21. The Book of Liz by the Talent Family (Amy and David Sedaris) (Completed 7/30/10) - Yay for the Talent Family!!! This short gem is from David Sedaris (an extremely talented prose writer) and Amy Sedaris (an extremely hilarious actress). Since I'm a huge Sedaris fan (of both the David and Amy variety), I ran out to order the book, and then devoured it when I picked it up. Naturally, I laughed hysterically the entire time. Here's a riddle: What do nuns, sweating, and cheeseballs have in common? The Book of Liz, of course!
22. Goodbye, Chunky Rice - Craig Thompson (Completed 8/1/10) - Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Plus the artwork is well done. You'll never look at turtles the same way again.
23. Pure Drivel - Steve Martin (Completed 8/4/10) - If you haven't read a book by Steve Martin, do so this summer. Don't just watch his movies - you're doing yourself a disservice.
24. Wake - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/5/10) - The first of the Wake trilogy. This is a creative, fast-moving novel of a teenage girl who can get sucked into other people's dreams against her will. Yeah, it hooked me too. For once, it was nice to read a YA novel NOT about vampires and forbidden love.
25. Serenity Rose, Volume 2: Goodbye, Crestfallen! - Aaron Alexovich (Completed 8/7/10) - Serenity Rose's story comes to an end with this volume. I think. To tell you the truth, I didn't look to see if another volume exists. But this volume was more interesting than the first - Serenity finds herself under the care of her idol, a famous punk rocker/witch. Aside from the main part of this tory, the relationship Serenity has with her best friend is hilarious. I'm glad the author decided to spend more time with them.
26. Fade - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/10/10) - Book 2 of the series. This time, young protagonist Janie faces something stronger than her dream problem...interested? Definitely read the series.
27. 110 Perc - Tony Consiglio (Completed 8/13/10) - Boy Bands? Yes, please! This is a great graphic novel about a group of middle-aged women who are obsessed with an NSYNC-like band. As a (former and current) fan of boy bands, this was a great read.
28. The Expected One - Kathleen McGowan (Completed 9/3/10) - Kathleen McGowan is a wonderful writer. Between the story she crafts (which is some story) and the research she puts into her novels, I can't get enough of her series. This is Book One of the series; think about how great it would be if the DaVinci Code had been written by a woman, had more historical credentials AND spent more time on the Mary Magdalene part of the story. Thanks to McGowan, you don't have to just think about it. You can read it.
29. Good Omens - Terry Prachett and Neil Gaiman (Completed 9/4/10) - Yay for Neil Gaiman! Combine the two greatest fantasy writers, add one story about the end of the world and a conflict between good and evil (plus a missing Antichrist), let simmer...and you have a crazy, WTF-just-happened read. Initially I read this for a book club. Unfortunately, the book club didn't take off, but at least I read a wonderful book.
30. Box Office Poison - Alex Robinson (Completed 9/17/10) - I'm very torn about this graphic novel. It's very long - which isn't the problem - and there are many characters (both flawed and perfected) to choose from. However, I think I'm missing something. Perhaps I should read it again? Once again, my boyfriend loves this book. I think he's going to stop recommending books for me soon...
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #11-20
11. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #2: Beautiful Beasts - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/18/10) - Again, another great graphic novel told from the eyes of a tragic character: a ragdoll named Annabelle who watches her little girls grow up - sometimes with horrible consequences.
12. Looking for Alaska - John Green (Completed 6/18/10) - AMAZING young adult novel. What begins as a YA utopia quickly falls into a heartbreaking story. Highly recommended for book clubs.
13. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #3: 1140 Rue Royale - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/21/10)
14. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #4: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/22/10) - Annabelle's story comes to an end with this volume. I miss her.
15. American Nerd - Benjamin Nugent (Completed 6/27/10) - This book was praised as an ethnographic work of art. Honey, I know ethnography and this was not it. But it does provide an interesting look into the words "nerd," "geek," and "dweeb." Once you read it, you know which one to claim for your own (I'm going with "geek.")
16. Chew, Volume 2: International Flavor - John Layman (Completed 6/29/10) - Do me a favor (actually, you're doing yourself a favor) and go buy this volume and volume one. Then read it and thank your lucky stars that such talented graphic novelists exist in this world (besides Adam Wilson, of course).
17. Ruby - Francesca Lia Block (Completed 7/11/10) - My intense, undying love for Francesca Lia Block began in high school. It continues into my adulthood as I read this novel on a train to London. This is a story of forgiveness, humiliation, resilience, and love. Oh yeah, and it's all written down by one of the greatest contemporary writers in America. Enough said.
18. The Magicians - Lev Grossman (Completed 7/12/10) - I hate to say this about any book, but I did not enjoy this novel. I read this one in Cornwall, thinking it would be a good idea because it takes place in Cornwall. Yeah, for two seconds. But that wasn't the problem. The problems were main characters that I despised, a disorganized story about magic, and the annoying references to Harry Potter and Narnia. I know that imitation is the greatest form of flattery...but don't hate on the ones that made history before you. Make it your own! One good thing to come out of this book - it inspired me to ask for a Nook for my birthday so I wouldn't waste $25 on a novel ever again. I'm sorry, Magicians. If it helps, I did read all of it before coming to this decision.
19. To Die For: the True Story of a Broken Childhood - Carol Lee (Completed 7/14/10) - I read this while I waited for a sleeping toddler (not mine, but a dear friend's)to wake up from his nap. It had been on the bookshelf in the Cornish cottage and Bed and Breakfast I had stayed in. A story about an aunt's desperate attempt to "cure" her niece of anorexia left me in tears. I've never heard of this woman, but that Cornish bookshelf and I were lucky to have her.
20. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken: a picture-novella - Seth (Completed 7/29/10) - There is only one emo Seth in my life (and he lives in Orange County with his parents Sandy and Kirsten), and it was not this author. The artwork in this graphic novel is well-done. But the attempt at the Bildungsroman brings an insincere note to the work. If you want honesty, don't talk down to your readers. We don't like it. My boyfriend enjoyed this book, so I hated to tell him I didn't like it. But like T.J. Hooker, I must say what's on my mind (and if you don't get that reference, shame on all of you), and if he is reading this: I tried, but I still do not like this book.
12. Looking for Alaska - John Green (Completed 6/18/10) - AMAZING young adult novel. What begins as a YA utopia quickly falls into a heartbreaking story. Highly recommended for book clubs.
13. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #3: 1140 Rue Royale - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/21/10)
14. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #4: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/22/10) - Annabelle's story comes to an end with this volume. I miss her.
15. American Nerd - Benjamin Nugent (Completed 6/27/10) - This book was praised as an ethnographic work of art. Honey, I know ethnography and this was not it. But it does provide an interesting look into the words "nerd," "geek," and "dweeb." Once you read it, you know which one to claim for your own (I'm going with "geek.")
16. Chew, Volume 2: International Flavor - John Layman (Completed 6/29/10) - Do me a favor (actually, you're doing yourself a favor) and go buy this volume and volume one. Then read it and thank your lucky stars that such talented graphic novelists exist in this world (besides Adam Wilson, of course).
17. Ruby - Francesca Lia Block (Completed 7/11/10) - My intense, undying love for Francesca Lia Block began in high school. It continues into my adulthood as I read this novel on a train to London. This is a story of forgiveness, humiliation, resilience, and love. Oh yeah, and it's all written down by one of the greatest contemporary writers in America. Enough said.
18. The Magicians - Lev Grossman (Completed 7/12/10) - I hate to say this about any book, but I did not enjoy this novel. I read this one in Cornwall, thinking it would be a good idea because it takes place in Cornwall. Yeah, for two seconds. But that wasn't the problem. The problems were main characters that I despised, a disorganized story about magic, and the annoying references to Harry Potter and Narnia. I know that imitation is the greatest form of flattery...but don't hate on the ones that made history before you. Make it your own! One good thing to come out of this book - it inspired me to ask for a Nook for my birthday so I wouldn't waste $25 on a novel ever again. I'm sorry, Magicians. If it helps, I did read all of it before coming to this decision.
19. To Die For: the True Story of a Broken Childhood - Carol Lee (Completed 7/14/10) - I read this while I waited for a sleeping toddler (not mine, but a dear friend's)to wake up from his nap. It had been on the bookshelf in the Cornish cottage and Bed and Breakfast I had stayed in. A story about an aunt's desperate attempt to "cure" her niece of anorexia left me in tears. I've never heard of this woman, but that Cornish bookshelf and I were lucky to have her.
20. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken: a picture-novella - Seth (Completed 7/29/10) - There is only one emo Seth in my life (and he lives in Orange County with his parents Sandy and Kirsten), and it was not this author. The artwork in this graphic novel is well-done. But the attempt at the Bildungsroman brings an insincere note to the work. If you want honesty, don't talk down to your readers. We don't like it. My boyfriend enjoyed this book, so I hated to tell him I didn't like it. But like T.J. Hooker, I must say what's on my mind (and if you don't get that reference, shame on all of you), and if he is reading this: I tried, but I still do not like this book.
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #1-10
This is a fun idea. As a college professor and a writer, my job is to read as much as I work. It isn't BS when I tell my students that reading opens doors. Literally and figuratively. The more you read, the more you know. You become a better writer, you understand the world a bit better...we should all read, all the time, as much as we can. I thought it would be fun when I finished graduate school to see how many books I can read in a year. The first year - well, I almost made 50. Almost. I think it was too soon after grad school and my brain melted. Anyway, this is "take two" of the yearly reading list. I figured since it's summer, you might find a book or two for your summer reading list. Enjoy and Happy Reading!
Start Date: May, 10, 2010
End Date: May, 10, 2011
1. Angelology - Danielle Trussoni (Completed 5/25/10) - Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. This is a fantastic, elegantly written story. Don't be intimidated by the length; it is worth the read. Now, I hold every novel I finish to this book's standard.
2. If You can Read This: the Philosophy of Bumper Stickers - Jack Bowen (Completed 5/26/10) - Superfun, very informative, and a great read. Take your time, especially if you're like me and you only took two philosophy courses in college. It is definitely worth the read. You'll never look at bumper stickers - and the people who choose them - the same way again.
3. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #1: Once Upon a Time - Serena Valentino (Completed 5/31/10) - Great graphic novel. Serena Valentino is a great writer who manages to take Francesca Lia Block's magical realism and put it into comic form.
4. Bayou - Jeremy Love (Completed 6/1/10) - My heart is broken because I'm not sure there is going to be a second volume. Read this anyway; even if you get a broken heart like me, it is still worth your time. 'Tis better to have loved...oh, you get the the idea.
5. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay (Completed 6/1/10) - I'm obsessed with the TV show and I'm obsessed with the series. Both are great because they are so drastically different - you get two different stories. Did you hear me? You get TWO DEXTERS. Can you think of anything better?
6. Serenity Rose, Volume 1: Working Through the Negativity - Aaron A (Completed 6/2/10) - This was hard to get through, but once you start reading it gets more interesting. Serenity Rose is the typically emo kid/witch.
7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (Completed 6/8/10) - I enjoyed this book until I reached the ending. It starts out like a book up my alley: Young PhD student uncovers family secret and huge piece of the Salem Witch Trials...until the end when the protagonist did something I'm not sure fit with her character. It lost me, unfortunately. Read it - you'll see what I mean.
8. Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman (Completed 6/13/10) - Gaiman is my hero. Honestly, the man could write about a toaster and it would win an award. Even if you don't read Marvel comic books, this is still a great look at American icons through the eyes of a British writer (who lives in America) writing about a significant year in America and Britain's histories.
9. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to - DC Pierson (Completed 6/14/10) - Hmmm..how do I feel about this book? I am so torn. I couldn't get into it...and then the ending floored me. Does that mean I like it? So confused...too many emotions...
10. Mermaids on the Moon - Elizabeth Stuckey-French (Completed 6/16/10) - This is a fun cinnabon, sticky sweet, very dark story. It's a cinnabon wrapped in anti-depressants. Yum.
Start Date: May, 10, 2010
End Date: May, 10, 2011
1. Angelology - Danielle Trussoni (Completed 5/25/10) - Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. This is a fantastic, elegantly written story. Don't be intimidated by the length; it is worth the read. Now, I hold every novel I finish to this book's standard.
2. If You can Read This: the Philosophy of Bumper Stickers - Jack Bowen (Completed 5/26/10) - Superfun, very informative, and a great read. Take your time, especially if you're like me and you only took two philosophy courses in college. It is definitely worth the read. You'll never look at bumper stickers - and the people who choose them - the same way again.
3. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #1: Once Upon a Time - Serena Valentino (Completed 5/31/10) - Great graphic novel. Serena Valentino is a great writer who manages to take Francesca Lia Block's magical realism and put it into comic form.
4. Bayou - Jeremy Love (Completed 6/1/10) - My heart is broken because I'm not sure there is going to be a second volume. Read this anyway; even if you get a broken heart like me, it is still worth your time. 'Tis better to have loved...oh, you get the the idea.
5. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay (Completed 6/1/10) - I'm obsessed with the TV show and I'm obsessed with the series. Both are great because they are so drastically different - you get two different stories. Did you hear me? You get TWO DEXTERS. Can you think of anything better?
6. Serenity Rose, Volume 1: Working Through the Negativity - Aaron A (Completed 6/2/10) - This was hard to get through, but once you start reading it gets more interesting. Serenity Rose is the typically emo kid/witch.
7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (Completed 6/8/10) - I enjoyed this book until I reached the ending. It starts out like a book up my alley: Young PhD student uncovers family secret and huge piece of the Salem Witch Trials...until the end when the protagonist did something I'm not sure fit with her character. It lost me, unfortunately. Read it - you'll see what I mean.
8. Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman (Completed 6/13/10) - Gaiman is my hero. Honestly, the man could write about a toaster and it would win an award. Even if you don't read Marvel comic books, this is still a great look at American icons through the eyes of a British writer (who lives in America) writing about a significant year in America and Britain's histories.
9. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to - DC Pierson (Completed 6/14/10) - Hmmm..how do I feel about this book? I am so torn. I couldn't get into it...and then the ending floored me. Does that mean I like it? So confused...too many emotions...
10. Mermaids on the Moon - Elizabeth Stuckey-French (Completed 6/16/10) - This is a fun cinnabon, sticky sweet, very dark story. It's a cinnabon wrapped in anti-depressants. Yum.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Finding my Inner Peace...In a Starbucks
Ahhhh...after my week (still not completed) of epic proportions that even Odysseus would pity me, I find myself at the Starbucks, searching for my Nirvana. I've found it, tucked away near the bar with an iced grande no classic green tea and the glorious invention known as the Starbucks Digital Network.
I am at peace, babies.
It is quite surprising to see so many people with laptops hanging out at Starbucks nowadays. I understand the company's idea - and our dire need - to create a "third space," which is that middle ground between home and work. In my case, Starbucks has always been my "fourth space" - that middle ground between home, work, and school. And it has served me well over the years.
I needed it in college when I had finals and issues with my friends. I needed it during my "9-5" fiasco I called a job to keep me from bursting into tears around the 3pm slump. And I need it now as I embark on this transitional period where I feel more like the protagonist from The Stranger and less like the whimsical, always optimistic Don Quixote.
Does Starbucks make me smarter? Or does it have the same effect as a drunk acting maudlin in their favorite pub? The world may never know.
My brief absence has been punctuated by moments of no time to myself. I'm getting worried, as I'm not sure where I take any of my goals, since they are all in some half-baked stage that never made it to fruition. In addition, I'm the only one who seems to care if they make it past that half-baked stage. I suppose the next step is to walk blindly toward one of the paths ahead of me and hope it is the right choice. Is that what I'm supposed to do?
I just realized I'm typing my thoughts on a laptop in a Starbucks. Good Lord, I've become THAT guy. Most distressing. I keep thinking of that Family Guy scene with the "screenwriters." Good Lord, I'm referencing Family Guy. I am becoming a maudlin drunk.
So I raise my iced grande no classic green tea to you, babies. May our summer be productive and our fall show the harvest we've worked toward. I wish you luck on your journey during these sun-kissed (and rainy) days that lie ahead of us.
Because I care for this cause so much, I will sign off NOW and then write a few entries so I can post everyday. Or at least every other day. This random posting is getting on my nerves.
Until then, I am continually yours.
(Postscript: I just ran the spellcheck and I've spelled eveything correctly. Starbucks DOES make me smarter).
I am at peace, babies.
It is quite surprising to see so many people with laptops hanging out at Starbucks nowadays. I understand the company's idea - and our dire need - to create a "third space," which is that middle ground between home and work. In my case, Starbucks has always been my "fourth space" - that middle ground between home, work, and school. And it has served me well over the years.
I needed it in college when I had finals and issues with my friends. I needed it during my "9-5" fiasco I called a job to keep me from bursting into tears around the 3pm slump. And I need it now as I embark on this transitional period where I feel more like the protagonist from The Stranger and less like the whimsical, always optimistic Don Quixote.
Does Starbucks make me smarter? Or does it have the same effect as a drunk acting maudlin in their favorite pub? The world may never know.
My brief absence has been punctuated by moments of no time to myself. I'm getting worried, as I'm not sure where I take any of my goals, since they are all in some half-baked stage that never made it to fruition. In addition, I'm the only one who seems to care if they make it past that half-baked stage. I suppose the next step is to walk blindly toward one of the paths ahead of me and hope it is the right choice. Is that what I'm supposed to do?
I just realized I'm typing my thoughts on a laptop in a Starbucks. Good Lord, I've become THAT guy. Most distressing. I keep thinking of that Family Guy scene with the "screenwriters." Good Lord, I'm referencing Family Guy. I am becoming a maudlin drunk.
So I raise my iced grande no classic green tea to you, babies. May our summer be productive and our fall show the harvest we've worked toward. I wish you luck on your journey during these sun-kissed (and rainy) days that lie ahead of us.
Because I care for this cause so much, I will sign off NOW and then write a few entries so I can post everyday. Or at least every other day. This random posting is getting on my nerves.
Until then, I am continually yours.
(Postscript: I just ran the spellcheck and I've spelled eveything correctly. Starbucks DOES make me smarter).
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