tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48556481487779466572024-02-20T19:39:00.756-08:00The CZ LifeCZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-43091435689121402762011-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:002011-11-04T21:06:43.853-07:00October Book Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6abDAybKf9BO-f7fLWpHqMsZsTdLifeTlEAwhjBtKNh7W_MRR6U6iIqnrYd6sLLGqupthrJvad2tLmm5rKC6rBEe_9N_PK1fDcqmn4HMZIQIDx5-8CWjuwxLKzZQT0-KnwqdicfLj08/s1600/Seriously-Im-Kidding.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6abDAybKf9BO-f7fLWpHqMsZsTdLifeTlEAwhjBtKNh7W_MRR6U6iIqnrYd6sLLGqupthrJvad2tLmm5rKC6rBEe_9N_PK1fDcqmn4HMZIQIDx5-8CWjuwxLKzZQT0-KnwqdicfLj08/s200/Seriously-Im-Kidding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670046997143766514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780446585026">Seriously…I’m Kidding<br /></a>By Ellen Degeneres<br />Grand Central Pub., 2011. 241 pgs. Biography<br /><br />Ellen’s got a new book, and it’s pretty funny. In her most recent memoir/collection of humorous essays she discusses her life and opinions over the last few years. She talks about her popular talk show, her season on American Idol, and her marriage to Portia de Rossi. She writes with her trademark happy humor giving advice on beauty (she is a CoverGirl spokesperson), finding true happiness, being nice, saving our planet, and she even includes a few coloring sheets for the kids.<br /><br />Ellen is just fun. This book is not terribly deep or insightful, but it is completely enjoyable and can be read really in a day or two. Her fans will certainly want to pick this one up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebg7I81fB4-tIYlFe7TVd_sUsC4kVuJOTWRR0Snxdj2LdPXStrUvYCcHTEVUeAS68fOTxibgvSSMJV5kMBp0tL7B3UxjINghOL2wLFbj6E7Lkytghu-S7NpnkRXdw1aE3DiBHQNT9EuA/s1600/HeatRises.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebg7I81fB4-tIYlFe7TVd_sUsC4kVuJOTWRR0Snxdj2LdPXStrUvYCcHTEVUeAS68fOTxibgvSSMJV5kMBp0tL7B3UxjINghOL2wLFbj6E7Lkytghu-S7NpnkRXdw1aE3DiBHQNT9EuA/s200/HeatRises.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670046680627451506" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781401324438">Heat Rises<br /></a>By Richard Castle<br />Hyperion, 2011. 320 pgs. Mystery<br /><br />Police investigator Nikki Heat’s career is on the rise. She is up for a big promotion and interested parties are coming out of the woodwork trying to take advantage of her imminent rise to power. Life isn’t quite perfect though since her new boyfriend, reporter Jameson Rook, has failed to keep in touch as he roams the globe researching his next big article. A new case is also giving her trouble and as the investigation deepens and the stakes go up, she may have to gamble everything she has earned to discover the truth.<br /><br />This is the third installment of the Nikki Heat series which is written by the fictitious author Richard Castle from ABC’s hit drama ‘Castle’. Truly the best parts of these mysteries are the references made to the television series. This volume even refers to actor Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the cult favorite TV show ‘Firefly’. If you are fan of ‘Castle’, I highly recommend reading the Nikki Heat series. If you don’t watch the show, they aren’t quite good enough to stand on their own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SvMVmPZ4fNrdR-M0tNANAWYu1nvQuQ94azrhvixQASNuBlCiOdj5NA3r0X7HMzp6f6iem9SFMjc4kFw2nwu9i-U51Ao5OTagB3IaWWJggzPELkxfU2GqLFCaPSff-Gv5UqxNWdsoueo/s1600/the-twelfth-enchantment-by-david-liss.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SvMVmPZ4fNrdR-M0tNANAWYu1nvQuQ94azrhvixQASNuBlCiOdj5NA3r0X7HMzp6f6iem9SFMjc4kFw2nwu9i-U51Ao5OTagB3IaWWJggzPELkxfU2GqLFCaPSff-Gv5UqxNWdsoueo/s200/the-twelfth-enchantment-by-david-liss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665347187555155490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781400068968">The Twelfth Enchantment</a><br />By David Liss<br />Random House, 2011. 398 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Lucy Derrick is the charming heroine of David Liss’s new book which I’m surprised to describe as a Victorian supernatural romance. The recent death of Lucy’s father not only left her bereaved but also penniless. Forced to live with an unkind, distant relation, Lucy decides that her best means of escape will be an advantageous, though loveless marriage to up and coming factory owner, Mr. Olsen. But strange events warn her away from the engagement and even stranger events throw her into the middle of a desperate struggle for the future of England between a number of supernatural factions.<br /><br />The Twelfth Enchantement provides an interesting story and a few intriguing characters. While I wasn’t captivated on every page, I certainly kept reading and, in the end, I was glad I did. Liss is an interesting author who continues to offer novels of differing types of writing for a variety of time periods and in a number of styles. I admire him for his efforts but would personally be completely satisfied if he stuck with 17th century financial thrillers starring one of my all-time biggest literary crushes, Benjamin Weaver.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2aRUP-EH-m8gaNx7gs2LlKvKVOWFRb8q16FhNL5HnfQqpTfYHmRM1NciB-Gg7jZ14GgKe1OJqrRnnqNia7Uuv2muxt6qn-huyYmE5Vdgpyx-mrbsHe5ZlQPhPNDN1D9sG4yjHv6G0nQ/s1600/theleftovers.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2aRUP-EH-m8gaNx7gs2LlKvKVOWFRb8q16FhNL5HnfQqpTfYHmRM1NciB-Gg7jZ14GgKe1OJqrRnnqNia7Uuv2muxt6qn-huyYmE5Vdgpyx-mrbsHe5ZlQPhPNDN1D9sG4yjHv6G0nQ/s200/theleftovers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665347346842248962" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780312358341">The Leftovers</a><br />By Tom Perrotta<br />St. Martin’s Press, 2011. 355 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />The premise of The Leftovers is absolutely brilliant. What would happen if millions of people just suddenly disappeared? No explanation. No warning. Was it ‘The Rapture’? Why were some taken and others left behind? How would society, families, and individuals react and cope? Perrotta’s story centers on Kevin Garvey, the mayor of a small town, and his wife, son, and daughter. Kevin attempts to keep his family together as they deal with the ‘event’s’ aftermath. But despite Kevin’s efforts, his son leaves college to follow a self-professed savior, his wife joins an organization giving up all earthly ties and takes a vow of silence, and his teenage daughter, once an ‘A’ student, struggles to keep from failing out of school completely. As they each deal with their own experiences and their own losses, they strain to find themselves and their individual futures.<br /><br />The execution of this story was not quite as brilliant as the premise. While mankind is not a stranger to tragedy and loss, the idea of this type of sudden, mass heartbreak without definable cause or even an entity to blame demonstrates a fascinating theory of what we can survive and how we make sense of our world. What I struggled with was the way Perrotta’s characters all seemed to turn away from family and focus so wholly on themselves. Perhaps this reaction is possible, maybe probable, but I would like to think that in times of such personal turmoil people would turn to those they love and strengthen those bonds as opposed to breaking them. A very interesting read providing a great deal to think about.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcsLDp6Nxz4sV45HU0QNiDZvjoFyi7eReQE1Yz4CBcF6uiEVAOCwTn5P3wF5KXoHXDG13hwLXItwrdVdZSBfBGEMBvm5JTyTBWLT2wKP9ntB9NzHx5YyxLii_UBidTakEXv6CSAnSf8w/s1600/fitzwilliam-darcy-rock-star.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcsLDp6Nxz4sV45HU0QNiDZvjoFyi7eReQE1Yz4CBcF6uiEVAOCwTn5P3wF5KXoHXDG13hwLXItwrdVdZSBfBGEMBvm5JTyTBWLT2wKP9ntB9NzHx5YyxLii_UBidTakEXv6CSAnSf8w/s200/fitzwilliam-darcy-rock-star.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662291043932006162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781402257810">Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star<br /></a>By Heather Lynn Rigaud<br />Sourcebooks Landmark, 2011. 424 pgs. Romance<br /><br />The major plot points will surprise no one. Our proud and affluent hero meets our poor yet witty heroine and they both immediately dislike each other. Misconceptions and misunderstandings follow until ultimately they realize they are perfect for each other and live happily ever after. That is not to say that readers will not find a few surprises in this reinvention of Pride and Prejudice. With Darcy, Bingley, and Fitzwilliam rock stars and Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte members of a struggling girl band given the opportunity to open for Darcy’s group, expect a lot more sex, drugs, and rock and roll than the original story included.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJiJ02NH3p4IiX9Zs_LOOGeHmP8LhR3xwjup37iXLOGYxPpRxnOLPmZLCBsZreEOi876py0Lvr29K73sXP9GzrMpriulCEXqwepgQ8_K2L_vbuLMF7cJAHIaaJOjXUTfw2xMeYKpGg0E/s1600/inthetimeofthebutterflies.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJiJ02NH3p4IiX9Zs_LOOGeHmP8LhR3xwjup37iXLOGYxPpRxnOLPmZLCBsZreEOi876py0Lvr29K73sXP9GzrMpriulCEXqwepgQ8_K2L_vbuLMF7cJAHIaaJOjXUTfw2xMeYKpGg0E/s200/inthetimeofthebutterflies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662290925336343682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=780452274426">In the Time of the Butterflies<br /></a>By Julia Alvarez<br />Algonquin Press, 1994. 325 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />In 1960, three sisters were found dead near the crash site of their Jeep. The official report claimed that their deaths were accidental but few people actually believed the story. <span style="font-style: italic;">In the Time of the Butterflies</span> tells of how these beautiful young women ended up as legends and martyrs to their cause. Each of them, plus their surviving sister Dede, narrate the tale as they become active in fighting the despotic regime of General Rafael Leonidas Truijillo.<br /><br />I listened to this book on CD and while I enjoyed the story itself, I did not enjoy the production. The readers were definetly not my favorite and the editing left something seriously wanting. I think if I had simply read the book, I would have walked away with a much more positive impression of the book. The sisters’ journeys were inspiring and I learned a great deal about the culture and politics of the Dominican Republic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC3p6EHWHFYVqXThFfSoI4tsk8tQX9wRZ3zQrdKMIFDqlkC5Mr-cHKnoQTpFssfi7HbhF795QgqIHt1fhQihvxnxtoRNbbquK-PddGxc3Mdxuo2Sjj-ori9WNJbSMH6TuT8Uw-7per5E/s1600/girls+in+white+dresses.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC3p6EHWHFYVqXThFfSoI4tsk8tQX9wRZ3zQrdKMIFDqlkC5Mr-cHKnoQTpFssfi7HbhF795QgqIHt1fhQihvxnxtoRNbbquK-PddGxc3Mdxuo2Sjj-ori9WNJbSMH6TuT8Uw-7per5E/s200/girls+in+white+dresses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657561094696186370" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307596857">Girls in White Dresses<br /></a>By Jennifer Close<br />Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 293 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />These are the adventures of Isabella, Mary, Lauren and a cast of their friends as they navigate life after college. Some of these girls are getting married and starting families while others are stuck trying to survive the dating scene. Further frustrations are felt when careers fail to move forward as well. But with a great deal of honesty and a good dose of humor, readers are treated to entertaining glimpses into the lives of girls becoming women, wives, and mothers.<br /><br />At first, I didn’t love this book. The girls all seemed a little too jaded for my taste. They were funny, but I thought their attitudes were darker than they should have been having just graduated from college. It takes a few more years than that to give up on finding true love and gain that level of cynicism. However, as the book progressed, I started to love it more and more. In the end I walked away loving the lessons learned and the overarching message, which I interpreted as being: Life isn’t easy for anyone and your ‘happily ever after’ is not likely to look like you thought it would. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean it still isn’t happy.<br /><br />The Night Circus<br />By Erin Morgenstern<br /><br />An orphaned young boy and a traumatized little girl are headed, eventually, to a mysterious magical competition. Their respective teachers spend years developing their skills and strength but keep them completely in the dark concerning the nature of their approaching contest. The venue constructed to both showcase and disguise their magical duel is a breathtaking circus that appears mysteriously and treats its visitors to experiences and wonders beyond their wildest fantasies.<br /><br />But such a public and complicated setting unavoidably involves a great many people, and when the duelists’ forbidden passion for each other threatens the stability of the circus, it also threatens the lives and safety of all the people they have come to consider family.<br /><br />“The Night Circus,” by Erin Morgenstern, is a dark and enchanting journey into a magical world described in such vivid detail that its colors and wonders simply come alive. Readers become visitors to the circus and explore the amazing tents, taste the delectable confections, and witness unbelievable feats of skill and daring.<br /><br />This is a wonderful debut novel that has been described as “Harry Potter for adults.” It certainly presents an equally engaging and vibrant imagined world, with characters fighting against daunting powers. Positive buzz for this book was circulating long before its release and it seems to be living up to the hype. There’s a good chance “The Night Circus” will become one of this year’s most popular releases.<br /><br />Crossed<br />By Ally Condie<br /><br />This is the second book in the Matched trilogy. Cassia leaves her comfortably controlled life with her family in the Society to search for Ky who has been sent to the Outer Provinces where he is unlikely to return. She finds clues to his escape into a distant slot canyon. I liked this book more than I liked the first. The narrative picks up a lot and I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints between Ky and Cassia. I'm excited for the third and final book to come out next year.<br /><br />The Language of Flowers<br />By Vanessa Diffenbaugh<br /><br />Victoria Jones has spent her entire life bouncing from one foster home to another. Having finally reached her eighteenth birthday, she is finally able to emancipate herself and head to live on her own terms. Her obsession with flowers and their meanings, as identified by a Victorian guidebook, becomes a great means of supporting herself when she gets a job arranging flowers with a local florist. <br /><br />This is an interesting look at families, the families we build around ourselves as well as the ones we are born with. Victoria isn't the most endearing protagonist, but she provides a great look into the mind of a very damaged young woman fighting to build her life. It was good...not squeaky clean...but good.<br /><br />Room<br />By Emma Donoghue<br /><br />Jack has never left the twelve foot by twelve foot room he was born in. On his fifth birthday his mother begins to tell him of the world outside The Room. But without a point of reference, everything his mother describes seems unbelievable. She tells him that they are being held captive by a man who kidnapped her from her family years ago and that they need to escape. And so Jack begins his journey into the world and his discovery of his place within it.<br /><br />This book was good, but disturbing. Jack's five-year-old voice got a little grating...I had to read it because I had tried to listen to it but couldn't get mare than 30 seconds into it without wanting to tear my ears off because of the annoying 'child's voice' that was being used. That said, it is also a really interesting story. How terrifying would the world be when your whole life you had only known a single person and a single place? It ends on a positive note, but it's quite a rough journey to get there.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-58563846719731671322011-10-28T22:13:00.000-07:002011-10-28T22:27:53.807-07:00I don't know exactly how...but my life just changed...Yesterday I was listening to a book on CD called "The Social Animal" (it's been very good, so far I highly recommend it). It's all about humans and our behaviors, etc. It is filled with many interesting little tidbits of information, which I obviously love. But yesterday I heard something that seriously challenged my whole understanding of my lack of a dating life.<div><br /></div><div>Get this...they did this study where they had a bunch of men go on a hike and made them cross a rickety old bridge that was questionably safe. Right after they crossed, a young woman came to them and asked them some questions and then, on the pretext of them having additional questions about the survey, gave them her telephone number. They also had the young woman do the same thing to a group of men who had not just crossed a freaky bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, only about (I don't remember the exact number) 30% of men who hadn't crossed the bridge called the girl within a week of getting her number. <b>65%</b> of the men who had crossed the bridge and were all high on adrenaline called her back.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLHZHHBo8834JOCVCrCFWUhWAtSanUrzjlLRCRNKP9jYZSyOhBnWguIJjO7edBmEv0pcAEeaGyl_7KahKA03eSL1cCV4HEHBmeoySyPWcHeTphgtC-iVou49a11kiiXs2lbMxhNhDluE/s320/European-extreme-sports.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668781451594042786" /><div>Do you know what this means?? They found that the men's subconscious minds confused interest in the girl with the rush of adrenaline they felt after almost dying!! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have always wanted to go sky diving and all of the sudden I have a really good reason to do it. I just need to make sure some desirable guy is there jumping with me....then I introduce myself and boom....he thinks I'm exciting! Then he can hopefully stay confused long enough to actually get to know me and see that I'm not the worst option out there!! It's a foolproof plan!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay...so that may not work. But I am certainly going to look into more extreme sports or activities in which to participate. Obviously, this will require some more thought... And why didn't I know about this before I went on a trip to California and spent a whole day on roller coasters??!! I didn't hit on a single man while I was there!!</div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-26519439643878379822011-09-21T19:48:00.000-07:002011-09-21T20:28:48.144-07:00Books I Didn't Review at WorkSo I usually just steal my work book reviews and post them here....'cause I'm lazy. But sometimes I read something another librarian already reviewed and then I just don't get around to reviewing them here. But, here is a little make up. These will certainly be shorter than the others....I'm tired!<br /><br /><div><b>No Apology</b> by Mitt Romney</div><div>I listened to this and actually liked it. It was interesting to hear what Romney's beliefs are. I'm not as politically minded as I should be, but listening to this let me feel a bit more informed.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYrCAqh3BEZ4nFpc6iFwEnUT3k5lTrAfvbPx80ZE8vwldP-UEXtpuwQA2-H10aV4OMiIwIGSzXBLsQoabHe4B0RsePPGKiwHASxvQXc6qqRaxOyGwGwVMCogGRzDXO5g3j9wY7t7nsyE/s320/Witches.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655020037628997618" /><div><b>Witches of East End</b> by Melissa De la Cruz</div><div>This is a YA author who wrote this book for an adult audience. I believe it ties into her YA series, Blue Bloods which is about rich vampires in New York. The Witches of East End is about a mother and her two daughters, all witches, and all trying to live without using their magic. They fail miserably. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be honest....I didn't love this book. I don't really recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaXBTOHIeuuW_DWR30cmcMC2lmD0eTAkHpuPxqehl2rllfuHOCq_nAP20tE0aZkZudUsp9UoqDbrimcV1mh20cuL9mVLl6YqPuH-JJMefz-T6CGEM5ZfpsWF-9HeJHgaoEf8CGq4xldY/s320/Bloodmoney.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655020030492379138" /><div><b>Bloodmoney</b> by David Ignatius</div><div>I've been on a 'spy n</div><div>ovel' binge for the past few months and I'll admit they are all getting a bit mixed up in my head. This one is about an undercover operation going horribly wrong and the subsequent investigation that puts even more lives in danger. The investigation is led by Sophie, a young agent with a few serious grudges. That's about all I remember about the plot, but I remember really lik</div><div>ing it. It's a little gritty and violent, but really well written and great if you are looking for a suspenseful read.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Very Valentine</b> by Adriana Trigiani</div><div>Valentine is an apprentice shoe maker in her grandmother's wedding shoe boutique in New York City. In this chic lit/fashionista novel she searches for love and professional success. At first I really loved it...and then she just wouldn't shut up! Seriously....she goes on and on and on about her frustrations and family troubles and work issues...etc. etc. etc. Made me want to scream at her...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Garden Spells</b> by Sarah Addison Allen</div><div>Two sisters are reunited after one ran away from home soon after graduation. It's been years and she returns with a daughter in tow and an angry ex on her trail. She reluctantly returns home where her sister has a catering business which uses the family's enchanted garden to prepare food that alters the eaters feelings. Not bad. I liked her new book <i>The Peach Keeper</i> a lot better.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLilltwf_YiCu3k4KL5IjZ4fihUIuMhH0FZfzZKKkcUz1EniOC0Zd4BKM6fDcBpFByfhvCK4S2Km8mcPQS5FRB7cok83zX1S4P_fRmYjkDGAcYir2iEGJVRuYxsmETtMzoTaaRNB_cpY/s320/Sleep.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655020032540049298" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 119px; " /><div><b>Before I Go to Sleep</b> by S.J. Walton (this is my review from </div><div>the Daily Herald)</div><div>Imagine waking each morning unable to remember the last 20 years of your life. You are lying next to a man claiming to be your husband and in the mirror you find wrinkles, scars and gray hairs you don’t remember acquiring. Sounds a bit like the movie “50 First Dates,” but “Before I Go to Sleep” by S. J. Watson is no comedy.</div><div> <p>One morning, when Christine awakes and attempts to orient herself to her unfamiliar life, she discovers a journal she has been keeping. This journal chronicles discoveries she has made over the past few weeks about her history, the incident that caused her amnesia, and a terrifying list of the lies she is told anew each day.</p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I cannot help but compare this brilliant book to the classic thriller starring <span style="font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Audrey Hepburn</span> , “Wait Until Dark.” The suspense creeps up on you, grips you by the throat, and drags you down a path you are sure cannot end well. The reader senses the danger and knows that the heroine is blind to what is lurking in the dark corners of her mind.</span></p> <p>“Before I Go to Sleep” is a carefully crafted psychological thriller that is certain to linger in your mind long after that final page is turned.</p><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><b>Saving CeeCee Honeycutt</b> by Beth Hoffman</div></div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Very much like <i>The Secret Life of Bees</i> and <i>Charms of the Easy Life</i>. CeeCee has seen a lot of hardship in her 14 short years and it will take a whole cast of delightful southern women to help her heal. A sweet coming of age story with a good dose of Southern charm. Cute.</div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyn8wF2jPI_TJ_gzzLzTdYo2mY8eK1Ljg2y7VLSyfI3680fiUg8KxM7mjwFadxD8ekZTudmqx5SOCg3FAn4wBvAEymrTBtYy5qqY937VSDqDMv6ibWb9Ehjrl78MkVRxjnaUtyGzPNio/s320/Heiress.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655020032747811138" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><b>American Heiress</b> by Daisy Goodwin</div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">A wealthy American heiress (surprise!!) marries a poor British earl. Navigating the British aristocracy is much more difficult than the young bride anticipates and accepting his wife's financial support strains the marriage almost immediately. This is really a great book and it's pretty clean, too. Great for anyone who loves historical novels with a little helping of romance.</div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-41310846242287054422011-09-21T19:39:00.000-07:002011-09-21T19:45:45.423-07:00Book Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsIgVzcT-l8MyL_EcnapryD7btW_faug2_2drCigbicP3HVU32Y5O8qoy0yMpfjUfutOck4Wr0C0zQ0lUzWmVxqj8mmasy6xeOjWeenlRI4JnyNEwVyszUcz_YVAUwpuo2HeRcquIURg/s1600/adreneline.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsIgVzcT-l8MyL_EcnapryD7btW_faug2_2drCigbicP3HVU32Y5O8qoy0yMpfjUfutOck4Wr0C0zQ0lUzWmVxqj8mmasy6xeOjWeenlRI4JnyNEwVyszUcz_YVAUwpuo2HeRcquIURg/s200/adreneline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654961104709530226" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780446575171">Adrenaline </a><br />By Jeff Abbott<br />Grand Central Pub., 2011. 400 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Sam Capra’s life is almost perfect. He has a beautiful wife he loves, a new baby on the way, and an exciting job with the CIA. However, in the blink of an eye everything is gone, his wife and child are missing, his coworkers are all dead, and the government he has served faithfully believes he has betrayed them. Desperate to rescue his family and restore his professional reputation, Sam is willing to do almost anything. And while he makes some shocking discoveries about people he has trusted in the past, his greatest shock may be the discovery of his own capacity for violence when the ones he loves are at risk.<br /><br />True to its name, <em>Adrenaline</em> is a fast-paced piece of espionage fiction. Sam is a great character and you can’t help but root for him. The action keeps coming and there are a number of surprises along the way. This is no doubt the first book in a series featuring Capra, since the ending is left wide open for continuations. Crime and spy novel readers will enjoy this new addition to the genre.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7u6INahPRiuTRtsi9sMU99-gyKb1OHMGHudZmUGUeNoern63Mc_6iyYx035owAqg1tAMto9btmEs-X7QGbItTZlnLPjtpOXHP1biCxLCa482bNM-sN4ZSv8wvJVBWUzWLaSi1xcUrFw/s1600/thickasthieves.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7u6INahPRiuTRtsi9sMU99-gyKb1OHMGHudZmUGUeNoern63Mc_6iyYx035owAqg1tAMto9btmEs-X7QGbItTZlnLPjtpOXHP1biCxLCa482bNM-sN4ZSv8wvJVBWUzWLaSi1xcUrFw/s200/thickasthieves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654960145084122226" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307263179">Thick as Thieves<br /></a>By Peter Spiegelman<br />Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 295 pgs. Mystery.<br /><br />Carr was recruited from the CIA into a ring of thieves by an old man who quickly takes the haunted young man under his wing. At the end of a seemingly simple job, Carr’s mentor is gunned down, leaving the crew without a leader and Carr with a pile of questions. Despite their recent losses, the thieves decide to proceed with a job, monumental in its scope, but with the potential to provide them all with a generous retirement. As the danger becomes more and more real, tension between the players mount, and Carr finds himself questioning the people he must trust with his life.<br /><br />Thick as Thieves is an utterly fantastic heist novel. It has action, intrigue, and suspense in just the right quantities. Just when you think you know who to trust, the other shoe drops and you are left reeling from new discoveries and eminent danger. Very fun and very exciting!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPlsSFiImlQf7YpHJ6Vs21HrgkhrGQVYGcV-dCagDzRL_ur0QbjF_PAcLwKdvigjEHKTaZjrTryFcoxKAiKh69Dko0eH43qI1mU6nudeILtjT7Lb9dD9tXJeCQ5juvTcs6Q8UqAgpmQM/s1600/the+magicians.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPlsSFiImlQf7YpHJ6Vs21HrgkhrGQVYGcV-dCagDzRL_ur0QbjF_PAcLwKdvigjEHKTaZjrTryFcoxKAiKh69Dko0eH43qI1mU6nudeILtjT7Lb9dD9tXJeCQ5juvTcs6Q8UqAgpmQM/s200/the+magicians.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654959957541029938" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780670020553">The Magicians<br /></a>By Lev Grossman<br />Viking, 2009. 402 pgs. Fantasy.<br /><br />Quentin has spent his entire life waiting for the ‘something more’ he instinctively knows is out there. Then suddenly, at the start of his senior year of high school, he is transported to a hidden school where he discovers a world of magic and possibility. The problem is that when anything is possible and troubles can be banished with a quick spell, life loses its wonder. After graduating, Quentin and his friends find they must travel beyond this world to find the adventure they crave.<br /><br />This is Harry Potter for adults, complete with whiney teenagers and adults who are unnecessarily cryptic and secretive. While I didn’t love the book, I didn’t hate it either. Some of the characters are intriguing and the storyline had some merit. I think what bothered me most were how obviously the author was paying tribute to classic fantasy works like the Chronicles of Narnia and The Wizard of Oz. Everything seemed a little stolen which made me feel a bit like a guilty accomplice. But it was still crafted with skill and epic fantasy readers will probably enjoy this first book in the Magicians series.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFJdLqxsEhgEX6w3qE9m0F6b1PGOD56mMh5ASLRko1acyfGPl4keBgGIHoAR9cZnRjmE8guXPtPqHIF2w0-ttlCuWL_8Nyf-dTG2HFDKqmoEXGgoSpkx0yPXcvucLFaDSufQaPbar0sE/s1600/sister.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFJdLqxsEhgEX6w3qE9m0F6b1PGOD56mMh5ASLRko1acyfGPl4keBgGIHoAR9cZnRjmE8guXPtPqHIF2w0-ttlCuWL_8Nyf-dTG2HFDKqmoEXGgoSpkx0yPXcvucLFaDSufQaPbar0sE/s200/sister.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642955812846148146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307716514">Sister<br /></a>By Rosamund Lupton<br />Random House, 2011. 336 pgs. Mystery.<br /><br />Beatrice lives in New York, an ocean from her only sister Tess, a poor art student studying in London. But the distance doesn’t keep them from maintaining an intensely close relationship and when Tess goes missing, Beatrice immediately flies to England to help locate her. As the investigation proceeds, the police decide no foul play is involved, despite Beatrice’s assurances that her sister was being harassed and feared for her safety. Without official support, Beatrice tries to use what resources she has to investigate on her own and find her beloved sister.<br /><br />Sister is a touching psychological thriller, if such a thing is possible. The relationship between the two women provides depth of character and motive which intensifies the impending danger and the reader’s engagement. Revelations are spaced throughout the narration providing various ‘ah-ha’ moments and a satisfying pace. This is a terrific debut effort from a promising new writer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoLkdyRt-kHiJ-shlVt7bMdRkGi6CfyP8L0QS9lt9ZWIjiRu9jPV4_0di7vwf311QVhpMMUF-GAaaAHi6UY7845NIcuyqLwE9gAH4qUeBJgj9uT2MBez2GS5ZeqhVhFC8M3HBre5CUII/s1600/rules+of+civility.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoLkdyRt-kHiJ-shlVt7bMdRkGi6CfyP8L0QS9lt9ZWIjiRu9jPV4_0di7vwf311QVhpMMUF-GAaaAHi6UY7845NIcuyqLwE9gAH4qUeBJgj9uT2MBez2GS5ZeqhVhFC8M3HBre5CUII/s200/rules+of+civility.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642340944302766946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780670022694">Rules of Civility</a><br />By Amor Towles<br />Viking, 2011. 334 pgs. Historical Fiction.<br /><br />The year is 1938 and the city is New York. America is just finding its financial footing after surviving the Great Depression and young Americans are seeing that their dreams may not be as impossible as they may have seemed only a few years ago. On a dark New Year’s Eve, Katey, Eve, and Tinker meet up and begin the year with a promise to break out of their ruts and embrace unexpected opportunities. Within weeks, a tragic car accident will force those promised changes and start the three friends toward futures no one could have anticipated.<br /><br />This story is fantastic and these characters are vibrantly depicted, but it’s the sense of place the author infuses in his writing that makes this one of the best books I’ve read this year. Katey, is by far, the star of the story. And, while the book is certainly more literary than those typically labeled ‘chick lit’, I can not seem to keep myself from placing her among my favorite heroines from that genre. She is certainly more self-assured and socially presentable than Bridget Jones, but she still inspires in this reader that same sense of loyalty and desire for her to come out on top. This is an easy recommendation to historical and literary fiction readers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNT06o0QQxqK6kNgceG9tGi1u25kOT5dk8K4VcLfYJCZiasQhIiWWK_rzycnEWTv4V_kXA_LMSFQQ10OI0N5_QnJCQxgHPur0LIFtwWIRo3I-PipLh3hIjy-cdVC7fpZ_2o9xYqQtdBk/s1600/then-came-you1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNT06o0QQxqK6kNgceG9tGi1u25kOT5dk8K4VcLfYJCZiasQhIiWWK_rzycnEWTv4V_kXA_LMSFQQ10OI0N5_QnJCQxgHPur0LIFtwWIRo3I-PipLh3hIjy-cdVC7fpZ_2o9xYqQtdBk/s200/then-came-you1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641968420527510162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781451617726">Then Came You</a><br />By Jennifer Weiner<br />Atria Books, 2011. 352 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />This is a story of four women. Each one is at a turning point in life and is struggling with her own set of challenges. India is attempting to becoming a mother before the opportunity has passed. Bettina, India’s step-daughter is desperately trying to keep her fractured family from further disintegration. As a college student, Jules has financial troubles which are complicated by her drug addict father. And finally, Annie who needs to help keep her family financially afloat while staying at home with her two young boys. These four women will be brought together and each one will play a vital role in the life of a baby being brought into the world.<br /><br />This book was okay. The premise is intriguing and the issues interesting. Society’s definition of family is put under the microscope as the story raises the consequences of solutions science has found to help infertile couples have children. Egg donation and surrogacy are both necessary to bring India’s familial dreams to life but unanticipated events complicate the already convoluted situation. A decent addition to the world of women’s literature.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EKkZ59xvHsZbDN0k66nFxVgUROd_1Jh4JWtUDCpncB16QEqwD6PFOwnhS5rVHOERv0UC4RPGzZbtBgEiWsh-zkKR7f2IcY2Qw96nuxFN2IyEGUMr9E1ibaMnJDgVCSo7s_rJ1X_Ss48/s1600/clara+%2526+mr+tiffany.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EKkZ59xvHsZbDN0k66nFxVgUROd_1Jh4JWtUDCpncB16QEqwD6PFOwnhS5rVHOERv0UC4RPGzZbtBgEiWsh-zkKR7f2IcY2Qw96nuxFN2IyEGUMr9E1ibaMnJDgVCSo7s_rJ1X_Ss48/s200/clara+%2526+mr+tiffany.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641475196680571954" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781400068166">Clara and Mr. Tiffany</a><br />By Susan Vreeland<br />Random House, 2011. 405 pgs. Historical Fiction<br /><br />Clara Driscoll lived during an exciting and turbulent time; especially if you were a woman in the workforce. Following a brief marriage to an older man, the young widow returned to work at the studio of Louis Comfort Tiffany, a respected artist and eventual heir of the famous Tiffany and Co. jewelry company. She managed his department of unmarried women building stained glass windows and eventually helped to invent and design the beautiful Tiffany lamps crafted from stained glass. Her story vividly portrays how hard women in the early 1900s fought to secure a place in both the arts and in the corporate world.<br /><br />Vreeland brings art to life in her fiction. Her descriptions of the masterpieces created in glass cannot help but fascinate readers. As with much historical fiction, the best part is that it is based on actual facts. Clara’s unrecognized contributions to such a famous art form is a tragedy. And while in life she never received credit for her gifts or skills, this novelization of her efforts and courage is inspiring. A good choice for art and historical fiction fans.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtfjzZygwAjnW83linAQ8Cy-ZJSqiEbYnZ6NavkGrAmafXPmvZjLguoBswgnOIHZuVQZ_9zPEOEGyEoLdaDX4LJGsCnFs-n7pSZ-SlfoV37mvaUv9QcdQY9909HrveuzTTobnIOXoyQY/s1600/art-of-racing-in-the-rain.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtfjzZygwAjnW83linAQ8Cy-ZJSqiEbYnZ6NavkGrAmafXPmvZjLguoBswgnOIHZuVQZ_9zPEOEGyEoLdaDX4LJGsCnFs-n7pSZ-SlfoV37mvaUv9QcdQY9909HrveuzTTobnIOXoyQY/s200/art-of-racing-in-the-rain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641474684224542130" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780061537936">The Art of Racing in the Rain</a><br />By Garth Stein<br />Harper, 2008. 321 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Enzo, a lab terrier mix, is adopted as a puppy by a race car driver named Denny. The two bond almost immediately and Enzo quickly realizes he is far more self-aware than other dogs. He watches as Denny meets and falls in love with Eve and learns how quickly things can change as a couple becomes a family. As he narrates the story, Enzo recognizes the strength and courage necessary to live a full life, loving people and striving to achieve fulfillment.<br /><br />This has been a popular novel over the past couple of years. If the reader is a ‘dog person,’ I think it would be easy to enjoy the story and Enzo’s insights. However, since I’m not even an ‘animal person’ I found the canine narration annoying and self-righteous, but I believe I am severely biased and species-ist. I enjoyed Denny and Eve’s story and some of the parallels drawn between life and racing, but I was never able to really ‘buy in’ to the book’s premise. I good book for a different audience.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-17243153267936550932011-08-13T20:03:00.000-07:002011-08-13T20:09:49.312-07:00July Book Report<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNz4PB2CJIQqIEnFB72Lhyphenhyphen-fhqMgiwpYGMGJlUzc_p0UVlb4z1ZOL6x82KwUe2_gva4X8KW2YWDEz8DqRg1qAGDAAJ08g80ai9UHobL5CFRoLYcoXU-mIomPdKYWv0E_zZs3kOC5vJLY/s1600/mozart+conspiracy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 132px; float: left; height: 200px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632567739086849938" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNz4PB2CJIQqIEnFB72Lhyphenhyphen-fhqMgiwpYGMGJlUzc_p0UVlb4z1ZOL6x82KwUe2_gva4X8KW2YWDEz8DqRg1qAGDAAJ08g80ai9UHobL5CFRoLYcoXU-mIomPdKYWv0E_zZs3kOC5vJLY/s200/mozart+conspiracy.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781439193365">The Mozart Conspiracy</a>
<br />By Scott Mariani
<br />Simon & Schuster, 2011. 337 pgs. Fiction.
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<br />As a former British SAS officer, Ben Hope has a valuable skill set that he uses to help individuals in a variety of crisis situations. After rescuing a kidnapping victim, Ben’s hopes of several weeks of recuperation are destroyed by a call from a close friend’s sister, who also happens to be Ben’s ex. Leigh’s brother died months ago in an apparent accident, however recent events are making the circumstances surrounding his death look more and more suspect and Leigh’s own life has now been threatened. Here enters an intriguing and dangerous puzzle involving Mozart’s mysterious death and the Freemason movement of the late 18th Century.
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<br />This book has been described as “James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code,” which is a tall order to fill. But Scott Mariani succeeds in this exciting adventure novel. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Mozart Conspiracy</span> is the first American release for a British series that currently has six installments. I am anxiously looking forward to the next volume’s US release. Enthusiastically recommended!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CGVFnMPJ48qxPBWtF1ST4ZrY7qw7PRwspdo8lHymQHKdhHAEVGveda-R1Myod6wivnla_7Lk8WQdeiUeY0vO7tByFjBPUF7YgjMe6wP8759SMMuVrbbXd-ZVDl6EyhD6MW3XYhx5iD8/s1600/young+wife.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CGVFnMPJ48qxPBWtF1ST4ZrY7qw7PRwspdo8lHymQHKdhHAEVGveda-R1Myod6wivnla_7Lk8WQdeiUeY0vO7tByFjBPUF7YgjMe6wP8759SMMuVrbbXd-ZVDl6EyhD6MW3XYhx5iD8/s200/young+wife.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632567876412267730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781451612721">A Young Wife</a>
<br />By Pam Lewis
<br />Simon & Schuster, 2011. 289 pgs. Historical Fiction.
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<br />Based loosely on the life of the author’s grandmother, A Young Wife tells the story of Minke van Aisma. At the age of 15, Minke is sent to Amsterdam from her small fishing village to care for the dying wife of a wealthy businessman named Sander DeVries. After only a few months, the wife dies and Minke is caught completely off-guard when Sander proposes marriage and a plan to leave the Netherlands for opportunities in Argentina. Mistaking an exciting infatuation with lasting love, Minke agrees to the marriage and is soon saying farewell to her family and homeland. However, life in Argentina fails to live up to Sander’s promises and Minke is forced to face the consequences of her rash decision to marry a man she barely knew.
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<br />I thought the most interesting part of A Young Wife was the descriptions of turn of the century Netherlands, Argentina, and New York. Each stage of Minke’s journey illuminated the lives of immigrants who left the Old World searching for happiness in the New. I finished the book a bit curious as to what portions of the story were true and which portions were fictionalized. The plot’s conclusion seemed a bit too coincidental to be believable but sometimes truth can actually be stranger than fiction, so you never know.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayhpZeHOYn4p6nOHnAMTLDjsHlKaM39zvHjCUjR7LuyvSMfZQtgpv-WUSNaJwUVSl9L_iqufqXU1nlPuoU0Y8-OwNLJifTSpcVmzgDZ_XdULH58ndJvON9Gl4qECtF4Muw3KMoMXpa1A/s1600/prophecy.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayhpZeHOYn4p6nOHnAMTLDjsHlKaM39zvHjCUjR7LuyvSMfZQtgpv-WUSNaJwUVSl9L_iqufqXU1nlPuoU0Y8-OwNLJifTSpcVmzgDZ_XdULH58ndJvON9Gl4qECtF4Muw3KMoMXpa1A/s200/prophecy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632676329604922978" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780385531306"> Prophecy: An Historical Thriller
<br /></a>By S.J. Parris
<br />Doubleday, 2011. 375 pgs. Mystery.
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<br />Giordano Bruno returns in this second installation of Parris’s new mystery series. This time, all of England is talking about the prophecies predicting Queen Elizabeth’s imminent death. Powerful astrological phenomena abound but when one of the Queen’s ladies is found violently murdered, Bruno is skeptical about the causes being supernatural and begins a hunt for conspirators and murderers.
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<br />Parris continues her series with vibrant historical settings and an intriguing mystery to unravel. Bruno is an entertaining and likable hero with virtues as well as faults providing a believable and multilayered character. This is a great choice for both mystery readers and those who enjoy historical fiction.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkmyWBifZd0SPnZh28F0yZk_xlKn1K78uqus2mevfVBYTPVcbZBVjQ0Jsj_1cydybIXlunyvCPJVqrtzLaTVaFRZHMaT-q0KHTmzQgzF3vi_Nomn18rlpqnKcaXS31_MCOsRJlcCrbxU/s1600/Robopocalypse.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkmyWBifZd0SPnZh28F0yZk_xlKn1K78uqus2mevfVBYTPVcbZBVjQ0Jsj_1cydybIXlunyvCPJVqrtzLaTVaFRZHMaT-q0KHTmzQgzF3vi_Nomn18rlpqnKcaXS31_MCOsRJlcCrbxU/s200/Robopocalypse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638878863007285346" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780385533850">Robopocalypse </a>
<br />By Daniel H. Wilson
<br />Doubleday, 2011. 347 pgs. Science Fiction.
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<br />In a future not far distant from our own, humankind has grown to depend heavily on machines and computers to assist them in their day-to-day lives. As researchers continue to increase the intelligence of their robotic creations, one scientist gives life to a murderous super computer who creates a networked army with the machines and androids present around the world. Now a great war is being waged and the people of Earth will have to work together to survive a nightmare of their own creation.
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<br />This is an apocalyptic story of mankind’s ability to adapt and survive. It is told as an oral history through transcripts, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts. It can certainly be classed as an exciting sci-fi thriller. However, on the final page I was surprised at how disappointed I felt that I had not been able to spend more time with the characters. Their development remained shallow and they never progressed beyond acquaintances keeping the reader at an unsatisfying distance. A good quick read if you are in the mood for adventure, but if you enjoy character development and more depth in your reading, you may want to pass. A movie is rumored to be in the works for release in 2013.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BFyCOmRgT4UDJcUfNCI1ZYdfwSoqG7BzxEZWb-NwlZh7nU5pgBZXhJcLPNBePebJv_9jnK1ZLvqguJuk3RQpyiKZjr4VRnZql5Kpr7SUVbfh-u-tU53LFiRlK4DVaNORdoV3d-1Tzg/s1600/greater+journey.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BFyCOmRgT4UDJcUfNCI1ZYdfwSoqG7BzxEZWb-NwlZh7nU5pgBZXhJcLPNBePebJv_9jnK1ZLvqguJuk3RQpyiKZjr4VRnZql5Kpr7SUVbfh-u-tU53LFiRlK4DVaNORdoV3d-1Tzg/s200/greater+journey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638878967772367890" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781416571766">The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris
<br /></a>By David McCullough
<br />Simon & Schuster, 2011. 558 pgs. Nonfiction
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<br />Paris during the 19th Century was considered the world's center for the arts and learning. This was one reason why a number of Americans including author James Fennimore Cooper, artist and inventor Samuel Morse, painter Mary Cassatt, and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, sacrificed much to live, for at least a while, the Parisian life. "The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris" is a history of these and other influential Americans and how their time in the City of Light shaped their accomplishments and helped prepare the United States for the coming century of achievement.
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<br />There is no question that David McCullough has earned his place as one of the greatest historical writers publishing today. He seems to be able to take almost any topic and bring it to life. "A Greater Journey" is no different and brings to light an amazing group of individuals whose experiences abroad inspired their work and achievements. Anyone who has, will, or desires to visit Paris should pick up this book. It will certainly augment the experience and bring added significance to the city's many attractions, historic sights, and timeless allure.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjJFalt7dGFJGNIOSsXROZNXUvSifxryux7oubpIsMMBMtTMNVKt-5nlwv0na1aM-Vxzmq0G5ipqCBoABPZCiTq10VOV7ghewswebqe368dx4nagdCObF_Z54VE4AMwfX53n8vPWGDBo/s1600/Filter-Bubble-cover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjJFalt7dGFJGNIOSsXROZNXUvSifxryux7oubpIsMMBMtTMNVKt-5nlwv0na1aM-Vxzmq0G5ipqCBoABPZCiTq10VOV7ghewswebqe368dx4nagdCObF_Z54VE4AMwfX53n8vPWGDBo/s200/Filter-Bubble-cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638879087844928258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781594203008">The Filter Bubble: What the Internet is Hiding from You
<br /></a>By Eli Pariser
<br />Penguin Press, 2011. 294 pgs. Nonfiction
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<br />As Internet users we are, in general, oblivious to the amount of information our most trusted websites are collecting about us and our interests. Google, Facebook, Amazon, and many other sites use information gleaned from our past use to improve our experience the next time we log on. How this personalization is putting our society at risk is the topic of Eli Pariser’s new book. He shows that this new online environment, in the short term seems to be a great idea since we get relevant results quickly and do not need to spend as much time searching and sorting. But in the long run, we lose an accurate portrayal of what the world around us actually looks like.
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<br />Pariser's aim is clearly to frighten readers and he does a pretty good job. If you would prefer to continue your carefree enjoyment of the Internet and its amazing conveniences, certainly do not consider reading "The Filter Bubble." If, on the other hand, you are ready to have your eyes opened to the dangers presented when we mindlessly trust the websites we use daily, this is a troubling report sure to ignite important conversations.
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<br />CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-72239577928862049682011-07-04T19:22:00.000-07:002011-07-04T19:25:40.841-07:00Book Reviews<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Mrqqvjyi_65BAx41t0HD4945Xe9owd39QoIRkto6z7otwXkzIRpdVXYF8YkvaVv1mXZc-HgKfkavdMX25noIjOKsF1w5cDMYqnyW_wbSXNnUsmiheuwKMWKhrLeCbiR2IIql3g6p2w/s1600/doc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Mrqqvjyi_65BAx41t0HD4945Xe9owd39QoIRkto6z7otwXkzIRpdVXYF8YkvaVv1mXZc-HgKfkavdMX25noIjOKsF1w5cDMYqnyW_wbSXNnUsmiheuwKMWKhrLeCbiR2IIql3g6p2w/s200/doc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618974369416374498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781400068043">Doc: A Novel</a><br />By Mary Doria Russell<br />Random House, 2011. 394 pgs. Fiction.<br /><br />The need to fight for life began at birth for John Henry Holliday who immerged into this world with a cleft palate, which at that time was almost a death sentence for a newborn. His uncle, a gifted surgeon was able to repair much of the deformity, and his mother spent months feeding him with a dropper and years helping him to speak well enough that few knew he had ever struggled. While he was still young, his mother died of tuberculosis and left her only son with the same disease. His TB would eventually force him to move from his home to the dry, clean air of the Wild West. He would eventually become famous for his involvement in a brief shootout at the O.K. Corral and generations would know him by his nickname, Doc Holliday.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Doc </span>is historical fiction at its finest. Russell paints a realistic and vibrant portrait of an educated man forced to live in a wild frontier. Doc Holliday is a great hero in his own story and while Russell doesn’t sensationalize the myths that are associated with his life and deeds, he is still clearly a larger-than-life character along with Wyatt and Morgan Earp, Miss Kate, and other key players who inhabited Dodge City. Readers will appreciate Russell’s humor and beautiful writing style along with Doc’s adventurous and courageous spirit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-sLz_s6ONmH13DTiaGbSAwQV4SeEML0LpmcsWx0meIGypEbGpQzkwBSPDdozmUzGTT1zcmyvQVnxUBYON81GkeIhP8QyY2ZykTXY7aS7ZdOB7Pl3Tn4gz03C8yp3F6a5VlmBZr-cJg/s1600/matterhorn-a-novel-of-the-vietnam-war.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-sLz_s6ONmH13DTiaGbSAwQV4SeEML0LpmcsWx0meIGypEbGpQzkwBSPDdozmUzGTT1zcmyvQVnxUBYON81GkeIhP8QyY2ZykTXY7aS7ZdOB7Pl3Tn4gz03C8yp3F6a5VlmBZr-cJg/s200/matterhorn-a-novel-of-the-vietnam-war.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623785330722291026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780802119285">Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War<br /></a>By Karl Marlantes<br />Atlantic Monthly Press, 2010. 600 pgs. Fiction.<br /><br />The horrors of war are brought alive through the story of young Lieutenant Waino Mallas as he joins Bravo Company deep in the jungles of war torn Vietnam. Mallas joins the Marines hoping to distinguish himself and launch his hoped for political career. But the realities of the controversial conflict almost immediately make him question the wisdom of his enlistment. Wild jungle animals, disease, malnutrition, jungle rot, leaches, not to mention the opposing forces all endanger the lives of Bravo Company marines. However, the internal dangers of the conflict become nearly as deadly as Mallas faces misinformed and dangerously ambitious officers as well as violent racial aggression.<br /><br />This is an extremely powerful novelization of a conflict that has not been portrayed often in fiction. It’s a stunning debut effort for Marlantes who spent ten years writing it using his own ex-marine experiences. He pulls no punches as he describes the violence and trauma faced by soldiers at war. Readers should expect a great deal of gritty language along with an amazing and eye opening story that won’t be forgotten soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI8PaCV5zppqbFFeOLURbFpdd2Tv1qjMBXZeDM7bWBVvS9xZSTH5Fg8fIcPcXA8iMZYAOV-vHgkWabZDMXpkeafvsRN-s6RCj56b7SKx-AUsvrlixYSdDwKv8kAWaiAhYabB61v4y5XY/s1600/22-britannia-road.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI8PaCV5zppqbFFeOLURbFpdd2Tv1qjMBXZeDM7bWBVvS9xZSTH5Fg8fIcPcXA8iMZYAOV-vHgkWabZDMXpkeafvsRN-s6RCj56b7SKx-AUsvrlixYSdDwKv8kAWaiAhYabB61v4y5XY/s200/22-britannia-road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623787063276158738" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780670022632">22 Britannia Road<br /></a>By Amanda Hodgkinson<br />Viking, 2011. 323 pgs. Historical Fiction.<br /><br />World War II stories abound in recent literature, but 22 Britannia Road tells of the personal aftermath the conflict visited upon those who survived. Silvana and Janusz fell in love, married, and welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world just as Germany took control of their Hungarian homeland and they were forced to part. Years later, they reunite in a small home on Britannia Road in England. But too much has happened during their separation to allow them to pick up where they left off. The scars and secrets they carry will eventually rise to the surface and the love they once had for each other may not be strong enough to keep their family from falling apart.<br /><br />Despite my own struggle to relate to these characters, 22 Britannia Road is a great historical novel. It illuminates the heroic efforts required by that generation to live the lives they fought for so desperately. Living through war is only half the story. For those who remained, peace would require equal acts of bravery and resolve.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0huIHchNBVIiSbFwFUsVV5ul-ALs6_TMjlCmD9pHaLjWjUjv8E5CRDLbWQZJoy0o22vY-Pzi62KZo5rPrApSbKZpVcJ1AAnGnUBxEb2F-hekEs6dfp4kyxGIoYc9s2IwK_cZd2GxCoTE/s1600/smokin_seventeen.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0huIHchNBVIiSbFwFUsVV5ul-ALs6_TMjlCmD9pHaLjWjUjv8E5CRDLbWQZJoy0o22vY-Pzi62KZo5rPrApSbKZpVcJ1AAnGnUBxEb2F-hekEs6dfp4kyxGIoYc9s2IwK_cZd2GxCoTE/s200/smokin_seventeen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623787276312551570" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780345527684">Smokin’ Seventeen<br /></a>By Janet Evanovich<br />Bantam Books, 2011. 308 pgs. Mystery.<br /><br />Stephanie Plum has a serious problem. She is in love with two men. One is Trenton police detective Joe Morelli. The other is mysterious security expert Ranger. Both men have undeniable attractions and both relationships contain possibly insurmountable obstacles. But Stephanie is determined to find out what her heart wants and she may possibly have time to make a decision if it weren’t for all the people who are trying to kill her, not to mention the dead bodies that keep appearing with gift tags addressed to her. Add to that an unfortunate curse placed on Stephanie by Morelli’s crazy grandmother and you are set for another fantastic mystery in this hilarious series.<br /><br />This is one of those guilty pleasures I just can’t seem to resist. I love Stephanie. I love Lula. I love Grandma Mazer. I even love Mooner. However, the past few books have left me a little disenchanted with the love triangle. Stephanie just seems to waffle back and forth between the two men and it seemed to be getting a bit stale. Smokin’ Seventeen broke that trend and I felt that the plotline was able to progress without actually progressing …a difficult thing to manage as has been demonstrated by innumerable series both in print and on TV. I am, once again, looking forward to Evanovich’s next Plum mystery.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-71095388584224965292011-06-13T12:42:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:58:11.943-07:00Couple More...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIW3-PqhM8XgTnCdh9_1NqtAWs8HOO-j5s0bLmksLKf4rc1XcGfVzifzy68gD0hDeCKEPf4W9eOlILGQFHgyRwxD03NzCic_48DvgFyvCuY8L7d93eteO4svdtCvJEFe5aMy3DhGE4VE/s1600/Peach.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617793160669990050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIW3-PqhM8XgTnCdh9_1NqtAWs8HOO-j5s0bLmksLKf4rc1XcGfVzifzy68gD0hDeCKEPf4W9eOlILGQFHgyRwxD03NzCic_48DvgFyvCuY8L7d93eteO4svdtCvJEFe5aMy3DhGE4VE/s320/Peach.jpg" /></a>The Peach Keeper<br />By Sarah Addison Allen<br />Bantam Books, 2011. 273 pgs.<br /><br />This was a really great, quick summer read. Willa Jackson's life is upturned as her old family home is restored to its previous glory. The renovation stirs up old ghosts and better yet, old skeletons. Willa's attempts to distance herself from her family's past as well as her own is made impossible, especially when old high school friends turn up. She and an odd and somewhat unwilling group of high school classmates are thrown together and forced to face their pasts as well as their futures.<br /><br />This isn't a squeekly clean read, but it was fun with a little romance, a little mystery, and a little invitation to join the book's characters in deciding if the years between your high school graduation and now were spent becoming more or less the true you. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukE-5FCwGdajzW1GHry8qKYoLSatMmo3mymFMSrGoFAaDPQ8AcBvyTGQ_D1ehrpzuvzFA23aBW_-MeUUmVUmA0vF994LKp4qrY-lWAcQA7ZC4upBqViBP1gkQhYzB-zLMxhFhYuq98XU/s1600/dead.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617793070319622258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukE-5FCwGdajzW1GHry8qKYoLSatMmo3mymFMSrGoFAaDPQ8AcBvyTGQ_D1ehrpzuvzFA23aBW_-MeUUmVUmA0vF994LKp4qrY-lWAcQA7ZC4upBqViBP1gkQhYzB-zLMxhFhYuq98XU/s320/dead.jpg" /></a><br />Dead Reckoning<br />By Charlaine Harris<br />Ace Books, 2011. 325 pgs.<br /><br />I'm really just posting this because I feel a need to have full disclosure. I'd hate to think I was lieing to anyone about the garbage I sometimes read. I swore I wouldn't continue with this series after the last one, which was just dumb! But, I totally caved and fortunatel, <em>Dead Reckoning</em> was actually better than #10, though nowhere near as good as the first 5 or 6. I'm afriad I can't recommend any of them since the poor plot development after book 7 or 8 just doesn't make up for how much fun those first few are. The series really doesn't have many, if any, redeaming qualities....except that I love Eric...darn it all!CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-13778302985294806462011-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:41:51.941-07:00Book Reviews<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGottoGFv6HrrKitKPsrTxU9sgxZCvtBrAbnR_DRZHHyNQ-Emn1Tgx2Ja9YigxjbiHM-KkuH0xMkFpNa_4uhHV_lEDiIZF5AEtXx6QlOVMeuBaIJbobjT-V9qAyHiEd1Ek01pdXZG4zkw/s1600/the+redbreast.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616716133631625714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGottoGFv6HrrKitKPsrTxU9sgxZCvtBrAbnR_DRZHHyNQ-Emn1Tgx2Ja9YigxjbiHM-KkuH0xMkFpNa_4uhHV_lEDiIZF5AEtXx6QlOVMeuBaIJbobjT-V9qAyHiEd1Ek01pdXZG4zkw/s200/the+redbreast.jpg" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780061133992">The Redbreast<br /></a>By Jo Nesbo<br />Harpercollins, 2006. 519 pgs. Mystery<br /><br />The plot to this wonderfully complicated thriller/mystery begins at the German Eastern front with a group of Norwegian soldiers fighting the Russians for the Nazi regime. This historical story is told amid a modern story starring Harry Hole, an unlucky inspector for the Norwegian Security Service. The two narratives are expertly woven together and the plot takes a number of fantastic and unexpected turns.<br /><br />Harry Hole is a terrific protagonist for this mystery series. Nesbo is a good writer and unfolds his story with a great deal of insight into the human psyche. It does have a dominant European feel and I would readily recommend <em>The Redbreast</em> to anyone who enjoyed Larsson’s popular series but would like to try something with a little less graphic violence and sex. I am eager to continue to read of Harry’s further adventures in the second book in the series, <em>Nemesis</em>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh812_m11kfFWGLcCrWSn_LeTMv1aVMPWUjSk3vpu1aDkM-DxDF92sBVI7QrZGvUiG-8_4SgT1LebhInUGEGWWfbB1XkcKyj7dBiD7UFWZq_pRNLUOBOJz0HkejbXVtFOBMXN3d67u2eRI/s1600/stories+i+only+tell+my+friends.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh812_m11kfFWGLcCrWSn_LeTMv1aVMPWUjSk3vpu1aDkM-DxDF92sBVI7QrZGvUiG-8_4SgT1LebhInUGEGWWfbB1XkcKyj7dBiD7UFWZq_pRNLUOBOJz0HkejbXVtFOBMXN3d67u2eRI/s200/stories+i+only+tell+my+friends.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616716063084457554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780805093292">Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography<br /></a>By Rob Lowe<br />Henry Holt & Co., 2011. 308 pgs. Biography<br /><br />Rob Lowe’s autobiography takes readers through his early mid-western childhood, his introduction to fame and the addictions that followed, and finally to his recovery and eventual professional and personal success. The narrative moves quickly as Lowe describes his journey through the obstacles of life in the limelight. He does, indeed, tell some great stories and he includes a star studded line-up of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues.<br /><br />Lowe proves himself a good writer and I could easily list <em>Stories I Only Tell My Friends</em> among the best celebrity autobiographies I’ve read. You could almost accuse him of name dropping, except that he makes it so much fun. Celebrities pop up consistently and Lowe’s behind the scene stories make this a perfect book for fans of the Brat Pack and all things 80s. Warning: Readers should be prepared to feel a serious need to Netflix <em>The Outliers</em>, <em>St. Elmo’s Fire</em>, and the first four seasons of <em>The West Wing</em>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5lWIMP48VnBPrnM82vFThkVPdVS1rPmmlRQuGrhh7XY9hAvzGOlTYiNyhj61YvJHbGanAoWy37FAbo1pvhErKCOJgelfgdSxRCMPAdtf1Bm-kFjHKe7CGKjkgUzFeV2AXgtebmEJYvE/s1600/lost+in+shangrila.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5lWIMP48VnBPrnM82vFThkVPdVS1rPmmlRQuGrhh7XY9hAvzGOlTYiNyhj61YvJHbGanAoWy37FAbo1pvhErKCOJgelfgdSxRCMPAdtf1Bm-kFjHKe7CGKjkgUzFeV2AXgtebmEJYvE/s200/lost+in+shangrila.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616715992187293746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780061988349">Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II<br /></a>By Mitchell Zuckoff<br />Harpercollins, 2011. 384 pgs. Nonfiction<br /><br />High in the unexplored mountains of New Guinea, just as World War II was wrapping up, a plane full of servicemen and women crashed and was swallowed by the dense jungle terrain. They had set out on a sightseeing expedition to fly over a hidden valley frequently referred to as Shangri-La. Survivors of the fiery crash would need to find a way to signal search planes and then survive until a rescue mission could be attempted. After weeks of surviving in and exploring the exotic region, survivors and their rescuers were finally able to escape the hidden paradise and return to civilization.<br /><br />What makes this book great are the amazing people involved in the rescue and the survivors themselves. Their stories are fascinating. Also, the natives of the valley add a great deal to the story as readers glimpse a community of people completely isolated from the outside world. What was a little disappointing was that the actual rescue operation took up only the last several pages and, while it was certainly daring and fraught with danger, it still left me a little underwhelmed. Despite that, this is a wonderful piece of nonfiction that can easily be recommended to World War II enthusiasts and armchair adventurers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP6dyypiiBrpbfLfBjjgW04Q8hG6Y2wveW2FQAmGdEhDNAJnYHk9H19KbNm3WlRXXPhtELgxPo0rrDPkYBLHr_EVCffP8ruvDlw4I2wJhGQKzalZizTX_JcZResE6lGELAVRLd0dgbNU/s1600/bonhoeffer.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP6dyypiiBrpbfLfBjjgW04Q8hG6Y2wveW2FQAmGdEhDNAJnYHk9H19KbNm3WlRXXPhtELgxPo0rrDPkYBLHr_EVCffP8ruvDlw4I2wJhGQKzalZizTX_JcZResE6lGELAVRLd0dgbNU/s200/bonhoeffer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616715913978710850" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781595551382">Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich<br /></a>By Eric Metaxas<br />Thomas Nelson, 2010. 591 pgs. Biography<br /><br />Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born the son of a respected psychologist in Germany just after the turn of the century. Raised as an intellectual, Dietrich surprisingly decided to dedicate his career to the study of theology. As he began to study religion, he quickly became a sincere and prolific Christian at a time when devoted religious practices were far from popular. When the Third Reich gained control of German politics, Bonhoeffer’s beliefs placed him prominently against the Nazi Party. His tremendous patriotism and desire to truly live his religion ultimately required him to make the greatest sacrifice possible.<br /><br />This was such a great book about a truly inspirational man. Many are familiar with the Valkyre plot to kill Hitler. However, the story behind the brave men who had been placing themselves in opposition to Hitler from the outbreak of war have had less notoriety. Bonhoeffer’s biography brings many of these heroes to light and his theology, deeply rooted faith, and very personal relationship with God make this a recommended read for many reasons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS87KruHPg3QSK0-gmDEakJlrHyJj8cIAXgG2wHWfwfjAWC5UiVPkWlT3EtTtpiJDJOilTi1NU76zQepQ7wJlb9Hwhly-9v0jR4R17BibAZ9SoEDuKutx5NFGk8UzkZ-rzvJWd3AXnBU/s1600/the+geeks+shall+inherit+the+earth.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS87KruHPg3QSK0-gmDEakJlrHyJj8cIAXgG2wHWfwfjAWC5UiVPkWlT3EtTtpiJDJOilTi1NU76zQepQ7wJlb9Hwhly-9v0jR4R17BibAZ9SoEDuKutx5NFGk8UzkZ-rzvJWd3AXnBU/s200/the+geeks+shall+inherit+the+earth.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610350133650398674" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781401302023">The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Theory</span>, and Why Outsiders Thrive After High School<br /></a>By Alexandra Robbins<br />Hyperion, 2011. 436 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pgs</span>. Nonfiction<br /><br />Alexandra Robbins new book focuses on her ‘Quirk Theory’ which states that the very characteristics that make some students outcasts during their middle school and high school years are the characteristics that may make them more successful adults once they enter the real world. To prove her point, she introduces readers to seven people representing the “lunchroom fringe”. We me meet the loner, the popular bitch, the nerd, the new girl, the gamer, the weird girl, and the band geek. Each of these characters is given a challenge to change other’s perceptions of them by stepping outside their comfort zone and engaging with others.<br /><br />If you are reticent to return to the awkward moments we all had in high school, I’d veer clear of this book. However, if you are interested in the psychology of cliques and teen self esteem this is a great place to get an honest look at what it means to be a teen in today’s high schools. It is difficult not to start rooting for each of these characters as they try to make a difference and gain the confidence we wish all young adults had access to. Robbins ends the book with a list of things teens, parents, teachers and administrators can all do to improve the social aspects of our educational system. I believe the one overwhelming lesson to be taken from her narratives is that we need to encourage the celebration of diversity and individuality in ourselves and others, not only in high school, but far beyond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv50E9X95y0jYbJ5iSnEkyfGU20LOkF7MRds5FLWyAII97HJwSYDoHSVeRRnOGw2WcgKbYYkzQSVzu0TcZDQJ99an67xjbZ2mXzdlR3kQLMTig8n6K1yGq1qE1NtsIrk0xX_DV6frzXQ/s1600/swamplandia.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv50E9X95y0jYbJ5iSnEkyfGU20LOkF7MRds5FLWyAII97HJwSYDoHSVeRRnOGw2WcgKbYYkzQSVzu0TcZDQJ99an67xjbZ2mXzdlR3kQLMTig8n6K1yGq1qE1NtsIrk0xX_DV6frzXQ/s200/swamplandia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610350055023134706" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307263995"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Swamplandia</span>!<br /></a>By Karen Russell<br />Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 315 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pgs</span>. Fiction<br /><br />On a small island in the rural swamplands of Florida lives Ava <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bigtree</span> and her family. They run a tourist attraction headlining Ava’s mother, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hilola</span>, who swims with and wrestles the alligator. Business was never booming but when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hilola</span> dies of cancer the family is left with a gaping hole and no star performer for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Swamplandia</span>!. The family begins to crumble apart as Grandpa’s dementia requires he be sent to a home on the mainland; Ava’s brother’s resentment of their father’s desperate attempts to keep the park open eventually forces him to run away from home; her sister hides from her disappointing life by communing with the spirits which haunt the swamp; and Ava is left trying to hold the family together as she desperately clings to the only life she has ever known.<br /><br />Florida’s Everglades is a great setting for an interesting coming of age story and family drama. However, I never felt a real connection to the characters or their stories. Ava’s older brother, Kiwi, was the most believable or at least the most accessible of the characters and his efforts to acclimate himself to life off the island were some of my favorite parts of the story. But I felt the ending was unexpectedly dark and a bit contrived leaving me somewhat unsettled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU6_a0QL_MtsijvCMhIgCCZsWmc71kOHEDwSwgndS2q0e4ZaFkAAgmB0Mi7dXJY08ZvWfFRLynOEq6ecJy41HujZcOXoZRt33yYh7ir71mSLdvjwb84HnhQs0w_DB3JW01TqPPTNzAnc/s1600/The+dangerous+end+of+things.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU6_a0QL_MtsijvCMhIgCCZsWmc71kOHEDwSwgndS2q0e4ZaFkAAgmB0Mi7dXJY08ZvWfFRLynOEq6ecJy41HujZcOXoZRt33yYh7ir71mSLdvjwb84HnhQs0w_DB3JW01TqPPTNzAnc/s200/The+dangerous+end+of+things.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608546399576926002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781590588178">The Dangerous Edge of Things</a><br />By Tina Whittle<br />Poisoned Pen Press, 2011. 281 pgs. Mystery<br /><br />Tai’s life is already a bit complicated. Despite her brother Eric’s adamant disapproval, she has inherited her uncle’s gun shop and is in the midst of establishing a new life for herself in Atlanta. So when she finds a dead woman in a car parked outside Eric’s home she is quickly in over her head. To help her in his absence, Eric hires a security firm to protect her, a job that would be infinitely easier if she could overcome her uncontrollable curiosity. Trey Seaver, her protective service agent, has his work cut out for him as he tries to keep her safe while keeping her from discovering his own secrets.<br /><br />This book has been compared to Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels. It does share a fairly incompetent female protagonist placed is situations she is far from being equipped to handle and a cast of intriguing and entertaining supporting characters. However, Whittle’s new series doesn’t include the madcap hilarity, not to mention the language and sex, Stephanie Plum is famous for. Despite these differences, and possibly because of them, I found The Dangerous Edge of Things completely enjoyable and I look forward to reading more of Tai’s adventures in the future.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-14643720461259504742011-06-09T18:49:00.000-07:002011-06-09T18:54:53.047-07:00Best Library Conversation of the YearThis just happened and I HAD to share. A little girl just approached the desk and we had this little chat:<br /><br />LG: Can I have a piece of paper?<br />ME: Sure. (I give her an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of scratch paper with a little printing on the back)<br />LG: I don't want this one. There's stuff on it.<br />ME: Yes, but it's free!<br />LG: I want one of those clean pieces.<br />ME: Those aren't free.<br />LG: They gave me one before.<br />ME: Well, they were being nice. I'm mean.<br />LG: Are you mean to your kids?<br />ME: I don't have any kids?<br />LG: You don't! Do you have a dad?<br />ME: I do.<br />LG: Do you have a husband?<br />ME: Nope.<br />LG: Why not?<br />ME: Probably because I'm mean.<br />LG: Well then why did Jesus make you?<br />ME: He probably wants me to be nice.<br />LG: My mom is mean.<br />ME: I seriously doubt that. I'm sure she is really nice.<br />LG: No. She's mean.<br />ME: Well, I'm sure we are both trying.<br />LG: I guess. (And off she skips with her piece of scratch paper.)<br /><br />Absolutely made my day.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-58674107100825125782011-05-11T20:14:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:29:15.152-07:00Book Reviews<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pVWjvT-q0cyiLLHV_dncBjSwqo-A2IWVqvR9A4-_pRMgzyO2tkl8sg1Z6AoRWvyERpBDVrIM0ukXArReGhX8YhBCLKUN2hieNHun5wpYjrIWctOvyImiNhBjS4STy7K2bUksE5s9Z44/s1600/mom" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pVWjvT-q0cyiLLHV_dncBjSwqo-A2IWVqvR9A4-_pRMgzyO2tkl8sg1Z6AoRWvyERpBDVrIM0ukXArReGhX8YhBCLKUN2hieNHun5wpYjrIWctOvyImiNhBjS4STy7K2bUksE5s9Z44/s200/mom" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605665057458971602" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307593917">Please Look After Mom<br /></a>By Kyung-sook Shin<br />Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 237 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />On a train station platform in Seoul Korea, Park So-nyo disappears. Her husband and four children search for her without results for weeks. They run newspaper ads and walk the city’s streetshanding out flyers offering a reward for information leading to her recovery. The emotional journey this tragedyforces the family to take is told through the voice of a son, a daughter, a husband, and a mother. Each must deal with a lifetime of regrets built by daily taking those closest to us for granted.<br /><br />This is a powerfully poignant book perfect for Mother’s Day. It aptly demonstrates the sacrifices so many mothers make as they struggle to raise children, support husbands, and fulfill the myriad of responsibilities and tasks required when keeping a home. Several of the sections of this book are written in 2nd person taking the reader on a strangely personal journey with the character. The last time I read something in that tense it was “Choose Your Own Adventure” story. This book was infinitely better and can easily be recommended to anyone. Perfect for book clubs.<div><br /><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDQREq-GJ80aObYfgDhD6vSqz5JldHAPR85RkDWrH9xpTV5fVgZ4MtCes_eUevBD_bteICjS9nr8Kls3zwIQQNHoroKI08UvoLpCFy_XSVawiFWMuHktLtrDM9VdrPf6IMMxLvKmGOBM/s200/calebs+crossing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605124545115529762" border="0" /><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780670021048">Caleb’s Crossing<br /></a>By Geraldine BrooksViking, 2011. 306 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk was born a Wopanaak chief’s son on the island of Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) in 1646. Colonists from the mainland had just settled on part of the island and some felt they had a Christian responsibility to convert as many native islanders as possible. Bethia, the daughter of one such missionary and religious leader, tells Caleb’s story which leads him from the warrior traditions of his people to the halls of Harvard as the first Native American to graduate from that institution.</div><div><br />Pulitzer Prize Winner Geraldine Brooks has penned another amazing work of historical fiction. Little is actually know about Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk other than a bare sketch of his existence and achievements. But despite sparse</div><div>facts, Brooks has imagined an impressive representation of what he may have been like and the struggles he would have had to face. Brooks has a gift for depicting vivid characters and a true sense of time in her work, totally immersing the reader in a breathtaking journey to another era. Caleb’s Crossing is another great work by a spectacular author.</div><div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4IH7HZDsy6zspU2Y6FoHXPEp1tNkk0DP_9o9s7kOJyFf_qTpUc5s7RyVsL7tFVcOGgM2a2ZXgFAFd4abP-ngXinFaJ9TLwBpxjh7lOC2D5bcOs6Mv7Gy8Lq40lTmoQnZqTHJGkohDgA/s200/Unbroken" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605665347793568898" /><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781400064168">Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption</a><br />By Laura Hillenbrand<div>Random House, 2010. 473 pgs. Biography</div><div><div><br /></div><div>As World War II broke out, Louis Zamperini was an Olympic hopeful and a favorite to break the illusive four minute mile. The war would put all those dreams on hold and instead he found him self bombing the Japanese in the Pacific theater. After a run of successful bombing raids, Louis and his crew members are shot down and the survivors will have to live through weeks adrift on the unforgiving sea with inadequate supplies. When rescue finally comes it is in the form of the enemy and Louis's amazing tale of faith and perseverance begins in earnest.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a fantastic book. It keeps moving and paints a vivid picture of the strength shown by soldiers who survived the ultimate degradation. It always seems depressing to read of how evil men can be. But, this story is handled with such skill and respect that you can't help but be uplifted by the strength of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book especially to anyone interested in World War II history.<br /><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-4526410487551246572011-04-21T18:31:00.000-07:002011-04-21T18:33:15.911-07:00Vacation Book Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV6ZnpES4IS6fLYG-3Vs1IWsJIkqokdfeZ0XQhXFEqICNBjp3f3Q7duIDsz1jE1CaxgdVZpenPEIDpunK0SElAgax5avD2SSBvePoGHV31RZNPk-hcpBhrg_6umNyl03KOWyatzWqqiM/s1600/the+informationist%2527.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV6ZnpES4IS6fLYG-3Vs1IWsJIkqokdfeZ0XQhXFEqICNBjp3f3Q7duIDsz1jE1CaxgdVZpenPEIDpunK0SElAgax5avD2SSBvePoGHV31RZNPk-hcpBhrg_6umNyl03KOWyatzWqqiM/s200/the+informationist%2527.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598180675065548626" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780307717092">The Informationist: A Thriller<br /></a>By Taylor Stevens<br />Crown Publishers, 2011. 307 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Vanessa Munroe is an expert at finding information. Large corporations contract her to ferret out the stuff no one else can uncover in countries few others dare to travel. Her gifts with language and observation uniquely qualify her for this work along with her terrifyingly single-minded ability to protect herself both physically and emotionally. Her newest assignment is different from those she usually takes. This time she is going to Africa to find the daughter of a powerful oil executive who, four years ago, disappeared without a trace.<br /><br />This is Stevens’ debut novel and I loved it. It does seem to be setting up for a new series of books featuring Munroe and her associates but there was still a great deal of closure. So, while I look forward to more thrillers from this exciting new author, I like that I don’t feel the conclusion left me hanging. There is some rough language and violence but nothing I felt was gratuitous.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew3eK2hBKdcz6snaPzvf3pI-Iq6Da1IRljdNazRlpQ9c9K6-Nw8oSXzAZGPu81f-kzsfBHDatAyZQtLTzR228OQpTg2JWZQlXFvn31D4DZEOYAcxi7NkFup2fs4upNaBN54p4J1VXX8M/s1600/bossypants.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew3eK2hBKdcz6snaPzvf3pI-Iq6Da1IRljdNazRlpQ9c9K6-Nw8oSXzAZGPu81f-kzsfBHDatAyZQtLTzR228OQpTg2JWZQlXFvn31D4DZEOYAcxi7NkFup2fs4upNaBN54p4J1VXX8M/s200/bossypants.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598180277555545186" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780316056861">Bossypants </a><br />By Tina Fey<br />Little, Brown and Co. 2011. 277 pgs. Biography.<br /><br />Tina Fey is best known for her years writing and performing on Saturday Night Live, as the star and executive producer of 30 Rock, and her imitations of Sarah Palin during the past presidential election. In her memoir she tells of growing up as an outsider, finding her love for performance, and years of work in the comedy field, which is notoriously dominated by men.<br /><br />I’m going to be honest, the jacket art is hideous. It is probably the biggest obstacle to enjoying this book. It’s just creepy. But, if you can get past the “man hands”, Fey offers an entertaining journey through portions of her life. Be prepared for a bit of rough language mixed in with a great deal of sarcasm and number of laugh-out-loud observations from a very funny lady.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWBQ2dFyqmFl8K-w4W3Mz8LKIKledG9OJ79XjuyK58jNKjiLZqr_hYR2CWGYz76eFl1-oxpoB9OFk-SwOreLKx7sXLRsDD8HYDkGJZ-S2nW85e2lX-VVNhWNAz4bOQnvnWi63Cub_aI/s1600/nerve.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWBQ2dFyqmFl8K-w4W3Mz8LKIKledG9OJ79XjuyK58jNKjiLZqr_hYR2CWGYz76eFl1-oxpoB9OFk-SwOreLKx7sXLRsDD8HYDkGJZ-S2nW85e2lX-VVNhWNAz4bOQnvnWi63Cub_aI/s200/nerve.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598180189352285666" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780316042895">Nerve: Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Cool<br /></a>By Taylor Clark<br />Little, Brown and Co., 2011. 310 pgs. Nonfiction.<br /><br />Some of us tend to break out in a cold sweat at the mere thought of experiences and situations that others embrace and even seek with enthusiasm. In Nerve, Taylor Clark outlines new discoveries being made by neuroscientists about our natural reactions to environments that cause us stress and threaten us with harm, either physical or emotional. He provides excellent examples and perfectly balances instruction with entertainment. Best of all, he’s incredibly funny and personable.<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m not one to pick up self-help titles and was actually surprised it was categorized as such since I had selected it while searching for a good science read. But Nerve brings to the table the best of both genres. It has great stories and insights that inform and inspire which makes this a perfect choice for people looking to understand human nature and also those looking to overcome their own fears.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-84285799823882927532011-04-12T18:56:00.001-07:002011-04-12T19:15:58.252-07:00Why I Love My House<div>Well, a while ago I posted pictures of my new home. Soon after, I had my whole family over to celebrate my sister and nephew's birthdays. It was that weekend that I fell in love with my house. This is how it is supposed to be, full of people I love...I almost cried several times and other than a cold shower Dave ended up taking...it was pretty perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some pictures to illustrate...</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR5bqWmeU0j6vnijl6nWBew_w1MP-3y0D0qMWtjTO7M7iO9sM56DzwsSGEYs_1nvENUTFCxw9bVtJClrzWyk5iP1_EAgY7EwVNqw9Xz0siEEwCtfkUcMgrgmwFsQXH8D9ck0i2ua4hIA/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR5bqWmeU0j6vnijl6nWBew_w1MP-3y0D0qMWtjTO7M7iO9sM56DzwsSGEYs_1nvENUTFCxw9bVtJClrzWyk5iP1_EAgY7EwVNqw9Xz0siEEwCtfkUcMgrgmwFsQXH8D9ck0i2ua4hIA/s320/IMG_0841.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882755115603746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My new couches are nice...but look how cute they are with dozers all snuggled in!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVY28mIMAt5cOtENfz6yfDWqWXzoe0Ep7tCC86osb5pZIa8seH38ycKzr3Vyszfxq8D_pdZ5FHxYhUowSHCi-HDd4Cwuj2p7FSVyIx4g-xetM0ShSb-Zt-Wgy1RuCmWFXQwCp-nBVzsY/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVY28mIMAt5cOtENfz6yfDWqWXzoe0Ep7tCC86osb5pZIa8seH38ycKzr3Vyszfxq8D_pdZ5FHxYhUowSHCi-HDd4Cwuj2p7FSVyIx4g-xetM0ShSb-Zt-Wgy1RuCmWFXQwCp-nBVzsY/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882753940536930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the volcano cake I made for Jonathan...it totally didn't work right, but he still acted very excited about it. I was very excited that so many people could be in my kitchen and I didn't feel crowded by anyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A0IqtEmyYZnhWAw_7dPBd6DJXmz888VjsCq1rVfpnrBHVpebjjMLktF-h4JU1d6rR1Yi4mwZ0cgjdHynTov9fmOJSjHTaTaz6hwkVDtXPnLkdMCT14o15a8ccL1B2d2NXDUhCJiPAbs/s1600/IMG_0826.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A0IqtEmyYZnhWAw_7dPBd6DJXmz888VjsCq1rVfpnrBHVpebjjMLktF-h4JU1d6rR1Yi4mwZ0cgjdHynTov9fmOJSjHTaTaz6hwkVDtXPnLkdMCT14o15a8ccL1B2d2NXDUhCJiPAbs/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882490440622450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the musically gifted of the family singing around the piano. They were practicing a song they sang for my Grandfather's funeral a few weeks later. They sounded amazing while practicing and at the service.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3-IeAnjvbmbMQF0Qz5cAK_V85HECV3UxRuoVsED3b1h-xj7DnsbtGWmp3Ikd4X6TkWn8iJKYD0G14XGO0tvnm-HrwSY_gq1imsZcotkOk9mR_b5lWAcC_0WFPJsqnHtI1bEcACFZ2zo/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3-IeAnjvbmbMQF0Qz5cAK_V85HECV3UxRuoVsED3b1h-xj7DnsbtGWmp3Ikd4X6TkWn8iJKYD0G14XGO0tvnm-HrwSY_gq1imsZcotkOk9mR_b5lWAcC_0WFPJsqnHtI1bEcACFZ2zo/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882487491661522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The cake may not have erupted, but it did do a pretty good job of smoking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvXWVfw-KFwn_HcoSX_dCyGSRZny9AN1DNixXO7EABtIlyzEqn65UrIPj8PsIaSNiFzO-AunFRHY9pLKe9hCsLTnXKqkYOe6NzgrCKbc3z2P6s07qfC7gkL5_leoNOBn-zsR9N6UJ2K0/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvXWVfw-KFwn_HcoSX_dCyGSRZny9AN1DNixXO7EABtIlyzEqn65UrIPj8PsIaSNiFzO-AunFRHY9pLKe9hCsLTnXKqkYOe6NzgrCKbc3z2P6s07qfC7gkL5_leoNOBn-zsR9N6UJ2K0/s320/IMG_0823.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882481239978466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We put all the kids in the basement to sleep. I had found enough stuffed animals that they could all sleep with a little friend. Finishing the basement is the next big goal, I'm sure the kids will appreciate that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j1t3RqgdkTuaPIpqZK0m0nSCo6VSUzDgOuqrr8EGbbRbHgw-lDopzkg6Wc17ohwOa1QmM0qc570gCvymmYb4iholgm9d_8ryGYCdXzq2IIjhKkvr5Xd8uaQtvp1c4wpCnYfUwAj1pbo/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j1t3RqgdkTuaPIpqZK0m0nSCo6VSUzDgOuqrr8EGbbRbHgw-lDopzkg6Wc17ohwOa1QmM0qc570gCvymmYb4iholgm9d_8ryGYCdXzq2IIjhKkvr5Xd8uaQtvp1c4wpCnYfUwAj1pbo/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882479469788786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here we have two of my nephews before bed....I know you thought maybe one was a niece..but no, my nephew Nathan loves to sleep in a little pink nightgown...I mean nightshirt...and I think it's the most adorable thing in the whole entire world. No joke...the WHOLE WORLD!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEFlMYUtPBPS7eoIdTxt_y12A87QlFtEiSTkhvVhpNsjLpvl1cpKoJjs9UVbiYzJvcME8ESnB_S3F0MuqoQbJgf4C801rZBRjc9FBRPSel8O6mRIfVOXpC173ZGRah7lEOK4x9XpoEbs/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEFlMYUtPBPS7eoIdTxt_y12A87QlFtEiSTkhvVhpNsjLpvl1cpKoJjs9UVbiYzJvcME8ESnB_S3F0MuqoQbJgf4C801rZBRjc9FBRPSel8O6mRIfVOXpC173ZGRah7lEOK4x9XpoEbs/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594882473045490146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, the living room...just full of people I love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, there you have it. The #1 reason I love my house: People I love fit in it!</div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-52774685347870783852011-04-10T18:36:00.000-07:002011-04-10T18:40:30.130-07:00Book Report..s'more<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxmjX6VHgs4eu6-Rd3QLXlQQv1IpeqTxMMLseMltXGa1AE_NH58ljsxJCFMqqnldNhTkeF9KLjUI2nu9CR3c1uGP9MQ_Y6_ZxW5mXQE2rmoTddEXxwHEtV8LCyN__VG6eF6GSoFOwjyA/s1600/the+lost+gate.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxmjX6VHgs4eu6-Rd3QLXlQQv1IpeqTxMMLseMltXGa1AE_NH58ljsxJCFMqqnldNhTkeF9KLjUI2nu9CR3c1uGP9MQ_Y6_ZxW5mXQE2rmoTddEXxwHEtV8LCyN__VG6eF6GSoFOwjyA/s200/the+lost+gate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593323883959098754" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=780765326577">The Lost Gate</a><br />By Orson Scott Card<br />Tor, 2011. 384 pgs. Fantasy.<br /><br />Danny is something of an outcast among his cousins growing up in a remote family compound where magical abilities are valued above all else. His parents are both powerful and respected mages who are frequently away and seem to care little for their only child. Danny’s lack of magical talents is nuisance, but when he discovers he may be far more powerful than any mage in ages, his life is in serious danger.<br /><br />Card has built an intriguing new world of magic. Danny’s magical ability allows him to build gates that immediately transport him to another place. But beyond a transit device, gates also possess healing powers and can strengthen a mages powers when the gate is used to travel between worlds. However, I could not help but feel that the whole book was about the magic at the expense of story and characters. I also couldn’t shake the feeling that the entire book was a buildup for novels yet to come, an aspect of fantasy fiction that I struggle to embrace. This could be the good start to a new popular series, though I doubt I’ll be motivated to dive in any further.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV57jbo9X_yyQaezdnRsI12Bk0cWJOnVgEialPjTsC8ep-Ep9XV47nwMX-KM27-8LEyl7sQy49FbHTFd6k_3kmUY7OB0fQCXUIxQXdXNWECErtBwd_TR7KQ0u5gtgwjSnfOZowu_e6nc/s1600/unfamiliar+fishes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV57jbo9X_yyQaezdnRsI12Bk0cWJOnVgEialPjTsC8ep-Ep9XV47nwMX-KM27-8LEyl7sQy49FbHTFd6k_3kmUY7OB0fQCXUIxQXdXNWECErtBwd_TR7KQ0u5gtgwjSnfOZowu_e6nc/s200/unfamiliar+fishes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593323765723607954" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=781594487873">Unfamiliar Fishes</a><br />By Sarah Vowell<br />Riverhead Books, 2011. 238 pgs. Nonfiction<br /><br />Sarah Vowell’s new book provides a look at the events surrounding the annexation and eventual statehood of Hawaii. Following Captain Cook’s discovery of the islands, Hawaii became a popular stop for sailors traversing the Atlantic. And, as could be expected, missionaries soon followed. The overwhelming influence of these visitors on the paradise they came to ‘save’ quickly consumed aspects of the native culture. The Hawaiians who lived through the infestation of European and American germs had little chance of escaping the invasion of capitalism and Christianity.<br /><br />Colonization always has a dark and tragic side despite the well-meaning intentions of some participants. Sarah Vowell writes with a superb combination of humor and honesty as she tells this part of Hawaii’s history. She has an impressive ability to point out the ironic and ridiculous while maintaining a respectful tone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone visiting the islands or anyone looking for a good excuse to visit the islands (as if anyone actually needed more motivation).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yhLq5pHVAdTo9bL4y-0KnC6Na_cvp3ODAxF6f86JzYUqobsHmtjbBj2Z-m1vqKAUgru-6Ex4DgV3xCTuCM7Z5I_lbNREBrlfIjRd-0oH_WKLP_PTW27U-6MXGoBYi5wlqVKage_K2bA/s1600/moonwalking+with+einstein.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yhLq5pHVAdTo9bL4y-0KnC6Na_cvp3ODAxF6f86JzYUqobsHmtjbBj2Z-m1vqKAUgru-6Ex4DgV3xCTuCM7Z5I_lbNREBrlfIjRd-0oH_WKLP_PTW27U-6MXGoBYi5wlqVKage_K2bA/s200/moonwalking+with+einstein.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593323638000149682" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9781594202292">Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything</a><br />By Joshua Foer<br />Penguin Press, 2011. 307 pgs. Nonfiction<br /><br />Each day we forget things we intend to remember. Things like our keys, our PayPal password, to pick up a gallon of milk, or why we opened the utensil drawer. And yet, there are individuals who can memorize whole books, thousands of digits of pi, and every name and face they have yet encountered. How? How do they do it? Joshua Foer decided he wanted to discover the secrets of the great mnemonists. So, he joined their ranks and spent a year training for the U.S. Memory Championship.<br /><br />Foer’s immersive research for this book gives it a personal dimension that takes is far beyond simply science writing on memory. Of course, he includes some fascinating chapters on the science of the brain and theories of memory improvement, but what makes his narrative stand out is his journey toward a potential we all may have inside us. A completely memorable book.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU-T5wA4bX1ptIq6wJO5bVHg9ETDYTcRa3X3KlFCUfTkJx1t3Ips2Uomfynyah_UIJxy5Te9L1VR5MYIbAkNI8ry1pYY1gk7Rdji2bGGWlF1SkRc_xAG8IzCL6xmkJ9VbGVdVtfx9KaA/s1600/a+discovery+of+witches.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU-T5wA4bX1ptIq6wJO5bVHg9ETDYTcRa3X3KlFCUfTkJx1t3Ips2Uomfynyah_UIJxy5Te9L1VR5MYIbAkNI8ry1pYY1gk7Rdji2bGGWlF1SkRc_xAG8IzCL6xmkJ9VbGVdVtfx9KaA/s200/a+discovery+of+witches.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593323433254465202" /></a><a href="http://pac.provo.lib.ut.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=9780670022410">Discovery of Witches</a><br />By Deborah Harkness<br />Viking, 2011. 579 pgs. Fiction<br /><br />Dr. Diana Bishop has carefully suppressed her magical abilities despite coming from a long and respected line of witches. Instead, she has focused on her career which has taken her to Oxford to spend her days in the library perusing ancient documents. Diana’s self-imposed exile from the magical word becomes impossible to maintain when a mysterious folio finds its way into her hands. She is suddenly attracting a great deal of supernatural attention including that of a vampire with piercing eyes and questionable intentions.<br /><br />This is the first book in a new series that seems to be a cross between Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Charlaine Harris’s Dead Until Dark. Readers can’t help but notice that the story is a buildup to further adventures is subsequent volumes. Few would consider this a good stand-alone since there is little closure at the end of the book’s almost 600 pages. However, enough plot advancement and character development occur to provide an entertaining read.<br /><br />CZCZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-1156833960482835582011-04-03T16:39:00.000-07:002011-04-03T16:45:39.735-07:00A Cheerio Made My Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g7W8k7pTGjykydJSO-UeMMZx5snniijSkkMay96SOS1oaoDOexGiEVeiOnXe0ECtmB2xAa-7Q7VzeQvtDePlQy1h37qoye3Mv7hU_sMfSQQBgH4OWX5U4bq-CwtH4SRd0ScKJmB0Jgw/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g7W8k7pTGjykydJSO-UeMMZx5snniijSkkMay96SOS1oaoDOexGiEVeiOnXe0ECtmB2xAa-7Q7VzeQvtDePlQy1h37qoye3Mv7hU_sMfSQQBgH4OWX5U4bq-CwtH4SRd0ScKJmB0Jgw/s400/IMG_0842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591506249958691058" border="0" /></a>This is what was greeting me on Thursday when I went to work and I just had to take a picture of it! Coming up the stairs from the underground party I found this solitary breakfast crumb on its edge, at the edge of one of the steps. Crazy, eh?<br /><br />I hope that I don't love it because I identify with a round, lonely scrap just trying to survive an impossible situation....'cause that would just be silly.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-56008117514061289582011-03-29T19:38:00.001-07:002011-03-29T21:23:51.257-07:00Book Report...Serious Catch-Up!!!I have been really bad at keeping this up...I can't believe it's been 4 months since I last gave a book report. My excuse is mostly that I was busy moving, but I don't think that is much of a valid reason anymore. So, here's what I've been reading (and this was a lot to write tonight and I'm too tired to proof it...so ignore the spelling and gramatical errors :)):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9sNnW1Dhfl_DUfEyvrA05kJjXw21MfD1ztE6osgCaM6ZQb2q2h_tWUGJMPFlKSgw4bM_f0d6C34fiwTqZiWtvcaTY93_Hj_bnOdeJW5AeV0G9gtTPJ5NlZN3TU3YDYxn7OO3iO9KDjQ/s1600/Nurture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9sNnW1Dhfl_DUfEyvrA05kJjXw21MfD1ztE6osgCaM6ZQb2q2h_tWUGJMPFlKSgw4bM_f0d6C34fiwTqZiWtvcaTY93_Hj_bnOdeJW5AeV0G9gtTPJ5NlZN3TU3YDYxn7OO3iO9KDjQ/s200/Nurture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589720558251857714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children</span><br />by Po Bronson<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Super fascinating look at the science of raising children. If you have kids, you really should read (or listen to) this book. If you don't have kids, it's fun to read it anyway because it sure makes having kids and raising them successfully sound exhausting and almost impossible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Luck Be A Lady</span><br />By Cathie Linz<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I picked this up hoping for a feel good romance/adventure along the lines of Bridget Jones. It wasn't. Fortunately, it was a quick read so I didn't waste too much time finishing it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe</span><br />By Charles Yu<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This book just had a great title. I didn't hate it....didn't love it either...it was kind of boring. Imagine a strange mix of 'Life of Pi', 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', and Jasper Fforde's 'The Eyre Affair'. Strange but interesting, I suppose.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1OnpF_0P26tB1hrSacZ3Biezd3U4yh4nAhDySYmeU6Su1HKz0Nb8pZwAYdaxjNgY5XSmttwJ2iCYWvpg-NKrjHM_1vvS8WPNXKc9ZcL93TmTmIOfNpvZ4yvkXmN47Bky_OAZX02W-xo/s1600/snail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1OnpF_0P26tB1hrSacZ3Biezd3U4yh4nAhDySYmeU6Su1HKz0Nb8pZwAYdaxjNgY5XSmttwJ2iCYWvpg-NKrjHM_1vvS8WPNXKc9ZcL93TmTmIOfNpvZ4yvkXmN47Bky_OAZX02W-xo/s200/snail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589721677161717346" border="0" /></a><br />By Elisabeth Tova Bailey<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I really enjoyed this book. It's a short collection of essays by a woman who went from a very active life to being completely bed ridden. She is given a garden snail which becomes a therapeutic pet as she copes with her illness and learns to live life at a slower pace.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Book of Mormon</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just thought I'd throw that in there. I finished it again and once again enjoyed the inspiration and instructions. I can whole heartedly recommend!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession</span><br />By David Grann<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Basically this is just a collection of true crime articles. Some more interesting than others. I was left somewhat underwhelmed..but maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I have no good reason for my negative impression.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fighting Ruben Wolfe</span><br />By Markus Zusak<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a book Zusak published before 'The Book Thief'. It's about two brothers who start boxing in a type of underground tournament. Of course, since it's Zusak, it's a lot deeper than that. Zusak's writing is just beautiful regardless of the story he tells. 'The Book Thief' is still my favorite but I enjoyed this a lot as well.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr06hl6sT5lnRuncN7ZhUxsuAT4-Ob8cc0NbEbMf0tj6NY8EUa25poBfiZVcXr2ELWKfdaQuUi9wF8aJG7cOU5tt9T6HZ3OEnIesrAnAt322RHqc4sh8ME82fGoeuHIGFgr5QBKReNGmA/s1600/matched.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr06hl6sT5lnRuncN7ZhUxsuAT4-Ob8cc0NbEbMf0tj6NY8EUa25poBfiZVcXr2ELWKfdaQuUi9wF8aJG7cOU5tt9T6HZ3OEnIesrAnAt322RHqc4sh8ME82fGoeuHIGFgr5QBKReNGmA/s200/matched.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589720554174277426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matched</span><br />By Ally Condie<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a new series that is bound to be really big. A lot of these YA dystopias seem to a bit the same to me, but this was very enjoyable. A 17 year old girl is part of a society which allows very little personal freedom, but keeps its citizens very safe and content. During a ceremony she is 'matched' with her best friend but later sees that another boy she knows may have been intended for her as well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting the Girl</span><br />By Markus Zusak<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a sequel to 'Fighting Ruben Wolfe'. Zusak's brilliant, what more can I say? If you ever wanted to know what goes on in the mind of an adolescent boy...this is a pretty good glimpse (anyway it seems to be...I don't actually know what goes on in the mind of boys...adolescent or otherwise).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Immortal Live of Henrietta Lacks</span><br />By Rebecca Skloot<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cancer while still in her mid thirties. As a black woman living in a low income area, the best medical attention she could get was from the free clinic at Johns Hopkins. After her death, cultures of her tumor cells were harvested and those cells became perhaps the most valuable tools researchers have had in the past 50 years toward curing all types of diseases. This book tells that story. It was interesting but not my favorite.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bartimaeus: The Ring of Solomon</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMmPpGxghyyiuiQTGzOyClHHi85aKpY3Rm0oKuOMpZbw3CfFgX6YbLUQj6jKqwodkLzZIBUvAeW1EByF6ZbRiVP-69Yri3c5vvGjD2PD2RiE_jbN2vmAqqqTLUBmUUJh7qUHNzoOaF4c/s1600/solomon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMmPpGxghyyiuiQTGzOyClHHi85aKpY3Rm0oKuOMpZbw3CfFgX6YbLUQj6jKqwodkLzZIBUvAeW1EByF6ZbRiVP-69Yri3c5vvGjD2PD2RiE_jbN2vmAqqqTLUBmUUJh7qUHNzoOaF4c/s200/solomon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589721673693761058" border="0" /></a><br />By Jonathan Stroud<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I was so sad when the third book of the Bartimaeus Trilogy was over. But now, there's more. You don't have to read the others to enjoy this one and I recommend listening to them. The reader is really fun to listen to. I just love the demonic snarkiness...it's brilliant.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Science of Kissing: What Our Lips are Telling Us</span><br />By Sheril Kirshenbaum<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interesting but don't expect anything too earth shattering. It kind of seemed like the information in this little book would be great for a magazine article or two...but a whole book was a bit of a stretch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Water for Elephants</span><br />By Sara Gruen<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The movie is coming out soon. So, I guess you could read it for that. Not fantastic, but I read it fast and enjoyed most of the story. Reminds me of Nicholas Sparks (even though I've never actually read a Nicholas Sparks book...).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKdSzvZ2otIrrGKv04jC0niMZFHtrhiE11E2bSZ4WPC8iLHt-xFc0MFeKF2LInKeEYC5pi8smScLf3Q7K27O9xMLxPeqyQcbtkBsT0CBm1tVT979fg_O8f-hFwisOSPTnWC4TUmUyNE/s1600/tiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKdSzvZ2otIrrGKv04jC0niMZFHtrhiE11E2bSZ4WPC8iLHt-xFc0MFeKF2LInKeEYC5pi8smScLf3Q7K27O9xMLxPeqyQcbtkBsT0CBm1tVT979fg_O8f-hFwisOSPTnWC4TUmUyNE/s200/tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589721678268642834" border="0" /></a><br />By John Vaillant<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Siberian tiger on a killing spree. A government sanctioned hunting party tracking the cat through the frozen wasteland. A truly fantastic piece of nonfiction. LOVED it! Seriously, I loved the regional and natural history and it was told at a perfect pace with excellent timing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wuthering Bites</span><br />By Sarah Gray<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wuthering Heights with vampires. I really don't know how the story makes sense without the undead. Why else would Heathcliff dig up Cathy like that? Think about it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Parrot & Olivier in America</span><br />By Peter Carey<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">At it's core, this is a novelization of Lafayette's time spent in America. I really wanted to like it and there were moments when it was almost brilliant...but just never quite got there for me. Interesting historical fiction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redeeming Love</span><br />By Francine Rivers<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I read this for work as something representing 'inspirational fiction'. It's a retelling of the bible story about Hosea who was commanded to marry a prostitute. It was okay. A bit too sentimental for me, but not bad.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZsvePhTO_9FBnrF1kZ8qywUBVSFbGUSSsABwGAqnEl5CSeU8kfb_5v1s6DJD5eUDRQhBEfcp32-MIk33W9hPEboYxCZfE2PJqggWIdqpvew0sS5kjJ7ams-qi46dKgF8fdof-cfTKXw/s1600/cinderella.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZsvePhTO_9FBnrF1kZ8qywUBVSFbGUSSsABwGAqnEl5CSeU8kfb_5v1s6DJD5eUDRQhBEfcp32-MIk33W9hPEboYxCZfE2PJqggWIdqpvew0sS5kjJ7ams-qi46dKgF8fdof-cfTKXw/s200/cinderella.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589720548732821842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture</span><br />By Peggy Orenstein<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A great look at the world of pink tulle and silver glitter. I think parents of little girls should give this book a chance. I didn't agree with everything she said...she has some interesting ideas...but overall I liked her message which I interpret as...you can't keep your girls from the image centered culture they are growing up in, but you can talk to them about it and help them navigate it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Orchid Affair</span><br />By Lauren Willig<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One of my many guilty pleasures. Lauren Willig's 'Pink Carnation' series just makes me smile. It's a little bit romance (okay...a lot), a little bit historical fiction, and a little bit spy adventure. Plus this series always adds a bunch of words to my vocabulary. I don't know where she finds these words but she always has a bunch I've never heard before in my life. (I read it on my iPad and it was really great to have that little dictionary feature handy!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cleopatra: A Life</span><br />By Stacy Schiff<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A really good biography of Cleopatra. I was really surprised about how much they actually know about her and her life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peace Like a River</span><br />By Leif Enger<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you haven't read it, you HAVE to! Seriously. Just read it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott</span><br />By Kelly McNees<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just a little romantic version of what may have happened to Louisa May Alcott on her way to becoming one of America's most popular authors. I don't wholly recommend this book, but it was interesting to hear more about the Alcott home and how much it resembled the March's.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHIiY5uhLs8FYtWmCxd7VdM2dLsbEzEskuBL2VmU8TTlzOSghGss_NcVotF-QBDKFgjwEcn41i3kOjVxfcVk0gaZ9sqBDDPV73q3CHfw_F9y4UyMuobm4V3CFhWALr9bhGys6e8kREJs/s1600/pluto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHIiY5uhLs8FYtWmCxd7VdM2dLsbEzEskuBL2VmU8TTlzOSghGss_NcVotF-QBDKFgjwEcn41i3kOjVxfcVk0gaZ9sqBDDPV73q3CHfw_F9y4UyMuobm4V3CFhWALr9bhGys6e8kREJs/s200/pluto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589721672634665394" border="0" /></a><br />By Mike Brown<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I wrote a review of this one for The Daily Herald and got some mail back from some grad student trying to convince me that Pluto is not dead and that Brown's book only presents one side of the story. My response is: Whatever. I don't really care if Pluto is a planet or not....but I did enjoy this book and seeing a bit more of the world of astronomy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Madame Tussaud</span><br />By Michelle Moran<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Before she built her successful wax museum empire, Madame Tussaud lived through the horrors of the French revolution. This is a novelization of her and her contemporaries. Really fascinating perspective of this period of French history.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos</span><br />By Brian Greene<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is interesting but I think it's a bit optimistic to for me to claim to have understood even a third of the information presented here. What I caught I liked.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BtHxcT91VCzEA714sU14_SEyDQUIydoJ8mLf1BVUD7kiXrFOPY8RLeK02PLiAEeySEfBq8YvGz3CL0n_8YqM-rfWDfXiX1CAaJmn-KR2mEKKWlFiAC551H76EXJnrTwO9bhOyS2Fgo0/s1600/heresy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BtHxcT91VCzEA714sU14_SEyDQUIydoJ8mLf1BVUD7kiXrFOPY8RLeK02PLiAEeySEfBq8YvGz3CL0n_8YqM-rfWDfXiX1CAaJmn-KR2mEKKWlFiAC551H76EXJnrTwO9bhOyS2Fgo0/s200/heresy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589720550583058786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heresy</span><br />By S.J. Parris<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A new mystery series taking place during the Spanish Inquisition and the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Giordano Bruno, our brave hero, is an ex-monk intellectual visiting Oxford for a debate but staying longer than planned due to a violent murder.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OK: The Improbable Story of America's Greatest Word</span><br />By Allen Metcalf<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Um...a whole book about one word. Probably I shouldn't have expected it to be riveting. It did have its moments, though. The word's invention, survival, and infiltration of the world's lexicon is pretty interesting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Weird Sisters</span><br />By Eleanor Brown<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Three sisters return home when their mother is diagnosed with cancer. The truly fascinating aspect of this book is that it was written in a first person plural tense. So cool.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Discovery of Witches</span><br />By Deborah Harkness<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In a world of witches, deamons, and vampires a group of creatures form an unusual alliance while trying to ensure the survival of their magical way of life. Pretty much just Twilight for adults. I didn't realize it was the first of a trilogy until I was half way through it. Not sure I'd still pick it up if I had the choice.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnYWEbGC8fKmiyAl_XaqNC7Z0t1j4NmxrE3hiOfWCBfnIBn7tlIvuI1Y-YLMif11fm1RVBNCd7MQi9bwJXUUVubZ8EDa7WA_-sc4AjzpMFJGyzFSycq8uJtbu4GGahOPh3TVGnidBCxM/s1600/moonwalking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnYWEbGC8fKmiyAl_XaqNC7Z0t1j4NmxrE3hiOfWCBfnIBn7tlIvuI1Y-YLMif11fm1RVBNCd7MQi9bwJXUUVubZ8EDa7WA_-sc4AjzpMFJGyzFSycq8uJtbu4GGahOPh3TVGnidBCxM/s200/moonwalking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589720560254645250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything</span><br />By Joshua Foer<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A reporter decides to spend a year preparing to compete in the U.S. Memory Championship and shares his journey in this entertaining and interesting book. I really enjoyed this. Lots of great science and human interest.</span>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-84931189517962167132011-03-01T18:14:00.000-08:002011-03-01T18:50:01.089-08:00It's True!! I Moved!!!<div>So....I haven't blogged in a while. But, I've been in the middle of relocating and it's been very exciting and very busy as well. I've been in the new place for a couple weeks now and to the casual observer, things are put together....I know where I cheated and still need to organize.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I sold my condo over Christmas and found a new place at the first of the year. It took a month or so to get the financing and everything in place, but mid-Februay I was able to move in. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the many generous people who have helped me move...twice...and made everything so much easier than it could have been.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, with that...here are a few pictures of my new home!!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpNrOd0qc7xIKBxvuuFMvmbu1rkuNWdFdSkwKgbNJR25TdzIpyV3CCskeO_FR-P_OPiW0uivkhzjcrMutd8Pf6FHA75o1xSTDO_RAMjyiMKXOXQssyuhkRlNPjV7TljpVwdq_r9IfSuw/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpNrOd0qc7xIKBxvuuFMvmbu1rkuNWdFdSkwKgbNJR25TdzIpyV3CCskeO_FR-P_OPiW0uivkhzjcrMutd8Pf6FHA75o1xSTDO_RAMjyiMKXOXQssyuhkRlNPjV7TljpVwdq_r9IfSuw/s400/IMG_0810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579304549908189346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the front...it was nighttime when I took the picture, so it seems a little dark. It's brighter in the daytime :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz894QS7TRCvp1Qufc4RJpehHTZF3HV0666rMRiqJgdiZ_z9BeeELGajFaxhxKKtrWw4FAcGb-CP217uosOE0XtQ4ApZAe8k1ChmVFfQ0ONxXMhyvyTMBaXmemtdve8qtw3Im5f7NyHjw/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz894QS7TRCvp1Qufc4RJpehHTZF3HV0666rMRiqJgdiZ_z9BeeELGajFaxhxKKtrWw4FAcGb-CP217uosOE0XtQ4ApZAe8k1ChmVFfQ0ONxXMhyvyTMBaXmemtdve8qtw3Im5f7NyHjw/s400/IMG_0811.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579304544422976802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite room in the house...the kitchen. It is big and open and I stood in it with 4 other people this weekend and didn't run out screaming or eject anyone violently. In short...I LOVE it!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSbh2xHjvPUj9rs-XH4B7K8R4WaeSbfMedEDpJT9EHN3JA4YZig3knqS1K4mQl_yB8VqSHrWsHL1qkygSBKoEEMMJ0-3sGH59_5SS3nOisLFr4WP9i0hu3-KpGWKRu5aYh1aGaS39HHo/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSbh2xHjvPUj9rs-XH4B7K8R4WaeSbfMedEDpJT9EHN3JA4YZig3knqS1K4mQl_yB8VqSHrWsHL1qkygSBKoEEMMJ0-3sGH59_5SS3nOisLFr4WP9i0hu3-KpGWKRu5aYh1aGaS39HHo/s400/IMG_0812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579304535529260178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The dining room is great, too. Last weekend we had 12 people around the table chatting. In the condo....it felt crowded with 2 people :) Love it!</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHtVkX4a-W_BfejCb7WxsBrwe34Cw4gyuFMz2NlV0q8BxkVyInpRxhH684QqEO_0Nm7Nk8wVGA2rHKv55PwT-Tpn0xSMvN3Uod3XuE_vIPieuUtEFD3BM19ZQJRTaGj5utwTizP7QEEk/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHtVkX4a-W_BfejCb7WxsBrwe34Cw4gyuFMz2NlV0q8BxkVyInpRxhH684QqEO_0Nm7Nk8wVGA2rHKv55PwT-Tpn0xSMvN3Uod3XuE_vIPieuUtEFD3BM19ZQJRTaGj5utwTizP7QEEk/s400/IMG_0813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579304532577322738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the living room with my new couches. You can't see it, but I'm waving at you in the mirror.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhFjeppemZTWWbgadPgQdw8KtSJTHANkElaUaMNRehDgq4t7qzFBnIU8IVBTj8GzSdDRuylk_oYWGtFzrOtGTvLP4fXCA7orscXyfbzeSBxNs_7fCa5M6FwKbAVjKbSf3vdUvAzxi-7s/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhFjeppemZTWWbgadPgQdw8KtSJTHANkElaUaMNRehDgq4t7qzFBnIU8IVBTj8GzSdDRuylk_oYWGtFzrOtGTvLP4fXCA7orscXyfbzeSBxNs_7fCa5M6FwKbAVjKbSf3vdUvAzxi-7s/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303816078998162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Den/music room/library. I have already curled up on the chair to read. Very fun and cozy.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CW-0I7ri3jtt80ae3WNGbvisMq-nv-UTAeY0tjA_jKL6m23qwxGma4W7i2L5EZu36jP2DR161NFL-5glVgG0LaIa233Oh-AMT6V7p074-tiO9xyAyBVzT-IT-a72H6uz7UO-Yib8SfI/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CW-0I7ri3jtt80ae3WNGbvisMq-nv-UTAeY0tjA_jKL6m23qwxGma4W7i2L5EZu36jP2DR161NFL-5glVgG0LaIa233Oh-AMT6V7p074-tiO9xyAyBVzT-IT-a72H6uz7UO-Yib8SfI/s400/IMG_0815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303811782548418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The guest bathroom....now I'm wondering why I included this picture. But, whatever. I love that it is so big and I can't wait to let you use it!</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YmpFz3vYJmq2qxAOzTO2zCcw_2k8LIqm-S0n5pNb1gaN19D0OFqEkouK0hd8Gna-fdOdOQf0U3jnt8CHlhuLutvSj7zRoEwlNM_B6RrwEdOL8znt8VWoBJDBUWNkVBFblmPly65rqkY/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YmpFz3vYJmq2qxAOzTO2zCcw_2k8LIqm-S0n5pNb1gaN19D0OFqEkouK0hd8Gna-fdOdOQf0U3jnt8CHlhuLutvSj7zRoEwlNM_B6RrwEdOL8znt8VWoBJDBUWNkVBFblmPly65rqkY/s400/IMG_0816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303808089033282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the guest bedroom. It's a bit of a work in progress...still not sure where I am going to hang some of the pictures. I didn't include a picture of the HUGE closet in this room. It's amazing. (Then again...look what I came from. The condo barely had a closet big enough for my vacuum.)</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-MRMXo1a4HePpNdlyhU4ev-XI9-6855-uI4v6VNwVwT3TIevNZ0Upf1vbmHOEy-t24xJth92PHzujZ8mMQ_aQRSUhqLawZqS_fQQG1LP3A4EZTTH-uNb0UaMHwiDzL6nmVnR35n5pM4/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-MRMXo1a4HePpNdlyhU4ev-XI9-6855-uI4v6VNwVwT3TIevNZ0Upf1vbmHOEy-t24xJth92PHzujZ8mMQ_aQRSUhqLawZqS_fQQG1LP3A4EZTTH-uNb0UaMHwiDzL6nmVnR35n5pM4/s400/IMG_0817.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303801583497138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my bedroom. I sleep here and it's great.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVFt56hO2C78TIiYSSHKjHmS0mqhlZ7fqBC0uUQZ68BtrPpY4p_nwHdnoScpLkcG5JkXVX3taDIRwmS2YvQW-9lmx7W_JW_XLDC9YIqfEsNHl_-wFxdPaZ31iuZjMwN8ablItPLxkdAQ/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVFt56hO2C78TIiYSSHKjHmS0mqhlZ7fqBC0uUQZ68BtrPpY4p_nwHdnoScpLkcG5JkXVX3taDIRwmS2YvQW-9lmx7W_JW_XLDC9YIqfEsNHl_-wFxdPaZ31iuZjMwN8ablItPLxkdAQ/s400/IMG_0818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303402883298162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the HUGE closet in the master bedroom. Seriously, one of my favorite features of the house. It's connected to the master bath...which I didn't take a picture of. But there is a very big shower and a very nice long bathtub that I already love.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFzNCX5hwRcgtksY3zMlpR36V73ptqeJOYVl5zNYMYr-THX2P5G9skLsZYcWKUeVkdZIgl5vvIDPl1TRjkvSlPXUqaqvYcaXprc0M0Nfnn1t67jShIF4HrLKsn4RjnrtmR2Qr5c2ZQzs/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFzNCX5hwRcgtksY3zMlpR36V73ptqeJOYVl5zNYMYr-THX2P5G9skLsZYcWKUeVkdZIgl5vvIDPl1TRjkvSlPXUqaqvYcaXprc0M0Nfnn1t67jShIF4HrLKsn4RjnrtmR2Qr5c2ZQzs/s400/IMG_0819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303395541979618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The house has an unfinished basement. Obviously, this is where I have shoved everything I don't want to deal with. The room down here is really big and I hope I can finish it in a couple of years.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGHTESskBuMZzEs6rB1ielJLLKgF9Ep0QbjZLFeNwpO8NHsTjorsPyROlG7cePV5sZotqwLci9GJrxsfd7J0IFLszg5BIlfngdwWK3IaJLDtE2p_6jxuzhxwmpYRi_w9t28oaSSlRHtk/s1600/IMG_0820.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGHTESskBuMZzEs6rB1ielJLLKgF9Ep0QbjZLFeNwpO8NHsTjorsPyROlG7cePV5sZotqwLci9GJrxsfd7J0IFLszg5BIlfngdwWK3IaJLDtE2p_6jxuzhxwmpYRi_w9t28oaSSlRHtk/s400/IMG_0820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579303391873816386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">But, no worries....I'm still using the space. I exercise back in the unfinished bedrooms. It's nice and cool which has worked out really well so far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, that's it. There's lots more to see, but you'll have to come visit me to see it, and I hope you will. I am just a mile south of where I was before. Still conveniently close to the freeway. I don't think I mentioned, but it's a twin home and shares one wall in the garage with the neighbors. I really do love it and the garage has been super amazing. Everything I thought it would be!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-4104699761175817502011-02-04T12:20:00.000-08:002011-02-04T12:25:32.747-08:00Don't Interrupt Me...I can't figure out how to imbed this video...so just follow the link. <br /><br />This is my new theme song!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuRuwR2JSXI&feature=youtube_gdata_player">www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuRuwR2JSXI&feature=youtube_gdata_player</a>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-84123130504875213982011-01-26T12:13:00.000-08:002011-01-26T12:37:54.030-08:00Proof I Was Actually There!The promised pictures are finally here!! The pictures, of course, do not do justice to how beautiful Kauai was...but here is my lame <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attempt</span>. Check out Stacey's blog for prettier pictures...though she may have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">photo-shopped</span> some of hers...just saying...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jAlHHmEDKNEUnYdOOZtwSUeJgBBfW8GNeVMWjdOpJSTGD99HeI2aYrLi-CfrgBDiV_PIyUnGnVxzPq7IZiZM9L-XzkmJZWl7JDeSP8MLEHY72xj12YYv6CzPxCUmVAtOCXlCZ8tzzDo/s1600/Hawaii+014.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591990496701826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jAlHHmEDKNEUnYdOOZtwSUeJgBBfW8GNeVMWjdOpJSTGD99HeI2aYrLi-CfrgBDiV_PIyUnGnVxzPq7IZiZM9L-XzkmJZWl7JDeSP8MLEHY72xj12YYv6CzPxCUmVAtOCXlCZ8tzzDo/s400/Hawaii+014.jpg" /></a> This was just down the road from our condo. We drove past it every day we were there and never looked until the our last afternoon.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPR2nM3ueP_HPRWrGKu8gfVM4gMMvPzAUZjFe0taKIE0zqzo3ML58iICVYc7EkADOuRSJ4poMnd35tWqMIzfN7cvKT6_IykeqQFQDRB0nQEeBcGjKZwyvIxjmyIRBw8bPF5CdSt2q20Y/s1600/Hawaii+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591986056501730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPR2nM3ueP_HPRWrGKu8gfVM4gMMvPzAUZjFe0taKIE0zqzo3ML58iICVYc7EkADOuRSJ4poMnd35tWqMIzfN7cvKT6_IykeqQFQDRB0nQEeBcGjKZwyvIxjmyIRBw8bPF5CdSt2q20Y/s400/Hawaii+013.jpg" /></a> This is one of the many one-way bridges. I was an expert at crossing them correctly by the end. Partially because a native scared me to death when he got out of his car and started yelling at this lady who had done it wrong...I was VERY <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vigilant</span> about appropriate bridge etiquette after that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUpX1HnRaYulR4EV-AS4WDPdOoEjrWK9cbpJlt0pnR8RRnCku54lu6eexxyvo7_3gFQqaT3EcGN8Us8YXzUBcs5GGXwqLCKJClMa4oBPlM14vhTHCdxBfXSGUCsHlsHh8knKocRkHL8w/s1600/Hawaii+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591982240152754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUpX1HnRaYulR4EV-AS4WDPdOoEjrWK9cbpJlt0pnR8RRnCku54lu6eexxyvo7_3gFQqaT3EcGN8Us8YXzUBcs5GGXwqLCKJClMa4oBPlM14vhTHCdxBfXSGUCsHlsHh8knKocRkHL8w/s400/Hawaii+012.jpg" /></a>Stacey in our fun <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">convertible</span>...and some pretty mountains.....<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3ud0DjkLQ5NBnlfwGT6AhFxFG2uKweZcXmYA2C6Sm8RtXKz_D-cGgqUoW-x8diCA7FnqayWRd_XwHpuZdMdkh2KEJ8MzlES8z0pkD0F7jkU9GjCoQ2T7XqvYZdCcjHrrOqNKNQfK3bc/s1600/Hawaii+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591973097207634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3ud0DjkLQ5NBnlfwGT6AhFxFG2uKweZcXmYA2C6Sm8RtXKz_D-cGgqUoW-x8diCA7FnqayWRd_XwHpuZdMdkh2KEJ8MzlES8z0pkD0F7jkU9GjCoQ2T7XqvYZdCcjHrrOqNKNQfK3bc/s400/Hawaii+010.jpg" /></a>On our hike through the mud, the path was strewn with pretty flowers....I thought it was cool and I was sure there was some great lesson illustrated there...something about finding the 'flowers' in the mud trail we call 'life'?? Maybe??<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodMSeylhfaRTMfr7wG5XW_jb45-TNofb0T5dfPeVaYNiC_GyYwZXlSO0HZind8kkvSO4D108kY3a9S5ZvqKZ5ALGG0HE6C8FFb2Pzh9hEPW3uiKPg7fJ_q8RhTMri2_fzuE1OMQxgUz8/s1600/Hawaii+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591689700590498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodMSeylhfaRTMfr7wG5XW_jb45-TNofb0T5dfPeVaYNiC_GyYwZXlSO0HZind8kkvSO4D108kY3a9S5ZvqKZ5ALGG0HE6C8FFb2Pzh9hEPW3uiKPg7fJ_q8RhTMri2_fzuE1OMQxgUz8/s400/Hawaii+009.jpg" /></a> This is the waterfall we hiked to. It's pretty.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkS1JwxRO7EVnX0cgqwzCVfdBnvijmEX8dC8s6o1zQ2A2LxoNgRm-mqoq-tbFzZEP6AeQkK6v4Pzr8c3WNHJoaMiHQEOk21KeKK83N2lhZHvMHEKnXmzgVkI3jT9M-IRw2TpFzSv-Qaw/s1600/Hawaii+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591686213983602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkS1JwxRO7EVnX0cgqwzCVfdBnvijmEX8dC8s6o1zQ2A2LxoNgRm-mqoq-tbFzZEP6AeQkK6v4Pzr8c3WNHJoaMiHQEOk21KeKK83N2lhZHvMHEKnXmzgVkI3jT9M-IRw2TpFzSv-Qaw/s400/Hawaii+008.jpg" /></a> This is me at the base of the waterfall...if you look close you can see all the mud sprayed on my legs...I was good and dirty by this point.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73NuszARVeVRveuX9nS2OGDtqyZ1yW_1UlOyNYqTWz1naW0BCViKro7hbnY3l0t44M31j_kk1oiUYke-AsBdySFxeSXMH8fIXnUdwNclpIen7d8tMQeAkvFyO0TLeat4Fkcb6qqW0a2o/s1600/Hawaii+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591678209716898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73NuszARVeVRveuX9nS2OGDtqyZ1yW_1UlOyNYqTWz1naW0BCViKro7hbnY3l0t44M31j_kk1oiUYke-AsBdySFxeSXMH8fIXnUdwNclpIen7d8tMQeAkvFyO0TLeat4Fkcb6qqW0a2o/s400/Hawaii+007.jpg" /></a> Stacey is up on the edge of the trail avoiding the mud down below...you can kind of see the puddles and the boards they put down to help people avoid the worst of it...we just walked up along the tree line...we still got pretty dirty and stepped in some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">truly</span> brilliant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mud pies</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial7KP-2gqPXtw7UiUKg4TviHkLGau_zx_UoWas6EtWm_rMOMah4JQzJgIPL39-APKDlwN8U0K2fXBS16aXqDUkpnv-qaj-H5QRD6Tlr0R7KpQZNpm6WgdD_OMiD1hR6dxxE1KL3AeTj0/s1600/Hawaii+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591673240497954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial7KP-2gqPXtw7UiUKg4TviHkLGau_zx_UoWas6EtWm_rMOMah4JQzJgIPL39-APKDlwN8U0K2fXBS16aXqDUkpnv-qaj-H5QRD6Tlr0R7KpQZNpm6WgdD_OMiD1hR6dxxE1KL3AeTj0/s400/Hawaii+006.jpg" /></a> Stacey on the trail with her arms out trying to keep her balance while avoiding the muck. It was beautiful morning though...look at the sun and all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">the</span> green!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdsqSlrj06JjbknaDwySjSSiek326uWB1v_LhAcFPgOSi85UgCq0ocv-yE5HCJq9DofnfKkErZ81aT3cu3HqIod1LEmphRPBt_ayDN7FKgEs54qSZi_6q-gMWvCg3pD3Gv0VyGrqy6g4/s1600/Hawaii+004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591665224535122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdsqSlrj06JjbknaDwySjSSiek326uWB1v_LhAcFPgOSi85UgCq0ocv-yE5HCJq9DofnfKkErZ81aT3cu3HqIod1LEmphRPBt_ayDN7FKgEs54qSZi_6q-gMWvCg3pD3Gv0VyGrqy6g4/s400/Hawaii+004.jpg" /></a> I liked this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">rooty</span> tree. If I was a hobbit I would live under a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">rooty</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">tree</span> like this.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ7opku014NCSIwI2QeUs7tQZ5PSRGDVcRpoHRgjdDduRuhV-ZAU-dJnet7WW0LED8M1z3RERaga2Wx2BXjSfJznKraNeY9ICGIkZZHCGvln2YvZeKwdP4ymT7iowrGuXrD74FamnIOs/s1600/Hawaii+005.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurKWDpTq04Xm_5ju7odQOcCfySWfGJRdWcww-T0aWwMyL64Ae740RMvnf4ZFHD0_tcvGyP-C5DBLipCtOzePles0rZTV7AtkNFtpkID05nduKcwxufBeto2M2SL_xmHgh3Z4qUwnbA3k/s1600/Hawaii+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591277612007266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurKWDpTq04Xm_5ju7odQOcCfySWfGJRdWcww-T0aWwMyL64Ae740RMvnf4ZFHD0_tcvGyP-C5DBLipCtOzePles0rZTV7AtkNFtpkID05nduKcwxufBeto2M2SL_xmHgh3Z4qUwnbA3k/s400/Hawaii+005.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ke'e</span> Beach. You can see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Napali</span> Coast out beyond the cliffs. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J82UhYxl5ydGJx_xyhyhN4Hxn4W27y63j2B3bcFT64edKQuUwrgxeUnZjoYSVIH9I0IoKZgpvyoxueLQyy_Z5WAWbvkrv6FvnaIXUjbmAVcS5iVis3avW5V9patwn9mzcQON4fm7N1g/s1600/Hawaii+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591274407068914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J82UhYxl5ydGJx_xyhyhN4Hxn4W27y63j2B3bcFT64edKQuUwrgxeUnZjoYSVIH9I0IoKZgpvyoxueLQyy_Z5WAWbvkrv6FvnaIXUjbmAVcS5iVis3avW5V9patwn9mzcQON4fm7N1g/s400/Hawaii+003.jpg" /></a>This is the view from our condo...other than the main road that was just past that hedge, it was pretty perfect. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qo_JNEF3jTdCzuXQ5fICAm9RwHeVsyrcOAmQfrzB1xK-85v2uXqMbmJ9NhqRuouZxBp9rYkNU3TrFAQgweK_zgAvo7qz3GjPhw9DqBJ2V5EJ_A2dNMLs9Idy34zGkEwi8ISAE-9inNc/s1600/Hawaii+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591267397340674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qo_JNEF3jTdCzuXQ5fICAm9RwHeVsyrcOAmQfrzB1xK-85v2uXqMbmJ9NhqRuouZxBp9rYkNU3TrFAQgweK_zgAvo7qz3GjPhw9DqBJ2V5EJ_A2dNMLs9Idy34zGkEwi8ISAE-9inNc/s400/Hawaii+002.jpg" /></a></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hanalei</span> Beach was where we found the best boogie boarding...this was before we got wet...and the ocean was pretty....but mountains will always be my true love.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO0KwPhAVEVhu-2Q24HYb3-dPcCu-gcOr6cSO-PTts_8GL1VV_6Xtcgymewy6Kkuzaf8a8yGfO9cVOg4CTkqy9hPvrFddnjqBJOVLXe69WZZ_zKh8eQs61m7PSGfQOolmNpx4Xp1v1Gs/s1600/Hawaii+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566591257272316626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO0KwPhAVEVhu-2Q24HYb3-dPcCu-gcOr6cSO-PTts_8GL1VV_6Xtcgymewy6Kkuzaf8a8yGfO9cVOg4CTkqy9hPvrFddnjqBJOVLXe69WZZ_zKh8eQs61m7PSGfQOolmNpx4Xp1v1Gs/s400/Hawaii+001.jpg" /></a> And, finally, this is Pepe the little gecko we found in our living room. He disappeared on the third day and I choose to believe we left the doors open long enough for him to get out into the wild where he belongs....and not that he climbed into Stacey's bed....there's no way he would have dared climb into mine!</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-73902642195878349752011-01-18T21:59:00.000-08:002011-01-18T22:09:19.733-08:00Vacation - Day 7So sad...my vacation is over. Today we said goodbye to the ocean...to the valley of the trees...to our cute little condo...to our lovely blue mustang convertible ...Stacey almost said goodbye to her favorite hat when she tried to take a picture from over the convertible windshield ( we were able to go back and get it) ...but by far, the hardest thing to say goodbye to is the warm weather.<br /><br />I am sitting in the airport and just took off my flip flops and replaced them with shoes and socks....I almost cried...goodbye pretty pedicure. I think the one thing that is making returning to the frozen wasteland I call home not unthinkable is that in just a couple weeks I will have a two car garage of my very own to shield me from the biting cold of the early morning. <br /><br />It's really been a wonderful trip and I am now a big fan of Kauai. I highly recommend! Let me know if you want to go....I could definitely be convinced to come back!!CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-9448813724463944492011-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:002011-01-17T21:18:28.489-08:00Vacation - Day 6This morning we had a Hawaii first...we saw the sunrise! Yep, we got up early and headed out to go kayaking up the river. <br /><br />It was a little cold. But we warmed ourselves by rowing. We didn't realize we didn't have to start out so early, but it was kinda fun to be the first kayak in the water and the first to reach the waterfall. The trail was a bit muddy from all the rain last night and as we started the trek we were carefully avoiding puddles...by the end we stopped caring so much and embraced the mud splashing up around our knees. It really wasn't so bad...if it hadn't been for my uncontrollable need to scream like a little girl evey time my foot slipped at all. Just embarrassing!<br /><br />The waterfall was very pretty and impressive...i think Stacey took more pictures of some dewey spiderwebs than of the falls...they were pretty awesome.<br /><br />We were off the river by eleven and tried to go snorkeling at a beach we had liked last week. We saw three fish and decided it was too cold. It's funny because today was supposed to be the best weather we've had so far, but it was cold and windy and I was glad to go back to the condo and take a shower and finish my book.<br /><br />We did venture out again to take some pretty pictures, check out Stacey's blog for some good ones. I'll post mine when we get back this week. They will be nowhere near as pretty.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-20686022932819755872011-01-16T20:37:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:47:57.057-08:00Vacation - Day 5This morning we went to the local branch. And we were super spiritual and attended all three hours of church. I know...very impressive. Then we weren't even tempted to go to the beach or anything because we have been visited by some serious rain...a bit of forced sabbath observance but I'm pretty sure we would have been good anyway.<br /><br />I finished my book and started a new one about Siberian tigers. It is really good and I've been reading it all day long. We made a little dinner of spaghetti and it's about time for bed.<br /><br />Tomorrow we will be off early to go kayaking...so we will need a good night's rest tonight.<br /><br />Oh and the branch was really great today but I thought it was kind of funny that their little chapel had 12 ceiling fans instead of our usual 3...and they turned half of them off when the men left and we had relief societyCZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-48799682526854972332011-01-15T21:34:00.000-08:002011-01-16T09:26:34.747-08:00Vacation - Day 4I may have slept for ten hours last night and still had a a nap that was at least an hour long...I feel rested.<br /><br />But, I did eventually wake up and get out the door. It was a beautiful sunny day and we drove to the southern end of the island to a snorkeling beach. (just as a side note, I don't include the names of any places because if you thought I was bad at spelling English words, I'm even worse with Hawaii words. Seriously, I don't even attempt to say them...I call it the a- beach, or that store after the valley with all the trees. It's like when I go to ethnic restraunts and just point to the menu item instead of trying to pronounce something hard like chipotle.)<br /><br />Anyway, the snorkeling was good, pretty fish...got a little sun. Then we ate lunch at this sketchy little hole in the wall place that had good pork and cabbage. It started to get a little overcast so we headed to our sunny northern end of the island. Stacey still wanted to boogie board, but I had had my fill od beaches. ( I can only convince myself for so long that sand is not dirt and that I am not totally bugged by being covered in it...it's just icky.)<br /><br />So, a had my little nap and read some more of Wuthering Bites. ( which is pretty good...the plot and characters of withering heights make so much more sense with vampires mixed in.) <br /><br />The. Dinner....catch up on a little castle and I just received an invite to church tomorrow from Stacey who is learning to set up an event invitation :) <br /><br />Well, that's about it. We have also been thinking and praying for little Hannah and are so glad to hear she is doing well and will get to home soon!CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-82823121050745872422011-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:002011-01-14T21:32:44.499-08:00Vacation - Day 3This has been an amazingly beautiful day on Kauai! We rented a movie from red box last night...Iron Man 2 ...and we were both asleep 15 minutes into the thing...that would be at 9 o'clock. Kinda sad but also kinda amazing since I slept until about 6. Eventually we did get up, though and prepared for a day at the beach.<br /><br />Seriously, it was gorgeous! We drove with the top down all day!<br /><br />We went boogie boarding for a few hours and met a cute little local girl who would do summersaults over the waves. Then we went to another beach to go snorkeling. It was my first time and it was fantastic! I saw an eel, and a long thin stick fish thingy, and schools of beautiful tropical fish.<br /><br />Then we went to see the lighthouse and have lunch at a little cafe. I had garlic fries and they were really good...I can still taste them...the garlic was REALLY strong. Obviously, it was then time for a short nap.<br /><br />Before it started to get dark we went to Ke'e beach...straight out of South Pacific....if I didn't hate that song so much I would have sung it...the closest I got was humming a few bars of 'happy talky-talk'.<br /><br />I did manage to take a few pictures...I'll post them when i get home. :)CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-17905791848453639022011-01-13T22:07:00.000-08:002011-01-13T22:36:11.333-08:00Vacation - Day 2So, at this point, no pictures. Partly because I'm blogging from my iPad and I haven't figured out how to add pictures on it and partially because we keep forgetting to take our camera with us whenever we leave the house.<br /><br />Well it rained all night and we had a moment this morning when we were a bit frustrated with the obstacle that might be to our vacation. However, it has actually been a fantastic day...a little damp but we still put the top down on the mustang...just for a few minutes, but still. Anyway we went to walmart and then to a grocery store. Then we took naps. :)<br /><br />While that may sound like a lame morning, it was fantastic because it's truly beautiful here and it's fantastically warm. I love it!<br /><br />After my nap, we went for a little walk to the Queen's Bath. It was a short little hike, but the trail was so wet that we probably won't be doing much more hiking at all. We got down to the rocky shore and found a big rock slab with etched tally marks representing all the people who have died on the cliffs we were on (28). But we were there at low tide and it wasn't too dangerous. What it was was beautiful!<br /><br />Anyway, that's about it. We had dinner and are back home relaxing. Hopefully there will be snorkeling tomorrow!CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855648148777946657.post-70686391400700543922011-01-12T22:45:00.000-08:002011-01-12T23:08:06.171-08:00Vacation Day 1The big news of the day is that the sale of my home is finally final! Hooray!!! I'm homeless!<br /><br />Also, I'm in Hawaii! Stacey and I have had a lovely day traveling. In case you were not aware, it's cold in Utah. So, the minute I entered the airport, I removed my inadequate jacket and shoved it into my suitcase. We had decided to just check one bag between the two of us and as we checked in, we were surprised and delighted to find that Stacey had a free checked bag because..well we don't actually know why...but we still embraced the opportunity. That was travel miracle numbero uno.<br /><br />Then we flew a long ways and I successfully avoided having to use the airplane bathroom....they freak me out. We watched 'life as we knew it' as our in flight movie. It was cute....Josh what's his name is a hottie.<br /><br />Then we arrived in Hawaii. The car rental place gave us vacation miracle number two when they didn't have our compact car available and I am now driving around the island in a blue mustang convertible. Im feeling pretty sporty!<br /><br />Now we are in a beautiful little condo watching a movie on a comfy non-wicker couch (our one vacation rental requirement) watching knight and day.<br /><br />I wish you were here.CZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08892148358562065985noreply@blogger.com3