Beer Bread Recipe

My family loves this recipe for Beer Bread. I don't remember where we first found it. It was somewhere on the internet. Here's the recipe:

3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
12 oz can or bottle of beer
1 stick of butter, melted (I only use half of a stick)

Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the beer and combine. The batter will be very thick! Pour into a greased loaf pan and then pour the melted butter on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy with your favorite bowl of soup!

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted a book review. I've been spending a lot of time working on craft projects for Christmas gifts, so I haven't been reading very much. I was on the library wait list for Cleopatra's Daughter for over a month. It was definitely worth the wait! Here's a summary from Amazon:

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

This book was so good! I loved it just as much as Michelle Moran's other book, Nefertiti. I loved Selene; she's a much better character than Nefertari from The Heretic Queen. I was a bit surprised that Marc Antony and Cleopatra died so early on in the book. I liked that this book takes place in Rome as opposed to Egypt. It made it a lot more interesting. I really hope that Michelle Moran writes another book soon. She's an amazing author! Everyone should read Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter.

5 out of 5 stars!

Time for a Face Lift

I have decided to make some changes to this blog. I stopped reading as quickly as I used to so I wasn't updating as much as I was hoping. I will be adding some more content that isn't just book related. I plan to add cooking and baking posts as well as craft posts. These are some of my favorite things to do. I hope all of you enjoy these changes!

I will begin this overhaul with a cooking related post. Here's a recipe I just came up with for Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup:

1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup diced onions
3 tablespoons flour
5 - 6 cups milk (I used skim)
1 package frozen broccoli (I used the steam in the bag kind)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
garlic, salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a pot. Add the onions and cook until they are clear. In the meantime, cook the broccoli according to the instructions. Add the flour to the butter and onions one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. Add the milk and continue to whisk until the butter and flour mixture is incorporated. Add the cooked broccoli and the cheese. Add as much spice as you'd like. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is hot. Enjoy!
This would probably serve 3 - 4 people.

I didn't measure as I made this so the measurements are my best guess. I would serve this with some homemade bread, rolls or biscuits. Perfect for a cold night!

I hope you guys enjoy this new format.

Booking Through Thursday

Here's today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the most informative book you’ve read recently?

I would have to say that the most informative book I've read recently is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It's about why certain people are more (or less) successful than others. It was a very interesting book. I learned why most professional hockey players were born in January, February and March. I also found out why Asian people tend to be better at math. I really enjoyed the book, and so did my mom and brother. I've been thinking about picking up one of his other books, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

This book was AMAZING!!! I'm so in love with this series! I already want to reread both books. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading Catching Fire. I actually had to put it down for a second so I could take a breath and calm down a bit. I was so caught up in the book, I read it in one day. I finished at 1:30 in the morning! I'm even more in love with Peeta now. He's my new book boyfriend. Just don't tell Eric Northman! LOL I don't really understand why some people like Gale more than Peeta. We don't even know that much about Gale; he hasn't had much "face time" in the books.

I can't wait for the third book to come out, but I have to wait an entire year! *le sigh* I don't know what I'll do until then. I'm using this book for the "read a book with a verb in the title" category for the Summer Book Challenge.

5 out of 5 stars

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

I know it's weird that I read a book about Christmas in September, but it's one of the tasks for the Summer Book Challenge. Here's a synopsis of Skipping Christmas by John Grisham from Amazon:

"Luther and Nora Krank are fed up with the chaos of Christmas. The endless shopping lists, the frenzied dashes through the mall, the hassle of decorating the tree... where has all the joy gone? This year, celebrating seems like too much effort. With their only child off in Peru, they decide that just this once, they'll skip the holidays. They spend their Christmas budget on a Caribbean cruise set to sail on December 25, and happily settle in for a restful holiday season free of rooftop snowmen and festive parties.

But the Kranks soon learn that their vacation from Christmas isn't much of a vacation at all, and that skipping the holidays has consequences they didn't bargain for..."

I decided to read this book for the "read a book that takes place during Christmas" task for the Summer Book Challenge. I really liked the movie version - Christmas with the Kranks - so I decided to give the book a try. I thought it was really cute! They really stayed true to the book when they made the movie. This book was very short and such a quick read. I read it in one day! Now I just wish it was closer to the holidays. I would never skip Christmas because it's my favorite time of year. I can't wait! Maybe I'll go watch Christmas with the Kranks now...

4 out of 5 stars

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead and Gone is the ninth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"The Louisiana town of Bon Temps—along with the rest of the world—is about to be rocked with some big supernatural news: like the vampires before them, the Were people—humans with the ability to change into animals—are about to reveal themselves to humanity. Psychic barmaid Sookie Stackhouse is apprehensive about the revelation, given the way some people in the small town revile anyone with extraordinary powers, including Sookie herself. While the initial announcement seems to go over smoothly with most people, tragedy strikes when Sookie’s brother Jason’s estranged wife, a werepanther, is found murdered and nailed up on a cross. Jason is the prime suspect, but Sookie has even bigger problems to deal with when she learns that a vicious fairy prince is determined to kill her."

I'm sad that I'm finished with all of the books that have been released. I have to wait until next May for the next book! Plus, True Blood is ending next week and I'll have to wait until next summer for the third season. I'm going to suffer from Sookie withdrawal! Dead and Gone was such a great book. I'm definitely sad about some parts, but I loved every minute of it. I kind of want to go back and reread the entire series now, but I have too many books on my TBR shelf. I haven't read all of the short stories yet, so I'm excited for the book of short stories that is coming out next month. I haven't figured out how to fit this into the Summer Book Challenge yet. I only have a little over 3 weeks left in the challenge!

5 out of 5 stars

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

From Dead to Worse is the eighth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and the manmade explosion at the vampire summit, everyone—human and otherwise—is stressed, including Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who is trying to cope with the fact that her boyfriend Quinn has gone missing. It’s clear that things are changing—whether the weres and vamps of her corner of Louisiana like it or not. And Sookie—Friend to the Pack and blood-bonded to Eric Northman, leader of the local vampire community—is caught up in the changes."

This book was full of "WTF?!" moments. It was great! Some moments made me very happy, while others just left me stunned. I think this was one of the better books of the series. I'm still completely in love with Eric, and I will be pissed if Sookie ends up with Bill again! I will probably use this for the "cook a meal inspired by a book" category of the Summer Book Challenge. I can't wait to read the last book so I can be all caught up. Then I will just need to track down all of the short stories...

5 out of 5 stars

Booking Through Thursday

Here is today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the biggest book you’ve read recently?

(Feel free to think “big” as size, or as popularity, or in any other way you care to interpret.)

The "biggest" book, in terms of page numbers, that I've read recently (the last year or so) is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I enjoyed the book very much, and the sequel is currently sitting on my TBR shelf. I haven't picked it up yet because it's a bit daunting. Both books are about 1000 pages.

The "biggest" book, in terms of popularity, that I've read recently is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I had no idea this book was so popular when I picked it up. One of the tasks in the Summer Book Challenge is to read a book that an author you enjoy has recommended. Apparently, Stephenie Meyer really liked The Hunger Games, so I used it for the task. I'm so glad I did, as it's an amazing book! Stephenie Meyer may not be the best writer in the world, but she has some good taste in books! (Well, I actually have no idea what kind of books she likes aside from The Hunger Games, so I'm just assuming she has good taste based on the fact that she liked The Hunger Games.) I can't wait to read Catching Fire! I'm waiting for my Dad to finish it so that I can borrow it.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

The Awakening is the first book in the Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith. Here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her."

I was on the holds list for this book at my local library, but it was taking a long time so I decided to buy the book. I'm kind of regretting that now. I should have just waited for it. I'm pretty disappointed in this book, and it's only the first one! I can't stand Elena. She's just like all of the girls I hated when I was in school. She thinks the world revolves around her and everyone does everything she says. It's ridiculous! I don't understand why she's so obsessed with Stefan when she knows nothing about him. Also, she's "in love" after a week of being together?!

I didn't like that the author tried to keep Stefan so mysterious to the reader. Lots of "...but I can't think about that right now." It got to be really annoying. I thought the story was extremely anti-climactic. The whole thing with Katharine was laughable not sad and heartbreaking like it was meant to be. I guess I'll probably end up reading the next book since it's in the same volume that I bought. I had high hopes for this book, but now I'm just so disappointed. I'm using this for the "teens as the main characters" category for the Summer Book Challenge.

2 out of 5 stars

Musing Mondays

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about books for children…

Do you buy books as gifts for children – either your own or those of friends or family? Would you buy books for all children, or only children who are already practiced readers?

I have never actually given books as a gift to children, but I would like to. The main reason I haven't is that I never know which books the child already owns. I hate giving someone a gift they already have. I don't have any children yet, but I've already begun a collection of books for children on my bookshelf. I hope my children will love to read as much as I do.

I would give books to any children even if they can't read yet. Although, if I know that an older child really doesn't like to read, I won't give them a book. There's no point in giving them something they won't enjoy. It's impossible to force a kid to like to read.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

All Together Dead is the seventh book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Sookie attends an all-important central U.S. vamp summit on the shores of Lake Michigan as a "human geiger counter" for Sophie-Anne Leclerq, vampire queen of a Louisiana weakened by Katrina and who will be tried during the event for murdering her king. Sookie knows the queen is innocent, but she's hardly prepared for other shocking murders, not to mention protests by the Fellowship of the Sun, a right-wing antivampire movement. Her sleuthing skills, along with those of her new telepath friend, Barry the Bellboy, are put to the extreme test."

I think this book was definitely one of the best of this series. I still can't stand Quinn, and I just want Sookie and Eric to get together already! The summit was different than I expected. I thought it was pretty funny that it was basically a big conference with vendors and everything. I was surprised by who was behind the murders. Maybe I'm dense, but I didn't see that coming. I loved that Barry was back, and he had more confidence in himself. I think they should bring in more telepaths. I guess they're pretty rare, though. I wish I could fit this book into the Summer Book Challenge, but I just can't figure out how. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to complete the challenge at this point, but it's still fun.

5 out of 5 stars, of course!

Booking Through Thursday

Today's Booking Through Thursday question is:

What’s the lightest, most “fluff” kind of book you’ve read recently?

I would have to say that the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries books by Charlaine Harris are the lightest and fluffiest books I've read recently. Each of the books is a very quick read. The characters are great, the romance is sweet, and the plot is fun! I fall in love with the series more and more with each book that I read. I'm actually currently reading All Together Dead and I can't wait to get back to it. My mom loves the series too and likes to call the books "book candy." I definitely would have to agree with her!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. Here is a summary from Goodreads:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse: Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Percy's mom decides it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends, one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena, Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

I decided to read this book after I saw the trailer for the movie at the movie theater. I hadn't heard much about the book before then. I'm glad I decided to read it. I enjoyed The Lightning Thief very much. I loved guessing which mythical figure each of the characters were supposed to be. I was worried it was going to be eye-roll-worthy, but it definitely wasn't! Even though Percy is only supposed to be 12-years-old, this book doesn't seem as young as Cirque du Freak was. I loved the descriptions of how the gods looked - very appropriate - especially Poseidon.

After a while Percy, Annabeth, and Grover started to remind me of Harry, Hermione, and Ron from Harry Potter. Percy is the brave one who doesn't know anything about the world he's thrust into, just like Harry. Annabeth is smart and crafty like Hermione. Grover is the somewhat cowardly best friend like Ron. I don't think it's a bad thing that there are similarities, I just found it amusing. I can't wait to read the next book and to see the movie. I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

4 out of 5 stars

Musing Mondays

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book series…

Do you prefer to read stand-alone books, or books in series? Do you stick with a series the whole way through or stop after the first installment? Are there any particular series you enjoy?

I love to read any books whether they are part of a series or not. I'm actually in the middle of so many different series that it's hard to keep track! I tend to jump around with the books I read. I don't normally read a series straight through without some other books in between. If the first book doesn't impress me though, I won't finish the series. Some series that I have enjoyed: Harry Potter, Twilight, The Inheritance Cycle and many others. Some series that I'm currently reading: Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries, House of Night, The Mortal Instruments, The Inkworld Trilogy, and The Stephanie Plum series. I think that I tend to be more drawn to series books than stand-alone books. I never really noticed that before.

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Definitely Dead is the sixth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a description from Amazon:

Sookie Stackhouse once tried to keep her mind-reading capabilities secret, but the word is definitely out in Bon Temps, Louisiana, her hometown, leading local police to call on her to help find a missing child. There's a new man, were-tiger Quinn, in the picture, too, but on their first date, two were-people attack them. Sookie isn't sure whether she or Quinn was the target but is soon distracted by a more pressing problem. Cousin Hadley, a vampire, has been murdered, and Sookie has inherited her apartment, meaning she has to go to New Orleans to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death and meet with Hadley's lover, the Vampire Queen herself.

I love this series more and more after every book I read. This book reveals a lot of interesting information! One thing I can't stand, though, is Quinn. For some reason, I find him incredibly annoying. It's irritating that Quinn always calls Sookie "babe." That seems so sexist! I'm not normally like that. I don't get offended that easily, but that really got to me. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I hope it's even better than this one was! I'm trying to find a way to fit this into the Summer Book Challenge, but I have no idea how I'm going to do it.

5 out of 5 stars

Booking Through Thursday

Today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Wow, this is a hard question! I've read so many great books lately; it's difficult to choose. I guess I would have to say that The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was the best book I've read recently. It was an amazing book! It had such a cool plot and some really great characters. I liked that it was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend The Hunger Games to anyone who likes to read, and even the people who don't like to read! I've already gotten my mom and brother to read it; now I'm just trying to convince my dad to try it. I can't wait for the sequel, Catching Fire, to be released on September 1st!

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare is the first book in The Saga of Darren Shan. Here is a description from Amazon:

When Cirque Du Freak comes to town, Darren and his friends are obsessed with seeing the acts, which include a performing spider; spiders are a particular fascination of Darren's. It is a marvelously creepy show that lives up to their expectations. After the show, Darren's rowdy pal, Steve, stays behind and confronts the man with the spider--who turns out to be a vampire. Hidden in the shadows, Darren listens, horrified, as Steve begs Mr. Crepsley to make him a vampire, too. Steve's request is denied, but through a series of mishaps, Darren becomes the vampire.

I decided to read this book after I saw the trailer for the Cirque Du Freak movie. I didn't know much about the book before I read it. I thought it was a bit young for being considered young adult. I would say it's geared more toward a younger audience (think The Series of Unfortunate Events and The Spiderwick Chronicles) than other young adult books I've read. It's a little odd that the author writes it like it is actually about himself. I kept trying to figure out how old Darren is supposed to be, but the book never really says. I'm guessing he's supposed to be about 12.

I already own the next two books, so I plan on reading them. I really want to see the movie when it comes out, although I may wait until it comes out on DVD. I'm using this for the "read a book by an author born in July, August or September" category for the Summer Book Challenge. Darren Shan was born on July 2nd. Overall, I thought this book was pretty good.

3 out of 5 stars

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

I really wanted to read this book when I first saw it at the book store. It has such a great cover and a cool title. Plus, one of the tasks for the Summer Book Challenge is to read a book based solely on its cover. Here is a description of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane from Amazon:

Harvard graduate student Connie Goodwin needs to spend her summer doing research for her doctoral dissertation. But when her mother asks her to handle the sale of Connie's grandmother's abandoned home near Salem, she can't refuse. As she is drawn deeper into the mysteries of the family house, Connie discovers an ancient key within a seventeenth-century Bible. The key contains a yellowing fragment of parchment with a name written upon it: Deliverance Dane. This discovery launches Connie on a quest--to find out who this woman was and to unearth a rare artifact of singular power: a physick book, its pages a secret repository for lost knowledge.

As the pieces of Deliverance's harrowing story begin to fall into place, Connie is haunted by visions of the long-ago witch trials, and she begins to fear that she is more tied to Salem's dark past then she could have ever imagined.

I was so excited when I finally got this book from the library. I waited for about a month for it. It definitely was not worth the wait. I'm so disappointed. I found the book to be mildly interesting, but I couldn't stand the main character, Connie. She was so dumb! There were times when I was thinking to myself, How did this girl even get her graduate degree? The author also used the word "idiosyncratic" way too many times. (Think "chagrin" in the Twilight series.) I also couldn't believe that the author wrote "should of" instead of "should have." Granted, it was in dialogue, but still! That is just not OK. I could see maybe using "should've" since it was dialogue but not "should of." That's a big pet peeve of mine. Anyway, I thought the historical parts of the book were very interesting, but the rest was pretty pointless. So disappointing.

2 out of 5 stars

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Here is a description of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan from Amazon:

At the instigation of a matchmaker, Lily and Snow Flower, a girl from a larger town and supposedly from a well-connected, wealthy family, become laotong, bound together for life. Even after Lily learns that Snow Flower is not from a better family, even when Lily marries above her and Snow Flower beneath her, they remain close, exchanging nu shu written on a fan. When war comes, Lily is separated from her husband and children. She survives the winter helped by Snow Flower's husband, a lowly butcher, until she is reunited with her family. As the years pass, the women's relationship changes; Lily grows more powerful in her community, bitter, and harder, until at last she breaks her bond with Snow Flower. They are not reunited until Lily tries to make the dying Snow Flower's last days comfortable.

I decided to read this book because the girls on The Nest Book Club message board suggested it. I also really enjoy historical fictions that are set in Asian countries. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was exactly what I was looking for. I thought the parts about foot-binding were very interesting. I found myself wincing at certain points; it sounded so incredibly painful! I guess I would be considered very ugly in China at that time; my feet are size 12! I thought it was so cool that the women of China had their own language that the men didn't even know about. Reading about Lily and Snow Flower's friendship made me sad for all of my friendships that have ended. It normally takes a lot for a book to make me cry, but this one definitely did. I was just bawling! This book counted for the Summer Book Challenge.

4 out of 5 stars

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead as a Doornail is the fifth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. It continues the story of telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie's brother, Jason, is awaiting his first full moon since being bitten by a were-panther, a sniper is going around Bon Temps shooting shifters, and Sookie is being dragged into werewolf politics, all while trying to sort out her feelings for the many men in her life. You know, a usual day in the life of Sookie Stackhouse.

I still love this series! I think these books just keep getting better and better. I would have liked to have seen Eric more in this book. Oh well. I thought it was interesting to see how the werewolves choose a new "packmaster," even if it was a bit brutal. I'm still rooting for Sookie and Eric. I really hope they end up together. I'm also using this book for the Summer Book Challenge. I can't wait to read the next book!

5 out of 5 stars!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I picked up this book because I know a lot of people who really liked it. Also, I was able to fit it into the Summer Book Challenge! Here's a description of The Hunger Games from Amazon:

"In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives."

I'm so glad I read this book because I loved it! After I started reading it, I just couldn't put it down. I loved how independent and strong Katniss was. I think the author could have picked a better name, though. I mean, Katniss? Really? It sounds too much like "cat piss." Oh well, she's still a great main character. I can't wait to read the next book. I don't want to wait until September 1st though! Hopefully I can win Catching Fire from Goodreads.

5 out of 5 stars!

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead to the World is the fourth book in Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series. Here is a description from Amazon:

"(Dead to the World) continues the story of psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who has fallen out with her undead lover, Bill. Bill has no sooner departed for Peru, than Sookie finds the head vampire, Eric, running naked and terrified through the rural night. She helps Eric, and discovers his memory has been destroyed by a coven of unscrupulous, astonishingly powerful witches, newly arrived in her small Louisiana town, and offering a huge reward for Eric. Sookie tries to hide Eric, but her brother sees him--and immediately disappears. And Sookie finds herself caught in a war among witches, vampires, and werewolves."

I absolutely LOVE this series! The books just keep getting better and better. I know I say this all the time, but Eric is so amazingly hot and sexy! He makes Edward Cullen seem dull and ugly. I found a way to fit this book into the Summer Book Challenge. Yay! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series. My mom has the next one, so next time I go to her house I'm stealing it!

5 out of 5 stars

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I can't believe I had never read this book before. I decided to read it for the Summer Book Challenge. Here's a description from Amazon:

"Guy Montag is a book-burning fireman undergoing a crisis of faith. His wife spends all day with her television "family," imploring Montag to work harder so that they can afford a fourth TV wall. Their dull, empty life sharply contrasts with that of his next-door neighbor Clarisse, a young girl thrilled by the ideas in books, and more interested in what she can see in the world around her than in the mindless chatter of the tube. When Clarisse disappears mysteriously, Montag is moved to make some changes, and starts hiding books in his home. Eventually, his wife turns him in, and he must answer the call to burn his secret cache of books. After fleeing to avoid arrest, Montag winds up joining an outlaw band of scholars who keep the contents of books in their heads, waiting for the time society will once again need the wisdom of literature."

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was similar to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. In both books society is controlled through pleasure. As long as everyone is happy and entertained, the government can get them to do whatever they want. I found it particularly frightening that the government didn't just take books away suddenly, but most people just stopped reading altogether. I couldn't imagine not reading. It's my favorite hobby of all time. I'm always in the middle of a book. I brought 4 books on my week long vacation. I probably won't get to all of them, but I like to have my options. Anyway, I really liked Fahrenheit 451, and I think everyone should read it.

5 out of 5 stars

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

I read Queen of Babble for the Summer Book Challenge. It's one of Meg Cabot's adult books. Here is a description from Amazon:

"Lizzie Nichols, a fashion-history major, wants nothing more than to graduate college and then fly off to London to be with her boyfriend, Andy. But at her graduation party, Lizzie finds out that she can't graduate until she writes a senior thesis. And when she lands in London, Andy turns out to be a liar, gambler, and a fashion disaster. Lizzie, stuck in London with a nonchangeable ticket home, escapes Andy via the Chunnel in hopes that her friend Shari, who is catering weddings for the summer at a French chateau, can help. On the train, Lizzie meets a stranger, Jean-Luc, and spills everything that has happened, only to find out that he is the son of the chateau's owner. At the chateau, Lizzie continues to babble when she shouldn't, ticking off Jean-Luc, shocking his mother, and upsetting a bride. Will she ever learn to keep her mouth shut?"

I thought this book was pretty cute. Lizzie annoyed me a lot at first, but I grew to tolerate her by the end of the book. I hated when she was making up excuses for Andy's behavior. I just wanted to slap some sense into her. I know some people say that Heather Wells, the main character from Meg Cabot's other adult series that begins with Size 12 is Not Fat, is really annoying, but I think Lizzie is way worse! I liked the story, though, and Luke made up for the fact that Lizzie was so annoying.

3 out of 5 stars

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

I rarely read non-fiction books, but this was for the Summer Book Challenge. Here is a description of Outliers from Amazon:

"Outliers begins with a provocative look at why certain five-year-old boys enjoy an advantage in ice hockey, and how these advantages accumulate over time. We learn what Bill Gates, the Beatles and Mozart had in common: along with talent and ambition, each enjoyed an unusual opportunity to intensively cultivate a skill that allowed them to rise above their peers. A detailed investigation of the unique culture and skills of Eastern European Jewish immigrants persuasively explains their rise in 20th-century New York, first in the garment trade and then in the legal profession. Through case studies ranging from Canadian junior hockey champions to the robber barons of the Gilded Age, from Asian math whizzes to software entrepreneurs to the rise of his own family in Jamaica, Gladwell tears down the myth of individual merit to explore how culture, circumstance, timing, birth and luck account for success—and how historical legacies can hold others back despite ample individual gifts."

This book was actually quite interesting. I loved learning that a lot of people who have enjoyed great success have luck to thank for it. I guess it makes me feel better about my own lack of great success. It's not my fault; I'm just not that lucky. I was born in the wrong year, I have the "wrong" background, I grew up in the wrong area, etc. (Obviously, those aren't the only reasons, but hey, I'm making myself feel better!) I can't believe that just because someone was born in the first three months of the year means that they have a much better shot at becoming professional hockey players. I'm glad that this book was recommended to me. I really enjoyed it. Plus, now I know why Asians are so good at math!

4 out of 5 stars

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Summer Sisters is one of a few of Judy Blume's adult books. Here's a description from Amazon:

"Caitlin lives with her mother in Sante Fe, but spends summers on a New England island with her father, brother, and stepmother. Both parents give her free rein, and her beauty, independence, and talent for getting away with outrageous behavior make her an intriguing star to her middle school classmates. Victoria can't understand why Caitlin would single her out to be her "summer sister" on Martha's Vineyard as she sees herself as quiet and dull. She senses, though, that this vacation is an important turning point and convinces her conservative parents to let her go. The girls become fast friends, sharing six unforgettable summers together."

This book was...interesting. I read it for the Nest Book Club and the Summer Book Challenge. I can't believe this book was written by the same woman who wrote Superfudge. There was so much sex! I had a hard time identifying with the character's in this book. If I were in Vix's shoes I would not have stayed friends with Caitlin, but then the book would have been over after 90 pages or so. Anyway, I thought this book was OK, but I definitely won't be reading it again.

2 out of 5 stars

Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Second Helpings is the second (duh!) book in Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series. Here's a description from Goodreads:

"Jessica Darling is up in arms again in this much-anticipated, hilarious sequel to Sloppy Firsts. This time, the hyperobservant, angst-ridden teenager is going through the social and emotional ordeal of her senior year at Pineville High. Not only does the mysterious and oh-so-compelling Marcus Flutie continue to distract Jessica, but her best friend, Hope, still lives in another state, and she can’t seem to escape the clutches of the Clueless Crew, her annoying so-called friends. To top it off, Jessica’s parents won’t get off her butt about choosing a college, and her sister Bethany’s pregnancy is causing a big stir in the Darling household."

This book was as good as, if not better than, Sloppy Firsts. I really enjoyed it, and can't wait to read the third book. I still love Jessica's snarkiness and attitude. I definitely would not allow my kids to read this book unless they were well past their sixteenth birthday. I don't remember young adult books having so much sex in them when I was younger. (Wow, I feel so old having said that.) I still love this series even with all of the references to sex. I'm well past my sixteenth birthday! ;-) Anyway, this book also counts for the Summer Book Challenge.

5 out of 5 stars

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Club Dead is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a synopsis from Goodreads:

"There's only one vampire Sookie Stackhouse is involved with (at least voluntarily) and that's Bill. But recently he's been kind of distant - like in another state distant. Bill's sinister and sexy boss Eric has an idea where to find him, which is why Sookie ends up in Jackson, Mississippi, mingling with the under-underworld at Club Dead. It's a dangerous little haunt where the elitist vamps can go chill and chow on some prime flesh. But when Sookie finally finds Bill - caught in an act of serious betrayal - she's not sure whether to save him, or sharpen some stakes."

I really liked Club Dead a lot. I love that Eric has more of a role now. He's definitely my favorite character. I realize that Charlaine Harris is trying to show that it's dangerous for Sookie to be Bill's girlfriend, but come on! Nobody gets beat up that many times in just a few months. It's teetering on the edge of over the top and lame. I still liked the book, but I'm liking Bill less and less. I think Sookie should leave him for Eric! His morals may be questionable, but he is incredibly sexy. Yum! I can't wait to read the next book! This book counts for the Nest Summer Book Challenge as well.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Sloppy Firsts is the first book in Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series. So many people have recommended this series, so I decided to get the first book from the library. Here is a description from Amazon:

"When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?"

I'm so happy I read this book! It was so cute. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I love how funny and angsty Jessica is. She's hilarious. Marcus kind of reminds me of Heath Ledger's character in 10 Things I Hate About You. He's definitely very intriguing. I can totally relate to Jessica because I remember what it was like to be 16. Actually, I was sixteen when this book came out. I would have really enjoyed it at that age, too. I read this book for the Nest Book Club's Summer Book Challenge. It's for the category, "Read a book considered a beach read." I'm going to go put the next book on hold at the library now.

5 out of 5 stars

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I had never read To Kill a Mockingbird before, so when I found it at the thrift store for 25 cents I was very excited. In case you haven't read it, here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman."

I'm so glad I decided to read this book. It's definitely my favorite "classic" that I've read so far. Also, it's on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die list. I was very surprised that it was in the perspective of such a young girl. I really had no idea what the book was about before I read it. I liked that Scout eventually realized that all men really are created equally by the end of the book. I think this is definitely a book that all people should read. It's very good.

5 out of 5 stars

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book, Something Borrowed, as it may contain spoilers!


Something Blue is the sequel to Emily Giffin's other book, Something Borrowed. Here is a description of Something Blue from Amazon:

"Selfish but beautiful Darcy is reeling from the betrayal of her best friend, Rachel, and her fiance, Dex, even though she cheated on Dex with his friend Marcus. Darcy is carrying Marcus' child, so she assumes he'll take care of her. After all, she's always gotten everything she's ever wanted. But when Marcus dumps her, she finds herself pregnant and alone. Always the opportunist, Darcy contacts her childhood friend Ethan, now a writer living in London, and gets him to agree to let her visit for awhile. She jets off to the UK envisioning a charmed life where a handsome, rich Englishman will sweep her off her feet. The reality isn't so blissful--Ethan is critical of her selfish behavior and she finds herself incredibly lonely and unprepared for motherhood. After a confrontation with Ethan, she decides it's time for radical change."

At first it was very weird to be reading a book from Darcy's point of view. I couldn't stand her in Something Borrowed! Now, though, I like Darcy more than I like Rachel. She changed so much about herself when it didn't seem like it would be possible. I definitely liked this book better than the first. I was almost crying at the end. It was great reading about London, because I recognized a lot of the street names and landmarks since I lived there one summer. It definitely made me want to go back. Anyway, I loved this book and I'm so glad I got it from the library very quickly!

5 out of 5 stars

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Living Dead in Dallas is the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. The HBO show True Blood is based on this series. This book continues the story of mind-reading Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire boyfriend Bill Compton. Eric, a very old and powerful vampire in Louisiana, sends Sookie and Bill to Dallas to use Sookie's "special talent" to help another vampire find a missing friend. Their search leads them to the Fellowship of the Sun, a "church" that hates vampires, but the Fellowship is anything but a typical church. Meanwhile, a murder is being investigated back home in Bon Temps.

I really liked this book. I thought it was just as good as the first book, Dead Until Dark. I'm glad that Eric was in this book more than the first. I think he's my favorite character. It doesn't hurt that the guy who plays him in the show is pretty hot!

**Spoilers Below**


I'm so sad about Lafayette! I really liked him. I wish he had a bigger part in the books like he did in the show.

**End Spoilers**

The sex scenes in this book were a bit steamier than in the first one. Not necessarily a bad thing but possibly not OK with some people. I'm really glad that I finished the book very early on in the season of the show. It seems like they may not follow the book exactly, though. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

5 out of 5 stars

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

I won Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin from Goodreads. I'd been wanting to read it for a long time, so I was really excited when I won it. Here is a description from Amazon:

"Rachel is celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her friends, including her lifelong best friend, Darcy, and Dex, Rachel's handsome friend from law school and Darcy's fiance. One thing leads to another and Rachel ends up in bed with Dex. Suddenly, all of her repressed feelings for him rush to the forefront, and Dex says he feels the same. But thoughts of Darcy nag at Rachel. Perfect, pretty Darcy has always gotten everything she's wanted, as well as things that Rachel wanted, like her admission to her first-choice college. But Rachel and Dex can't deny their attraction, and Rachel wonders if they might possibly have a real future together."

I really liked this book. Although I didn't agree with what Rachel and Dex did, it was hard to feel sorry for Darcy. I think this was my first chick-lit book, and I can see why so many women like the genre. Something Borrowed is a cute, fluffy, romantic book. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick and easy read. I can't wait to read the next book, Something Blue.

4 out of 5 stars

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is 70-year-old Alan Bradley's first book. Here's a description from Amazon:

"It's the beginning of a lazy summer in 1950 at the sleepy English village of Bishop's Lacey. Up at the great house of Buckshaw, aspiring chemist Flavia de Luce passes the time tinkering in the laboratory she's inherited from her deceased mother and an eccentric great uncle. When Flavia discovers a murdered stranger in the cucumber patch outside her bedroom window early one morning, she decides to leave aside her flasks and Bunsen burners to solve the crime herself, much to the chagrin of the local authorities. But who can blame her? What else does an eleven-year-old science prodigy have to do when left to her own devices? With her widowed father and two older sisters far too preoccupied with their own pursuits and passions—stamp collecting, adventure novels, and boys respectively—Flavia takes off on her trusty bicycle Gladys to catch a murderer."

I won this book from Goodreads.com. I was so excited when I got that email! I thought this was a good book. I'm not sure an 11-year-old would actually be able to solve a crime in real life, but I was able to suspend my disbelief for that. I wouldn't think that an 11-year-old would be able to understand old Chemistry texts and be able to make her own poisons either, though. I felt that Mr. Bradley tried to use a lot of long and sometimes obscure words in this book. Maybe he feels that they make a book "good," but I thought it was unnecessary.

I'm not going to criticize everything in this book, though. I really liked Flavia's attitude and the fact that she was so smart. I do think she should have been a little bit older, but I still really liked her. I also enjoyed the way she interacted with her sisters. Sometimes it was a bit disturbing that sisters would treat each other that way, but it was funny nonetheless.

Overall, I enjoyed this book well enough. I'm glad I won it and that I didn't buy it.

3 out of 5 stars

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast is the first book in the House of Night series. Here is a description from Amazon:

"In 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres not only exist but are also tolerated by humans. Those whom the creatures "mark" as special enter the House of Night school where they will either become vampyres themselves, or, if their body rejects the change, die. To Zoey, being marked is truly a blessing, though she's scared at first. She has never fit into the human world and has always felt she is destined for something else. Her grandmother, a descendant of the Cherokee, has always supported her emotionally, and it is she who takes the girl to her new school. But even there the teen stands apart from the others. Her mark from the Goddess Nyx is a special one, showing that her powers are very strong for one so young. At the House of Night, Zoey finds true friendship, loyalty, and romance as well as mistrust and deception. She realizes that all is not right in the vampyre world and that the problems she thought she left behind exist there as well."

I thought this book was pretty good. I liked the story and I felt like it was easy to identify with Zoey. I'm really not into the odd spelling of vampire. Is there something extra special about the "y"? It just seems weird. I also felt that it was kind of Harry Potter like. Suddenly she's a "vampyre" and goes to a "vampyre" school where she has a special mark on her forehead etc. Very Harry Potterish. This book leaned a bit more toward the "adult" than the "young" in this genre. I would never write a book with my mother that had the same kind of adult content that this book has. Talk about awkward... I guess P.C. and Kristin have a very open relationship. I'd like to know what happens next in this series so I'll probably continue to read the books.

3 out of 5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday - The Lost Symbol

I'm so excited that Dan Brown has written another book! Today, for Waiting on Wednesday, I can't wait for The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. It has been a very long time since Dan Brown released a book. It's about time! Here's a description from Amazon:

"THE LOST SYMBOL will have a first printing of 5 million copies, and it will once again feature Dan Brown’s unforgettable protagonist, Robert Langdon. Brown’s longtime editor, Jason Kaufman, Vice President and Executive Editor at Doubleday said, "Nothing ever is as it first appears in a Dan Brown novel. This book’s narrative takes place in a twelve-hour period, and from the first page, Dan’s readers will feel the thrill of discovery as they follow Robert Langdon through a masterful and unexpected new landscape. THE LOST SYMBOL is full of surprises."

The book is being released on September 15. I can't wait! I've read all of Dan Brown's books and I loved them all.

I Won Again!

I can't believe it! I won another book from GoodReads.com! The book is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. It's not really a "First Read" because it has been out for a few years now. I guess it was for publicity or something. I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, though. I'm so excited!

Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

"Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness."

I can't wait to get the book! Apparently it takes a while, though, because I haven't received The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie yet. Oh well, it's worth the wait!

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book is about a young boy who escapes when his entire family is murdered. He flees to a nearby graveyard where he meets the ghosts of the people who were buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Owens (two of the ghosts) decide to raise the boy as their own. They name him Nobody, or Bod for short. Bod isn't allowed to leave the graveyard because the man who killed his family is still out there looking for him...

This book was given to me as a gift. I feel like too many questions were left unanswered. I'm kind of confused about a lot of what happened, and why it happened, in this book. I feel like the plot was lost during the middle of the book; it was just about life in the graveyard. It picked up near the end, though, which was good. I'm not sure if I agree that a boy becomes a man at 15 and is old enough to be on his own at that point, but that's OK. Overall, the book was OK.

2 out of 5 stars

Well, I guess I missed Waiting on Wednesday...

I just now realized that today is Thursday. I totally missed Waiting on Wednesday. I was all ready to write it when I looked at the calendar and saw that it's Thursday. Apparently, my brain isn't working today. My sister-in-law and niece are visiting this week, so I won't have much time for reading or posting.

I was going to post about The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley for Waiting on Wednesday. I actually won this book from GoodReads.com. I'm really excited to get it! Here's a description of the book from Amazon:

"It's the beginning of a lazy summer in 1950 at the sleepy English village of Bishop's Lacey. Up at the great house of Buckshaw, aspiring chemist Flavia de Luce passes the time tinkering in the laboratory she's inherited from her deceased mother and an eccentric great uncle. When Flavia discovers a murdered stranger in the cucumber patch outside her bedroom window early one morning, she decides to leave aside her flasks and Bunsen burners to solve the crime herself, much to the chagrin of the local authorities. But who can blame her? What else does an eleven-year-old science prodigy have to do when left to her own devices? With her widowed father and two older sisters far too preoccupied with their own pursuits and passions—stamp collecting, adventure novels, and boys respectively—Flavia takes off on her trusty bicycle Gladys to catch a murderer."

I think it sounds like it will be cute. I was so surprised to find the email that said I won the book. I'm still kind of shocked. I will start reading it as soon as I get it, but it said it can take up to a few weeks. The book will be released on April 28, 2009.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris.

Sookie Stackhouse is a quiet girl who works as a waitress in her hometown, Bon Temps, Louisiana. She mainly keeps to herself because of her "disability" - she can read minds. Sookie is thrilled when a vampire, Bill, comes in to the bar where she works. She wanted to meet a vampire ever since they had come "out of the coffin." She is even more excited when she realizes that she can't read Bill's mind. The silence is heavenly! She soon develops feelings for Bill, but when girls around town start dying, she's not sure what to think...

I saw the first two episodes of True Blood on HBO before I realized that it was based on this series. I have yet to watch the rest of the episodes (I'm waiting to see them on DVD) but now I can't wait to see them! I enjoyed this book a lot. It was cute and not too predictable (at least I didn't think so). Bill seems pretty sweet, kind of like Edward from Twilight. From what I saw of the TV show, it didn't look like they were following the book very well. Maybe I'm just not remembering it correctly. Anyway, I really liked all of the characters in this book; I thought they were pretty interesting. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.

4 out of 5 stars.

Waiting on Wednesday - Bundle of Trouble

At the Fiction Writing Seminar I attended last month one of the women on the panel talked about a new mystery series written by Diana Orgain. The first book, Bundle of Trouble, will be released on August 4, 2009.

Here's a description from Amazon.com:

"Kate Connelly may have found the perfect work-from-home Mommy job: private investigator. After all, the hours are flexible, she can bring the baby along on stake-outs, and if you’re going to be up all night anyway, you might as well solve some crimes. But when a body is pulled from San Francisco Bay that may be her brother-in-law, Kate must crack the case faster than you can say “diaper rash” in order to keep her family together."

I'm really looking forward to this book. It sounds really cute. It almost sounds Stephanie Plum-ish for moms. Apparently, the book was originally going to be called Postpartum Detective, but it was changed to Bundle of Trouble. Personally, I think the original name was really cute, but oh well.

Birthday Books!

My birthday isn't until tomorrow, but I had a celebration with my family yesterday. I just wanted to post about the books I got. My parents gave me The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory. I've been wanting these books since I finished The Boleyn Inheritance. I'm so excited to read them! My brother gave me City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I'm so happy!

I can't wait to read my new books, but I still have a bunch from Christmas still!

Waiting on Wednesday (oops, Thursday) - Vamped

So I just found out about "Waiting on Wednesday" and decided to join in on the fun. Sadly, I decided one day late (Thursday), but I really wanted to mention the book Vamped by Lucienne Diver.

Lucienne was one of the women on the panel at the Fiction Writing Seminar I went to. She is a literary agent and author. She has a new young adult book coming out on May 1 called Vamped. It's the first in a series, apparently.

Here is some info about it from Lucienne's website:

"Because I'm terrible with synopses, I'll let my protagonist (heroine might be pushing it just a bit), tell you all about it in her own words:

Hey, all, it's me… Gina Covello, fashionista of the damned. Yeah, I know, I managed to get almost all the way through high school without cracking a book and now here I am immortalized in one. Well, actually, the immortalization process might have started a bit earlier, like in the broom closet at the after-prom-party, somewhere around the time Bobby-freakin'-Delvecchio started gnawing on my neck. Anyway, this is one book I'd maybe even phone a friend about, since it covers all my adventures going from chic to eek. Because, let me tell you, eternity without a mirror or tanning options—totally uncool. And they don't tell you in, like, Vampirism 101 about crazy conspiracies, psycho-psychics and other hazards of unlife. But I will, so stay tuned."

I think it sounds like it will be a cute series. Lucienne was very nice and gave us a lot of great information about writing and ultimately getting published. I will definitely give Vamped a shot. I'm looking forward to reading it.

I will probably continue to do "Waiting on Wednesday" (on Wednesday) from now on. It's fun.

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

Don't read this review if you haven't read the other books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Brisingr is the third book in the Inheritance Cycle. It continues the story of Eragon, a dragon rider, and his dragon, Saphira, and their quest to destroy the evil King Galbatorix.

Here is a description from Amazon:

"Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices— choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?"

I reread Eragon and Eldest before I started Brisingr, and I'm glad I did. I didn't remember the first two books at all. I think that Brisingr is written better than the first two. You can tell that Paolini was young when he began. His writing is definitely improving. I still find Eragon to be a bit whiney, although not as bad as he was in Eldest. I think Roran is a better character and would make a better rider, but that's just my opinion. I thought the "revelation" at the end about Eragon's family was a little odd. I'm not surprised, but I was a little disappointed. It kind of reminded me of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. I was just thinking, "O...kay... weird." Also, I don't think Christopher Paolini is very knowledgeable when it comes to pregnancy. The timelines just don't add up. I think Elaine has been pregnant for a year and a half now... It doesn't sound like it, but I did actually enjoy this book. I thought it was better than the first two, but it's not Twilight or Harry Potter.

3 out of 5 stars.

I am lame...

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 5 months since I last posted. I'm so lame. Not only has it been a long time, but I've only read ONE new book since then. Life got really crazy. 2009 didn't start very well for me, and that's an understatement. I just hope that the rest of the year is better. I'm not sure how much more I can take. Anyway, on to less depressing things...

I'm beginning to get more reading time in, so hopefully I can update more again. I went to an awesome writing seminar last weekend. The surprise party I planned for my mom's 50th birthday was great. My sister-in-law and niece are coming to visit in two weeks! And to top it all off - my birthday is in 6 days! Woohoo!

Sorry for the (long) interruption. Back to your regularly scheduled programming...