Momentos

I am a firm believer in sticking notes or momentos like ticket stubs or even grocery receipts in books as I read them. I keep a lot of my books and will reread them over and over if they are good. Nothing makes me happier than to be reading and discover a receipt from 2002 for coffee. I think, "Oh, that was me, in 2002, buying coffee to drink while I read this book. I was on page 64."

A good friend of mine gave me a paperback that he got from a friend who got from a friend who got from who knows where. But its my favorite book on my shelf because every person who has read it made little comments in the margins or underlined words and phrases and stuck in between its pages little things like a tattered business card, plane ticket stub, and other little pieces of ordinary life. There is a school photo of a blonde headed beauty circa something like 1982 stuck in between pages 178-179 and I just don't know what I would do if she suddenly wasn't there when I got to that page. She is a friend, this mysterious girl, and she belongs right there between those pages.

So that leads into my happy thing #6- happiness is found momentos in old books.

And #7 since I missed yesterday- happiness is walgreens brand starlight mints- a beautiful marriage of butter and peppermint that just makes my tastebuds want to curl up in front of a fire with a snuggie.

Confessions

I am dying to get the call from the library that Tori Spelling's newest book, "Mommywood" is available. If its as indulgent as her first book, "sTori Telling," I am in for a treat!

Sadly, I am serious about this.

Its time to put the book down.

So I am reading the Twighlight Series by Stephenie Meyer, just finished the second book. For those of you who don't know anything about the books, its basically about two teenagers, one is a vampire, the other human, who desperately love each other. Its their story, but the other characters play a major role in the books too, some are vampires, some are humans, some are werewolves....

Its SO not my kind of book. I am not a sci-fi reader at all, much to my family's horror. I think I was the only one from my father's side of the family that did not inherit the sci-fi gene. I think it is all pretty much ridiculous (sorry fam!). So there is no other explanation as to why I am completely intrigued in this series. The writing reminds me of my sister's way of writing, maybe that's why, I don't know. But anyway, I am really in to them.

Which brings me to this point. Last night, I cut myself a little bit, no more than a paper-cut. But my first reaction was of panic, because I didn't want to attract thirsy vampires. And then I realized that I was at home, in the real world. And then I realized that I am a big ole' nerd.

The one where Lindsay Lohan has all the power

This may be a little dramatic, but I realized something yesterday.

I was thinking how I really have not read one good book all summer. I was at Books A Million, checking out their bargain books, and actually ended up buying a book (for $3!!) and it occurred to me as I was reading, it was a terrible book. I mean terrible. And I know, deep down, when I bought it, that I wasn't buying it because I thought it would be provoking and stimulating. I bought it because Lindsay Lohan is quoted on the cover, saying it was "fun." I actually bought a book because Lindsay Lohan, or LLo as she is affectionately nicknamed, was quoted on the cover. Let me say this again. I am reading a book on Lindsay Lohan's suggestion. Lindsay Lohan made me do it.

I think there has to be a point where this stops. I read (or watch) these types of things and then blog about it and make fun of myself for it, thinking that as long as I recognize the absurdity, then it makes the actual reality of reading or watching them okay. And its just not.

I am not going to stop watching "The Hills" (gasp, can you imagine life with no Hills?), but I am going to start being more careful of what I read. I have always loved books, but I think its time to fall back in love with them. This summer has been slightly mindless and indulgent- I am ready to get back to the meat.

We are going to the library this morning for story time and I think I might just pick up a few books that do not involve Tori Spelling or the word "fashionista" in the title. (yes, it was that bad)

TORI!

carefree

" I don't know how this marker got here, mom...."

So, this is what happens when you unknowingly give your child non-washable markers so you can finish those last few chapters of sTORI Telling.

PS- I am ashamed to admit I couldn't put her book down. So it wasn't quality. But it was like one of those lifetime movies that really isn't that great but you just can't stop watching it. And 5 hours later, you are still watching it.


PSS- the marker finally came off with a lot of baby oil and a little bit of astringent.


PSSS- I lied. I liked the book.

Reading

So, how come I am the only person out there who didn't particularly like the novel, Atonement by Ian McEwan. I just couldn't connect with even one character and as a result, I could never lose myself to it and frequently became bored throughout.

A few weeks ago, I finished My Antonia by Willa Cather. I think I may have read it or skimmed it in high school, but this was the first time I read it through and I loved it. Every once in a while I pick up a book in which I am reminded of why I love words and how beautiful they can be when put in the hands of someone as talented as Cather. My Antonia was definitely it for me.

The latest

Not much news on this end, just checking in. We had a nice weekend, went to the park and to my brother's wife's baby shower. We spent a lot of time outdoors, because Adler could spend all day outside if we would let him. We watched "Gone Baby Gone" pretty good- there's just not much selection at blockbuster at all these days. I think the problem is that we do the blockbuster.com thing so we see everything. It means we run out of the good ones fast.
Anyway, I finished up a book about Amish people, the 4th in a series by Beverly Lewis called "The Prodigal". I am a little obsessed with the Amish, so I enjoyed it. It just is beyond my comprehension that there are people out there that still read by candlelight, go to quilting bees, and use outhouses right here in America. So, now I am reading a book by Jodi Picoult called "Second Glance". Its a ghost story and is beautifully written. I am really enjoying it thus far. The only problem is that the only real time I have to read it is right before bed, so I have had a bit of a hard time getting to sleep.

Reading

So, I am doing some reading and wanted to share. If there is not a link below, look in the "Books I'm Reading" section for the link...

Just finished:

"Drowning Ruth" by Cynthia Shwartz

Shwartz did an excellent job with her debut book. Its a beautifully tragic tale of sisters and how the glue that binds them shapes their lives. She gives bits and pieces of a family secret through out the story, of life and death and the details in between, until finally at the end the pieces are all put together. Her descriptions of the changing seasons of Wisconsin leave me wanting to hear the cold crunch of snow beneath my boots and the feel cool splash of Lake Nagawaukee on my legs.

"Shopoholic and Sister" by Sophia Kinsella http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/

This is chit lit at its best. I admit that I like to indulge in the good beach read from time to time and this whole Shopoholic series has me hooked. There is really not much to say about it other than its witty, relatable, and fun all around!

"Fried Green Tomatoes" by Fannie Flagg

http://www.amazon.com/Fried-Green-Tomatoes-Whistlestop-Cafe/dp/0804115613

Not going to say too much about this one- I thought I would like it because I read "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man" in high school and liked it, but, sadly, I thought the movie was much better than the book. I just didn't like the Flagg's writing style nor the cliched way she depicted us southern folk. AND- I totally had no idea that Idgie and Ruth were gay. Was that in the movie too?

Lastly, "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien

I think I may have been a foundling left on my parents steps. I surely can't be related to the Whites because, I.Just.Can't.Get.Into.This.Book. There I said it. I am ashamed, but its true. I am going to have to give up and just admit I am not a fantasy book fan. I thought I was because I love the Harry Potter series and I love the LOTR movies, but I think those are exceptions. Sorry, Dad, I know I have disappointed.