Game of Thrones (or... Song of Ice and Fire?)

2012-03-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

So... good job Mathewses... I am addicted. I even started doing some art (real art... with paint and stuff!) late at night so that I could keep listening to this book. I can't believe I balked at the Outlanderish length, when I'm already on the second of four downloaded parts. Oh Audiobooks.

I also broke down and watched the first... one and a half episodes of the show (I stopped to cook dinner in the middle of the second, and then decided I'd rather listen than watch). I think it does not do a terrible job, but there are certain things I would do differently... like make John Snow not have such a wuss face all the time. I'll retain my other critiques for the comments if anybody actually wants to hear them.

sure bout that eyebrow tilt choice? Maaaybe? Maybe not?

I do, of course, love Tyrian Lannister... everybody's favorite dwarf actor ever... of whom my favorite roll that he may have ever acted was "Lemon" from "Penelope"... with his little pirate notepad... he is, however, also not how I pictured Tyrian. I may keep watching the show for him though. and did this narrator do voices in "Skippy Dies?"

Jane Rollins

2012-02-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

I think this would be perfect for my Auntie Austen... if she were little (thus making me nonexistent for then, but we're speaking theoretically, yes?)

Parody: The Hunger Pains

2012-02-03T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have a confession. I'm currently reading The Hunger Pains by the Harvard Lampoon (they also wrote Nightlight and Bored of the Rings) and I can't stop laughing. This wasn't really on my top list of books to read, but it's small so I decided to read it on my way into work and...

BAD IDEA.

I was laughing so much and so loudly that I had to put it away. I really don't like any form of attention on the subway (like most NYers) but I was sad to put it down.

So what's it about? It's a parody of the Hunger Games (if you hadn't figured that out) featuring Kantkiss Neverclean, Prin (for Princsess), Buterball (the cat/dog), Pita Malarkey and Carol Handsomestein. I was going to copy some of my favorite parts so far, but I started laughing too much.. so read them for yourself!

If the news is depressing you and you need a good laugh. I actually recommended this one.

Want to read a few pages? Click here! And enjoy the trailer:

Review

"The Hunger Pains really struck a chord with me." —Kantkiss, protagonist of The Hunger Pains

"Instead of the Bible, rooms should come with a copy of The Hunger Pains." —Sheraton Hotel Memo

"This book makes me wish I'd never been shot." —Abraham Lincoln

"The book always falls through my hands, but in an undeniably funny way." —A Ghost

The Woman in White and my iPad

2012-01-23T13:19:00.004-05:00

The version I read on my
iPad looks so different!

Good golly! We haven't had a book review on here in months. For shame...I know Isabug and I have had a few posts on our regular blogs but really, has no one read a book worth mentioning?

I confess that I spent about a month listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (unabridged 50!! hours) by Diana Gabaldon in the crazy Outlander series. Get a life I say to myself but it was great and had a super surprise ending that I'd love to talk about with someone. Is anyone that far yet? Grandpa? I'm going to take a short break before I start in on the seventh and final (so far) book of the series.

I also have started reading real, electronic books on my Christmas iPad. I just finished The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins that I cannot say enough good stuff about. I loved it. I loved it so much that I might have to go to the effort to update my Facebook "favorite books" in appreciation only Wilkie Collins is long dead so I don't know how much he'll appreciate. He is, in fact, so long dead that his books are free in public domain. I loved this book so much that I wish I had read it and written a paper on it in my college 19th century British novels class. Instead, I will merely write this love post to it which will not be graded.

In addition, to loving The Woman in White, I love my new iPad. I really didn't think that I would like reading books on it but lying in bed at night with the lights out reading under the covers, I have found myself trying to turn non-existent pages on my iPad because it feels so real, and so book-like. And, yet, I don't have to have a flashlight/booklight to read my book. So far I have finished, the aforementioned Women in White, Mini-Shopaholic (from the library) and am almost through My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum (also from the library and hilarious). There are times when I wish I could fold the corner of a page down and underline something wonderful that I just read but I'm getting over it because I couldn't/shouldn't do that in a library book anyway --although, I must admit a fondness for a gently underlined by someone else book. It always makes me feel a connection to this anonymous person and wonder why they found those words so special.

Nightingale Wood by Stella Gibbons

2011-11-05T12:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I just see a book and know I want to read it. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand comes to mind and most recently Nightingale Wood. I didn't hesitate for a second when I clicked BUY NOW on the Audible website where there are some books I let linger for months on my wishlist before I can make a decision.

I've decided the commonality between my instant purchases is that I am totally, completely and forevermore an Anglophile. Set a book, TV show, or movie in the British countryside and I'm there. You had me at "G'day." I could read Austen, Dickens, Wilkie Collins, George Eliot, J.K Rowling to the end of my days and never grow weary. And so, Nightingale Wood was such a treat! It's a book with lots of characters you've met in so many other books. Mr. Wither = Mr. Dursley, Phyllis Barlow = Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls and for much of the book nothing seems to really happen, however, just like my life in which nothing ever seems to really happen, I find myself vastly entertained (only joking, my life isn't that boring).

From what I've read, Nightingale Wood was out of print for many years and just recently Virago republished. Smart publishers they are. I'm ready to read Cold Comfort Farm now, also by Stella Gibbons, and wonder how it could be that I haven't read it before!

The Night Circus (by Erin Morgenstern)

2011-11-01T18:01:00.001-04:00

I can't help but put both these images on this post because... I like them so much! JUST LIKE I LIKED THIS BOOK! There are so many reasons to too, that can be likened to our beloved Harry Potter: young characters, magic, danger, a duel of talent and wit, and... oh yes... narrated by JIM DALE. As soon as I heard his voice, my heart lept.

To quote the author herself however, 'I find the JK Rowling comparison hugely flattering but not particularly apt' ... which I must agree to. This is an entirely different book. I can, however, recommend it truly, madly, deeply as a fantastic audio read. I don't know what more to say other than I got through repairing 3 pairs of jeans, multiple other clothing items, and re-vamped about 6 tshirts on the sewing machine. Magical! Sorry if this post seems so fluffy... the book is not... read/listen and comment away!

iPhones + Books = Glorious

2011-10-24T10:27:00.002-04:00

My dear reading friends who have iPhones. Isn't this the greatest idea ever? A beautiful iPhone dock that charges your phone!

If they weren't so expensive I would buy one for all of you! I promise, I would. Aren't I nice?

How to Be An American Housewife

2011-10-19T23:06:00.003-04:00

I shared this on my main blog, but I think it deserves a spot over here too:

Hello friends.

An exciting post for you today! Books! I recently read How to Be an American Housewife for the BlogHer book club (my favorite!) and upon reading the description was super excited to read it. It did not disappoint and without further ado I will now declare this a great Fall read!

For a quick sum up, it tells the story of a Japanese woman, Shoko, who during WWII, who becomes a Japanese war bride and moves to the US for a “better life”. The story is told through her eyes for most of the book and near the end switches to her American-raised daughter, Sue’s, perspective, which I really liked. They have a confusing relationship and it is only after Sue visits Japan that she has a better understanding of her mother and all that she went through. Both of these woman had an incredible story to share and one of my favorite things about the book was the opening of each chapter that had a little paragraph taken from the imaginary book “How to Be An American Housewife”. I read in the afterword that the author had created this book based on a similar book that her father had given her mother when she moved to the States and I like the way that it framed the book. I certainly hadn’t thought or read much about the Japanese brides during WWII that came to America, but as far as I can tell this book seems to do a good job and showing the transition from Japan to America and what these women must have experienced.

If you find yourself in a bookstore soon (or online!) check it out!

If you read it, can we talk about it? I'd love to share with someone else! I'll also mail my copy!

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

2011-09-23T12:04:00.000-04:00

About a month ago I got the great idea (some of you may remember a certain email) that we should hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Actually, it's something I'd been thinking about for almost 20 years -- I briefly dated a guy who wanted to hike the AT and I was so inspired by his interest that I bought into it and thought I wanted to do it too (but not with him). Naturally, as an avid hiker, hiking the AT or even a section of it seems like the pinnacle of cool hiking.

In addition to my email to the Selby girls, I also suggested to Marc that we should hike some of the AT as a family. Sometimes he's a really good sport about things and he said, "okay". I figured I needed to do some research after getting agreement from both the Mathewsies family (kids are all for it) and the Selby girls and I came across Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods.

I loved this book! It was hilarious, like the snort-coffee-through-your-nose-from-laughing-while-reading and annoy-the-people-around-you-reading-sections-aloud-to-them kind of funny. Especially the first half. It also has some thought-provoking insights into the AT, American culture, and the environment. It also may have saved us all from a miserable experience. My brief obsession with hiking the AT is now cured. Thank you Bill Bryson. Marc read it after me and he agreed: great book, not a place we need to hike. The AT sounds like a pretty funny place with some interesting people along the way but I think we can skip it for some better options.

Now, anyone want to hike Rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon? That I'm still doing for sure!

And, read the book. You'll love it.

I am the Messenger - Markus Zusak

2011-09-05T09:36:00.002-04:00

Dear readers/listeners,

while I'm currently getting through Skippy Dies (possibly good, but not the most uplifting thing in the world. I review it as "interesting, but I don't really like it." Jeff is funny, despite), I keep going back to the good feelings I had while listening to my previous book, I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.

First of all, if any of you have read The Book Thief, and liked it (which I think is the general response), I heavily recommend this. It deals with an individual going through a life change in a series of event that has a detective-do-gooder and "growth as a person" feel to it. You really get to like the 1st person stance of Ed, self-deprecating as Ms. Bossypants, which I believe is only increased when you listen to the audiobook (it takes place in Australia, and the narrator is Australian. (Visitors... we are primarily Americans here and love a good accent.)

I don't want to write a complete review of The Book Thief here too, since I haven't read it that recently, but I also really like the audiobook version since it had a lot of German vocabulary in it, spoken with a (well attempted) German accent. The disadvantage to his audiobooks is that (correct me if I'm wrong!) the actual books tend to have little illustrations on the chapters. I probably would never have liked Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close quite as much if I hadn't had the visual references, but you can't read a book whilst biking and walking to work, however, and thus stay I attached to my ipod.

Some thoughts about a. The Help (the Movie) b. Skippy Dies

2011-08-18T17:02:00.000-04:00

Last Friday night, Marc, MR, Christina (aka Bellatrix LeStrange) and I went to go see The Help at the Kentucky. We gave it two thumbs up for doing the absolute best you could do with such a wonderful book with so many great storylines. My favorite actor? Absolutely, the woman play Miss Hilly. While my mental picture of her from the book was of a much shorter, heavier woman, the actress who played her was outstanding! She was The Help equivilent of Emily Blunt in Devil Wears Prada. Also, Minnie was terrific and I loved the woman who played Miss Celia. She looked like a young Julia Roberts -- like Miss Hilly, not what I pictured from the book but she might have been even better than my imagined version of her. And, I really liked Emma Stone as Skeeter. I wasn't expecting to like her that much but I did.

Skippy Dies. I just finished it. Has anyone else read or even heard of this book? It's in the audible library (if you know what I mean). I selected it based on many, many glowing reviews (much like my purchase of The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore) including the NY Times. While it was light years less disturbing than Bruno, still, I find myself somewhat troubled by this book and wondering how it can be classified as a "comic novel" which is how it is referred to by many of the reviews. I'd love to know what y'all think, my dearest darlings...

Outlander Graphic Novel?

2011-08-17T14:44:00.002-04:00

Oh yes... there is one. "The Exile"... and while this may be of little interest to anyone besides Gwennie and I, the need to post it still remains. I'm almost done with the third book, and wondering if I shouldn't hold back on the next one and get some actual work done instead of listening to the books really loudly in trains and whilst vacuuming, or somewhat more quietly as I goldschmied into the night and then realize it's hours past my bedtime.

Also of note, one cannot "hear" a graphic novel. Jesus H. Theodore Roosevelt Christ.

The Kid by Sapphire

2011-07-19T14:51:00.001-04:00

I recently reviewed a book for the Blogher Book Club and I wanted to send a quick link out to those of you who might be interested in reading this book.

It's a tough read and I'm really not the best at describing how I felt about it, but the ladies over at Blogher really hit home with their reviews.

If you're interested, please check it out!

Blogher: Book Club, The Kid

I'll share my less eloquent review when they publish it (if they publish it).

HP7, ii

2011-07-15T09:56:00.002-04:00

Robyn asked me why I didn't tell her that she had a bump in her hair. I had no response. Whoops!

Court Street Regal Cinema, Downtown Brooklyn

Robyn and I also made our way to the last Harry Potter last night.. or this morning... and now I am very sleepy. But it was worth it!

Also, as I was walking out the door (at 9:15) David asked if I had gotten him a ticket.
This is after I asked him if he wanted to go with me a week ago and he laughed and said noooooo. I took him for his word! Anyway, he didn't come but Robyn and I did have a delightful time. We LOVED it and had perfect seats unlike last time.

Too tired to type anymore... good night...

Harry Potter Part II

2011-07-13T18:43:00.001-04:00

Dearest Readers,

While Harry Potter Movie 7, Part 2 (not movie 8) is not a book, I would like to nonetheless open up a place for comments. Feel free to edit in (or newly post) any more exciting pictures of movie theater goings.

For the record, nobody where I was dressed up and I missed the first two minutes because I had been so excited about the USA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM WINNING and then realized I could still make a show and not go to bed too late for work the next day. I rode my broomstick (er bike) as fast as I could and even got a center seat, two thirds up the rows (PERFECT!)... because I was alone. Potter Solidarity!

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

2011-06-23T14:07:00.003-04:00

I'm in love with Major Pettigrew. Or, maybe I'm in love with Edgecomb-St. Mary's. Or, maybe I'm just an Anglophile.

Last spring break, we (Mere, MR and I) picked this book up at the Mt. Pleasant Barnes and Noble and decided that it would be our next "Williamson Girl Book Club" selection. I recall liking the cover art and the brief back cover write-up. Then, we put the book down, Mere deciding she'd buy it on Kindle (did you?) and I decided I'd buy that fifth Outlander book (really, when am I going to stop reading those!!) instead and that I'd get Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as an audiobook later.

I am confident, CONFIDENT I must say in all caps, that you all will love this book, too. It's sharp, funny, peaceful, and sweet. A well-written little gem with lots of little conversations and sentiments that make me wish I had the paper version so I could dog ear the corners of the pages that I really like. But alas, the narrator is wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I keep losing my place in the audiobook and find myself going back and having to relisten to whole chapters of the book and not really minding a bit.

And remember, you're never too old to fall in love with an unsuitable person. xoxo

By the Lion, Patrick Stewart!

2011-06-12T12:53:00.002-04:00

First of all, I would like to salute the good Capt. Picard for doing an amazing job at narrating "The Last Battle." Sure, the female voices could be... more female, but I really don't see anyway of getting around that (likewise to all the male voices by Kate Reading (Mistress of the Art of Death (Mom, did you ever finish it?) and weirdly Shopaholics as well). Harrrrrryyyyyy!)

I find that, once into a book, I really start to forget whether or not I like the narrator, as long as the book is good. Sometimes the narration is helped by having appropriate accents for the narrators (Life of Pi) or additional voices (Broadway Nights). I was continuously appreciative of several things about Patrick Stewart, including his definably different character voices and his ability to speak quickly in extreme situations while still dictating/annunciating well (he also just has a really nice voice)!

As for the book, I really love most all things Narnia and this is no exception. Having gone through the audio books lately, however, it has been interesting to re-gauge my reaction to them with my somewhat more feminist and analytic eye/ear. It is always frustrating to listen to anything I idolized as a kid, and then realize as an adult that the girls are sometimes really treated as 'little delicate things...' I disagree, however, that Lewis was completely sexist. I don't want to defend his treatment or old-school thinking, but the fact remains that Aslan appears most to Lucy and there is ne'er a book where an important (if non-fighting) female is opposite a male. I seriously wonder if the girl characters would be written differently if Lewis was writing today. I also am a supporter of girls and boys being different and better at certain things than the other in some cases, which also come into play often. I, after all, feel a little surer of showing a bike problem to a Dad or guy friend, but I would just as soon show it to Capers if she is around! I don't really feel like addressing the Christian analogies right now, but I like them, and maybe it's something for the comments.

Hope I haven't lost anyone here. My personal opinion (of which there are plenty in the various book blogs/reviews found simply in searching for a picture for this blog) is that I still love the book and find its metaphors good, but there are somethings I don't like. The good outweighs the bad, however, and I don't feel like I'm compromising my standards to say that.

Krakauer

2011-06-06T16:05:00.002-04:00

Remember back when Gwennie posted this about Jon Krakauer? Well, the spell has taken me in as well. However, I'm going in a bit of a different order. I listened to Into Thin Air, just finished Under the Banner of Heaven and am now listening to Into The Wild.

I've seen the movie of Into the Wild so I have a good idea of the storyline, but I think his writing really does pull you in more than even a visual story can. Thoughts?

I'm also thinking that Under the Banner of Heaven will be my least favorite. I don't hate it persay.. and it definitely made me think... it's just... depressing. I realize that might be a funny thing to say since the other two also involve death, but it's in a totally different way. Murder vs. Extreme outdoors. I also have been telling people about Under the Banner and for some reason they always tell me to stop. Hmm.. Did anyone else read/listen to this?

By the way, is anyone buying an AT&T accessory anytime soon? I have a 25% off coupon and will mail it to you...

“Jesus, Mary, Muhammad and Vishnu, how good to see you Richard Parker!”

2011-05-30T16:40:00.000-04:00

"The Life of Pi" by Yann Martel is one of Auntie G's absolute most favorite books, with good reason.

I like bragging that I read it (starting with a couple chapters at JoBeth because I was waiting for my nerd friends to come back from the graphic novels) a waaaay long time ago. This has, however, lost effect since I didn't really seem to remember why I liked it so much.

For one (1), it is simply a great story, with stories in stories.

Two (2), the way in which it is written has a very old timey feel, I find, of explaining things so well that you can truely see them. This book is full of things for the senses.

Three (3), with all the tragedy that goes on, it still manages to be uplifting. I was constantly amazed at the voice of the narrator (i.e. Pi) and his outlook on all that he went through.

Four (4) it is the very best when reading it. Holding on to the feeling it gives you is so wonderful. When it ends... it just ends.

Lastly (no number), and this is not really positive or important, but rather a peeve... I don't think any illustrations fit that of the boat. It was bigger. That bugs me, but I still love the cover (which drew me to it in JoBeth) and I recommend it. Am I preaching to the choir here? Do you guys have anything more constructive to say about it?

Dear Tina Fey,

2011-05-19T13:14:00.001-04:00

Thank you for Bossypants, the audiobook. I was listening to you this morning while I was running, started laughing, couldn't catch my breath and almost ran into a mailbox. Perhaps I should not have interrupted my reading/listening of the Evolution of Bruno Littlemore, a novel narrated by a chimpanzee which has yet to make me laugh, to start Bossypants. Clearly, I should think twice about driving whilst listening. I haven't had this much fun since Broadway Nights. Now, if I can just figure out how to download the .pdf so that I can see the white denim suit.

Sincerely,

G. Mathews

Baby's First Audiobook

2011-05-02T11:11:00.004-04:00

I finally did it!

At long last! Success!! I conquered an audiobook AND Everest!

I knew that I had to be a Williamson girl deep down and have felt so out of the loop with my non-audiobook-listening. Poor Isabug downloading audiobooks, but never actually listening to them. What a loser. Anyway, can I join the club now?

Onto the details. How? Why? When?

After entering the Frankfurt airport at an early (Claire even drove me!) 9:45am I proceeded to my gate where they basically lock you in with no options of food or drink and one TV. I parked myself in front of the TV that had no sound and watched some news while debating how I could bide my time. As it turns out I was a little tired of Wicked, having listened to it repeatedly for the past month with no break while I was in Germany, so scrolled through my boring music selection. Finally I decided to check out the audiobooks and lo and behold but I saw Into Thin Air. "Smart thinking, Isabug." I said to myself. I have always wanted to read it and this was my chance. I quickly pressed the play button and my journey began. I listened and listened and listened. I listened while I watched the Royal Wedding that appeared on the TV shortly after.. I listened as we boarded the plane.. I listened as the man in front of me obnoxiously sang along with his iPod on the phone (WHO DOES THAT?!?!)... and I listened in spite of having over 20 movie selections, most of which I had been waiting to see (King's Speech anyone?). Thankfully, I had a 7.5 hour flight so it was pretty much over by the time we landed. Maybe that's the key to my audiobook plight - listening all at once?

In any case, I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I want to listen to it again and again.. although now that I'm back in New York I'm afraid that my audiobook listening days may be limited. Darn you loud subway riders and the need for no distraction so that you get off at the right subway stop. Yes, that happened this morning. I walked from 53rd and 5th to work...surprisingly for the first time ever! I don't know if I'm actually a changed person yet, but at least I have conquered one audiobook. Hello Williamson girls, I'm here!

ibooks...

2011-04-19T18:42:00.001-04:00

Ok, while I realise we blur the lines of "reading" a lot on this blog in favor of listening, I'm still not sure if an ibook really counts more than an audio book, especially if you are reading it off something the size of your palm (David would have the advantage there... huge mitten wearer)... and I'm off on a tangent already. The point I wanted to get out here is that I know many of you dear readers have handy...cell phones ;) and most classics are available FO FREE!

I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but COOL. Jane Austens, Jane Eyre, Huck Finn, etc! I haven't read a full book per se, but rather SHERLOCK HOLMES which is FREE/awesome. I recommend it for everybody.

This example even contains an ibook ihave (Winnie the Pooh) and one I've listened to but not "read"... (House Rules)!

I am going to look for more Sherlock Holmes now. I like them because they're not so long, so you're not looking at that little screen forever, and because they're great.

EDIT: speaking of blurring the lines, I have not found more Sherlock Holmes yet because "The Warblers" apparently have an album!!!!@!@$#@$Q

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

2011-03-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

I finished a book!!! Okay, it's an audiobook but still I am in fact making a blog post about a book*. And, it's a Simon and Schuster book. Isabug, have you met Kathleen Grissom? Can you get us all invited to her house?

I picked up the Kitchen House based on a recommendation that said, "if you liked The Help, you'll like The Kitchen House." I did, in fact, love The Help and I really liked the The Kitchen House but I have to say the comparison would be that a. they are both historical novels about "domestic help", b. one of the Kitchen House narrators is a narrator from The Help audiobook. But, really the comparison for me pretty much ends there. Very different theme, very different writing style and The Kitchen House isn't remotely funny. What the Kitchen House does have for it, is a good story line about an indentured servant, Lavinia, living in Virginia at the turn of the 19th century.

Dancealot and I have both read it and agreed that we liked it a lot but poor Lavinia has really rotten luck. In fact, I think she might have been quite at home in The Series of Unfortunate Events books. But, try it...it's on audible, if you know what I mean.

*I read a paperback Jodi Picoult book in February but I'm not sure that counts and I finished another Outlander series book which took me most of January and February.

March (book?) Madness...

2011-03-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

I'm actually checking on this one (though I have not officially filled out a bracket, I have still partaken in the voting up till now ;)

What I Want 2 Read Next...

2011-03-10T17:17:00.001-05:00

Yum. I think I could handle a book like this. Easy, comfortable, minimal and ohhh sooo good-looking!

The Help (movie!!!!... help?)

2011-03-02T10:46:00.001-05:00

Has anyone else seen this?!?!?!

I can't help feeling that the cover design is not how I imagined it (though the color is)...

I mean, I can't help being excited a leeeetle bit excited about this because even though we, book lovers, know that normally no good can come out of a movie based on a fantastic book... I really love that Emma Stone* is going to be "Skeeter." I just hope justice will be done to the characters.

...she does look awfully cute with Skeetersque hair treatment...

Abileen (Viola Davis**) looks a little young and Hilly is not thin at all (BAD), but we will see... we will see...

*I loved Stone in "Easy A" after all, which is a bit more fun that reading "The Scarlet Letter"...

** Davis is also going to be in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," for which I may make another post like this one. We will see...

Charleston Girl...

2011-02-19T18:20:00.003-05:00

Anyone else know about this coming out from under my radar? I saw it in "Kaufland" (buy-country)... what the what?

In other news, I finally got around to listening to "The Help" and am almost done......... so good to have a good book. SO GOOD!!!!!!!
In other other news, I rate "The Alchymist" at lower than Twilight, Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, whatever our current scale is. Not really even interested in listening to the rest of them.

Happy Valentine's Day Lovelies!

2011-02-14T10:58:00.002-05:00

A fitting question for today, I think...

What is your favorite love story?

Romeo & Juliet, Sense & Sensibility? Or do you prefer no ampersands, like Bridget Jones's Diary? Or how about Wuthering Heights? (which I still need to read!!) It's actually a quite difficult question, but for today I will give a shout out to Pride and Prejudice. Hello, Mr. Darcy!

Also, do you find it as interesting as I do that Penguin decided to make most of their beautiful cloth bound books, that you can find at Anthropologie among other places, by Jane Austen? They obviously know their readership. And yes, I want all of them.

Dreaming in French

2011-02-10T09:48:00.004-05:00

Update on Isabug:

I'm currently reading Dreaming in French and watching Law & Order:SVU and Bones. What does this say about me?

__________________________________
Dreaming in French by Megan McAndrew review:

I haven't actually finished it yet, but I picked it up because of the title and the cover as I am experiencing some extreme Europe lust. Aka: I need to be there. Alas...
The book is about a teenage girl growing up in Paris in the 70's(her mother and father are both American) and it's starting to confuse me because every book I pick up now focuses on a young girl in Paris. I guess I'm an easy target. It's really much more than just a book about a young girl in Paris but you don't really find that out until half way through. She is the daughter of a wealthy Connecticut man and her mother is a flamboyant and beautiful gal from Kentucky. (Kentucky!) Her mother goes out a lot, paints the house elaborately, etc. etc. and it's all going well until something happens involving Poland. (Poland - 1970s - get it?) I don't want to give everything away.

It's a good read, especially for the subway ride, and because I'm feeling super generous today - YOU'RE ALL GETTING ONE! Well, except Claire. Sorry Badbear.

"McAndrew's novel brings an original sensibility as well as a plot that takes satisfying, unexpected turns." New York Times Book Review

Lost...

2011-01-19T14:25:00.001-05:00

We haven't talked TV shows in a while and I want to share with you all how addicted the Mathewsies have become to "Lost". Yes, Lost (The TV series from ABC) is over after six seasons of which I had watched approximately zero episodes prior to the series ending. But, lo and behold, with the advent of Netflix in our lives (credit to Isabug...in fact, I think I might start referring in future to Netflix as Isaflix just so she can be fully aware of how much we appreciate her connection with Netflix) we have discovered Lost. I just want to write Lost in big bold letters or something...LOST!!!

Every night, we hurry through dinner and all of our evening chores so that like families of old gathered around the radio, we can watch episodes of Lost. We are now on Season 3, Episode 2. We talk about Lost. We talk about who our favorite character is, we talk about who The Others are, we talk about the Island, what the button is for, why the plane crashed, who's creepy, who's not, we talk about how when the Wii Fit says "visualize your ideal body" and I immediately think I want to look like Evengaline Lilly...

If you, dearest schwester and neicies (and other blog readers) have not watched Lost, you must. I repeat: you must start watching Lost on Isaflix (or the full episodes which are on line on ABC.com)!

Sadly, one day Lost will end and what then, I ask, will we watch next?

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

2011-01-11T09:59:00.001-05:00

Hello my darling readers! Have you all been reading with the new year? I read a couple of books from Isabug's parcel that arrived the day after everyone's departure including the A.J. Jacobs book (as written about on other blogs) and Little Princes. I really liked them both. Also, I just finished Laura Hillenbrand's (Seabiscuit) new book Unbroken --it's in the Audible library for those of you who are authorized with the secret code. I recommend it for a wonderful change up from fiction. Also, I recommend it highly as a "manly book" and I'd put it into the Jon Krakauer company. It's a very flat, level, detail-rich true story of Louis Zamperini -- who is still alive by the way -- a juvenile delinquent, Olympic runner, WW II airmen, Japanese POW, and all-around inspiration! Reading it took me back to Mere's and my little visit to the WWII memorial in Washington D.C with Grandpa and filled me with such affection for men like him and their ilk. Truly, they maybe are the "Greatest Generation" and tough beyond measure.

If you read Seabiscuit, you may remember the journalistic, dry quality of that book. And, while the story was about Seabiscuit there were a multitude of side roads into the lives of the people who intersected with that horse as well as the horse industry of the day. Unbroken is much the same -- rich with interesting facts, colorful people and the nature of the war in the Pacific. The story telling is dry but like a good wine, sometimes dry is just the perfect thing. Plus, I don't know about you, but while I feel pretty well-educated about WWII and the war in Europe, I'm not particularly informed about the War in the Pacific other than Pearl Harbor and maybe the Burmese Death March. I now feel so much smarter.

So...Unbroken -- great for long runs in the cold (or on the treadmill). Try it, you'll like it.

Little Princes

2010-12-08T10:31:00.005-05:00

I'm a member of YPG (Young to Publishing) group and as such am invited to a variety of young publishing people events/parties and the like, though I've never attended any of them. I suppose I'm a bad member. I did, however, recently sign up to receive advanced reader editions of books and write reviews and help spread the word. On Tuesday I received my first ARE! Little Princes by Conor Grennan which is published by Harper Collins and when I got my copy I was ecstatic. Not because I knew what the book was about (I had no idea) but it is a book from another publisher!! How exciting! I've been reading only Simon & Schuster books for a while now and though they are great it's nice to have some variety.

So - the book.

It's great. Better than I could have imagined by staring at the lovely cover (which really is lovely). It reads like a great piece of fiction, but it's true! Every little bit of it. The basic story is about an almost 30 year old guy who has worked in mainstream America and decides to use all of his life savings for a trip around the world. It's an idea that I think the age group I'm in (20s?) will definitely relate to and I've already thought of a ton of people that I think would love this, but I also think it's a book that MR (teenagers who care about the world) would enjoy along with my young mother and aunt. Back to the story... one of his first stops is in Nepal working at an orphanage. He's a bit hesitant at first and is doing it mainly to impress people and seem hardcore, but it turns out that he develops real relationships with these kids and thus begins a beautiful, yet sad story about the situation with human trafficking in Nepal.

Conor's voice is real, which is what I like best about this book. He seems really believable and on top of that all is a great writer. I wouldn't normally think that you could get all this in one. Incredible story, incredible writer = Impossible? I used to think it was one of the other, though I guess Jon Krakauer could compete (and they do mention him as a comparison).

Read it. You'll love it. Yes, you.

Happy T-Giving Y'all

2010-11-25T10:28:00.000-05:00

To my fellow readers - I am thankful for you and your funny blog comments!

Cheno

2010-11-18T11:36:00.001-05:00

House Rules

2010-11-16T12:12:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult.. in 2 days. Which I think lets you know immediately that it's one of those page-turner books that are especially good during the dog days of summer. I'll also preface this by saying that I've always steered clear of Jodi Picoult because her name is so big on the book cover. I mean look at that -->
Bigger than the title! Although I have read the Shopaholic books...

However, I also realize that her huge name means that a lot of people like her writing. I think I'm just a book snob. So, this was lying on the free shelf at work and since MR and Gwennie were listening to it I decided I would give it a go. 2 days later = Done. I have to admit that I really like Jodi Picoult's writing style! It's something that I never thought I would embrace and/or say. The plot moved at the right speed, the characters were well developed (each have their own chapters), and it was somewhat believable. Sure, there were a few issues that could have been resolved more quickly than they actually were, but I'm not going to give examples in case anybody else reads it.

Back to the case of each character having their own chapter/voice - Picoult knocked it out of the park. It really seemed believable and they were obviously well thought out. I also learned a lot more about Asperger's and I appreciated the "Discussion with the Author" at the end where she talks about her research with Asperger's, which included having all of Jacbob's chapters checked over by a girl with Asperger's.

I would recommend it to anyone for a long plane ride, summer beach read or holiday break. Lovely.

Next up for me: Sarah's Key!

Harry (starkid) Potter!

2010-11-14T15:38:00.005-05:00

So dear readers... perhaps this is a challenge for someone to make an actual book post EVEN THOUGH I'm re-listening to all HPs in preparation for next weekend, when I plan to re-watch all HPs with some friends as well so that we can go to see HP7: Deathly Hallows, part 1 on Sunday! Who else is excited?!?!

I just wanted to put in an actual plug for all you Team Starkid and Darren Criss fans out there, or wannabes... which is kind of a repeat of my comments to "Gleek out." In any case, I have big respect for a college theatre group that put together a truly funny musical of HP with what seems to be a ton of talented kids who did it for the fun (just check out the outtake youtubes)!

Gleek Out

2010-11-11T11:05:00.004-05:00

Hi.

Can we take a quick recess and talk about this week's Glee for a moment?

Was anybody else as impressed by Darren Criss on Glee? And Teenage Dream - loved it! I actually watched it 3 times on hulu. Obsessed much?

Another favorite moment, when Rachel (who is surprisingly not a major character for the past few episodes) yells "SPIES"! I laughed out loud.

I would also like to see less of Santana. I don't know why they focus on her expressions so much. They're always the same... ??

Did anybody else watch it? Did you all like this episode as much as I did?

E. M. Forster Inquiry

2010-10-26T11:35:00.004-04:00

This is a different post. Kind of like Peddie's random one below.

Instead of reviewing a book I'm reading/have read - I would like to ask if any of you have ever read E.M. Forster and more specifically Where Angels Fear to Tread. I just picked it up off the shelf and am wondering if I should even start it. Has anybody read it or do any of you like E.M. Forster's writing? I'm pretty sure that Claire read A Room With a View, but maybe I'm mistaken. Help!

Apparently it's a movie, too! With Helena Bonham Carter, and oh, I do like her.

Because knitting and audiobooks go hand in hand in winter...

2010-10-26T06:58:00.004-04:00

Look what I found!

PS: Anybody else love with Tracy corrects grammar on 30 Rock? I do.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-10-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

I soooo don't have time to write this blog post but we haven't had any lately so it seems important. I really should be working on a bunch of church volunteer stuff and some listing paperwork for an appoitnment tomorrow. But here goes...

The Hunger Games (it's on Audible!). Just finished it this morning. Got it for Will and Mary Rollins as it was on the summer recommended reading for a couple of the high schools in town. Of course always wanting to be in on the latest that smart kids are reading today, I wanted it too. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Great story...what is it about books with a great story being labelled as "juvenile fiction"? Sorry, have I ranted on that before? But seriously, really a great stretch of imagination and character development in the post-apocolyptic US. Normally, I'm not much of a fan of after-the-war/natural disaster genre of fiction but this book was almost timeless in its exploration of human nature and a fast-paced story. Like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books transcending the crime genre, this book transcends science fiction.

Confession...I had to break down and listen to it while not running because I wanted to know what happened next and I just couldn't run that much! I think that's my new adult equivalent of reading under the covers with a flashlight.

On a scale of 1 to 10 with Twilight being a 1 and Harry Potter being a 10, I give it a 7.75.

Back to work. Love you all!!!

Obsessed

2010-09-29T15:31:00.002-04:00

I found another picture! And his blog... hehehehehe.

Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love and Musical Theater by Seth Rudetsky

2010-09-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

Sooo...I was waiting for Mary Rollins to make this post because she finished the book first and patiently waited while I SLOWLY finished listening because I only permit myself to listen to new audiobooks while running (or pulling weeds).

Where to begin...quite possibly this is the most fun book I've listened to in ages, quite possibly EVER! And, as Claire said previously, I think it has to be listened to as I just can't imagine that reading it could be nearly as much fun as listening to this fantastically read book. There's lots of great little bits of dialogue with REAL Broadway actors, like Kristen, Jonathan Groff (Jesse St. James from Glee), Andy Karl (he was our Fyero in Wicked on Broadway --MR caught that one as she loved him when we saw him in April!) but the real star is author Seth Rudetsky who narrates the story (actually log...diaries are for girls) of Stephen Sheerin , Broadway pianist (please don't pronounce that pee-ann-ist) wthose therapist Monikah (who may or may not have a dog named Skippy and be on the Atkins diet) thinks he should keep track of his life to better understand why after all these years he's still just a sub and not the Broadway conductor he aspires to be. I think, really, that's all you need to know for now. But suffice it to say, you will laugh...unless you're really really judgemental. It's sassy.

This book was like fuel to the fire for our love of all things Broadway and hero worship of Kristen Chenoweth (Kristen, if you're reading this Mary Rollins is the cute teen-age girl who handed you the scribbled note on the piece of the playbill at the stage door after the Saturday matinee of Promises, Promises on the day you also got Reese Pieces. Remember?? We're not stalking you, really. That Twitter...Oy vey).

Okay, so how'd I do Peddie?

Stevie and Jesse St. James

2010-09-22T02:02:00.003-04:00

Love love love! I give Gwennie the rights to make a real post a real Broadway Nights

"What's with you? You're more low energy than when you had Mono in 10th grade!""...I memorized...Evita." - actual line that pertains to me!

Becky's back!!!! Mini Shopaholic

2010-09-19T19:42:00.000-04:00

It's true, my darlings! Becky is back! Becky is back! And all the Whos down in Whoville are joyously celebrating. Tuesday, September 21 is the magic day when Mini Shopaholic is released. The summary says that our dear Becks and Mr. Darcy (oops, I'm mean Luke) are still living with Mum and Dad in Oxshot. Hooray! xoxoxo g

New Bffs of mine...

2010-09-17T13:02:00.002-04:00

This is me and Kristin Chenoweth in the subway. I decided to act like her body guard and keep away the throngs of admirers as she went incognito. (PS nobody was interested) -Seth Rudetsky

This is a forward (sorta... maybe I should read more books to understand what a forward is though) to my post coming up about "Broadway Nights"... stay tuned!

Library Science

2010-09-09T11:20:00.002-04:00

Hi All,

This is not so much a book review as a forum starting question. I am thinking about pursuing a Master in Library Science (MLS) at Queens College. Because I trust all of your opinions so much... can I get some feedback?

This is kind of book related.. you know. I would hopefully specialize in some form of children's literature.

Ok- have at it!

Best wishes,
Isabug

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2010-09-03T14:57:00.003-04:00

Hello my dearest darlings! I have just finished the lovely book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (audio of course). Mostly how I feel about this book is just plain sweet. Not too sweet like Nutella on a s'more where you can only eat so much, but just the right sweet, like Nutella on a graham cracker (we are almost out of Nutella and going to Costco Monday for emergency restocking).

It was a beautiful read-listen story of first loves, last loves and all the love that's in between, plus jazz, World War 2 and the Japanese internment. What a wonderful tale about the resiliency of the human heart. Methinks, you too, will love it.

Life of Pi

2010-08-23T15:42:00.003-04:00

Did anyone else see that President Obama wrote a letter to Yann Martel? Apparently, he read it with his daughter. I think that's sweet.

The Help, revisited

2010-08-18T11:47:00.003-04:00

I haven't done a post on an actual book in a while, so I think it's about time. My most recent endeavor has been THE HELP, which was previously posted about by Gwennie in April. She also posted that the reader did an excellent job at the accents so I have been trying to make up some great accents in my head while I read (Weird?). It does add to the story! So far, I'm loving it and can't wait to get home to read some more. There are a lot of characters narrating, but I think that the author does an excellent job at the transition.. unlike my awful memories of reading Faulkner's As I Lay Dying in high school. I had to make a map to keep all the characters straight. In fact, maybe I should read that book again. I didn't give Faulkner a fair chance.

My goal is to read more at night since I've recently become addicted to more TV shows. That's no good. My list of books to read currently are:

1. The Help (currently)
2. Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (I've been holding off)
3. Madonnas of Leningrad (mom's fav)

Hopefully I will stick to my reading list and get these finished before October. So many books to read!

Neverwhere and Broadway Nights

2010-08-17T07:46:00.000-04:00

I just finished Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman read by the author, in his preferred text. It was really good. I also discovered 7/8 of the way through that there's an icon on the iPod app of the iPhone that if you accidentally touch speeds up and/or slows down the audio speed. Soooo...let's just say it took me a lot longer to listen to Neverwhere than it should have and the audio quality had a reverberation to it that made it sound like it was echoing in a subway station which I thought was intentional (albeit annoying) since so much of the narrative is set underground. Silly me...

Has anybody read or heard Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love and Musical Theater by Seth Rudetsky? Our new BFF Kristen Chenoweth is one of the narrators on the audio book? Should I get it? It's on sale 1/2 price on audible until 11 a.m. this morning. Tell me quick!!!!

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-07-27T15:42:00.003-04:00

I lied in my last comment on Angela's Ashes. I forgot that I also read The Art of Racing in the Rain. And, I forgot to mention that I really really liked it. Oh. I lied again, I actually listened to it on my iPod and so did Mary Rollins. Audiobook or not, this was a book I would have liked in either format -- read-to-me or read-it-to-myself.

I think you all would like this book for the primary reason that it's a story told by a dog and I know how we all feel about dogs! The narrator-dog, Enzo, is a deeper and more philosophical dog than your average Gus/Howie/Cleo. He's spent a good bit of time watching television and thinking about things in addition to his next meal, the beach and walks, he practices unconditional love and believes that he has some terrier in him. His insights into both dog and human nature are brilliant and the telling of his family story is bittersweet and lovely. I won't ruin that for you by summarizing in case you decide to read it. However, I'm looking at Howie and Cleo at this very minute asleep on the blue couch in the computer room and wondering how they would tell the story of the Mathews' family.

Angela's Ashes

2010-07-22T18:30:00.002-04:00

READ BY the author... that is key!

I know some feelings on this book already, which is why I want to make this seem open (so the comments will come!) because I am really enjoying listening to it. Don't get me wrong... it is SAD and almost everything goes wrong that could, with some happyish, funny bits. I am not done, but if my lovely little iListener will load up again, I probably will be by tomorrow. (Incidentally, I agree that audiobooks and gardening are like PB&J... or if you're in Deutschland... um, mustard and wurst. In Ireland, bread and butter... OK!) My favorite thing is listening to the inflections of how Frank McCourt tells this, HIS story, including the opening "Angela's Ashes. I'm Frank McCourt." and then he begins (ie, not "written and read by"). I think it lends to the reality of it all, and certain passages stick out in my head and come back to me from time to time. "Jesus and the Weather"... perhaps I find it particularly good to hear while being in the town of PASSION right now. I also like his light Irish accent, and the way he speaks for all the kids and mothers in the book.

(anybody still miss letters dancing over pages, btw?)

Cooking Blogs

2010-07-19T10:48:00.002-04:00

As you all may know.. I tend to read more blogs than books since I stare at a computer screen all day. This being said, I have seen a fair number of cooking/fashion/mormon (that's for claire) blogs and I thought I'd throw out some recommendations for when you just can't decide what to make for dinner.

My new favorite food blog is by non other than my dear sister in law, Amanda. You must check it out: A Thousand Bites. She has been doing a CSA this summer and has been preparing dinner with all of her veggies. It makes my mouth water as I sit staring at the screen. In fact, I'm pretty hungry now from just posting her link...

Secondly, and with much less fanfare, I love the Smitten Kitchen and Orangette blogs. They both have links to their recipes so you can just do a quick search-a-roo and find what you're looking for. Lastly, I like Seven Spoons because I like looking at the pictures. Must admit... I haven't tried anything from her yet.

Get cooking, get eating, get blogging! (and comment all over Amanda's blog, hehehe)

Der Alchemist

2010-07-13T06:49:00.003-04:00

Ok, I know it's probably "The Alchemist" for you guys, but I'm reading it this way and thus posting so. I will start out by saying that mom and I heard this on tape a while back, and I think I fell asleep at the end and she wasn't that into it, but this time around, Paulo Coehlo has got me a lot better. It's a lovely story with a very sympathetic character. I especially love the wide scope of God through all the countries, and the way the protagonist adapts them to his beliefs.

It's also a book about wanderlust and something of gold, so perhaps that was also motivation for me to get it...

Going to go hike up a mountain now! Follow your treasure!

Happy Birthday Peddie!

2010-07-06T09:43:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Clairebear...Happy Birthday to you!! xoxoxoxoxoxo I miss everybody...

Hope alles ist gut auf Deutschland!!

First of all...

2010-06-14T13:22:00.004-04:00

I love the new blog design! Hooray for Isabug and her impressive graphic talents!

Second of all, when are you all coming to Lexington. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is playing at the Kentucky Theater and I have no one to go see it with...please please please??? Mere??? What are you doing besides playing Penguin Wars? Plus you can bring some artwork up to the galleries. It's only like three months until the World Equestrian Games.

Second of all (hee hee, that was in honor of Grandma Pop), has Peddie read Neil Gaimon's Nevermore? I'm trying to decide if it's credit-worthy on Audible and we love the movie Stardust so much. I'm also open to any other suggestions since we seem to all be sharing the same account now. My only caveat is that it would be nice if it were Dancealot appropriate (i.e. no Diana Gabaldon or that Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife that Mere had me listen to last year!!). MR needs a good summer listen. She just finished The Book Thief for the fourth time. You all need to listen to that.

Oh, and the picture is just your little cuzzies saying "hi". Can you believe we've lived in Lakeside for almost 8 years and no one in our family had ever climbed up on that wall before? We were walking past it on the way to the grocery the other night and were suddenly overcome with the urge to climb to the top. I stayed below to take the picture.

Still the Same

2010-06-14T10:29:00.001-04:00

Don't worry! You are in the right place!

I just went overboard changing the design. I hope that nobody minds too much. Though I already know that Claire is making a fuss about the new logo. Don't worry... I will change it back...later. Keep reading, keep posting and I'll stop changing the layout and confusing everyone!

Outlander

2010-06-06T18:17:00.003-04:00

... or "How ______ always shows up in the nick of time!" (more or less...)

So - to try and be objective, this is an interesting mix of beautiful Scotland, time-travel, history, violence, lust (this is NOT for MR), and love. I also think there were some interesting introspection on faith (though there was more at the end of the book, which is of course the last thing I heard... ahh... I'm afraid to say anything to give anything away, but...)... but "objective" charades aside...

This book is so long! OMG. And there are MORE OF THEM. While I did enjoy listening to it, it is probably the longest audiobook I've EVER heard and it could have ended a million times and when it finally did, I was like... what? Now? Ok... Now I have, of course, seen that there are sequels (Auntie G? Have you read them?)... when did Madam Gabaldon ever have time to look anything up (or date, for that matter)? Truth be told, I was relieved when it was over. I would recommend this if you have a LOT of time on your hand and are feel like something that might look like this:

but better, with history ;) And possibly the Loch Ness Monster.

Administrative Peddie...

2010-05-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

Peddie has been administrated. I was the all-powerful blogmaster but have shared leadership with the Peddie and the Bug. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

The Cheese Monkeys, by Chip Kidd

2010-05-18T18:25:00.002-04:00

Isabelle proudly gave me this book I think two Christmases ago ("I actually spent money on it!") and told me about how this guy is such a good graphic designer and now he wrote a book. I spent a lot of time perusing just the cover with all it's tiny words written on the edges, and deciphering what was written on the edges of the book when it's closed. I finally read it within the past 7 days (and I think I'm being generous... I read it fast) and can recommend it as a crazy college thinking humerous in-between book. Don't get me wrong, it requires READING, but it's kinda broken up. I'd love to hear Auntie G's take on it.

I will also add that at the same time (during the past 7 days, not literal same time... that would be hard) I have been listening to "A Thousand Splendid Suns"... most of which was last night whilst making necklace models out of silver spray-painted paper, thread, glue, and corks! But I digress... the book: wow. I feel like you've all probably read it already, but what a story. I'm going to have to agree that the female Afghan perspective hits a little harder.

And I finished "Rumo" but that was right before Katie got here (who is MY favorite cousin right now)!

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

2010-05-14T15:22:00.005-04:00

I wish I could tell you what page I'm on in Water for Elephants but I can only say that I'm about 10 miles in and a lot of flowers planted and weeds pulled. I guess that puts me somewhere in Chapter 4 or 5. But this book had me at Chapter 2.

I've been meaning to read Water for Elephants for at least a year, maybe even two. It came highly recommended by several friends and I've even had it on my iPod for ages to listen to and just didn't get around to it.

Actually, I started it once but the book has two narrators (which I discovered once I finally got past the first chapter) and the first narrator -- an old man of 90 or 93-- was so difficult to listen to that I stopped reading. And, when I say difficult, I mean that it was hard to hear his voice over the treadmill I lost interest after about three minutes and switched to something else.

Anyway, now I'm captivated and can hardly wait to go for a run, pull some weeds or fold some laundry so I can go back to the Depression and join the Circus with Jacob Jankowski. While there's a bit more sex in this book, okay a lot more since Life of Pi has no sex, it has a quality to it that reminds me of that book.

Choices

2010-05-11T16:31:00.002-04:00

Here are your choices for the Poll over yonder -->

Girl Who Played with Fire

2010-05-11T16:21:00.005-04:00

Reading this now.

Halfway through.

Really like it.

One word of advice for those of you who have not read it - DO NOT read the flap on the hardcover! I just so happened to look at it while reading yesterday and the part that I had just read (yes, I am HALFWAY through the book) was on the flap. Quelle bizarre! Anyway, that kind of made me feel like I wasn't as far along in the book as I thought I was. On the bright side that just means more to read!

Peddie have you started #2? I know Gwennie is done with it. Also, I'm planning on seeing the movie for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo this weekend! Yippee!

FLATLAND

2010-05-04T17:24:00.003-04:00

Flatland is, indeed, a Romance of Dimensions... I'm not actually sure if it's in print anymore because I know Dad had to search around for it while I was in high school (for myself my classmate/neighbor). Btw, backstory is I'm working on a design project for a necklace right now involving a picture of Isabelle in her wedding dress, letting Lucy in, and I've now reduced it a bit to shapes, which is what brought me to Flatland (and maybe Big Bang Theory reminded me of it).

A long book is it not, but it does take some time to grasp certain elements. I really like it... it's good to help out your inner geek into some good ol nerdiness and fine old style writing. Here's a better blogger sum-up.

My to-do list for after April 30...

2010-04-25T21:21:00.000-04:00

1. Go to a whole lot of closings in May and June
2. Catch up on some blogging...

The Help

2010-04-14T21:50:00.000-04:00

So do I win a prize, Isabug?

Among the many things I really like about audio books is the sense of mystery you have while you listen to them. There's no back cover to read and no accidentally skipping to the end. The story just unfolds at its own pace and then it's done. All you really have is the little cover picture and maybe a short description.

The Help is what I've been reading (a.k.a. listening to) for the last month. I had no idea what it was about just that everyone who had read it said it was really good. It was superb and made for the very best kind of audiobooks with three different narrators whose voices conveyed their characters so well. Put this on your must-read list, if not your must-listen to list.

A Giveaway

2010-04-09T16:05:00.002-04:00

Since I know my some of you have a fondness for books on tape..or is it CD now?... I am going to do a little giveaway. I have 3 books on CD that are up for grabs. All you have to do to win one is make a post on a book that you are reading. The next 3 posts (can be by the same person) will get one of the following:

The Castle in the Forest by Norman Mailer
No career in modern American letters is at once so brilliant, varied, and controversial as that of Norman Mailer. In a span of more than six decades, Mailer has searched into subjects ranging from World War II to Ancient Egypt, from the march on the Pentagon to Marilyn Monroe, from Henry Miller and Muhammad Ali to Jesus Christ. Now, in his first major work of fiction in more than a decade, The Castle in the Forest offers what may be Mailer's consummate literary endeavor: he has set out to explore the evil of Adolf Hitler.

The narrator, a mysterious SS man in possession of some extraordinary secrets, takes the young Adolf from birth through his adolescence. En route, revealing portraits are offered of Hitler's father and mother, and his sisters and brothers.

A tapestry of unforgettable characters, The Castle in the Forest delivers its myriad twists and surprises with astonishing insight into the nature of the struggle between good and evil that exists in us all. At its core is a hypothesis that is employed with stunning originality. Now, on the eve of his eighty-fourth birthday, Norman Mailer may well be saying more than he ever has before.

The Ruins by Scott Smith
Eerie, terrifying, and unputdownable, The Ruins is Scott Smith's first novel since his acclaimed debut A Simple Plan earned rave reviews and stormed bestseller lists.

The Ruins follows two American couples enjoying a pleasant, lazy beach holiday together in Mexico. On an impulse, they go off with newfound friends in search of one of their group -- the young German, who, in pursuit of a girl, has headed for the remote Mayan ruins, site of a fabled archeological dig.

This is what happens from the moment the searchers -- moving into the wild interior -- begin to suspect that there is an insidious, horrific "other" among them....

Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
The discovery of a skeleton in Acadia, Canada, reawakens a traumatic episode for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan: Could the young girl's remains be those of Évangéline Landry, Tempe's friend who disappeared when Tempe was twelve? Exotic, free-spirited, and slightly older, Évangéline enlivened Tempe's summer beach visits...then vanished amid whispers that she was "dangerous." Now, faced with bones scarred with inexplicable lesions, Tempe is consumed with solving a decades-old mystery -- while her lover, detective Andrew Ryan, urgently needs her attention on a wave of teenage abductions and murders. With both Ryan and her ex-husband making surprising future plans, Tempe may soon find that her world has painfully and irrevocably changed once again.

These all look a little depressing/scary/thriller/etc to me, but maybe for a long car ride they will keep you awake! So.. just put at the end of your next post which CD you want. If nobody wants them I'll just put them back on the shelf :)

Case of the Missing Servant

2010-03-25T09:43:00.005-04:00

In all honesty I was hoping to read "Girl Who Played With Fire" next, but the $15.95 price tag for the paperback at BN left me gasping for air. I'm too used to free books and I really need to get over it. However, I found a great alternative (free!) from Simon & Schuster. I've been eyeing this lovely cover for a while now (I probably have a few more copies at my desk) and since my original plan didn't work out I've embarked on "The Case of the Missing Servant: A Vish Puri Mystery" by Tarquin Hall. It's a mystery novel based in India and so far I'm liking it. All of the characters have nicknames, unfortunately no cool Swede names, and our hero is called "Chubby", though his real name is Vish Puri. I think it will be an interesting mystery and at the very least a little peek into India.

Also, there's a second one that just came out! Oh, how I love a good series. The next is: Case of the Man Who Died Laughing. And on second thought, this might be a good book for high schoolers?

Lynda's Work

2010-03-17T13:01:00.001-04:00

I just found this fascinating new blog about this lady painter from SC! I think you all will love it... click me, please?

The Elegance of the Hedgehog...

2010-03-13T17:03:00.003-05:00

It's true that on the surface a hedgehog does not appear to be elegant (thank you Mere for the visual of Tiggy and Winkle consuming their young) but The Elegance of the Hedgehog is indeed an elegant book. I am over halfway through this very intelligent novel about life in a posh Parisian apartment building. While there are no dead bodies in the cupboards of this French apartment building, there is a concierge, a bright twelve year old girl and a new Japanese neighbor. It's a work destined to make you appreciate your liberal arts education and a well-turned phrase!

Voila, a book that makes existentialism fun!

Dragon Tattoo

2010-03-12T15:25:00.004-05:00

I'm going to review a book that has already been reviewed twice. Both times by Auntie G. You can refer back to her posts here:

January 5, 2009
September 7, 2009

Anyway, I finally got around to reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and I share the same sentiments as Auntie G. To quote her post on January 5th "Great plots, engaging characters and lots of Swedish names and locals." In fact, one of my favorite things about the book is that it takes place in Sweden. Seems so exotic... you can also tell that the writer, Stieg Larsson, has a lot to say about politics there. In fact, I am not afraid to admit that I have skimmed over a few parts.

I'm not much of a crime-reader but I do like this one and can't wait to read the next!

Hm, I don't know why my book has the cover shown above, but it does. I was really hoping for the neat green/yellow one. In fact, if you would like to see more of this designer's excellent work click here.

The Madonnas of Leningrad

2010-03-11T19:01:00.003-05:00

While several of the books we have been reading for book club have been, well, a bit sorry, and SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME was "controversial" (not to me), we seem off to a good start on our April selection here. I am happily absorbed in The Madonnas because for one, it is well written with good character development and without an excess of words. Secondly it is about 3 of my interests: art history, WWII and the Pacific Northwest. The narrative flows back and forth between the present day and the 900 day siege of Leningrad which mirrors the mind of the main character Marina who is experiencing the beginnings of Alzheimer's. The priceless masterpieces in the Hermitage are packed and stored for the siege by Marina and in the present day they are a refuge in her mind. I have read 55 pages of 228 and while I find it hard to put it down, I think it is the kind of book I want to read slowly, relish and look up the works of art that Marina is describing. The author Debra Dean, grew up reading Louisa May Alcott, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Sounds like a Selby/Mathews kind of author (but does she like Harry Potter, Twilight and The Shopaholic??

My new Signature

2010-03-05T13:45:00.006-05:00

This is my new signature at work. (It's a lie)

Learn More Here:
http://promo.simonandschuster.com/littlebee/

Mr. Popper's Penguins

2010-02-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling sentimental today. I'm also feeling cold, as in it's been snowing non stop for the best 24+ hours. These two things combined equals Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Have any of you out there in blogland read it? I think the I first read this book in 2nd or 3rd grade and people... I loved it. I still love penguins and the thought of them living with Mr. Popper is just too good for a child to pass up on. If you know any little kids who are looking for books - this is the one! Possibly my most highly rated children's book! I also like Chica Chica Boom Boom! but let's not get into that right now. This is a grown up reading group afterall.

Since my mind is a bit fuzzy other than remembering that I loved this book, here is a review from a real source:

Poor Mr. Popper isn't exactly unhappy; he just wishes he had seen something of the world before meeting Mrs. Popper and settling down. Most of all, he wishes he had seen the Poles, and spends his spare time between house-painting jobs reading all about polar explorations. Admiral Drake, in response to Mr. Popper's fan letter, sends him a penguin; life at 432 Proudfoot Avenue is never the same again. From one penguin living in the icebox, the Popper family grows to include 12 penguins, all of whom must be fed. Thus is born "Popper's Performing Penguins, First Time on Any Stage, Direct from the South Pole." Their adventures while on tour are hilarious, with numerous slapstick moments as the penguins disrupt other acts and invade hotels. Classic chapter-a-night fun. --Richard Farr

You really want to read it now, don't you..

Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief

2010-02-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

That's what I read over the weekend. Now I'm about to read Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters. You're jealous. I know you are. Admit it. You're sorry that you have not read the latest 11-year old boy hit book and you can't converse expertly with said boys about whether the movie or the book was better.

I can.

I think the book was better by the way but Uma Thurman is a fabulous Medusa and Pierce Brosnan--- well, you never would have guessed what he really was all that time you thought he was James Bond. It's a good story -- no Harry Potter -- and there's quite a bit of variation from book to movie although I was told by Will that it didn't matter and we had a serious discussion about why they left a fairly significant character out of the movie and whether you cold film a movie scene in the St. Louis Arch and if the whole idea of Hades was as depressing as I thought it was. I had the last part of that discussion by myself...guess it was more like a monologue. "Mom, you may not realize this, but I've stopped listening.."

I've been told I have to read the rest of the series by the end of next week. I'll let you know how that goes because the Elegance of the Hedgehog I had on reserve just came in at the library plus I finally started reading a Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

I want somebody else to read this book so that we can talk about Hades. I promise it won't take very long. Maybe you could read it in German to spice things up.

ZooBorns

2010-02-10T15:15:00.001-05:00

Ok, slightly off-topic but......
Look at this incredibly cute blog, please!
ZooBorns
We're publishing a book on these little ZooBorns and we're all in cute overload.

Book vs. Book-to-Movie

2010-02-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

I think Auntie G's comment deserves a post of it's own:

Can you think of any book-to-movies that you prefer over the original book?

I've thought long and hard and so far all I have is Twilight and Bridget Jones's Diary. It seems to me that if a book is a real classic and well written it's hard to make a movie that will compare.

On the other side of the spectrum I can think of almost a billion books that I prefer over their movie counterparts. Let's not even get that list started...

Rumo & das Wunder im Dunkeln...

2010-02-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well... now that I've gorged a couple "mother language" novels, I'm returning to the world of Zamonien! I love reading Rumo as I loved reading Blaubaer, though I will say that Rumo is a little more brutal. It's possibly more of a 'boy's book,' though I can't gauge at all what age is appropriate. The amazon.com (in english) review had this to say: Illustrated with the author's appealing line drawings and full of sly humor, this rambunctious novel will appeal to fans tired of the usual epic fantasy, though they should be prepared for some violence in the tradition of the Brothers Grimm.

Btw, I live in the city of the Brothers Grimm! Their picture is all over everything Hanau-ish and we have weird sculptures of or referencing them throughout. There's your use(less/ful) factoid for today!

The Time Traveler's Wife

2010-02-04T13:28:00.000-05:00

You know how sometimes you read a really good book and when you finish it you think, "boy, that was a really good story. I liked it:" and then you put the book on a shelf or pass it along to a friend not worried if they'll ever return it? You don't worry because you know chances are, you aren't going to reread that book. Chances are you probably won't even think about it again unless someone mentions it.
That is not the Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

I finished TTW almost three weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it. Daily, I think about Claire and Henry. There's some message in this story that won't let me go. Is it the science fiction time travel? Is it the beautifully-crafted "fictional" love story that makes you believe in soul mates? Or is it the recurring chicken and egg quality to questions of destiny and fate?

Like Life of Pi (one of my all-time favorite books), I found the Time Traveler's Wife to both beautifully written and well-told. A truly novel novel. I could easily have devoured this book in one sitting if my life allowed me to sit that long. More delectable than a Magnolia Bakery Cupcake, a glass of Sticky Fingers BBQ sauce or a Columbia's special.

Read it and let me know what you think. Borrow my copy if you want but be warned...I might want it back!

(p.s. the movie of it comes out on DVD this weekend which I would rent from my video store but I can't because my video store closed and I STILL don't have Netflicks...soon...very soon Isabelle...)

What to eat next...

2010-01-31T17:52:00.000-05:00

Yummy...The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook...

Thanks to sweet Isabug, I have snacked on this wonderful Simon & Schuster recipe book from the bakery that didn't invent the cupcake but did put the cupcake on the celebrity A-list!

At this very moment, my second batch of Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes is in the oven. All that remains of the first batch is the sad, lonely cupcake you see pictured here. Its batch mates have gone to feed the homeless at Church Under the Bridge. Plus, the recipe for Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, which has been declared "the most delicious frosting ever" made twice as much frosting as expected so I needed to do something with it.

I've made several items of deliciousness from the the Magnolia Bakery cookbook but as yet, the Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes and the Buttercream Icing have stolen the show! If you don't work across the street from Magnolia Bakery, I highly recommend the immediate baking of your own batch of Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes and sitting down with a cup of tea to enjoy them and a tasty bit of dessert recipe reading.

J.D. Salinger, R.I.P.

2010-01-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

Who knew he was still alive??? Seriously...

I was shocked to learn that he passed away yesterday. I never actually read Catcher in the Rye until after I graduated from college. I even called myself an English major...

"What I'm Reading Now"

2010-01-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

This is our Book Club's February selection and I must say that it is a compelling book of an amazing friendship between a homeless, uneducated black man and a white upscale art dealer. It is a true story...no one could make this up. Each chapter is written in first person by either Denver Moore or Ron Hall, the authors and above described individuals. I have only read a third of the book thus far, but Mark Clayman, executive producer for "The Pursuit of Happyness" describes it as "a powerful example of the healing, restorative power of forgiveness and the transformational, life changing power of unconditional love."

2010-01-16T11:40:00.001-05:00

Just finished this book for Book Club. Since this is my first posting on this site, and it is spur of the moment, I don't have anything intelligent to say except that it is a good read for historical/modern fiction. I am sending Isabelle back to NY with my copy. (they are making a movie of this book so read it before it comes out as the book is always better)

Incendiary

2010-01-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

I finished Chris Cleave's Incendiary yesterday and I must say.. it took me through a roller-coaster of emotions. How's that for a blog-worthy vague description? But.. it really did.

It's really beautifully written and I would highly recommend it to all of you out there. By the end I was a little freaked out and there are a lot of scenes that really pull at your heartstrings, but I enjoyed reading it. A little detail: It's written in the style of a letter to Osama bin Laden from a woman who lost her son and husband in a terrorist attack. She's asking him why he did this to her and explaining the events that happened before and after. An interesting idea. I think it's a movie too- AGH!

Incendiary is by the same author that wrote Little Bee (Auntie G recommends) so I'm interested in checking that one out now.

I've gotten into the habit lately of reading books in one day and yesterday was no different. I think the experience of reading a book in one day and reading it over a long stretch of time is completely different. Would you agree? I can't decide which I like better...

This is the UK cover.. but you get the idea.

Resolution Books

2010-01-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

I always think January is a great time to start a devotional reading for the year. Here are three books I've used in the past and would highly recommend from three of my favorite writers. Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen. Glimpses of Grace by Madeleine L'Engle, and May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp.

The first two by Nouwen and L'Engle have a daily passage pulled from one of their many wonderful writings. Chances are you've probably read something from both of them. The third book by Joyce Rupp is done on a calendar cycle of themes for each month. Each month begins with a poem, a reading and suggestions for meditation, prayer or journaling, creative art for the month as well as a daily scripture passage. I love Joyce Rupp. You will love her too.

And Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T09:11:00.001-05:00

Make a resolution to read more books and post them here! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

to you, and you, and you...

2009-12-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

in response to last comment...

2009-12-14T15:46:00.001-05:00

Reversible Knitting

2009-12-14T12:10:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

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???

2009-11-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-05T09:35:00.001-04:00

Anybody read any good books on eyebrows lately?

Not Really a Book...

2009-09-24T10:18:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-09-16T16:44:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-15T11:27:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-07T19:44:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

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

What to read next...