Book #4: Second Helpings

For some unknown reason I started Second Helpings last summer and neglected to finish it. Floundering for a book to take to school with me this morning, I picked it up again, and am very glad of it. I'm really getting into the series now, and can't wait to start Charmed Thirds, which I--thankfully!--already own.

This is the place where I should say something profoundly amazing about the book. I have no idea. I really liked it?

I have about 100 pages to go on Little Women and Sushi for Beginners remains about half finished, so I really ought to stop procrastinating and complete them, but procrastinating is kind of what I do. It's a bit of an (unfortunate) unofficial job of mine.

Book #3: The Thirteenth Tale

I finished The Thirteenth Tale last night. There aren't really words to describe it. The characters, the STORY, wanted to completely absorb me all week, but being harried with school and whatever else swims through my head, I couldn't let it. I snuck surreptitious glances at it throughout the day, peeking in for a few pages at a time.

This book is beautifully written, the story unfolding so hauntingly but so (I hate myself) awesomely on the page. As I may or may not have complained at you enough times before, reviews (and even opinions) are not my strong point. But I loved this book. I can honestly say I have never read anything like it before. Even in tragedy, I loved (many of) the characters, from the Missus to John-the-Dig to Aurelius and even Mrs. Winter herself. This book touched me, and while I can't summarize it with awesomeness or even articulately express my own thoughts, I truly do recommend it.

The amazing Vanessa, who I am lucky enough to have as a friend and soul sister, recommended this book to me. Her birthday is tomorrow, so I think you should deluge her with awesomeness. Love you, sis!

Book #2: Little Stalker

I finished Little Stalker last night, on my Kindle (still major 'Eeeeeeee!' factor there). One of the reasons I chose it, to be honest, was that it was four dollars and some cents for Kindle. I admit it, I'm cheap, even if The Magnificent Kindle may be an Extravagant Awesomeness.

If I'm not mistaken (but let's be honest here, I often am), Meg Cabot (an author) mentioned Little Stalker on her blog. I can't recall what was said about it, but it must have been enough for me to have put it on my wishlist, because... well. It was on my wishlist. [edit: I searched my RSS reader and found it was actually Sarah Dessen. I told you so!]

Ultimately, I'm pretty disappointed in this book. While I didn't hate it, it left me unfulfilled. The plot/story never felt real to me. I didn't like the main character's boyfriend, or that the way she let things carry on with Arthur Weeman as they did without alerting someone. Her father was frustrating, and it seems to me he shouldn't be allowed to practice medicine if he can't remember anything. There were a lot of subplots spread to and fro about the novel, which just made it more confusing. The only thing I really liked about the book was Mrs. Williams.

So... I didn't like it much. I could sit here all day listing things I didn't understand or frustrated me, but I'm not. It was quirky, certainly, but... eh. That's all I have to say. I really don't want to go on.

Which isn't to say you wouldn't like it. I hate not liking things. I'd love to love it, but I didn't. I'm conflicted.

On a less confusing note, I started reading Little Women today. I've seen many movie versions of it (love the one with Katharine Hepburn! Ahh!) and read an abridged edition in fourth grade, but I've never read it in its entirety. Loving it so far.

[and tomorrow's my birthday. I feel I must say this as often as possible.]

Book #1: The Kite Runner

I completed The Kite Runner last night. See, this is where it gets difficult. Do I review my 100 books, as well? Just say 'I read them'? I'm thinking I may have to find a happy medium somewhere, because the latter seems too little and the former I'm really bad at.

Here are my thoughts. I was intrigued at first, drawn in by the storyline and unfamiliar setting. However, when it came to the 'tragedy' that the main character is haunted by throughout the rest of the novel, I just... It was difficult for me to go on. There was much complaining and angst, as I moped around the house and my mother made me set a goal to keep going.

When I managed to get through that part, though, it wasn't as bad. I was again drawn into the story as the main character, Amir, transitions and 'grows up', as it were. By that point I couldn't put it down, and finished it yesterday evening.

As I noted in my last post, this was required reading for my English class. So while I'm ultimately glad I read it, I'm still hesitant to recommend it. I'll tell you this in truth, though: of the books I have had to read in English this year, I liked it the most (though I'm not sure how much that is saying, considering the other contenders).

It was a dark, emotional book, so it really depends on how you stomach such things. One of the reasons I was frustrated to have to read is because of just that: if I'm going to (potentially) be turned inside out at any point in a novel, I want to do it on my own terms.

Basically, I have no idea. I told you I'd be no good at this.

January 1st

Today is January 1st. In case you aren't aware of this. Interestingly, this is the only resolution I've decided on so far. I've never been big on resolutions, so maybe this will be the only one. Who knows?

Last year I read 50 books. These books, specifically. I also track what I'm reading, etc, here. So if you're interested in that sort of stuff, have at it. And, of course, I'm always on Twitter complaining about one thing or another, so there's always that for entertainment.

To be honest, I have no clear plan as to how I am going to do this. I'm hoping it will magically fall into place, because I am not a very scientifical person. This could never fail!

So, the lineup so far is this: Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes, Little Stalker by Jennifer Belle and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Why, might you ask? Because I started them in December and have yet to finish them. I am going to count them for 2010... because I can.

The Kite Runner I have to finish by Monday, because I was supposed to read it during break for my English class. Bad Katherine!

The last piece of information I have for you before I sign off is this: I do have quite a few books lined up to read (not that I know the order, but they're sitting in various stacks around this room), but I -did- get a Kindle for Christmas, so if you have any suggestions, feel free! Rationing Amazon gift cards happens to be my specialty.

Happy New Year!