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Thursday, July 15, 2010

New Book Button

I stumbled upon the movie Twilight when it was shown during our satellite provider's free Showtime weekend.  I watched it, and thought the acting was a bit hokey and stumbling, but liked the plot enough to borrow the paperback from a friend.  I read through the book in one day- all 544 pages, and couldn't wait to keep reading through the series.  I enjoy Stephenie's writing, even if she is a smidgen "cliche'-ish", and had the whole series of 4 books done in a week and a half.  Yes, all while working 35+ hours per week.  I neglected my family a little (read:lot) during this time, but we all got through it just fine thanks to sandwiches and chocolate milk.   I am usually an avid reader- although usually single novels, country living magazines and do-it-yourself articles.  It's been quite a while since I've been as taken with a story line, and even longer since it had anything to do with vampires.  (I used to read Stephen King quite a lot during high school.)  
After reading and re-reading the Twilight Saga many times (I believe I've read each book at least 4 times completely through, and watched Twilight and New Moon dozens of times each) I found a post on a forum that suggested the Beautiful Creatures series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, also published by Little, Brown and Company (same publisher as the Twilight Saga).  I looked it up on Walmart.com (why leave your house to shop when it's delivered to your door in a day or two? Besides, it was the beginning of softball season and practices hindered my shopping excursions!)  and ordered it immediately.  I LOVED this book.  While I deeply appreciated and related to Twilight and it's successors, I absolutely am enamored with Beautiful Creatures.  I can't wait for the next addition to the series to come out (Beautiful Darkness will be released on October 12, 2010) and you can bet I'll be getting it as soon as possible (and not sleeping/eating, etc. until it's finished!).  I have heard and seen that Beautiful Creatures has been purchased by Warner Bros. to possibly become a movie.  Movies don't do books' stories justice, in my opinion, for the most part, but I'm looking forward to the film, as well. I don't have a subscription to see all the content on IMDB, but they have listed that the film will be out sometime in 2011.  
So- if you have a little time for reading- check out a book or two from the library, purchase them from your favorite bookseller, and sit down for some summer relaxing reading.  Have you read them already?  Do you have any others to suggest to me?  I'd love to know your thoughts on your favorite reads.  

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

Happy 4th of July Weekend, everyone!  I am lucky enough to work this weekend, but beggars can't be choosers, so I am not complaining.  I'll still have enough time to enjoy some time with family and friends:  we're going to get to see the Wentzel side at Cory's sister's house on Saturday or Sunday (still not sure which day, but we're ready for both, I think?) and Sunday evening we're going to my parents to walk to their town's park to watch their fireworks display.  My mom is a photographer and loves the 4th of July- she loves taking photos of the fireworks.  We sit in the cemetery with about 1/2 of the town's population and watch as they set off the 'works over a small lake.  I usually get to see people I knew from school and when I used to live in that town, too.  I only live about 25 miles away from there now, but it's funny how I just don't see anyone until I go back into town for a holiday like this. 

Izzy's bi-yearly gastroenterologist appointment is due to be scheduled- another trip down to Milwaukee for a short visit and prescription refill.  I just had an eye dr. appointment today, and had my eyes dilated so he could see if they're still healthy.  Everything checked out fine, and my vision hasn't worsened or changed in the past 3 years now.  I must be done growing. ;)  Izzy was very nice and "gentlemanly" about the whole thing- he ran around the car to open my door, took my arm and led me into the house (step up here, Mom, ooh, watch out for the step, etc.) so I didn't have to open my eyes in the bright sunlight.  We played our latest video game purchase all afternoon & evening- Lego Harry Potter on the PS3.  I love summer.  


I hope everyone stays safe and has fun this weekend.  Hooray for the USA!