latest chapter in the Percy Jackson series and thankfully Mr. Riordan did not kill off my favorite character: Annabeth. As soon as "The Last Olympian" becomes available in paperback, I will pick it up. I want to see how well he concludes the take of Percy Jackson.

My favorite parts of this book have to be with the hellhound: Ms. O'Leary and with the final battle at the end where Grover shows just how powerful he can be. Nico is a welcome surprise, I honestly thought I would end up not liking him at all, instead... I find myself feeling a bit sorry for him.

So my next adventure is to delve into the world of "The Vampire Diaries" by: L.J. Smith. I like the CW rendition of the books so much I have to know the full back story.

Also, on my to read list is the Dexter series and the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians -- Book Three: The Titan's Curse

2010-09-17T11:03:00.000-06:00

Another trip calls for another quick, easy and fun read. The chapter takes us closer to war than the other two, and the introduction of Atlas as a general who is rightfully put back in his place.

What to read??

2010-08-26T04:36:00.000-06:00

I am having a bit of trouble figuring out what to read next. I have tried starting Dan Brown's Angels & Demons... only I couldn't get the movie out of my head. So, I lent it to a friend.

Then, I started John Grisham's The Pelican Brief... I'm still reading it.. in tidbits, but it just doesn't grab and hold my attention as much as I thought it would.

Definitely time to visit the library, and find something new to read. I'm sure I'll come back to these books as well as others... this apparently is not that time.

Brighid's Quest by: PC Cast

2010-08-13T14:13:00.000-06:00

This story picked up the thread of the story in the not too distant future from Elphame's Choice. We find The MacCallan deeply missing her brother Cu who abruptly left the castle on a mission to bring the children of the winged creatures home. Cu was running from his grief of the death of his betrothed, a death that affected him greatly.

Brighid as Elphame's best friend and a gifted Huntress offered to go after her Chieftain's brother in her stead. The Quest leads Brighid down the path of a life she had knowingly run from when joined The MacCallen clan but could no longer deny.

Brighid is a great character. She is loyal, trustworthy, honorable, and real in emotional responses. I found the telling of her quest mirrored in my own life's journey. So much so at times that I would find myself living memories of my own as I was reading through Brighid's thoughts.

And doggoneit! PC set up the next book so well with the characters of Fallon and Keir that I find myself reluctant to leave Partholon and characters that I've come to respect. Alas, the next story is not yet. So I must settle for other adventures in other stories for now.

Elphame's Choice by: PC Cast

2010-08-11T04:13:00.000-06:00

A hundred years after the end of the Divine trilogy, Etain is reigning as Epona's chosen and has 4 children. Her eldest, a daughter named Elphame. Truly marked by the goddess as she is the perfect blending of human and centaur.

Elphame is called to rebuild MacCallen castle her family's ancestral home. The very same that Shannon had destroyed by fire in Divine by Mistake because of the Fomorian attack that begun the war.

Speaking of Fomorians, their mutant descendants are alive and well in the Wastelands and that is where the title comes from. Elphame must choose her destiny.

I was pleased with the story, I often found myself laughing/smiling at the events. And I completely related to the mother/daughter dynamic displayed in the opening chapters. I love my time in Partholon, and look forward to dwelling there a little while longer as I follow Brighid of her Quest.

Divine by Blood by: PC Cast

2010-08-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

I finished the final chapter of this tale of Partholon just last night. I read with the foreboding that I was going to be disappointed at how the tale would end and hating the series. My fear were, to my delight completely unfounded.

I found in Morrigan Christine Maccallen Parker a strong lovable character who I could identify with. I love the fact that she knew what she had to do and did it willingly and without hesitation. And, in the end her sacrifices, and her choices were rewarded by a loving, caring, kind goddess.

It was hard to say goodbye to Shannon, but knowing that her journey also ends with joy and happiness as does the final resting of Rhiannon, I am finding I have fond memories of this trip to Partholon and looking forward to other adventures that find me there.

PC Cast has an amazing ability to create worlds where I can truly escape and still feel completely totally human at my most basic level.

Soaking it all in

2010-07-29T14:28:00.000-06:00

I'm taking my time with Divine by Blood. Savoring it, letting myself sink into the world of Partholon through Morrigan's eyes. Partially because I have switched my sleeping schedule back to 12 am - 8 am and that means I have other distractions besides movies, and books. Partially because I have a goal to get my house in order before my road trips and spend several hours each day cleaning. But... mostly because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Shannon Parker aka Rhea. I like her too much.

Divine by Choice by: PC Cast

2010-07-22T00:36:00.000-06:00

In the second book in the trilogy, Shannon finds herself back in the modern world of Oklahoma with the mirror of her husband, trying to get back to Partholon. An old enemy comes to complicate matters and she learns more about her own mirror than anyone would ever want to know.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and quite frankly, after reading about Tulsa and its suburbs in 9 books of Ms. Cast's I'm curious and might just have to take a trip and explore.

I will begin the last chapter of this Partholonian tale in the book: Divine by Blood. Knowing I'm going to have to say goodbye to Shannon in the next chapter is making me nervous, but I know I'm in good hands with PC. And, I know that when I miss her too much, I can just immerse myself in her world again.

I love me some good books to read, did you know??

Divine by Mistake by: PC Cast

2010-07-19T18:55:00.000-06:00

The world of Partholon a land of goddesses, centaurs and vampire like creatures known as Fomorians.

It is a story of a middle aged high school English teacher (who oddly enough reminds me of PC Cast herself) who gets transported to the Partholonian world and thrust into the role of Epona's (the warrior goddess) Chosen aka High Priestess.

It shares elements of the House of Night series, but an entirely different world was created and one that I enjoyed... my husband enjoyed the effects of the story on me too... heehee. Yes, it's a chick book, yes it has sex in it and yes I enjoyed it.

Book 2 in the series: Divine by Choice is on my nightstand ready and waiting.

Burned by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-07-13T05:38:00.000-06:00

The second time around, I think I laughed more and cried harder. Everything I said before still holds true. Sadly, I still have 6 months before the next in the series will be available.

I think I am ready to leave the vampyre world for now. I still want the tattoos. (and will be getting them soon) I will still be keeping my day and nights flipped. For better or worse P.C. and Kristin have changed my life.

Project Finished

2010-07-10T08:13:00.000-06:00

Over the course of the last 2-3 weeks, I have been digitizing our entire music collection to an external hard drive. Over 180 discs are now on the hard drive ready to be called up, and I can finally organize all of my music into playlists, etc. for use on our iPods. As an added bonus, now my desk isn't laden with our entire CD library... huzzah!

Tempted by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-07-06T09:32:00.000-06:00

Pass the Kleenex. Seriously I cried a lot. Burned promises for more of the same.

Twilight Saga: Eclipse

2010-07-01T00:31:00.001-06:00

We went to see the movie tonight, a continuation of the Twilight series brought to the big screen. First, let me say that though the movie is hardly ever as good as the book. I have enjoyed the Twilight movies well enough to buy them multiple times and watch them and all the extras on the discs frequently. (well, okay... not frequently, but on a regular basis) Each concept of the books with each director has truly been better than the last.

To date, Eclipse is my favorite and here's why:
1. Stays true to the storyline of the book more so I think than the other movies.
2. Shows the story from various points of view, which is way awesome consider the most recent addition to the Twilight Saga
3. The action scenes were more believable in this movie than in the two previous movies
4. My favorite parts of the books (both the Second Life of Bree Tanner AND Eclipse) were brought to life before my eyes, including:
* Riley and the red blouse
* The story of the Quileute forefathers and the third wife
* The scene at the top of the mountain with the conversation between Edward and Jacob
* The scene where Bella kisses Jacob and finally admits her feelings

Bella is not as emotional on screen as she is written, I haven't decided if that was a good or bad thing, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to Breaking Dawn, whenever that comes out.

Hunted by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-07-01T00:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, first of all... I love an author that can make me laugh and cry in the course of a single page is completely totally awesome. Add to that the fact that I am completely taken in by the story and the characters, so much that I've recreated just a bit of that world in my own AND that PC is not just a nameless faceless author but one I can actually communicate with and all I can say is WOW!!

Hunted takes us to one of the peaks in the story. Zoey and her friends find out just how strong they are, and how strong they are going to have to be. And, they manage to do something about the villains of the story that at first seemed impossible. It ends on a good note. And, I look forward to diving into Tempted once again.

I even got my cousin into the books.

Untamed by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-06-25T06:24:00.000-06:00

How cool is it that this story shows us unbiased, completely accepting/nonjudgmental nuns? I think it is completely cool especially since we as people in the real world as well as the characters in the book need that.

I loved this book, and having finished it for the second time I became completely aware at just how pivotal this book is in setting up the plot for the next several books at least. The villains of the story are introduced and out in the open, and journey the Zoey and her council embark on is quite literally laid before them.

I'm reading Hunted at the moment, this time I'm reading slower not only to prolong my time within the walls of the House of Night but also to catch the hints of what might be to come. Because, as sure as I am that the sun sets as the moon rises, I know that PC is giving us subtle hints. I like finding them.

Betrayed and Chosen by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-06-18T08:44:00.001-06:00

I've re-read both of these books over the last week or so. Again, it is kind of shocking how many clues I'm finding about the future story/plot lines that PC has given us. It's also kind of humorous and nice to know that even professional proofreaders make mistakes.

I'm working my way through the series again, and I have PC's Divine Series waiting on my book shelves. Plus, I've picked up a nice copy of Jane Austen's novels and I have several of my other books that have recently caught my attention once more.

On top of all that, I have taken up residence over at seed.com and textbroker.com, I'm going to try to earn a little bit of money and hone my writing skills. And besides what else is there to do at 3 in the morning??

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by: Stephenie Meyer

2010-06-09T02:52:00.000-06:00

Our glimpse at the newborn "army" in Seattle that was started by Victoria to fight the Cullens in the third novel of the Twilight saga: Eclipse.

I enjoyed the view, I learned to hate Victoria even more. I started to loathe Jane and the other Volturi punishers a little more. But, instead of hating Bree and the other newborns, I simply feel sorry for them, much like I feel sorry for children born into the homes of horrible people.

I wish that there was a way for Bree to have lived. If only she had followed her instincts and met the Cullens in different circumstances. But then, would we have the same view into the newborn army that we do?

I hope at some point in time we get to learn about Fred and his journey.

Overall, I liked it: I give it 3 stars out of 5.

Marked by: PC & Kristin Cast

2010-06-05T14:05:00.000-06:00

I just finished re-reading this book this morning, and am kind of in shock at just how many clues our authors have provided us with for what's to happen in the series.

We have the Red Fledglings introduced (though we don't know them as fledglings yet.) We have the dark spirits that were summoned without the proper herb incense. Also, we have an inkling of the duplicity of Neferet as she is witnessing Aphrodite's vision.

I wonder what I will notice about Betrayed this time around?

Lest You Think

2010-06-04T04:05:00.000-06:00

That I'm not reading, I am re-reading Marked while I wait for the release of Stephanie Meyer's new book.

I love the books, so much so I'm going to be getting the tattoo. A Zoey inspired series of tattoos. Yes, I'm a geek.

Burned by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sad that it is over. Yes, I know it's not the last in the series. Yes, I know that I can re-read the books as I know I will... but I am sad.

Sad to know that the choices coming for Stevie Rae is going to be heart aching to read. Sad to know that Dallas made the choice to embrace the Darkness and what that could mean for the rest of the Red Fledglings. Sad that Rephaim will not follow good and Light, and connect with his human self.

Sad that Zoey will have to face the grief of losing Heath. Sad over the journey Neferet has taken down to embrace Darkness. Sad that Kalona is too prideful to choose to redeem himself.

Yet, I see hope. Hope for the future of all my friends found within those pages, perhaps even redemption for the worst of them?

Once again, I say Thank you to PC and Kristin because truly I am a changed person by these books.

Now, just what am I going to read now??

Tempted by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-27T05:29:00.001-06:00

Stevie Rae -- easily wishing that she was my BFF. But yeah, I wish I could materialize her off the page just to smack her for not having more sense.

Rehraim -- this guy gives me the hee- bee-gee- bees. Half man/half bird -- part immortal, totally creepy. Yet I have the feeling this guy might be a favorite, if he can get his sick father the hell out of his head.

Neferet/Kalona -- EVIL EVIL EVIL. I want to see them come to a quick end to their utter existence and soon!

Zoey -- Why oh Why? Girl needs some sense. But I can't help but LOVE her and wish I had her grandma.

Aphrodite -- is easily my favorite character. Even if I wish I could smack her silly.

Book had me nervous at first and nervous at the end... but I loved it just like the others, but so help me if Zoey is really dead... I'm never going to forgive PC and Kristin.

I will, of course, be picking up Burned VERY VERY soon as in like in 2 minutes.

Hunted by: PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-25T08:57:00.000-06:00

Still. Lov.ing. IT!!! Seriously, I am a complete fan of these books and of the very wise and down to earth Zoey and her family of vamps and fledglings. Though this book to be honest scared me a little. I actually had to stop reading for a bit before picking it back up because I was so into what was happening in the story.

As I posted on PC's latest blog entry: "It is not uncommon for me to read fast. It is rare for me to laugh and cry with, as well as talk to the characters on the page. Thank you."

And I mean it sincerely, Thank you for writing such an amazing story, and I am looking forward to cracking the cover on Tempted. And much like my vamp and fledgling friends I must now go rest, I feel as drained as Zoey.

Untamed by PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-24T03:26:00.000-06:00

Loving it. 100% completely taken into the story & plot line of the series. And still utterly shocked that the time frame of the books is months, not years. Makes me wonder how long I can look forward to having Zoey and the gang as part of my life.

I will, of course, be picking up book 5: Hunted in a matter of hours.

Chosen by: PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-23T02:58:00.000-06:00

Another month in the lives of our characters, another 300 delicious pages to devour. It's like drinking water. I talk to the book, I've laughed, cried... been enticed, gotten royally pissed and generally completely enjoyed the story.

Picking up book 4: Untamed tonight.

Betrayed by PC & Kristen Cast

2010-05-20T16:48:00.000-06:00

Only a month time frame between the beginning of Marked and the start of Betrayed, really? Yes! And it works. The story picked right back up which for me made it extremely hard to put down. Today the first thing I did was open the book. And I couldn't put it down, the story pulled me forward. After crying with Zoey and her friends over the death of her best friend, I simply had to continue reading.

The story is compelling and the villain of the story is so tasty. I'm impressed and looking forward to breezing through the next in the series: Chosen.

Marked: A House of Night Novel (reprise)

2010-05-17T04:33:00.000-06:00

It started kind of slow. The authors jumped right into the story, not really giving us much of an introduction to the world that they were creating. It felt like I was playing catch up. Once the main character Zoey was in what will presumably be her environment for the bulk of the series the story moved by fast.

I laughed... and when Zoey is talking to her grandmother on the phone... I cried and yearned for the loving, warm embrace from my grandmother. I was in awe with the power of the high priestess and the imagery of the rituals.

My only complaint about the writing was the use of profanity. However, being as I too am a potty mouthed person, it didn't offend me and thankfully it wasn't used often.

Starting on book two: Betrayed within the next couple of days.

Marked: A House of Night Novel by: PC & Kristin Cast

2010-05-11T01:02:00.000-06:00

I saw their interview on the Rachael Ray Show a while back and thought about reading it, but never picked it up. Don't really know why. While I was in New York I took a look at my niece's book collection. Guess what was among them? You got it, the House of Night Series. The great thing about my family is that we share the same taste in books and such.

For my birthday I bought the books, tonight I begin my journey.

Glenn Beck

2010-05-07T01:24:00.001-06:00

Reading his book should be easy, but it just doesn't hold my interest. I will grin and bear it and get through this book in the next week or so.

Update May 10, 2010 -- I give up with the hard copy. I will look for the audio book, I might have better luck with that. I like the premise, but the book just doesn't draw me in.

Breaking Dawn (reprise)

2010-04-30T08:22:00.000-06:00

Surprise, Surprise. About a week later, I have finished the fourth book in the Twilight series with an all nighter. I simply could not fall asleep last night so, after trying for over an hour, I resigned myself to the living room couch with a pillow blanket and the remaining chapters. I was a little hesitant this time reading it... (note to self: don't read reviews they just spoil the fun) ... I don't know why but I expected to be disappointed. I wasn't disappointed.
Reading it this time made certain things make more sense. Like, Bella's liking the taste of blood and Jacob's imprinting on Renesme and the subtle hint that the story may not truly end there with the Volturi intact to fight another day.

I am pleased with how the series is closed for the time being, look forward to the short story being released in June and after a quick mental break will embark on another journey. This time rooted in the conjecture of Glenn Beck and Thomas Paine. We shall see how well that works out.

Author's Inspiration

2010-04-20T23:35:00.000-06:00

I was browsing the goodreads.com website and came across a post that showed the new releases of the classic novels that inspired Stephenie Meyer while writing the Twilight series. First off, the images are awesome. Unfortunately they are only available in paperback. Kind of disappointing there, I want books that I know I'm going to want to read and re-read to be sturdy.

However, it did get me searching for the books and now I want to read these books as well: Though I think I'll be going to the library to get a lot of them.
1. Jane Eyre
2. Anne of Green Gables - this will be a re-read (I read them before in school).
3. Pride and Prejudice - another re-read (another school assignment) - maybe actually wanting to read it will help me stay focused through the old english.
4. Romeo and Juliet - I might just try to find good adaptations of the play in film format, but then who knows.
5. Wuthering Heights - I'll see if I can get Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand out of my head while I read this one.
6. The Merchant of Venice - simply because I need to see if I can pick out the elements that find their way into the series.
7. A Midsummer Night Dream - once again I'll see if I can keep Kevin Kline's interpretation out of my head.

Also, I found out that on Orson Scott Card's website - you can read his books for free. It makes me quite happy!.

Breaking Dawn by: Stephenie Meyer

2010-04-20T06:37:00.000-06:00

I will be starting the final (for now?) chapter of the Twilight series in a day or so. I will likely devour the book just as I have the others, but I'm going to try to slow down just a bit.

I've borrowed a couple of books from a friend... I will read those books next:
1. Glenn Beck's "Common Sense."
2. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (books 1-5) by: Douglas Adams

I've started them both before but stopped for various reasons. Seeing as I've had the books for a long while now... I think it's about time I actually read them and return them.

Eclipse by: Stephenie Meyer (reprise)

2010-04-20T06:25:00.000-06:00

Stayed up all night reading... I should have started earlier this evening and I might have actually been able to sleep some last night. I knew it was going to happen the minute I closed the book last night as they were preparing for the battle of the newborns I knew I was going to read until the end. The storyu is just too compelling from that point on.

Once I got to the part of the story with the newborn Bree the new book coming out in a few months clicks right into place. I find myself hoping that the story of Bree sheds more light on Victoria and Riley and perhaps even gives us a glimpse into what Jasper explains from his existence before Alice.

Clash of the Titans (2010) - 3D

2010-04-17T23:48:00.000-06:00

I felt like I was having deja vu with the story line. I guess since I have just read the Percy Jackson novels... the greek mythology resonated probably more than it would have otherwise.

The story follows Perseus as he goes on a quest to avenge his family who died at the hands of Hades the god of the underworld. He does this by helping the city of Argos with their war against the gods on Olympus. The story was told pretty well, and the computer graphics were decent. The 3D feature however was not. Save the extra cash and see this movie in regular format, or wait until it's on DVD, you might have more fun that way.

My rating: 2 1/2 stars our of 5

Eclipse by: Stephenie Meyer

2010-04-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

Finished New Moon earlier today. It was awesome to read, I found myself completely oblivious to my surroundings as I read through the last 60 pages. Don't you just love it when books can do that? It took me less than a week to read it, so I expect more of the same for Eclipse.

I'm getting some books in the mail from Amazon this week for my birthday so, the goal is to finish the Twilight books before they get here. Not sure if I will hit that deadline, but it's worth a shot.

So tonight we're watching the movie version of New Moon. It's a different kind of nice. I'm liking it. And that fact, confirms to me that I'm definitely a girly girl.

Smallville: Season 8

2010-04-14T10:58:00.000-06:00

I have been working my way through the series on DVD. I've given up watching it on television because I just have too many other programs that my husband and I watch on a nightly basis. Season 8 has more of the typical comic references. It also includes various references to the former Superman incarnation: "Lois & Clark."

Heard this Morning while attempting to sleep

2010-04-14T03:31:00.000-06:00

The works of Kurt Bestor with an album I bought eons ago. -- Sketches
Also from Kurt Bestor and a collaborator, Sam Cardon. -- Innovations

And, finally because my eyes are finally getting heavy. Time Life's Classical Thunder, currently playing: Ein Heldenleben - The Hero's Battlefield

Recent Viewings

2010-04-14T03:11:00.000-06:00

The Ugly Truth -- It appeared on the Video On Demand listing and from a recommendation from my sister, I watched it. It's a bonus that I happen to like Gerard Butler and Katherine Hegel. It was a typical chick flick, it was funny, but not something I will be adding to my collection any time soon.

Twister -- An oldie. When we first upgraded our sound system more than 10 years ago, this was one of the first DVD movie purchases. I was impressed then and still am with the visual and audio effects of the movie. " There's a cow." " ... I have to go, we have cows." " .... Another cow." " .... Actually I think that's the same one." Classic!

Twilight -- The movie version of Stephenie Meyer's book. It doesn't get close to the goodness of the original format of the story. However, taking it for what it is. A well told story and a basic introduction to the characters, and it is fun to watch and scrutinize.

New Moon -- The movie version of Stephenie Meyer's book. New director. Better story telling especially in the visual department.

My Sister's Keeper -- sad, depressing... funny moments. I hated it!

Yes, we watch a lot of movies around here. I'll try to keep up. If anyone knows of a good widget like the goodreads one for my movies, leave a comment, thanks.

New Moon by: Stephenie Meyer

2010-04-14T00:35:00.000-06:00

Another re-read because like I said: once you start you can not stop. I love living in Forks. The movie version was just released for home viewing and in June there is another (short) installment to this story and I would like to be ready to read it by having the whole story fresh in my head. I am at the part of the book where Bella has just bought the bike to Jacob to fix up. Again, I'm purposely taking my time reading so I can enjoy the books.

Last Month's Reading:

2010-04-14T00:27:00.000-06:00

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Book One -- The Lightning Thief
by: Rick Riordan

-- After watching the Hollywood version of the movie. And, having a 3 day cross country bus ride ahead of me, I decided to pick up the book at Walmart. I was surprised at how incredibly easy it was to read. Granted it's aimed at a younger audience, but I was easily drawn into the story and found myself chuckling at the story from time to time. I finished the book in about a day and a half of reading. (With many nap breaks in between.)

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Book Two -- The Sea of Monsters
by: Rick Riordan

-- On the same day I bought book one. I picked this book up for the trip home (another 3 day ride cross country). It was a book just as easy to read as the first book with more meat to the story. It took me a little longer to finish the book but that was because of the headache of the trip home. I will be picking up book three as soon as I find it on sale.

Twilight
by: Stephenie Meyer

-- I read this before, actually I devoured it before. The first time I read this book I literally finished it in one day. I re-read it and forced myself to slow down and enjoy the world that Stephenie creates for us. I still managed to read the book in about 3 days worth of reading, once you start it's hard to stop what can I say.