I'm about a 1/4 into Street Gang. So far it is going far into the past before Sesame Street, discussing the lives of the people who helped create it and the shows that came first. I'm not sure if it's necessary to delve that deeply into it - but I'll reserve judgment until I am finished with the book.
Lucky for me I am not going anywhere until December 27, so hopefully I will have plenty of time to read. I can't wait to see what books Santa is bringing me this year! I will try to post sometime before the 27th - but will definitely have an updated post before the New Year.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
New Book!
I finally picked out a new book to read this week!
"Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by: Michael Davis
I know it might seem a little childish especially since I recently said some unpleasant things about a popular teen novel. But this subject is very relevant to my life: past and present. With two toddlers Sesame Street is part of our everyday life. My daughter turns two today and she can already count to 10! My 3 year old can count to 25! Where did they learn this? From the wonderful Sesame Street gang. I still have fond memories of watching my favorite characters go through real life experiences. On sick days well into high school I would allow myself the guilty pleasure of "catching up" with the gang. I can't wait to read about this wonderful program that has taught so many to read, count, and the most important lesson of all: that learning is fun.
You can find this book at Barnes and Noble or your favorite book store.
You can also find it at your local library (but be prepared to wait the list is long!)
"Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by: Michael Davis
I know it might seem a little childish especially since I recently said some unpleasant things about a popular teen novel. But this subject is very relevant to my life: past and present. With two toddlers Sesame Street is part of our everyday life. My daughter turns two today and she can already count to 10! My 3 year old can count to 25! Where did they learn this? From the wonderful Sesame Street gang. I still have fond memories of watching my favorite characters go through real life experiences. On sick days well into high school I would allow myself the guilty pleasure of "catching up" with the gang. I can't wait to read about this wonderful program that has taught so many to read, count, and the most important lesson of all: that learning is fun.
You can find this book at Barnes and Noble or your favorite book store.
You can also find it at your local library (but be prepared to wait the list is long!)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Twilight: Final Thoughts
I finally finished Twilight on Saturday. I am so relieved to finish it! I know I've mentioned this before, but 498 pages really is too long for this book. I understand the fleshing out of characters and how important it is to a story, especially a series, but this was overkill.
I find Bella's character to be quite whiny and too absorbed in Edward. The author tries to make her seem brave by her continued association with Edward but it ends up feeling like she is obsessed with him, not in love with him.
Edward, though charming about midway through the book, also bothers me. His transformation is too quick. I know that sounds weird when I just said the book was too long, but it feels like his human-like emotions come out too quickly and easily. He should have more conflict about these new emotions.
The last third of the book was the best because the pace was a bit faster and you got to know more about the Cullen family and how they came to be. The first two thirds of the book dragged this out. It wasn't a shock that the family were vampires, heck it's in the summary of the book, but the author decided to drag out the obvious for far too long.
I can see why this book has legions of teen fans. Edward is handsome, charming, and dangerous as well. Everything a young woman could want. But what frustrates me is how he seems to possess Bella like she is his property. He always has to rescue her, even from the tiny things that she should be able to manage on her own.
To sum up, Twilight is good for those days when you want to read something easy with a happy ending. Not so good if you want to read about the inevitable conflict that should arise when a human dates a vampire.
I find Bella's character to be quite whiny and too absorbed in Edward. The author tries to make her seem brave by her continued association with Edward but it ends up feeling like she is obsessed with him, not in love with him.
Edward, though charming about midway through the book, also bothers me. His transformation is too quick. I know that sounds weird when I just said the book was too long, but it feels like his human-like emotions come out too quickly and easily. He should have more conflict about these new emotions.
The last third of the book was the best because the pace was a bit faster and you got to know more about the Cullen family and how they came to be. The first two thirds of the book dragged this out. It wasn't a shock that the family were vampires, heck it's in the summary of the book, but the author decided to drag out the obvious for far too long.
I can see why this book has legions of teen fans. Edward is handsome, charming, and dangerous as well. Everything a young woman could want. But what frustrates me is how he seems to possess Bella like she is his property. He always has to rescue her, even from the tiny things that she should be able to manage on her own.
To sum up, Twilight is good for those days when you want to read something easy with a happy ending. Not so good if you want to read about the inevitable conflict that should arise when a human dates a vampire.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Update
Still reading Twilight. I'm frustrated by the slow pace of the book. I keep thinking "get to the conflict already!" It's a different feeling for me because I do like the slower pace of Jane Austen and Flaubert novels. It probably stems from the "high schoolness" of the novel. I find that as I get older I have little patience for teen angst. I have now gone beyond the half way point in the book. Since it is a big laundry day for me I hope to finish the book tomorrow night unless I get distracted by Monty Python on BBCAmerica.
I debating what my next book is going to be. I'm thinking either a David Sedaris book, Carrie Fisher's new memoir, or some new release in fiction. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I don't think I'm going to continue with the Twilight series at this time - maybe later when the hype has died down and I'm not as biased.
I debating what my next book is going to be. I'm thinking either a David Sedaris book, Carrie Fisher's new memoir, or some new release in fiction. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I don't think I'm going to continue with the Twilight series at this time - maybe later when the hype has died down and I'm not as biased.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
What I'm Reading Now
Currently I am reading "Twilight" by: Stephanie Meyer.
I picked this book because all my girlfriends and all the teenage girls at work have been raving about this book for months. Every time I log onto Facebook I see something about it. As much I as detest the majority of "teen lit" I don't feel right about bashing a book I haven't read.
I am currently about a 1/3 through the book and I'm not impressed. Granted it is an easy read and I'm progressing quickly through the story. But the sheer length of the book (498 pages) seems unnecessary. But I can't really give an honest review until I finish it.
You can find Twilight at your library (be prepared to wait - I was 504 on the list when I reserved it)
You can also find it every where books are sold
I picked this book because all my girlfriends and all the teenage girls at work have been raving about this book for months. Every time I log onto Facebook I see something about it. As much I as detest the majority of "teen lit" I don't feel right about bashing a book I haven't read.
I am currently about a 1/3 through the book and I'm not impressed. Granted it is an easy read and I'm progressing quickly through the story. But the sheer length of the book (498 pages) seems unnecessary. But I can't really give an honest review until I finish it.
You can find Twilight at your library (be prepared to wait - I was 504 on the list when I reserved it)
You can also find it every where books are sold
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
terrible updater
Sorry I haven't updated in about 6 months. It has been a very busy summer at work. But I have been doing a lot of reading and I plan on writing an updated list tomorrow.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Another book down
Still not finished with Catherine de'Medici. I'm working on it though. Today I was reorganizing the bookshelf in our living room and deciding which books I could sell. I found a James Patterson book, an author I never read. So I decided to give up my snob mentality and read this book.
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Paterson.
I was so not impressed. The writing was juvenile at best. Also the author kept placing celebrity names and the names of "current" events which really makes the book seem dated. The story line could have worked but it was so predictable that only 2 chapters in I knew what was going to happen and I was correct. The author was also writing from two female perspectives and he obviously didn't know how to write with the voice of a woman. From what I understand this book came about from the death of his first wife and I have sympathy for that, but I just didn't like this book. The only reason I read the whole thing is because I feel bad about rejecting a book I didn't finish. If you do want to read this "story" please get it from the library and don't buy this. I still have no idea how it found its way to my bookshelf, but by Friday it will be leaving the house.
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Paterson.
I was so not impressed. The writing was juvenile at best. Also the author kept placing celebrity names and the names of "current" events which really makes the book seem dated. The story line could have worked but it was so predictable that only 2 chapters in I knew what was going to happen and I was correct. The author was also writing from two female perspectives and he obviously didn't know how to write with the voice of a woman. From what I understand this book came about from the death of his first wife and I have sympathy for that, but I just didn't like this book. The only reason I read the whole thing is because I feel bad about rejecting a book I didn't finish. If you do want to read this "story" please get it from the library and don't buy this. I still have no idea how it found its way to my bookshelf, but by Friday it will be leaving the house.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Update
Sorry it's been so long since my last update life sometimes gets in the way of things.
I haven't finished the Catherine de'Medici biography yet. But I did read two other books while I was working on it.
The first was:
Post Secret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives, compiled by: Frank Warren.
You can find it at bn.com or postsecretcommunity.com
This was another inspiring collection of secrets. Frank Warren does an excellent job of placing each secret in the right space in order to give it the most impact. I recommend that everyone read one if not all his compilations.
The second was:
Great Feuds in History: Ten of the Liveliest Disputes Ever, by Colin Evans
You can find it at bn.com or your local library.
Bet your history teacher didn't tell you about some of these historical brawls. This is a great book for history lovers as well as those looking for an exciting read about world players duking it out. Evans does a great job giving a brief over view of the "players" and then goes right into why they hate each other and what they did to attempt to ruin each other. Evans tries to not to play favorites but it does come out a little in the chapter involving Wallis Simpson and the Queen Mother. He also makes these historical figures into the real people they were. They all had their jealous streaks, anger issues, infidelities, etc. . . Essentially they were real people like us, but they could carry on a grudge to the highest levels of immaturity.
I haven't finished the Catherine de'Medici biography yet. But I did read two other books while I was working on it.
The first was:
Post Secret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives, compiled by: Frank Warren.
You can find it at bn.com or postsecretcommunity.com
This was another inspiring collection of secrets. Frank Warren does an excellent job of placing each secret in the right space in order to give it the most impact. I recommend that everyone read one if not all his compilations.
The second was:
Great Feuds in History: Ten of the Liveliest Disputes Ever, by Colin Evans
You can find it at bn.com or your local library.
Bet your history teacher didn't tell you about some of these historical brawls. This is a great book for history lovers as well as those looking for an exciting read about world players duking it out. Evans does a great job giving a brief over view of the "players" and then goes right into why they hate each other and what they did to attempt to ruin each other. Evans tries to not to play favorites but it does come out a little in the chapter involving Wallis Simpson and the Queen Mother. He also makes these historical figures into the real people they were. They all had their jealous streaks, anger issues, infidelities, etc. . . Essentially they were real people like us, but they could carry on a grudge to the highest levels of immaturity.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Book #5
Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by: Leonie Frieda
Start Date: 2/9/2008
Check it out at Barnes and Noble or your local library.
Start Date: 2/9/2008
Check it out at Barnes and Noble or your local library.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Book #4
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
Start date: 2/6/2008
Finish date: 2/7/2008
Check it out at Barnes and Noble or your local library.
This book is the 2008 Caldecott Medal winner. I really enjoyed this book! The day I got it from the library I was only going to read the first 2 or 3 chapters and then go to bed. Instead I got so wrapped up in the story I read the whole first part. The illustrations are beautiful and I also love the film history behind it. It is a great read for children 7 and up, but also for their parents that have imagination. Don't be startled by the size of the book - it does have 533 pages, but over 200 if them are illustrations. This book also has a movie like quality to it. Don't let your age steer you away from this quick, yet wonderful read.
Start date: 2/6/2008
Finish date: 2/7/2008
Check it out at Barnes and Noble or your local library.
This book is the 2008 Caldecott Medal winner. I really enjoyed this book! The day I got it from the library I was only going to read the first 2 or 3 chapters and then go to bed. Instead I got so wrapped up in the story I read the whole first part. The illustrations are beautiful and I also love the film history behind it. It is a great read for children 7 and up, but also for their parents that have imagination. Don't be startled by the size of the book - it does have 533 pages, but over 200 if them are illustrations. This book also has a movie like quality to it. Don't let your age steer you away from this quick, yet wonderful read.
Update
I finished "Life with Father" on Wednesday night. This has been a busy week so I haven't had much time for reading.
I have to say though that the book is great. I love reading a book that takes a slice of the authors home life as a child and it is interesting, funny, and just plain wholesome. It's a relief to read a memoir that isn't about a bad family life (although those can be good too.). Unfortunately since this is an old book it is hard to come by, the best source would be the library. I was lucky and bought my copy at B&N about 5 years ago when they had a "Classic Bestsellers" series of books.
I have to say though that the book is great. I love reading a book that takes a slice of the authors home life as a child and it is interesting, funny, and just plain wholesome. It's a relief to read a memoir that isn't about a bad family life (although those can be good too.). Unfortunately since this is an old book it is hard to come by, the best source would be the library. I was lucky and bought my copy at B&N about 5 years ago when they had a "Classic Bestsellers" series of books.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Update
Still reading "Life With Father". It's very interesting, but that is for another post. Yesterday I got "A Lifetime of Secrets" at the library. Once I started reading all the postcards I couldn't put it down. Everyweek I go to the postsecret.com website to see the new cards added, but I never really thought I would enjoy the book. I did enjoy the book and I found it inspiring! Everyone should read this book and reflect on how each secret may or may not relate to your own life.
Check it out: At PostSecret Community
2 down - 48 to go
Check it out: At PostSecret Community
2 down - 48 to go
Monday, January 14, 2008
Book #2
Life with Father by: Clarence Day
Start Date: 1/14/2008
Find it at Barnes and Noble or your local library
Start Date: 1/14/2008
Find it at Barnes and Noble or your local library
Saturday, January 12, 2008
1 book almost done and 49 more to go . . .
I thought I would post an update since I'm taking longer with this book than I thought. Classes started up again this week so that took up some of my time. But now I'm back on track!
Currently I am reading Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson. This is a volume in the Eminent Lives Series. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_Lives). So far I am loving it! I've always loved Bill Bryson's books and this one is no different. What is so great about this biography is that it is so brief - only 198 pages! Other biographies of the Bard are hundreds of pages long and contain rumor, speculation, and repetition. Bryson states at the outset how little information there truly is about one of, if not the greatest playwrights of all time. He does a great job telling the reader what we absolutely know about Shakespeare, what we can infer but not prove, and what is just pure speculation without proof. Though trying to trace Shakepeare's life and career Bryson also gives the reader a glimpse at Elizabethan England, the good and the bad. This makes the information we do know about Shakespeare that much more miraculous.
I can't wait to finish it - right now I'm on page 120, but after I finish this update I plan on finishing the rest before I go to bed. Maybe I'll read some of the other books in the series - although they may not be as well written as Bryson's.
Currently I am reading Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson. This is a volume in the Eminent Lives Series. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_Lives). So far I am loving it! I've always loved Bill Bryson's books and this one is no different. What is so great about this biography is that it is so brief - only 198 pages! Other biographies of the Bard are hundreds of pages long and contain rumor, speculation, and repetition. Bryson states at the outset how little information there truly is about one of, if not the greatest playwrights of all time. He does a great job telling the reader what we absolutely know about Shakespeare, what we can infer but not prove, and what is just pure speculation without proof. Though trying to trace Shakepeare's life and career Bryson also gives the reader a glimpse at Elizabethan England, the good and the bad. This makes the information we do know about Shakespeare that much more miraculous.
I can't wait to finish it - right now I'm on page 120, but after I finish this update I plan on finishing the rest before I go to bed. Maybe I'll read some of the other books in the series - although they may not be as well written as Bryson's.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Book #1
Book #1: Shakespeare: The World as Stage by: Bill Bryson
Start Date: 1/2/2008
Find it at Barnes and Noble
Start Date: 1/2/2008
Find it at Barnes and Noble
Formerly "This Mom's Life"
Okay so now I've decided that everyone who wants to know about my "mom" world reads my family blog. So now I'm converting this blog into my New Year's Resolution 2008 record. Inspired by my friends goal to read 50 books in 2007, I have decided to try and do the same for 2008 - although a more realistic goal for me would be 25, I'm going to go all out and reach for the top!
Some people have a list of books planned and what order they plan on reading them. I must admit I do not, I like to choose books based on the mood I am in at the time. So in that spirit I have a list of books I would "like" or "wish" to read this year, but I'm not making a mandatory reading list.
As I start a new book I will reveal the title and author. After I finish I will give a brief synopsis/review. It is also part of my resolution to maintain this blog! But with two kids the updates will most likely occur weekly.
Okay here I go . . .
Some people have a list of books planned and what order they plan on reading them. I must admit I do not, I like to choose books based on the mood I am in at the time. So in that spirit I have a list of books I would "like" or "wish" to read this year, but I'm not making a mandatory reading list.
As I start a new book I will reveal the title and author. After I finish I will give a brief synopsis/review. It is also part of my resolution to maintain this blog! But with two kids the updates will most likely occur weekly.
Okay here I go . . .
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