For which I am waiting... Impatiently... At 7:19:57 PM on April 30th it shipped "Departure Scan"... 16 hours ago and still no tracking update.
There's also two other books in that shipment, Nora Robert's The Last Boyfriend and Charlaine Harris' Deadlocked the 12th Sookie/Southern Vampire book... I'd like to get to read one of them before I have to go to work tomorrow. I mean if they're here tomorrow I can take tomorrow night off, because I worked Sunday for an extra milking off so I could get an extra milking in case they didn't arrive in time for the day I took off from my second actual paying job, which yeah obviously they won't be.
Just one question what is the point in a pre-order if I could get the book quicker if I walked to a bookstore to buy it?
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Saturday, February 04, 2012
The Big Year
Normally I don't review movies, but this one was EPIC!
It had a limited release locally in theaters, so despite the fact that my mother desperately wanted to see it we didn't. I'm not a birder so I would have gone strictly to be going to a movie not in anticipation of enjoying it as I'm not a big fan of Owen Wilson, Steve Martin or Jack Black. I've never liked a single Jack Black movie before, where Wilson and Martin are hit or miss (mostly miss).
Right from the beginning it was entertaining and it makes birding look so interesting. In reality I am not a fan of birding at all, I'm terrible at identification and I never spot them. My mother and brother however they are avid bird watchers. Every year they do the Christmas Bird Count in the neighboring county. The movie was an entertaining look at three birders, the "professional" former big year winner (Wilson), the retiree (Martin) and the goofball screw-off (Black), all in competition to be the years record holder for most bird species seen on the North American continent. The excitement of that one rare bird sighting were palpable.
It wasn't particularly goof-ball humor funny, which is perhaps why I enjoyed it since really I hate goof-ball. It had goofy moments "You bought me drinks and got what you wanted!" that scene... Hilarious, and yet at the same time that scene was important enough to still have a serious over tone. There weren't any super silly funny scenes. It focused on funny little one line zingers, which I adore.
It came out on dvd this week, so mom had me pick it up for her when the brother took me shopping this morning. They put it in to watch as soon as I got the box open and I sat down to watch it only because I like to watch movies, I was riveted to my seat through nearly all of it. The few lagging scenes that I left for were simply because I'm easily bored or frustrated with slow parts. My mom and brother (The Birders) were stuck fast through the entire thing.
I would recommend it for literally everyone. Except maybe small children it might be a little dry for them. I fully intend to watch the extended version as soon as mom gets done watching it on her computer.
It had a limited release locally in theaters, so despite the fact that my mother desperately wanted to see it we didn't. I'm not a birder so I would have gone strictly to be going to a movie not in anticipation of enjoying it as I'm not a big fan of Owen Wilson, Steve Martin or Jack Black. I've never liked a single Jack Black movie before, where Wilson and Martin are hit or miss (mostly miss).
Right from the beginning it was entertaining and it makes birding look so interesting. In reality I am not a fan of birding at all, I'm terrible at identification and I never spot them. My mother and brother however they are avid bird watchers. Every year they do the Christmas Bird Count in the neighboring county. The movie was an entertaining look at three birders, the "professional" former big year winner (Wilson), the retiree (Martin) and the goofball screw-off (Black), all in competition to be the years record holder for most bird species seen on the North American continent. The excitement of that one rare bird sighting were palpable.
It wasn't particularly goof-ball humor funny, which is perhaps why I enjoyed it since really I hate goof-ball. It had goofy moments "You bought me drinks and got what you wanted!" that scene... Hilarious, and yet at the same time that scene was important enough to still have a serious over tone. There weren't any super silly funny scenes. It focused on funny little one line zingers, which I adore.
It came out on dvd this week, so mom had me pick it up for her when the brother took me shopping this morning. They put it in to watch as soon as I got the box open and I sat down to watch it only because I like to watch movies, I was riveted to my seat through nearly all of it. The few lagging scenes that I left for were simply because I'm easily bored or frustrated with slow parts. My mom and brother (The Birders) were stuck fast through the entire thing.
I would recommend it for literally everyone. Except maybe small children it might be a little dry for them. I fully intend to watch the extended version as soon as mom gets done watching it on her computer.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Missing the younger brother
Has become a sport around here.
He's working down in New Jersey/ New York City and as such does not spend much time with us anymore. He generally is down there (we live UPSTATE) the better part of the week and spends Saturday with us and Sunday with friends... One day a week isn't enough, I'm very spoiled by having had him around basically everyday for nearly 22 years.. Even if at the start of those years my goal in life was to toss his tiny baby self down a nice set of stairs to rid myself of the irritation, which is still at times tempting as anyone with a brother will agree.
Still and all I miss him when he isn't here. And I can't wait to hear his truck coming up the driveway later tonight!
He's working down in New Jersey/ New York City and as such does not spend much time with us anymore. He generally is down there (we live UPSTATE) the better part of the week and spends Saturday with us and Sunday with friends... One day a week isn't enough, I'm very spoiled by having had him around basically everyday for nearly 22 years.. Even if at the start of those years my goal in life was to toss his tiny baby self down a nice set of stairs to rid myself of the irritation, which is still at times tempting as anyone with a brother will agree.
Still and all I miss him when he isn't here. And I can't wait to hear his truck coming up the driveway later tonight!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Booking Through Thursday
1. What’s your favorite time of day to read?
At night right before bed when I'm just all happy because sleep is my favorite thing next to books and food.
2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.)
Yes I do. Unless I'm playing on my computer for a few minutes before work.
3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.)
Scrambled eggs with cheese on toasted wheat bread with ketchup..
4. How many hours a day would you say you read?
On days that I read, probably around 3-4, at most.
5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago?
Less I think, because I work 2 jobs and when I was 13-14 I read all day in class.
6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?
Yes most definitely. I read faster than Mom and she's the fastest reader I've ever met.
7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to make time stand still.
8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?
Yes I do. Unless I clean out my bag and forget, or simply don't have time to run to my room and grab one.
9. What KIND of book?
Anything, but mostly Romance or Young Adult
10. How old were you when you got your first library card?
Somewhere 5 and 7 I was really really little but I still remember my number! It was right up there with my home phone number for things I had to memorize!
11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?)
Oldest physical: Pollyanna, from the 15th printing like a year after it was published
Longest: I have no idea I have so many from when I was a kid that I just don't know.
Oldest copyright: Homer's The Odyssey
12. Do you read in bed?
Yes every night unless I'm so tired crash.
13. Do you write in your books?
Sometimes. Less than I used to but at times I just HAVE to!
14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be?
I have three die hard rules that kind of go together:
Don't read something just because it's popular.
Don't force yourself to finish something you don't like.
Don't let anyone tell you what you can enjoy reading.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Unearthly Cynthia Hand
I let my mom read this book before I did because I was reading a few others first and really not in the mood for a young adult books that I was a tad... skeptical... about. She finished it before bed the night I got it out of the library. Then proceeded to tell me the next morning that I HAD to read it, it was just that good
So I sat down to force my way into a book I wasn't in the mood for. Took all of about 10 pages before I was hooked.
Clara is a wonderful character you can't help but like. Her younger brother is just irritating enough to be a realistic younger brother without the feeling of just stereotypical cliched book brother-itis. The same is true for all the characters. You just can't help but feel like they could have been your friends/enemies in high school.
As for the quarter angel basis for the story? It works. I've read books about teenage angels, which ranged from terrific to mediocre. (I haven't read more than 10 because it's not that popular of a entity to write about, there was a series about a half angel boy and his dog and then one about a group of girls who died and became angels that I could only ever find one of despite the fact that I desperately wanted more. I unfortunately since I now know my way around Amazon, no longer remember the titles of the books in question, I was around 15 when I read them.) This one is one of the best I've ever read.
Clara begins to have visions of a boy in a burning forest. Her mother (a half angel) tells her that this must be her purpose. So they move. From California to Wyoming. Sending her brother into the depths of teenage angst, which doesn't last long once he gets there.
Thus ensues the typical new girl issues of any YA book, done in such an enjoyable way. It's not new but it's done well enough that you enjoy it.
One of my favorite subplots was the cowboy Tucker as an "enemy". Very well done. I loved the subtle ways they got to each other..
Parts had me literally laughing out loud, which is good in a book that very easily could have come off as a little too serious.
The only thing that really could have been an issue for me was that I was sad when it ended. Not that it had a bad ending just that, well, it had to END at some point. Luckily it's got a sequel... That comes out next Tuesday.... That a certain person *me* pre-ordered.
I'm greatly looking forward to Hallowed.
So I sat down to force my way into a book I wasn't in the mood for. Took all of about 10 pages before I was hooked.
Clara is a wonderful character you can't help but like. Her younger brother is just irritating enough to be a realistic younger brother without the feeling of just stereotypical cliched book brother-itis. The same is true for all the characters. You just can't help but feel like they could have been your friends/enemies in high school.
As for the quarter angel basis for the story? It works. I've read books about teenage angels, which ranged from terrific to mediocre. (I haven't read more than 10 because it's not that popular of a entity to write about, there was a series about a half angel boy and his dog and then one about a group of girls who died and became angels that I could only ever find one of despite the fact that I desperately wanted more. I unfortunately since I now know my way around Amazon, no longer remember the titles of the books in question, I was around 15 when I read them.) This one is one of the best I've ever read.
Clara begins to have visions of a boy in a burning forest. Her mother (a half angel) tells her that this must be her purpose. So they move. From California to Wyoming. Sending her brother into the depths of teenage angst, which doesn't last long once he gets there.
Thus ensues the typical new girl issues of any YA book, done in such an enjoyable way. It's not new but it's done well enough that you enjoy it.
One of my favorite subplots was the cowboy Tucker as an "enemy". Very well done. I loved the subtle ways they got to each other..
Parts had me literally laughing out loud, which is good in a book that very easily could have come off as a little too serious.
The only thing that really could have been an issue for me was that I was sad when it ended. Not that it had a bad ending just that, well, it had to END at some point. Luckily it's got a sequel... That comes out next Tuesday.... That a certain person *me* pre-ordered.
I'm greatly looking forward to Hallowed.
Monday, January 09, 2012
A Little Late but...
I am as ever sorry about how long it has been since I last posted. It has been a difficult thing writing a post. What with working two jobs, two months or so of a shared computer with my mother, no big deal I love having something to hold over her head for hugs (bwahahahaha), negotiating the possibility of a puppy in my future (been waiting since I was around 9 for the okay on that one) and the lack of heat from November until just recently, I have not felt like posting much. I hope to be able to remedy that post haste!
This year I have set out to track the books I read. And yes I have set number goals. 600 books read through once. Rereads of previously read books acceptable, otherwise I would have great difficulty completing the goal as I need to read around 2 books most days to make it. And a goal of 1100 books total, rereads from this year acceptable. I tend to read books 4-5 times so this should not be a problem.
As far as how I'm coming I'm focusing on goal one for now. It's the ninth of January and I have already finished 17 books. I need to read one more today to be on track. I have no doubt that I will fall behind again and play catch up this weekend when I am off from work. This experiment should prove interesting I find that I really don't have too much trouble remembering to write down what books I finished over night. And of course I do LOVE to read!
As far as what books I've read recently that I am looking forward to doing posts on I must say Cynthia Hand's debut Unearthly was an instant hit for both my mother and myself. I am greatly looking forward to book 2 Hallowed, to be released the 17th of this month. I am pre-ordering it. I look forward to devouring it as quickly as I did the first.
This year I have set out to track the books I read. And yes I have set number goals. 600 books read through once. Rereads of previously read books acceptable, otherwise I would have great difficulty completing the goal as I need to read around 2 books most days to make it. And a goal of 1100 books total, rereads from this year acceptable. I tend to read books 4-5 times so this should not be a problem.
As far as how I'm coming I'm focusing on goal one for now. It's the ninth of January and I have already finished 17 books. I need to read one more today to be on track. I have no doubt that I will fall behind again and play catch up this weekend when I am off from work. This experiment should prove interesting I find that I really don't have too much trouble remembering to write down what books I finished over night. And of course I do LOVE to read!
As far as what books I've read recently that I am looking forward to doing posts on I must say Cynthia Hand's debut Unearthly was an instant hit for both my mother and myself. I am greatly looking forward to book 2 Hallowed, to be released the 17th of this month. I am pre-ordering it. I look forward to devouring it as quickly as I did the first.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Thirteenth Child Patricia C Wrede
This book was not only great it was EPIC.
The story of a girl names Eff, in an alternate US, circa the late 1860's or so. After their version of the Civil War. A world of magic and really cool mythic animals.
Her father is the seventh son of his father. Her twin brother, Lan, is a double seventh son. One of the most powerful magical occurrences possible. The only problem? To get a seventh son... Their parents had 14 children. Eff is the unlucky 13th. So much unlucky that at the age of 5 her uncle tries to have her arrested for "cursing" his family and house. This causes her father and mother to make the decision to move out west so her father can help fun a college right on the Great Barrier (the spell that keeps the wild animals beyond it from over running the country.)
The story follows Eff, and her family and friends through years of their lives. And many wonderful adventures.
This is one of the few young adult books starring a female that I think both teenage boys and girls would enjoy, I can't say for sure I haven't gotten my male sibling to read it yet. But I do believe he would enjoy it! Eff is strong but insecure enough about herself to make her a very sympathtic caracter and there is enough magic and such to keep everyone interested. Also it is one of the few YA books that focuses on a girl that doesn't also focus on her falling in love. At least now with anything except the far west.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Also it's sequel, which I will do a post on later. I fully intend to look for further books, I
The story of a girl names Eff, in an alternate US, circa the late 1860's or so. After their version of the Civil War. A world of magic and really cool mythic animals.
Her father is the seventh son of his father. Her twin brother, Lan, is a double seventh son. One of the most powerful magical occurrences possible. The only problem? To get a seventh son... Their parents had 14 children. Eff is the unlucky 13th. So much unlucky that at the age of 5 her uncle tries to have her arrested for "cursing" his family and house. This causes her father and mother to make the decision to move out west so her father can help fun a college right on the Great Barrier (the spell that keeps the wild animals beyond it from over running the country.)
The story follows Eff, and her family and friends through years of their lives. And many wonderful adventures.
This is one of the few young adult books starring a female that I think both teenage boys and girls would enjoy, I can't say for sure I haven't gotten my male sibling to read it yet. But I do believe he would enjoy it! Eff is strong but insecure enough about herself to make her a very sympathtic caracter and there is enough magic and such to keep everyone interested. Also it is one of the few YA books that focuses on a girl that doesn't also focus on her falling in love. At least now with anything except the far west.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Also it's sequel, which I will do a post on later. I fully intend to look for further books, I
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