The Book Nook

Hello all, I thought that since the only thing that is any fun to do in the cold is curl up with a book, I decided to start my new little blog series. I have decided to keep track of the books I read this year by putting little tidbits on my blog. I am hoping this accountability will encourage me to read more and (my main problem) read a little more quickly. Here are a the last few I finished up 2009 with.

The Tsarina's Daughter by Carolly Erickson - Mrs. Erickson is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. This is the first book of hers that I have read that deals with Russia however. I have had a fascination for years with the family of the last czar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his family. All of them were murdered in 1918 during the Russian revolution. This book puts forth the idea, what if one of the daughters had survived. Many books have used this idea with Anastasia, but never Alexandria, like this one does. It is very dramatic and exciting with a smidge of romance mixed in. Even though you know how the real story ends, you will still be caught up in the this good read. I give it a strong A

The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith - OMG I discovered these books after I started watching the new tv show that is based on them. The books are SO much better. The show is good in its own right, but the only thing is has in common with the books is the names of the characters. They don't even look the same. Now please don't get me wrong, I adore Twilight and will be forever in love with Edward Cullen, but I must admit that The Vampire Diaries are at least as good and in many ways better. The female characters especially, Elena and her best friends Bonnie and Meredith are very strong brave young women. They are no one's victims and do a very good job of taking care of the drama themselves. Without the girls, none of the boy would stand a chance. This is very different from a weak and danger prone Bella. There are 4 books in the original series, The Awakening, The Struggle, The Fury and Dark Reunion. They are all pretty short quick reads. Recently the author has started a new series that is a continuation with the same characters. The first of these books is call The Return, Nightfall. I have it and it is the next book on my list to read. The second book in the new series comes out sometime in February I think. For all my friends that adored Twilight, these are a must read. A+++

Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch - This is the book I chose as our book club selection this month. I don't want to give too much away here before everyone has a chance to read it. It is pretty short and is a super fast read. There are some very memorable characters and it is quite funny at times. Overall I give this one a B-.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe - This is my newest book that I started the other night. So far, I ADORE it. It switches back and forth between a current day Harvard Phd candidate named Connie who is starting her dissertation in history and Deliverance Dane, her ancestor that suffered during the Salem Witch Trials. It is very mysterious and I am totally hooked. I will tell you more about it when I finish. One fun thing I have discovered so far is that mandrakes, like the ones in Harry Potter are very real. They have been used for centuries and are mentioned in great literature throughout history. My new little fact for the week I guess.

I hope everyone is reading something fun too. I would love to hear about what everyone else is reading. Have a super weekend. Let's all try to survive the cold !!!!!

January Begins with a J

Ok, so here I am keeping to my word and actually blogging for 2 days in a row. Right it down folks, because lord knows how long I will keep this up. So in honor of the new year I bring you J and all its fun.

Jaime - of course I would have to start the letter J with her. I have known J for quite a long time now, it will be 10 years this spring I think. Wow, time has really flown by. We didn't get along all that well when we first met. I am weird and Jaime doesn't do meeting new people very well so it took us a little while to warm up to one another. Now, I love her like a sister. I was so proud to be in her wedding and be around to see little Noah come into this world. Though she doubts herself, Jaime is one of the strongest, hardworking people I know. I am amazed at her ability to work, go to grad school and take care of a husband and child all at the same time. Love you bunches J, I aspire every day to be a little more like you, and hope I never make it on your "disappear" list, LOL LOL.

January - as I covered yesterday, this is my least favorite month of the year. Maybe because it so cold and drab. I just have to spend a lot of time chasing off the mulleygrubs this time of year.

Jewelry - If you have ever seen me, then you know I love me some shiny things. I have been this way ever since high school. I was totally miserable at the grocery store because I couldn't wear rings or bracelets because they got in the way. I have WAY more jewelry than one person should. I could probably wear different stuff everyday and go on for weeks without wearing the same thing twice. I am not a snob about it though. I would wear million dollar earrings with a $5 necklace from Claire's. I know what I like and just like to mix it all together. But rest assured, no matter how much I have own, it will ALWAYS match, lol

Jane Eyre- Wow, this is one of my all time favorite books. I consider this to be the first "real" book I ever read. When I was in the 9th grade I was totally absorbed in all those teeny series books I used to get from Scholastic, like Couples or Cheerleaders or something like that. So Mrs. Smith told assigned us a book report and I knew better than to try to pick several pages of literary commentary out of Sweet Valley High so I went in search of something new. Initially, I admit I checked Jane Eyre out because I loved the gold embossed dark red leather cover of the copy in our school library. When I read it, I totally fell in love with this sad little girl and her search for herself and her romance with Mr. Rochester. Gotta love the Bronte sisters for some dark gothic romance. I highly recommend it. I consider it one of the essentials of mine.

J.K. Rowling - I think if I was ever privileged enough to get to meet Mrs. Rowling in person, I would fall to my knees and do a very poor Wayne's World imitation of "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy" !! LOL LOL In my mind, authors don't come any more gifted or brilliant. When you read Harry Potter or watch the movies and to think that this whole wonderful world and all these characters came out of her imagination, even if you aren't a fan, you have to respect her talent. She is, in my opinion, the greatest living author today. I can't wait to read whatever she comes up with next. But wow, can you imagine the pressure. I mean seriously, how do you follow up on Harry? The stress must be incredible.

Ok, so there is my rambling on the letter J. I will try my best to keep up the new fond blogging habit. I will be thrilled if I can manage once a week at least to keep on the lookout for me. Have a great weekend. Happy 2010 !!