to you, and you, and you...

in response to last comment...

Reversible Knitting

Will somebody please buy this book for Claire and then convince her to make me everything in it?






Pretty please?

Die 13 1/2 Leben des Käpt'n Blaubär

Lookie here! I'm posting!

So, I realize this book may not necessarily be readable for everybody on the list... but it is also available
AUF ENGLISCH! I think I can safely assume that it is also very good (and more understandable... for myself as well, probably) and could probably be likened to something of a Roahl Dahl (Moers is also a cartoonist and writer of adult humor books) readability. There's a lot of vivid imagination food and even pictures to help along! I reeeeeally like it and want everyone to read it... much like Harry Potter. All I want to do is read this book and the cool world Blaubär is in. I also relate in the fact that I am also a bär.

Plus... he's so cute! He's found as a baby in a walnut shell from dwarf pirates! Come on!

Continued... Of Bees and Mist

I feel that this book deserves two posts now that I have finished. First off, I'm not exactly sure why I loved it so much and even when a friend asked me what it was about yesterday I just started at them dumbly. I'm no longer at a loss for words though.. this story is about magic, mother-in-laws, love, deceit, etc. Everything a good novel should be made off. I could possibly even describe it as Harry Potter for adults, but that might be taking it a step too far. Yes, it probably would be. Just read it... and tell me what YOU think.

5 Stars from Isabelle.

Of Bees and Mist

I've started reading a book that we published (surprise, surprise!) and so far I am really loving it. This book is called "Of Bees and Mist" and it is written by Erick Setiawan. So far it seems like it could be a good read for middle/high school girl, in reference to previous blogersations. Do you like my new word?

I must admit that I'm not too far in yet, but so far I, the hater of book to movie, have a great plan for Tim Burton to direct and Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter to play the parents. I am already imagining this as I read...

On a side note, if you go to Amazon to look for the book (or click this link) you will see under the cover design some thumbnails that I CREATED! Yippee.

I need to stop using ( ) so much.

Whatcha reading???

So has anybody read anything lately? I'm stilling listening to Outlander but I'm too embarrassed to blog about it...

Memoirs of a Geisha

Thanks for suggesting this book as a Mary Rollins' read. It's been years since I read it which was probably when it came out at the end of the 90s and I picked it up at the library last week (as an audiobook). I thought I'd give it a listen myself for a while before I passed it along to her as a suggestion . It's SOOOO good, in fact, even better than I remembered it.

If there's anybody left in the world over the age of 13 who hasn't read this, go right now and get it. Even better, get the audiobook! Excellent narrator, vivid story, beautiful language.

P.S. Has anyone seen the movie?

Eyebrows

Anybody read any good books on eyebrows lately?

Not Really a Book...

But there are TONS of books about knitting so I deem this post ok for a reading blog. I just wanted to share a link to a knitting store in Soho that is adorable. Really adorable. They also have some free patterns and ideas on this site. I think I will start knitting more this winter and I am hoping to learn how to make the Christmas trees that are currently on their site... Check it out!

Purl Bee (Soho)

Books for teen-age girls?

Any suggestions for engaging books for young-ish teen girls to read (besides Sophie Kinsella and Anne of Green Gables and those Twilight books)? I'm trying to think if A Thousand Splendid Suns was too graphic/disturbing?

Undomestic Goddess

It has a catchy title and it is the book that I am currently reading.

I do have to say, and please don't be mad at me, that sometimes I find her writing a bit too much. Only in the sense that I start to get really stressed out and there are one to many "Er.."s in her books. However, that is my ONLY complaint and as you can see I'm still reading. I like this one too and I also like that the lead character also has the same first name-last name initials. It's cute. And most importantly Sophie Kinsella has gotten me back into the mode of actually FINISHING books, it's amazing. I now know that I CAN finish books! Hurray!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/The Girl who played with Fire

As much as I usually steer clear of crime stories, these books are great. I think I mentioned Girl with the Dragon Tattoo once before and The Girl Who Played with Fire is the recently released sequel. Author Stieg Larsson passed away prior to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's publishing but had just delivered this book and two subsequent books with the same characters-- The Girl Who Played with Fire and another to be released in the next year -- right before his death. Translated from the Swedish, both of these books are terrific! Great plots, engaging characters and lots of Swedish names and locals. I'm confident that you all would really like them and appreciate their originality.

I never read books in the car but I actually read this on the way home from the lake house today (no worries...I wasn't driving) and not just because it was a 14-day book from the library and due back in a couple of days!

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters- Revised

I was just going through my emails and a little-cool bookshop in Manhattan always sends me a list of book events coming up. I thought it was funny that they are having a launch for Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, since we had just mentioned it! I had to share... just take a look at the food and drink they will be serving- I may have to go! If anybody will be in NYC on Sept 15th let me know :) ADDITION- Looks like it's getting lots of publicity!


Tuesday September 15 @ 7pm
Launch party for SENSE AND SENSIBILITY AND SEA MONSTERS, by Jane Austen and Ben Winters

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, slithers ashore Tuesday September 15 with a launch party at Idlewild!

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is a "literary mashup" of the original Jane Austen text (60%), with giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other watery monsters seamlessly woven into the novel by "posthumous collaborator" Ben Winters.

As the story opens, the Dashwood sisters are evicted from their childhood home and sent to live on a mysterious island full of savage creatures and dark secrets. While sensible Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, her romantic sister Marianne is courted by both the handsome Willoughby and the hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon. Austen fans are already arguing among themselves about whether it will be the mutant sea monsters or the original book's meddlesome matriarchs that pose the greatest threat to the sisters' happiness.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has sold an astonishing 650,000 copies in its first four months, and the new book is one of the most buzzed-about launches of the season -- fearlessly debuting on the same date as the new Dan Brown book. (New novels by a number of big name authors have been rushed into print early to avoid competing on what many in the publishing world are referring to as "DB-Day".)

The Idlewild launch will be a festive affair featuring sea-green punch, fried calamari, a seaworthy soundtrack, and readings from the book by co-author Ben Winters and other New York authors.

Reservations required - RSVP to events@idlewildbooks.com

Trailer for the book

Confessions of a Shopaholic (continued)

Ok, ok, ok. I know we already discussed this book but please, can we revisit!? My dear mother just sent me "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and I'm absolutely hooked! I don't even look for a seat on the train ride home anymore because I am too entranced in this book. Why didn't I take the advice from this blog? Why!?

Into Jon Krakauer...

I think I have a problem. I've become addicted to Jon Krakauer's books. I have no idea why. I listened to Into Thin Air this spring and am listening to Into the Wild currently on my iPod while I run. I plan to read Under the Banner of Heaven sometime soon because I've been so captivated by these other books.



I'm pretending that I like him because as a boy-mom I want to understand the adventurous boy psyche but really...I just think he's cool.

Please note, I do not plan to start reading Jack London...

Little Bee

I just finished Little Bee by Chris Cleave a couple of days ago (thanks Isabelle for sending it). I'd had it beside my bed for months and threw it into my overnight bag for a trip to the lakehouse last weekend. The back cover instructs me not to tell you what it's about, so I won't. I can say it was fabulous. You should read it next. You can even borrow it from me.

Pride and Prejudice and ... oh my...

I would really like to hear the opinion of whoever is first to read this...
(Also, they had it in the "classics" section in the Australian airport bookshop. Hahaha!)

Catfish and Mandala

Hey Guys! I'm reading again because I'm on vacation and can't seem to allot myself any time to read when I have normal life. The book at the moment is "Catfish and Mandala" which I have a hard time putting down, by Andrew X. Pham. I suppose it awakens some of the "Everything is Illuminated" love I have in that it's a traveling journey that jumps around the timeline, retracing history and heritage (though this one is slightly more realistic). Also, it can be very SAD (but happy too)!

Dad recommended it, and it was good... reminded me I love books and can possibly read a chapter before falling asleep at night (how do you people read otherwise? I used to do it on the subway, but now I just walk across the street to school/work)! Not finished, but will be soon.

I have another book called "Maries Reise" (Marie's Trip) which Bene gave me for my birhday, but I've only read a little before starting 'Catfish' and I think the german factor might make it less interesting for this page. Still, it's another travel story by a young author so... yay!

Fyi, Isabelle's favorite readings at the moment are blogs of trendy Mormon mothers. They do seem cool (though I told her to please not have 8 kids).

Where is Everyone?

I'm sorry that this blog seems to have fallen asleep lately!

I'm planning on reading Sizwe's Test by jonny Steinberg this week and will let you know how it goes!

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

Hi Gwen (and everyone else)...no I didn't give up books for lent. I gave up wine instead, which is worse, I think. I actually just finished Animal Dreams last night. It was excellent. I really enjoyed "The Poisonwood Bible" but this book was even better, I think. Easier on my brain is why, I'm sure.

What's up...

Hey! What's everybody reading? Did you all give up books for Lent?

A Homemade Life: Stories From My Kitchen Table

Hello everyone! I'm sorry that I have been M.I.A. lately (no.. not the singer) but I come bearing good news! Molly Wizenberg, who I can proudly claim as my favorite food writer, has just had her book published by non other than Simon & Schuster. (see title of blog) I picked up my copy on Friday and honestly had finished it by the end of the day. I seriously just read a food book similarly to how I read Harry Potter- didn't think that would ever happen. It was amazing! It probably helps that I have been keeping up with her blog (go to it!!! orangette.blogspot.com) and love her style of writing.

Molly also lives in Seattle (cue angels singing) and write for a blog and I believe has an article in Bon Apetit monthly. I have been referring to "Molly" a lot lately, which makes David think that she really is my friend... which would not be a bad thing since she writes beautifully, has a dog, lives in Seattle and makes wonderful food (my dream life). I think I sound very giddy in this post. If I do, it's purely because this book and it's recipes make me hungry and happy. I am going to try to make.. most of them. I'll let you know how that goes.

If you haven't figured it out yet... I HIGHLY (highly highly) recommend this book. If you are feeling hesitant, at least go to your local bookstore and check it out then report back to me. I will send you a copy!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

This might just be for Isabelle following her thoughts/rants on books made into movies...so, I love the Shopaholic Books which I have on my iPod and listen to frequently because they're so funny. The movie's coming out today and I read the review in the paper and I'm appalled. The main character from the books -- Becky from Oxshot, England who later lives in trendy Fulham, is now Becca from Manhattan. What?!?!? and her "Mr. Darcy" is now her boss. Wrong wrong wrong. At least seeing the movie before you read the books won't spoil anything for you. I think the movie should be qualified as "very loosely based on the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella.

P.S. I will be going to see the movie. Isla Fischer is so cute and despite not having a British accent she'll probably be a great Becky (I mean Becca) Bloomwood. I might have to send an email to Jerry Bruckheimer though to complain. And, the movie reviewer called the shopaholic books Bridget Jones lite! Hmmph...Becky Bloomwood is loads more fun than Bridget (not that I don't like Bridget).

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell

I've also recently read "Scarpetta". (What can I say, I'm only working part time right now.)
I had grown a little weary of the series b/c I felt like all of the characters had become more than a little unlikeable, but I feel like in this one they redeem themselves somewhat. It was worth the time, but certainly not a thought provoking read. It helped pass the time and I enjoyed it more than the past installments.

So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger

Has anybody read this book? It's by the same fellow that wrote Peace Like a River (which I loved). Just curious...

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

At last... a post about a book that I have actually read.
I just finished it, so it is still relatively fresh in my mind. I read this because my cousin's boyfriend suggested that I read "The Road" and that little push got me to finally finishing a book. I've started way too many books and not finished them recently. I find this to be one of my biggest problems with reading-getting too excited about new books and not finishing the old.

I'm not sure if any of you have read this book, or any of his others (No Country for Old Men, All the Pretty Horses, etc) but I found it a relatively good read. The last book I finished was "Twilight" so the writing was definitely a step up. I did feel like I was reading a book with the mute button on, for lack of a better description. It's just very dull, sad, quiet, etc. and I would not recommend it for a beach read or a pick-me-up easy read... but for the morning commute it is just fine. I think that they are even making a movie about it (or already have?) which, as you all know, I am not usually a fan of. I have the edition of the book that has the movie poster on the cover and therefore has the little lines on the back with the directors, actors and all. Charlize Theron is apparently in it and I have to wonder... WHEN WAS A WOMAN MENTIONED FOR MORE THAN ONE PARAGRAPH? Ok, that rant is over.

Now, whether or not I would recommend this book... I will have to say that I do because even when I was reading about all the depressing and horrible things, the father and son still drew me in. Basic story-line is that it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a father and son as they make their way down "the road" in hopes of finding warmth- or anything. The world that they live in has become a hell and there is a lot of focus on their coldness and hunger. In fact, while reading it in my frigid apartment I wondered if I would ever be warm again. (The heat just came on, yay!) The story is quite touching and really shows the bond between a father and son in a failing and miserable world.

In conclusion, I think that I would give this book 7 out of possible 10 stars. And there ya have it.

The Secret Life of Bees

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I also read "The Secret Life of Bees." I enjoyed it alot. I haven't seen the movie yet and now I'm looking forward to it. I'm actaully glad I waited to read it b/c I think I enjoyed it more with Queen Latifah's face in my mind. I've thought about reserving "Dragon Tattoo" but haven't for whatever reason. Maybe I'll just go ahead and do it.
Glad you all are back!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

It has been quiet! I hope everybody comes back! I FINALLY finished Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert at an open house Sunday afternoon...it was really quiet -- the open house, not the book and I would have preferred to sell the house but I did enjoy the few quiet moments to read. I might pick up another one of her books sometime and she's having a sequel come out to EPL sometime this year and supposedly she has a true story account about a guy who up and left the real world to live off the earth somewhere in Appalachia -- sounds a bit like Into the Wild.

What I'm currently reading/listening to is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson and translated from the Swedish. I wanted to read it in Swedish but what with not speaking Swedish the English translation seemed the better choice. It's quite different from anything I've read in a while. It's a nicely written mystery about a decades old disappearance of the great-neice of a Swedish industry tycoon. So far the plot's quite twisty in a great way and it's been fun trying to keep up with the Swedish names. I think it would be easier if I were reading it in paper to keep up with the names but the audiobook narrator's really good and the book's well written as well.

I meant to start Everything is Illuminated again when I finished Eat Love Pray, but I've gotten caught up in Sashenka during the ice storm which seems appropriate as what I've read of it so far is all set in 1916 St. Petersburg with people wearing fur coats.

What is everyone reading?

It's been awfully quiet on the blog lately...what's everyone reading at the moment? I'm reading a book about James Beard (you know, the famous chef)...he was a real weirdo, but has a couple of recipes I'm going to try. Nothing with the pigs' feet he seems to be so fond of...and I have "Wuthering Heights" from the library, but haven't started it yet. I would like to defend my lack of not having already read "Wuthering Heights" by saying that I did read "Of Mice and Men" just for pleasure when I went to England last spring. BTW, I'm still only 1/2 way through "The Shack"...I had to put it down for awhile. I was tired of being hit over the head. Happy reading!
Susan

Not a Twilight Post...Ann Patchett, instead

Okay maybe it is a Twilight post...I had to share the books with Mary Rollins so I know what you mean about competitive reading. She took them to school and to ballet in case she had time to read so I couldn't read it in between.

I'm in the midst of the Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett. I loved Bel Canto which I read a few years back and this is the first book of hers I've read since then. She's not "plot" exciting to read but I do love her use of words and the visual images in her books. She's so kind and gentle to her characters too. Anyway, it's been a lovely book!

Also, I'm almost finished with Eat Pray Love. Granted, I've been reading it literally for months now but it's great and my delayed completion is a reflection of my lack of reading time rather than the engaging nature of the book. Actually, it's been a great pick-up and back-down book because the book is divided into three parts, each made up of 30+ small chapters each of which is its own entertaining vignette about the author's search for good food, God, and inner peace...three of my favorite things!

Have I mentioned that I'm also reading Treasure Island? Arrggghhhhh....makes everyday seem like a great day to talk like a pirate.

So...has anybody read Water for Elephants? Beth, you read that right? Was it great? Would I love it? I need a new book for my iPod to listen to while I was running and was thinking about getting that. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. It has to be something engaging enough to take my mind off running but not too intellectual because I'm not that smart when I run...

Because we all need another "Twilight" post...

Just for the record... I, my mother, and my sister have read/are reading THE BOOKS. It got downright ugly with mom and I, as we were competitively reading the same books at the same time (ie, "You drive so I can read. When we get to the store, I'll go in and you can stay in the car with the book!"). Sometimes we also hid them so that the other would not steal them away when using the exercise bike, etc. We also all loved the movie (mostly the landscapes... we're big Pacific Northwest junkies)... even Isabelle, non movie lover extraordinaire, said she would like to see it again.

I also (as commented) just read "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and my, do I love Fitzgerald. I read "Tender is the Night" last year and was once again surprised by joy... I mean, good writing. I also empathize with Isabelle's long movie thoughts.

Finally, I'm currently reading "Why French Women Don't Get Fat" which seems to be short, full of recipes, and funny. It's actually biographical with the recipes interlaced... something of a happy giggling longshot from "Like Water for Chocolate."

Kite Runner thoughts: I remember liking it a lot but it making me very sad. I thought the movie was equally sad, and not too bad for a movie adaptation from a good book.