Book #29: Bright's Passage

Not one of my favorites. I was really hoping to love this book after the hype it received, but I found the pacing slow, the characters dull, and the chronology of events confusing.

Ritter chooses to alternate chapters of various points in the main character's life, and the reader has to figure out where in the timeline this particular event is taking place. Not only that, but the drive and journey of the protagonist is, well...I don't get it.
Maybe you will.

Book #28: Room

Suffocating. This book actually gave me anxiety to a point where I almost put it down for good. The story was incredibly uncomfortable and even though it was engrossing and well written, I almost abandoned it. Almost.

I didn't, and the anxiety lifted about half way through the novel. An excellent read.
Go get yourself a copy.

wish me luck

thirteen hour plane ride
and toddler thinks he's going
to New Orleans. ouch.

Book #27: Falling for Hamlet

It's been over a month since I've completed a book. Think I'm back in the groove...
This is a modern day retelling of a Shakespearian classic: Hamlet. If it were a movie, compare it to that Romeo and Juliet from years ago with Leo DeCap.
It's like that.

It's actually hard for me to tell if I like this or not. I read it because of my fondness for Shakespeare, and couldn't put it down because I was so curious of how the plot wold hold up to this retelling.
**Spoiler alert**
Ophelia lives. And it's only because she is the narrator, and you can't have a dead narrator. And I'm conflicted because normally I find Ophelia intriguing and in this version she fell a bit flat for me. Not a whole lot of depth to make her an interesting character.
If you are a Shakespeare fan, it might be worth a read, otherwise I think you might want to pass.

them words, they are a-flowin'

I can read again
my brain is finally clear
expect review soon...

ain't got no love

san antonio
nothing but shopping centers
you suck my life out

my heart belongs to...

Dearest Iced Coffee,
your caffeine is much needed
and you complete me

book deficient

it's a drought of words
that can't be read or enjoyed
and now I'm behind

because I just can't read lately

sarah parramore
has five syllables, and is
this haiku's first line

joys of beer

Blue Moon, you give me
calories when I forgot
to eat dinner. thanks.

so long, farewell...

goodbye sweet chickens
Eleanor was the best hen
go lay eggs elsewhere

3:30 a.m.

he associates
getting sick with taking baths
guess what I'm doing?

words that describe ________

beautiful lovely
anticipation taste touch
hunger sweetness smile

scent of N'awlins

unmistakeable
stench of drunkenness. it will
permeate nostrils

off I go

first stop: New Orleans
Cafe Du Monde, Bourbon Street,
a nerd convention

just a little stress

traveling three states
in one week. will she make it?
stay tuned to find out...

Book #26: Before I Go to Sleep

First, let me preface this by saying I think I'm going through reader's block. It's kinda like writer's block but not an officially coined term.
I just made it up.
But I'm having difficulty reading and am not sure if it's because the literature itself is lacking or some other blockage yet to be determined.
Enough about me though...

There's a promotional quote about this book: "like Memento on crystal meth".  This may come as a shock, but I've never done crystal meth. I have however seen Memento and was looking forward to the comparison of being on crystal meth because I'm a librarian and we research these kinds of things.
Sounds like fun.
I would probably say it's more like Memento with milk and honey though.
Poor woman has amnesia and wakes up every day not knowing what's going on.
Sucks, right?
So she starts to write it all down to help her remember, and the process of the writing makes the story a bit redundant. The whole book has this flatline quality to it with a predictable (for me at least) twist at the end that ties it all up in a nice, neat package.
Yeah, sorry, didn't care for it much, however I hear it's the "psychological thriller of the year!" about to be made into a movie.
There's a shocker.

kinda like camping, but not really

I drink Newcastle
while they sleep on trampoline
the house is quiet

and he's only 3

he left the playground
because he'd rather check out
the hip, cool jazz band

is he breathing?

he's so exhausted
that when he fell out of bed
he did not wake up

good taste

out of all the shows
available on Netflix
they choose Mr. Bean

trash talking

dearest pilates,
I'm back, bitch. bring on the planks.
soon, I will own you.

Book #25: After Ever After

Sweet story that plays up the ridiculousness of standardized testing in public schools and shows the bonds of friendship. However predictable, the characters, particularly Tad, are strong and powerful to carry this story along. Well worth the read.

Book #24: Eleventh Plague

Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games) gave this her seal of approval. I however, think it pales in comparison. Another dystopian YA novel with a bleak and depressing future in store for us. Can't say this book particularly stood out for me, and it would fall at the bottom of my recommendation list. There are a few moments of depth and originality, but not enough to make this book stand alone.

Book #23: I'll Be There

Truly touching. This book actually made me cry. I can't think of any other book that's ever made me cry (heart of stone and all...) and this sweet piece of literature managed to do just that. Not cry in a heartbreaking way with gobs of sadness, but cry because you are swept up in the joy and wonder of the moment. Go read.

bad timing

the end of the world
cannot happen this weekend.
who will win Idol?

Book #22: Beauty Queens

This book will officially be released in a few days, and I recommend that you run, don't walk, to go get your copy. Brilliant. This book makes a mockery of the way some women view themselves, and the ridiculousness of American society in general.
Libba Bray is a badass. There. I said it.

or sometimes I'm just lucky

I am hard wired
to always seek highest points
in all my Word games

Book #21: Clarity

Easy and fast, with a little whodunit thrown in. This is a murder mystery when I thought I was starting another paranormal teen romance. Well, there is a little of that, but mostly it's a mystery and our featured psychic, Clarity, is on the case. Clarity, or Clare, is from an interesting family where her brother is a medium (read: talks to dead people) and her mom's a telepath.  Combined with Clarity's psychic ability, the three of them make a living entertaining the tourists until one summer day when a girl gets....murdered! OMG! Read on to see if Clarity helps or hinders the investigation....

who needs a pool?

he is so damn cute
running around, all nekked
through backyard sprinkler

Book #20: Monstrumologist

Whenever a book is given a Printz award, I sincerely try to give it a read and don't think I have ever been disappointed. Let me warn you that this book is not for the faint of heart. There are some pretty grotesque and disturbing images and I can see this book being challenged in many libraries. However, if you can get past the gory stuff, I think you'll find an enjoyable tale with characters that you'll both love and hate. I loved the richness of the language and the way the author turns this almost ridiculous storyline into something believable.

my garden doesn't like your coldfront

today is May 1st
did you not get the memo,
55 degrees?

Book #19: The Help

Wow. Just wow. Powerful storytelling with such deep characterization, I was stunned to learn this was Kathryn Stockett's debut novel. Wonderful and brilliant and engaging, a story that opens up your eyes and makes you see things you knew were there, but maybe didn't want to admit to yourself.

What's even better is that this will soon be a movie, starring Viola Davis who just so happens to be an alumni of my alma mater. So there.

hungry

after dinner snack
I'll have to get creative
the fridge is empty

I'll take my eggs au naturale

cluckity-cluck-cluck
there be no egg dyein here!
I'm anti-Easter.

Book #18: The Lover's Dictionary

Upon first inspection, I really did think this was a dictionary of lovers' terminology and almost didn't give it the chance it deserved. Then I discovered the author, who has written several other books that I absolutely adored and decided to give it a shot. Surprise! It is, in fact, not a dictionary, but a story told through alphabetical entries. The concept is unique and it amazed me that a full tale could be told with such few words. David Levithan does not disappoint in this novel and has created a heart wrenching story of a couple in love.
And it's just lovely.

so it's not everyday. so what?

haiku hiatus
or maybe I'm just lazy
the jury's still out

Book #17: Matched

Add yet another YA dystopian novel to my shelf. This one takes place in a government controlled society that matches couples together based on data and genetics at the tender young age of 17. This story has elements from just about every other dystopian novel I have read, yet I found myself pleasantly amused and connecting with the characters. I had the pleasure of meeting this author just two days ago and collecting a signed copy for our personal library, and will eagerly anticipate it's sequel...   

Book #16: Incarceron

So much confusing imagery in here, couldn't quite paint a mental picture for me. Once again, we enter a dystopian future where this perfect prison was built, and then the prison became too smart and took over, a la HAL. I wasn't quite so gripped by the storytelling, although the plot and characters left me wanting to learn a bit more about them. It was kinda good, but not phenomenal. Worth the time to read though...

reaching a milestone

be free on that bike
so what about cuts and scrapes?
that smile says it all

Book #15: Bruiser

Beautiful. This book dives into the selfishness of humanity that even the most selfless person at times cannot deny. Powerful and poignant.

I can't say anymore about it because it would be a spoiler and I don't want to deny anyone the enjoyment of reading this novel.

it ain't cool to be me right now

sneezin' up in here
with the chillz and the fever
gimme some tissues!

just cuz I'm asian...

in Japanese store
man comes up and asks for help
"I do not work here"

Benedryl sux!

Dear Zyrtec, you rock.
no sneezing, no misery,
no zombie moving

Book #14: A Wrinkle in Time

Yes. I really did just read this book. I know, I'm a librarian and all... a children's librarian at that, but somehow this one escaped. I read this together with my 8-yr-old and we both found it equally enchanting. I'm still a bit perplexed by the whole 'traveling' bit, but all in all I'd say it was not too shabby. Not my all time favorite, but a good book indeed.

Pied Piper in my backseat

play that instrument
loudly while I am driving
play for the people!

Book #13: How to Say Goodbye in Robot

This book is a hidden gem. Don't let the title turn you off (like it did me). Actually, I think the title is all wrong for this book and the author or publishing house is doing a major disservice to this piece of literature. I think I would call it, "Looking for Casper", or "Magic Carpet Ride", all of which will not make any sense to you unless you read this book! It's a touching story of friendship and love, and well, losing that friendship and love too. Go read it. You'll be glad you did.

a good day

agenda is blank
coffee, reading, gardening
I love you Sunday

whack!

watching him kick boards
afraid he'll lose confidence
but he doesn't quit

Book #12: Ape House

As I was strolling through the library, about to check out my books and leave, something caught my eye. It was the name on a book in the display: Sara Gruen. I know this name because, well, we share the first one, and because it happens to be the author of one of my all time favorite books, Water for Elephants. On the strength of my love for that book alone, I picked up Ape House and ditched the book I was about to read.

Ape House did not disappoint. In fact it only reinforced my love for this author and her work. Such an incredible look at bonobos which opened my eyes at the harsh mistreatment apes are put through and built a greater appreciation for these beautiful animals. It inspired me so much, I seriously toyed with the idea of a career change to study primates and their language learning abilities. And I'm still toying.
You never know...

my favorite time of day

I love when the book
I am currently reading
is just so damn good

alarm clocks are the devil

I don't like waking
before the sun has risen
stupid 6 a.m.

Book #11: Ender's Game

Ender's Game is not my typical preferred reading, but it does fit into the dystopian future category, so I suppose it qualifies...This book is part of a larger series classified as science fiction where young children are born and bred to become soldiers prepared to fight the next alien invasion. My summary did nothing for the true cleverness of the story so don't let that influence you. It really is an interesting read with some relevant issues weaved in. I might just give the other books a chance, and this book has spawned two separate series, one that takes place involving the main character, and one that takes place without the main character. Which one should I choose?

may I have a tissue, please?

warm weather breezes
flowers, sunshine, sprouting green
Achoo! Achoo! ugh.

where my gold at?

I've got a wee lad
who acts like a leprechaun
but is way cuter

license to pee

walking through Target
I'm thrilled to not have to buy
any more diapers!

Book #10: Mrs. Kimble

This book, in my humble opinion as a not-so-professional book reviewer, was simply...stellar! Excellent storytelling done from three different view points: all of them a Mrs. Kimble. And oh, how you start to really loathe Mr. Kimble! What a prick! But, don't let my opinion influence your judgement of the man.
Pick up the book and decide for yourself.

nighty night

long, curly lashes
steady breathing, face so calm
sweet dreams, little one

gardening time

tomatoes, fennel,
artichokes, peppers, leeks, chard:
you are my bitches!

Book #9: Torment

I'm a sucker for a teen paranormal series. Torment is the second book in the Fallen series about a teenaged angel and his mortal love. In the first book you learn that this angel was outcast from Heaven because of his choice to love the mortal girl. As a curse, the girl dies at age 17 only to be reincarnated and reunited with her angel lover, and the cycle repeats itself all over again, generation after generation. We meet the girl after she has been reincarnated umpteen times and is just learning about all this heaven and hell stuff, along with angels and demons and maybe, just maybe, she's had enough of this dying crap!

All in all, this book was okay. I didn't buy the love between the two. Just didn't seem  as intense as the author was trying to make it. I'll read the next one though, to see what she decides!

countdown

in just four short days
that young man of mine returns
right where he belongs

gross

like moth to a flame,
dogs and feces together
it's magnetism

only $1.99 with a 14 day free trial!

huh? what's that you say?
you want my blog on Kindle?
Amazon dot com

where are the royalties?

potty time is fun
when you include an iTouch
with a Netflix app

It helps me sleep better

sneak on a diaper
while he is sleeping soundly
to ensure dry bed

Book #8: Clockwork Angel

This is the prequel to the Mortal Instruments series (which I thought was ho-hum), and really, this was SO much better! Maybe I liked the time period better, I don't know, but the storyline was so much more compelling and none of the characters were the least bit annoying.

Bravo, Ms. Clare, your prequel series is the one you should have started with. And maybe ended with too. Now the worst part is having to wait for the next book...

I didn't quit you. You quit me.

hey there, pilates?
I think I wanna break up,
just not working out

guest blogger haiku!

Because I'm stumped for words, I felt the time was right to pull my Get Out Of Jail Free card and use the cleverly written haiku from the lovely Joy Engel. This haiku was written in response to my distress over my son's.....um, behavior....
Enjoy!

I'm breaking his toys.
Don't ever mess with Mommy.
He'll be sorry. Crunch.

putting on a happy face

taking a small break
to repair and mend my heart.
I'm much better now

Book #7: Dearly Devoted Dexter

The second book in the Dexter series, Dearly Devoted Dexter (honestly, I can't tell them apart, their titles all run together for me because of the author's fondness for alliteration) is pretty swell. I happily discovered this book took quite a departure from the show as I was not at all familiar with the storyline. And maybe because it does get pretty groteseque... I don't like Deborah in the books though, she's nothing but a bitch (I don't like her in the show either but that's because she and Dexter hooked up off screen, but....now they're divorced) and Doakes meets his demise in a much more horrifying and torturous way than in the show. Good times.

However I found faults with the storyline, like if Dexter and Deb are chasing this serial killer, then why the hell isn't Miami PD involved. Why is Dexter hunting down Doakes on his own? These statements will probably mean absolutely nothing to you unless you've read it, so please go read it and then we can discuss.

sometimes I cry

I miss the big one.
He's been gone for two weeks now.
Mommy needs him back.

toothache sweet

"I wuv you Mommy".
I'd like to record that phrase
to be my ringtone.

who wears short shorts?

hello silky legs,
it's nice to see you again
after all that hair.

365 days of Valentine

I refused the love
on this Hallmark holiday.
It's every day.

scissors and toddlers don't mix

try and cut the hair
of a ticklish 3-year old.
looks a bit funky

book #6: City of Glass

I can't remember when I read the first book in this series. It seems recent, although if it were I'm sure I would have written about it right? Okay, third and final installment in the Mortal Instruments series, and I think I'm over all the magical, mystical other-worldly power bullshit. Vampires, werewolves and fairies....why do they always have to appear together? The best thing about this series was the incestuous relationship that never was.
Oops, spoiler alert.

And with all this bashing, I ran right out and got the prequel.

you can't break me yet

hey there, pilates?
I was sore for like, 4 days!
I'll be back though, bitch.

a growing vocabulary

new favorite term:
"hillbilly bajingo wash"
try it. you'll like it.

Book #5: City of Ashes

This is the second book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and it was...eh. I won't say much else about it, but I will finish up the series, so I guess it's good enough to want to complete it, but...eh.

stuck on words

all I've got are vowels.
all I've got are consonants.
and I just can't win.

easy prey

giggle fits, squealing
squirming laughter, can't catch breath;
I love to tickle.

trampoline injury

can't turn my head left.
it's like I slept on it wrong,
need some Tylenol.

Book #4: Love is the Higher Law

This book was not next on my list, however, I temporarily misplaced the book I was reading and was just using this for filler. Two days later, I'm done, and I have to say....wow. Such a moving and profound book written about 9/11 and its effects on the lives of three individuals. This story eloquently describes the emotions and feelings associated with that tragic event in such a poetic and touching way. I'm glad I read it, and you will be too.

sorry if I smell

my pipes are frozen.
I won't say how long it's been
since my last shower

Book #3: Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Okay, confession time. I only picked up this book because I have a secret crush on Dexter Morgan. Or maybe it's the actor playing Dexter Morgan, but I don't think so because I totally wasn't crushing on him during Six Feet Under. But seriously though, the show rocks my world and since I discovered it has literary ties, I of course had to take it for a spin.

I was afraid it would be an exact replica of the first season, and while there are some parallel story lines, I was pleasantly surprised by the vast and major differences. I won't go into them because of spoiler concerns, but trust me, you'll probably dig it.

Most of this book is Dexter's inner monologue and I was glad that Rita made few appearances. I hate that girl. Well, hate's a strong word, but she is SO wrong for Dexter! Anywho, give it a try, you'll be glad you did!

ode to the freezing temps

wintery weather,
whooshing, walloping, whooping,
whacked-out. wham! windy.

the bon voyage dinner (compliments of Julia Child)

making his fave meal,

every 8-year-old's dream:

potage parmentier

excuses, excuses

neglected haiku
and running behind schedule
of reading challenge

the perfect sign

unattended kids
will be given a puppy
and an espresso

major food groups

ketchup is counted
as a main vegetable
when eating hotdogs

girl scout goodness

secretly hiding

Thin Mints from my family.

I will eat them all.

words with losers (and by loser, I mean me)

I'm always losing
at those stupid word games, yet,
I come back for more

sad mommy

he's leaving me soon,
traveling 2,000 miles
away from my heart

it's a rose to me

stinky, smelly feet
snotty, snorting, sniffy nose
and he's only three

and...it's gone!

weekend, oh weekend,
where did you disappear to?
Monday comes too fast.

Book #2: Freedom

Damn Jonathan Franzen, you wrote a long-ass book! So I'm already behind schedule on my 52 books in 52 weeks challenge because of this particular novel. Was it worth it though? I didn't think so until around page 558 ( I should mention this book is 562 pages long...). While it was entertaining enough not to lose interest, I wasn't grabbed. This did not cause any sleepless nights nor make me wonder if the characters and I would be friends in real life.

So for most of this read, I'd say it was mediocre at best. But then a funny thing happened: I kept reading. And as a result, I ended up liking it more and more, in fact right when I got to page 562 I was able to tell myself "Self, that was a pretty satisfactory ending." I guess what I'm saying is...I liked it, but not so much at first.

Now I hear this book took Mr. Franzen eight years to write, and it shows, especially seeing how long it took me to read. It is incredibly detailed with well thought out characters and storylines, but was it worthy enough to put Jonathan on the cover of Time magazine? Yeah, I'm not so sure, but that's why I don't get paid to read.

ghost town and smooth music

ghetto grocery:
you are quite tolerable
at 7 a.m.

betrayal

you are not my friend.
you've hurt me, I'm exhausted
f*** you, exercise!

can't mess with bedtime

I should get an "F"
in: Trying To Put Your Kids
To Sleep By Themselves

smell the chocolate

channeling Crocker,
first name: Betty. bake through me
and pop out some sweets

your insides will stick together

"don't swallow the gum!"
I must have said this sentence
eighty times today.

every 2 minutes

mommy? I'm hungry.
mommy? can I have a snack?
mommy? I want more.

weather

the rain prevents boys

from jumping on trampoline.

mommy needs a drink.

must finish

currently reading,

but the book will never end.

it goes on and on...

can't move

head on my shoulder,

sweet, warm body curled up tight.

arm falling asleep.

that's just gross

hey, you great big dog,
must you eat dirty diapers
when we leave the house?

servants

no nap, just demands

like “i want this!”, “i want that!”

the house bows to him

timing

the idea is to 

let me know you need to pee

before it happens

language

he wants to ‘nuggle,

which is like “snuggle” without

the “s”. just ‘nuggle.

a monster is born

can you hear sirens?

it’s getting louder, louder

make him stop. please. go.

the red truck

when he grows up big

he will be a fireman.

with built in sirens.

Book #1: Slam

Slam by Nick Hornby
The first book read of the new year  and I'm off to a good start. Although this isn't my typical cup of tea, it made for an entertaining read. The main character being a teenage boy who finds out he's knocked up his ex-girlfriend and secretly conducts discussions with a Tony Hawk poster isn't exactly what I consider when searching for books, but I do like me some Nick Hornby and since this was his first shot at YA, I felt I should be supportive. Well done, Nick. You made me laugh out loud at least a couple of times.

please, just sit on the toilet

what shall I bribe with?

cupcakes? candy? no, he wants

a ride on a bus

peace and quiet

get an iPod touch

and watch those tantrums be gone!

thank you Mr. Jobs

pain

legos everywhere,

but don’t step on the pieces.

that really hurts. ouch.

creativity

oh lego master,

you are only eight years old

please pick up your mess

early bedtime

champagne goes pop pop

fireworks go pop pop pop

but not at our house

new year

maybe, just maybe

this will be the year that he

becomes potty trained