I found the missing book for the boyfriend's birthday while browsing a Barnes 'n' Noble downstate. He was preoccupied, so I dashed to the (well-hidden) checkout. The girl behind the counter complimented my make up, which is something I always like. But then she proceeded to go on and on and on about their rewards program, even after I explained we have none of their stores in my area. Fearful of being caught, I told her I'd check it out, took my receipt, and shoved everything in my purse. He was awed by my cunning when I told him the story after he opened the gift. I believe he now has half a dozen books in his reading queue, which is quite impressive for someone who claims to not like reading. He stayed up until almost 3 last night reading a book called Outliers (which he received for Christmas.) Meanwhile, I passed out over my copy of Catcher in the Rye.
Ah, Salinger. I admit I haven't read any of his other works, but Catcher in the Rye is one that I come back to again and again. I first read it in high school for English, and I wasn't sure I liked it. Sometimes I will go back to a book after a long period to see if my feelings on it change. The past couple times, I found some of it boring and hard to follow. This time, I finally get it. I think Holden is, in a way, like everyone-- struggling. In my earlier years though I had been through some rough things, I still lacked the cynicism to appreciate his thinking. Now, after a number of years living 'in the real world' (and in a job that requires servicing others), I can relate a little too well. If Holden were a real person and I met him, I might kind of think he's an ass. He is, for one, a self-proclaimed liar. He loves to mess with people, and anyone who is any less straightforward than myself pisses me off (meaning that the general populace drives me mad.)
Being in his head, however, changes things considerably. I get it. He gets it. We're similar people, which momentarily makes me wonder if I should worry. But no, Holden and I are right-- people as a whole are ignorant, phony, automatic. I have been told numerously by different people that I am socially awkward. I lack the grace, the finesse, the ability to win people over with nauseating charm. At first those words hurt, but now I'm kind of okay with that. Social acceptability is a trap. Play by the rules, and you find you must do this do that be this think that don't say do think act out of line. The thing is, I am bold. Some would say tactless, and perhaps that's true. The thing I can't figure out, though-- when did honesty and cold hard truth become outlawed?
I feel as though I've gotten way off topic, ended up turning in a direction I never meant to follow. Oddly, I'm okay with that. So maybe, if you've made it this far, you can answer this question-- why isn't it okay to be real?
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Friday, February 3, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Don't stop.
I've been meaning to post for weeks, but always find an excuse not to. After much contemplating, hair-pulling, and general hemming and hawing, I've come to one very simple conclusion: I'm so afraid to post the wrong thing that I end up not posting at all. All truly 'great bloggers' are witty and insightful, qualities that I don't have. I would like to make this about life in general and not just books, but have had no clue where to start. I decided today to start with something other than me, so here goes nothing...
My boyfriend has been acting very strangely lately. And I don't mean in a sitcom-y covering-something-up sort of way. I mean very sudden, complete 180 sort of change.
It began about a month before Christmas when I asked what he would like for the holidays. I got typical answers-- CDs, movies, miscellaneous items. I was listening, nodding, making mental notes. And then he said "There's this book I really want, too."
I felt my eyeballs pop out of my head, slime down my cheeks, and plop onto the floor. Allow me to explain this gross and unrealistic reaction:
He is readily the first to admit that, until about 6 months ago, he'd never finished a book in his entire life. He has never understood my obsessive love for the hundreds of tomes that take up shelves upon shelves in the corner of the bedroom, just a bit to left of one of his prized televisions. I suspect he secretly finds it a bit silly. So for someone with such a lack of history with the glorious act of reading is like someone who hates science asking for a microscope. For years he has resisted my schemes to get his nose in the pages.
But it didn't stop there; another week or two went by, and he requested another book! Two books?! That's twice as many as he'd ever read! He really wanted two books? It seemed crazy to me, but that's what he wanted so that's what he got. He also seemed interested in yet another while we were out one day, so I got it for him on audio. (He drives quite a bit so I thought it would give him something interesting to listen to during the long hours.)
It doesn't even stop there.
His birthday is a mere 5 weeks after Christmas, so I usually start scrambling for other gift ideas soon after. He's mentioned a few things here and there, asked specifically for a couple CDs, and... another book?!?! Yes. That book came in the mail yesterday. The day before I was browsing a bookstore with a friend and text the boyfriend to ask if there was anything else he wanted. He requested (wait for it...) another book. And another. One I couldn't find, but the other was in my hands once an employee pointed me in the right direction.
I wrapped all his gifts today (excluding one that is still in transit), and the big day is next week. I'm excited to see the genuine joy when he unwraps the heavy, bound pages. He'll have a nice little stack going, and though it make take him as long as it'll take me to get through the 60+ waiting for me, it's worth sitting next to him and seeing him engrossed in something that an infinite number of people have been doing for thousands and thousands of years.
Did I mention that he recently finished reading a novel for school? In a relatively short time, too, and he seems pretty proud of himself. I hope it doesn't stop there.
My boyfriend has been acting very strangely lately. And I don't mean in a sitcom-y covering-something-up sort of way. I mean very sudden, complete 180 sort of change.
It began about a month before Christmas when I asked what he would like for the holidays. I got typical answers-- CDs, movies, miscellaneous items. I was listening, nodding, making mental notes. And then he said "There's this book I really want, too."
I felt my eyeballs pop out of my head, slime down my cheeks, and plop onto the floor. Allow me to explain this gross and unrealistic reaction:
He is readily the first to admit that, until about 6 months ago, he'd never finished a book in his entire life. He has never understood my obsessive love for the hundreds of tomes that take up shelves upon shelves in the corner of the bedroom, just a bit to left of one of his prized televisions. I suspect he secretly finds it a bit silly. So for someone with such a lack of history with the glorious act of reading is like someone who hates science asking for a microscope. For years he has resisted my schemes to get his nose in the pages.
But it didn't stop there; another week or two went by, and he requested another book! Two books?! That's twice as many as he'd ever read! He really wanted two books? It seemed crazy to me, but that's what he wanted so that's what he got. He also seemed interested in yet another while we were out one day, so I got it for him on audio. (He drives quite a bit so I thought it would give him something interesting to listen to during the long hours.)
It doesn't even stop there.
His birthday is a mere 5 weeks after Christmas, so I usually start scrambling for other gift ideas soon after. He's mentioned a few things here and there, asked specifically for a couple CDs, and... another book?!?! Yes. That book came in the mail yesterday. The day before I was browsing a bookstore with a friend and text the boyfriend to ask if there was anything else he wanted. He requested (wait for it...) another book. And another. One I couldn't find, but the other was in my hands once an employee pointed me in the right direction.
I wrapped all his gifts today (excluding one that is still in transit), and the big day is next week. I'm excited to see the genuine joy when he unwraps the heavy, bound pages. He'll have a nice little stack going, and though it make take him as long as it'll take me to get through the 60+ waiting for me, it's worth sitting next to him and seeing him engrossed in something that an infinite number of people have been doing for thousands and thousands of years.
Did I mention that he recently finished reading a novel for school? In a relatively short time, too, and he seems pretty proud of himself. I hope it doesn't stop there.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Yesterday.
Yesterday was "Read Across America Day", also know as the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss. I probably should have said something, as this is a reading blog. I kinda dropped the ball (or book) on that one. I'll try again next year.
Did anyone actually make a point to read yesterday? Again, I dropped the ball. What are you reading? I meant to pick up my newest conquest, St. Augustine's Confessions. I do have a valid excuse: I was taking care of an invalid. He had an overnight hospital stay recently, and now the medication they put him on is making him feel awful. So I have to put down the books and play nurse, which I'm actually pretty good at doing.
I should also mention that I met a good friend's family for the first time recently, and I think I love them. I want to move in, because they fed me AND gave me books. People like that cannot be bad.
Did anyone actually make a point to read yesterday? Again, I dropped the ball. What are you reading? I meant to pick up my newest conquest, St. Augustine's Confessions. I do have a valid excuse: I was taking care of an invalid. He had an overnight hospital stay recently, and now the medication they put him on is making him feel awful. So I have to put down the books and play nurse, which I'm actually pretty good at doing.
I should also mention that I met a good friend's family for the first time recently, and I think I love them. I want to move in, because they fed me AND gave me books. People like that cannot be bad.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
An anti-climatic day.
I was bad yesterday. But by accident, so does that even really count? I got a root canal yesterday morning, and didn't go to work because I was told (by someone who has had a couple) that I would be in agony, and kind of out of it.
I was neither. In fact, the only issues I had was that I had to take out my lip ring (I worried a little that it would close up, but it went back in just fine) and that the dentist used latex gloves. Because I have to tell him a minimum of six times. Isn't that in my chart? Oh no, because someone confused the word 'latex' with 'penicillin'. I'm glad they're not real doctors. They do decent work and they're nice, but I really don't want them to confuse 'urine test' with 'kidney donor'.
Anyway, I spent the day organizing my new records (13 for less than $12 at this amazing little place downtown), playing Wii Sports (I'm amazing at boxing and baseball, not so good at tennis), and reading Grania. Grania is amazing. Morgan Llywelyn doesn't examine just a small piece of the story and leave you guessing at the rest. Some books just stop at the resolution of one issue, and I always wonder where things go, how things work out from there. Llywelyn gives you the whole picture; she goes from beginning to end. You know the characters, their lives, their connections and families as if they were your own personal friends. Grace O'Malley's whole life is laid out before the reader, every significant thing she has experienced and seen and felt is before our eyes, if only you're willing to dig into the 400+ pages.
A major draw, for me, is that it all takes place in the Elizabethan era. I am a fool for 16th century Europe, particularly England and the Tudor family. This has been an obsession for a few years now, when my best friend recommended to me The Other Boleyn Girl (which is a fantastic piece of historical fiction by Philippa Gregory).
I spent hours in Ireland last night, but plan to finish my stay this afternoon. The last page of a great book is always a bittersweet moment.
I was neither. In fact, the only issues I had was that I had to take out my lip ring (I worried a little that it would close up, but it went back in just fine) and that the dentist used latex gloves. Because I have to tell him a minimum of six times. Isn't that in my chart? Oh no, because someone confused the word 'latex' with 'penicillin'. I'm glad they're not real doctors. They do decent work and they're nice, but I really don't want them to confuse 'urine test' with 'kidney donor'.
Anyway, I spent the day organizing my new records (13 for less than $12 at this amazing little place downtown), playing Wii Sports (I'm amazing at boxing and baseball, not so good at tennis), and reading Grania. Grania is amazing. Morgan Llywelyn doesn't examine just a small piece of the story and leave you guessing at the rest. Some books just stop at the resolution of one issue, and I always wonder where things go, how things work out from there. Llywelyn gives you the whole picture; she goes from beginning to end. You know the characters, their lives, their connections and families as if they were your own personal friends. Grace O'Malley's whole life is laid out before the reader, every significant thing she has experienced and seen and felt is before our eyes, if only you're willing to dig into the 400+ pages.
A major draw, for me, is that it all takes place in the Elizabethan era. I am a fool for 16th century Europe, particularly England and the Tudor family. This has been an obsession for a few years now, when my best friend recommended to me The Other Boleyn Girl (which is a fantastic piece of historical fiction by Philippa Gregory).
I spent hours in Ireland last night, but plan to finish my stay this afternoon. The last page of a great book is always a bittersweet moment.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
An unsatisfying call girl..
I finished Secret Diary of a Call Girl. It got more interesting with some relationship drama, but was ultimately a let down. I guess at the end of the book I expect...something. I should be able to take something away from it, right? But the last page felt the same at the first. There were a lot of predictable potential turnouts:
None of that happened. There was an argument, and then everything was about the same. Usually when I finish a book, I feel...something. I feel happy, or (if it ends badly), I feel sad. Here, I just felt... disappointment. It felt like a waste of hours of reading. Belle went back to her old ways, and I went on to another book.
- Belle gives up being a call girl.
- Belle falls in love with a client.
- Belle gets pregnant.
- Belle and her boyfriend get married.
- Something humorously traumatizing, like meeting a client only to find out it's her father.
None of that happened. There was an argument, and then everything was about the same. Usually when I finish a book, I feel...something. I feel happy, or (if it ends badly), I feel sad. Here, I just felt... disappointment. It felt like a waste of hours of reading. Belle went back to her old ways, and I went on to another book.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Welcome to February!
It's February, and that means I'll be cracking the spines you chose. At first the fact that Secret Diary of a Call Girl was the top pick made me think that you're a bunch of pervy people. Second thought was that I'm the one who put it on the list and therefore have no room to judge.
This book has been on my reading list for quite some time; I first discovered it after discovering the Showtime series of the same name. Inspired by the book, the show follows high-class call girl Belle du Jour through the chaos of living a double life. It is, in one word, fascinating. I watched the first season online, finishing rather quickly (the series, I mean). I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to book-based media, so I had to investigate. My big question: is the book as smart, sexy, and witty as the show?
I started reading the book before the polls were closed-- I'm that curious. However, I understand that this is some sensitive material and don't want to mentally scar any minors. So parents, cover the eyes of your offspring. Offspring, back away from the computer. Everyone else, proceed with caution.
This book has been on my reading list for quite some time; I first discovered it after discovering the Showtime series of the same name. Inspired by the book, the show follows high-class call girl Belle du Jour through the chaos of living a double life. It is, in one word, fascinating. I watched the first season online, finishing rather quickly (the series, I mean). I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to book-based media, so I had to investigate. My big question: is the book as smart, sexy, and witty as the show?
I started reading the book before the polls were closed-- I'm that curious. However, I understand that this is some sensitive material and don't want to mentally scar any minors. So parents, cover the eyes of your offspring. Offspring, back away from the computer. Everyone else, proceed with caution.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
All good things...
What are you guys reading lately? I hardly cracked a spine during December, but my page-turning cravings are back full force now. I dove into The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll; it's been on my shelf for some time, and I finally felt up to the task.
I acquired this book over a year ago; after parking the car, my beau and I were walking through the garage to get into the house. The golden-edged pages caught the light, glimmering at the corner of my eye. I picked up the book, asked where it came from (it was quite odd, since he's not much of a reader). Apparently someone had left it at his workplace and then never returned for it. Instead of throwing it out, he took it home and left it with other unused, forgotten things. He told me I could have it. I walked into the house with the heavy book in my arms, hugging it to my chest as a precious treasure.
Alice in Wonderland was the first piece of work in the heavy volume. I have a smaller copy bound with Through the Looking Glass (the sequel), so those two were old friends to me. I then encountered Sylvie and Bruno. It took me a little while to understand the story, but once it was made clear I found myself absorbed. I've become quite fond of the characters, and though it's impossible, I find myself trying to guess at the path the story will take. Sylvie and Bruno had to end, of course, but flowed easily into Sylvie and Bruno Concluded. I'm perhaps halfway through, and already disappointed that it will have to end.
I acquired this book over a year ago; after parking the car, my beau and I were walking through the garage to get into the house. The golden-edged pages caught the light, glimmering at the corner of my eye. I picked up the book, asked where it came from (it was quite odd, since he's not much of a reader). Apparently someone had left it at his workplace and then never returned for it. Instead of throwing it out, he took it home and left it with other unused, forgotten things. He told me I could have it. I walked into the house with the heavy book in my arms, hugging it to my chest as a precious treasure.
Alice in Wonderland was the first piece of work in the heavy volume. I have a smaller copy bound with Through the Looking Glass (the sequel), so those two were old friends to me. I then encountered Sylvie and Bruno. It took me a little while to understand the story, but once it was made clear I found myself absorbed. I've become quite fond of the characters, and though it's impossible, I find myself trying to guess at the path the story will take. Sylvie and Bruno had to end, of course, but flowed easily into Sylvie and Bruno Concluded. I'm perhaps halfway through, and already disappointed that it will have to end.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Happy October!
So it's the first day of October, which is my favorite month. A lot of exciting things are happening this month, including the results of the poll. Thanks to everybody that voted; here's what I'll be reading:
forced upon me loaned me two of the three books. Also, something that I think is really cool will be starting this weekend. It will be ongoing throughout the month in honor of Halloween, so keep checking back. Happy reading!
- A Treasury of Royal Scandals
- The Secret Life of Laslo, Count Dracula
- The Druid King
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Poll: You Decide!
Hello readers, I have something exciting for you! For the next week you get to vote on what I'll read in October. The poll is already in place (see the side bar on the right), so get ready to click! Here are your options (click the title to read the Amazon info for each book):
The Druid King by Norman Spinrad
God: A Biography by Jack Miles
Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan
Sheer Abandon by Penny Vincenzi
Girl Talk with God by Susie Shellenberger
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
A Treasury of Royal Scandals by Michael Farquhar
The Secret Life of Laslo, Count Dracula by Dr. Roderick Anscombe
You can choose more than one, but please try to keep your selections to just 2 or 3. I'm really excited to see what you all decide. Until then, I'll be working on a review of Rahab's Story, finishing up The Shack, then writing a summary and review on that.
Get to voting, and happy reading!
The Druid King by Norman Spinrad
God: A Biography by Jack Miles
Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan
Sheer Abandon by Penny Vincenzi
Girl Talk with God by Susie Shellenberger
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
A Treasury of Royal Scandals by Michael Farquhar
The Secret Life of Laslo, Count Dracula by Dr. Roderick Anscombe
You can choose more than one, but please try to keep your selections to just 2 or 3. I'm really excited to see what you all decide. Until then, I'll be working on a review of Rahab's Story, finishing up The Shack, then writing a summary and review on that.
Get to voting, and happy reading!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
My enablers.
First of all, I would like to say: Cracking Spines has been up and running for a month now! Thank you everyone for your support.
Some of you must really want this to work out, because I'm getting a lot of encouragement lately! When I visited my mom (who is my biggest fan, I think) a couple weeks ago, she forced me to bring home at least 10 books to read and blog. They're sitting on my shelf with the other hopefuls, waiting. Thanks Mom!
Then the other day I got a text from a friend/co-worker of mine, showing me a picture of a book about Henry VIII. I was like "omg yay that's awesome", but the really awesome part was the next day when she walked up to me at work and handed the book to me. I was like "FOR ME!?!?!?!" I may have done a little dance later; I seem to have a nerdgasm over any book on the Tudor family.
So thanks, guys, for feeding my addiction. And thanks to the rest of you for reveling in it with me.
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