The Avid Readers

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

2012-08-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have to admit I was reluctant to pick up this book because I had already seen the movie. But I downloaded the first chapter just to see and I was hooked. The story differs from the movie in some pretty major ways so I didn't feel like the movie had spoiled the story for me at all.
The story is told in a very interesting way in that it jumps from character to character as events progress. Although it was a little off putting at first I found that as we delved deeper into the story I was anxious to read each characters reaction to the events and how they interacted with each other.
Due to the sad nature of this story I'd say it is a must read for anyone in the mood for a tear jerker!

Happy reading!!

Homemade Kindle Touch case

2011-11-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

As an early christmas present to myself, I went out and bought the new Kindle Touch and I have to say I LOVE IT! It is quite the upgrade from my old kindle in both size and battery life. But don't worry my old Kindle isn't going to waste. It's being handed down to my boyfriend who is excited to be able to have one of his own.

The problem with buying any new device is that you need all new accessories. So I pulled together some scraps of fabric and other things that I had an made myself a kindle case. It isn't perfect but wasn't too bad a first attempt.

I used an old broken book cover for the two main pieces duck taped together and then covered that with a corduroy fabric. The inside pieces are thin cardboard and scrap pieces of fleece covered with the inside material. The fleece pieces added a little bit of padding which will help to protect the screen. I then used elastics that I got from produce to attach the kindle to the bottom of the case. The total cost for the case was the $5 I spent on the glue gun.

Now I can't wait to curl up with my new kindle in its brand new case.

Happy reading!!

Practical Demonkeeping

2011-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

Practical Demonkeeping
By: Christopher Moore

When I first found out about Kindle's library lending feature I immediately hoped onto my local libraries website and started searching for books to borrow. Unfortunately, so did the rest of the Los Angeles area because most of the books already had a waiting list. I was a little Discouraged until I discovered this little gem.

My brother had mentioned Christopher Moore as an author to look out for and he has yet to steer me wrong when it comes to book recommendations. Having been the first book I've read of his I found this book to be really fun and entertaining. The story has a great cast of characters all with very distinct personalities. Although it was a little difficult in the beginning to keep track of things as the story introduces you to each ones lives individually, it really pays off in the end when all the characters come together.

This is a perfect example of a novel being a fantasy without feeling too extraordinary. The mythological aspects of the story weave their way into the story so seemlessly you hardly notice their fantastical nature. This is the first novel that Christopher Moore published and I can't wait to read more. A must read for anyone who likes a little fun in their lives.

Happy Reading!!!

Possible Side Effects

2011-11-06T21:17:00.001-08:00

Possible Side Effects
By: Augusten Burroughs

My marathon of Augusten Burroughs readings continued with his book. Possible Side Effects. While it was not my favorite book from his collection, it was still entertaining to read. As always his stories keep you on the edge of your seat laughing and in shock of just where the stores take you. Unfortunately, having been on my Burroughs kick some of the stories in Possible Side Effects are rehashed from his other books so I wasn't as invested in this book as I have been in his others. Also, I felt like this one was more of a collection of stories then a timeline of his life and I found I preferred the later. Despite that this is a good book to read if you are a fan of Augusten's work and just want to get your fix of his insane story telling. If you are new to Augusten Burroughs, I would suggest you read one of his other books first.

Now that things are cooler and rainier I just can't help curling up with a good book. What are you reading these days?

Local Libraries and Kindle

2011-09-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Amazon has made me fall in love with Kindle all over again by announcing that you can now borrow ebooks through your local library through overdrive and have them sent directly to your kindle or kindle app. The rentals will work like regular books where you will be able to "Check them out" for a limited amount of time, extend the time if needed, or buy the book and let Kindle's Whispersync keep track of your place.

Now I'll be able to read to my hearts desire without spending a dime or having to worry about coordinating with the local libraries limited supplies and hours!

Just go to your local library website to see if it is one of the 11,000 libraries now offering the service.

Happy reading everyone!!!

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wanting to follow up on the most beloved Hunger Games I stumbled upon "Matched" the first book in a series by Alley Condie. This book is a typical young adult novel that focuses on love and other pains of growing up in a society in which the main character doesn't quite feel like they belong.

Unlike Hunger Games this book reads like a young adult novel so it was a little difficult for me to really get into the story but would be a great read for a teenage girl. I also didn't like that the first book was really just a build up to the stories to come which left me a little unsatisfied at the end of the story.

The up side was that the characters were well written and I'm pretty sure I will be picking up the next book when it is finally released. A good read for anyone interested in the Young Adult genre.

What are you reading these days?

Dry. A Memoir

2011-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dry. A Memoir

By Augusten Burroughs

"Dry. A Memoir" is the follow up to Augusten's other Memoir "Running with Scissors" and proves itself to be just as entertaining. It follows Augusten as he struggles through life as an alcoholic. His story is full of interesting characters and intriguing stories which left me not ever wanting to put the book down.
This book is not suitable for young children or anyone sensitive to alcoholic blunders and overt sexuality. Even though it is not the main focus of the story, some might find it off-putting. I would also suggest anyone read Augusten's first book, "Running with Scissors" before reading "Dry" because it really does a great job of building his character and the second book quite often references aspect of his childhood that might seem a little extreme without the additional background.
Overall this book is a must read! I cannot wait to start on Augusten Burroughs next book!

Happy reading everyone!

The Imperfectionists: A Novel

2011-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Imperfectionists: A Novel by: Tom Rachman follows the world of the newspaper industry through the lives of those involved in the production of a small newspaper in rome. The story weaves between the people involved in the many different aspects of the newspaper. This story provides great insight into the life of the newspaper as it was and as it has become today. Anyone with an interest in the world of journalism and the excitement of the printed word will enjoy this book.

Apologies & Celebrities

2011-06-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

Man I have been so bad at keeping you avid readers informed on what i've been reading, for that I apologize. But despite the fact that I haven't been writing, I have definitely been reading so hopefully there will be lots more posts to come.

Celebrity writers are everywhere these days making it hard to fall for the trap of occasionally picking one up and hoping that it will be a worthwhile read. While I tend to ignore most celebrity books I have found myself on more then one occasion gravitating to the works of the celebrity comedians with mixed results.

The first book I picked up was Mike Birbiglia's "Sleepwalk with me" and The second Tina Fey's "Bossypants." While both comedians are quiet entertaining and both books will stir some giggles and provide some insight into the lives of comedians, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. The stories are just tidbits of a life, there's nothing gained and nothing lost. Not bad reads for a rainy afternoon but nothing to sink your teeth into.

What do you think about Celebrity authors? Are there any books out there worth noting?

An Experiment in Books on Tape

2011-01-30T20:53:00.001-08:00

Despite my childhood fascination with Grover’s rendition of “When is Saturday,” I have always avoided books on tape. I find it difficult to stay connected to the story and be able to weed out all other distractions. It took a very long commute to convince me to give books on tape another try.

Water for Elephants
By Sara Gruen
Read by David Ledoux and John Randolph Jones

This first book in my re-introduction to books on tape was a pleasant one. The narrative nature of the story really lent itself to being read aloud and was beautifully done by depicting the older and younger Jacob Jankowski as two different actors.

The story itself is dramatically intriguing, depicting life in the circus with never a dull moment. The characters are strong and the story leaves the reader begging for more While I did enjoy listening to the story unfold I can’t wait to pick up a hard copy and start reading. . I believe this would be a great story to enjoy in either form.

2010-12-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Avid Readers,

Sorry for the extreme lack of posts lately. But have no fear, there’s tons of reviews coming soon!!! The holidays are a great time of year for reading. Not only do you get to relax in front of the fire with a good book, you also get to spread the gift of books to others. While it’s hard to pick the exact book for the loved ones on your list, there’s nothing greater then finding that perfect one. Here are some books that made my list this year and will be sure to make this blog some time soon.

A Renegade History of the United States
By Thaddeus Russell

Dry: A Memoir
By Augusten Burroughs

Children Playing before a Statue of Hercules
By David Sedaris

What books are on your list this year?

What should I read next?

2010-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Avid Readers!

Now that i've caught up on all my book reading requirements and recommendations, I would love to hear from you what I should read next. What have you been reading? Any books or authors stand out as being your favorite? Any classics out there that you think i should read or reread?

I'd love to hear what your favorites are!

Happy reading!

A Confederacy of Dunces

2010-09-14T16:07:00.001-07:00

A Confederacy of Dunces

By John Kennedy Toole

A Confederacy of Dunces proves the point that you can enjoy a book in which you utterly loathe the main character. Despite the fact that this book was written in and takes places in the 1960’s the characteristics of the characters still hold true today. The story ties together the lives of an over-educated dunce incapable of surviving in the real world and a cast of interesting New Orleans characters. Overall this was a great book to read, although the storyline is in places slow and a little bit dreary.

This book is a must read for anyone who loathes over indulgence and wants to see it expressed at it’s worst or for anyone whose interested in the phenomenon of a cult classic!

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-09-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Art of Racing in the Rain
By Garth Stein

A recommendation from my brother Greg, this book tells a story of life, love, and heartache through the eyes of a dog. As I read it I couldn’t help but laugh at my own dog Teddy as he lay beside me feverishly chewing his favorite squeaky toy. It was fun to imagine a world where a dog could understand the intricacies of the human world and have such strong opinions about it.

If you aren’t a dog lover never fear this story is much more then that. The non-dog lover will enjoy the story of a family being torn apart and the struggle to keep them together. A must read for anyone who loves dogs and car racing or just likes reading a story of family struggle. I dare you to not shed a tear!

Keep those recommendations coming!

Mockinjay

2010-08-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay
By Suzanne Collins

The final book in The Hunger Games series keeps up the suspense and drama of the first two. When I started reading this book, I was torn between wanting to desperately know how the characters would fare and wanting the story to end. My curiosity won out and I made it to the end of the character’s journey. This is a series I will keep hold of for future reading as well as an author I will keep watching for what she does next.

Happy reading!

Catching Fire

2010-08-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
By Suzanne Collins

The second book in the series by Suzanne Collins, “Catching Fire” is just as addicting as the first. Picking up right where we left off we follow the main character Katniss as she battles her way through a new set of adventures as well as some that are all too familiar. Somehow Suzanne has created another unexpected page turning adventure. If you loved the first you need no reason to read the second and will be, like me, eagerly awaiting the release of the third and final book in the series. Can it be quite as entertaining as the first two? Just two days remaining so get reading!!!

The Hunger Games

2010-08-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins

This young adult book was a recommendation from my friend Jennie. The first in the series by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games had me hooked by the end of the first chapter. Each page turn was wrapped in a suspense that never abated. Focusing on a contest in which 24 competitors fight to the death, this story kept me on the edge of my seat and at it’s completion left me anxious to pick up the next book in the series.

It is a must read for anyone who loves action adventure stories with a more human touch. Be warned though once you pick it up, you may have a hard time putting it down.

A Movable Feast

2010-07-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

A Movable Feast
By Ernest Hemingway

I don’t know how this book has avoided my “Must Read” list for so long. It is the type of book that makes you want to spend a lifetime curled up in front of fire in your pajamas reading.

Hemingway’s words seamlessly transport you into his world. In A Movable Feast Hemingway finds his inspiration in the cafés and streets of Paris in the early days of his writing career. Here you learn of love and writing through his eyes and really come to appreciate the passion behind the man.

In honor of Hemingway’s birthday, I say that this is a must read book for anyone who loves literature, future authors, Paris, and anyone who appreciates the passion of a great man. In other words, If you haven’t already, go read it!

Juliet Naked: A Novel

2010-06-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Juliet Naked: A Novel
By Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby impresses again with his latest novel “Juliet, Naked.” His characters shine as they discover love lost, musical obsession, and unexpected connections. Nick Hornby has a creative voice that immediately places you into the world of it’s characters. Once inside, each page turn makes you more anxious to see where their journey will take them. Similar to his other books, Nick Hornby manages to weave music and pop culture into his story in a way that seems as if the story would be lost without it.

This book is a must read for anyone who has ever fallen out of love or had an unhealthy obsession with a rock star and his music. Nick Hornby fans will not be disappointed with this book.

Thoughts on the E Reader

2010-06-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last christmas my boyfriend surprised me with a brand new kindle. While I was pleased to receive such a gracious gift, I was a little suspicious that the gift was a way of keeping our already too full bookshelves from spilling over. Originally reluctant about jumping on the E-reader bandwagon, I dove into my kindle full force, and loved it.

The kindle screen is easy on the eyes and lightweight making it easy to read anywhere. Also, there's something great about going on a trip and being able to take an entire library of books with you without having to stuff your suitcase.

I’m definitely not filling the shelves as much as I used to these days. But the kindle has not stopped me from buying books completely. There are still some books I want to have and hold. Ones that I want to admire the pictures of or smell the pages. But when trying to get my daily reading fix, the kindle is where I go.

What about you? Do you use a kindle, Nook, or ipad to read? Does it change the experience at all?

Kick-Ass

2010-06-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

By Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.

I admit I fell for the “Now a Major Motion Picture” trap in reading this comic. I sat in the movie theater watching the movie adaptation of this comic book thinking that the movie was okay but the comic book was probably pretty awesome and I was not mistaken.

If you’re a comic book fan and haven’t seen the movie, stick with your instincts! Read the comic instead. The characters are much darker and more realistic. The story is more interesting and unpredictable then the movie and the art is so graphic and bloody it made me squirm (alright I’m a little prone to squirminess, but still).

Pick this book up if you are a fan of superheroes and have ever thought about putting on the tights, or if you are, like me, someone who likes to see a female character kick ass (and not in the “I kicked him in High Heels” kind of way). Oh I guess you should probably be into graphic novels too.

Far From You

2010-06-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Far From You

By Lisa Schroeder

I was mostly skeptical about poetry in a young adult novel, but after reading Far from you by Lisa Schroeder I found myself pleasantly surprised. The story created in prose had the same emphasis towards character and plot that one comes to expect from a regular fiction novel.

The prose in Far from you really helped to strengthen the main character's voice and show her growth as a character. You aren’t just hearing Alice’s story, you are feeling her pain and her strengths.

A great quick read for all. Those easily susceptible to tears might want to keep some tissues handy.

Rules

2010-06-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Rules

By Cynthia Lord

This children’s novel written in the perspective of 12 year old named Catherine was a glimpse into the world of the family of disabled children. Beyond just focusing on the trials and tribulations that disabilities cause for all involved, the story teaches you about life, love, and happiness in an enjoyably entertaining way.

This is a great read for both children and adults alike. A must read for anyone dealing with a friend or family member with a disability as well as anyone who likes to see the best in everyone.

Cleaving: A story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession

2010-06-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Cleaving: A story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession

By: Julie Powell

After the movie based on Julie’s first book, “Julie and Julia,” Julie Powell was a much talked about author. So I couldn’t resist the urge to pick up her next book about Marriage and meat.

Julie’s writing has a simplistic eloquence to it. While reading this book I couldn’t help but feel like I was getting drawn into the sorrows and happiness of a close friend and feeling the rollercoaster of her life unravel before me.

While I couldn’t look away, the story becomes repetitive and hard to follow at times. The transitions between meat and love are not always the most fluid. If though you have ever wondered about life in a butchery and have penchant for complex love affairs this is the book for you.