schmoovenet

I am a college student, if you use the box below I earn money to spend on Amazon to buy books.

Another One Down: Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon

It's funny what you get from Twitter. I've gotten a new TV and connected with some folks I probably never would've met otherwise. I also found out about Thomas Tryon, an actor who took up writing later in his career. Harvest Home takes place in a small, quaint New England town. You may have guessed that there's probably some horrible secret that the town holds; it's such a cliche but it still works. The book moves a little slowly but it builds nicely. There are a few weird plot strands that are opened up that didn't really get explained until too far into the story and didn't really resolve to my satisfaction. Still, it is enjoyable if you're looking for something chilling and not too heavy.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 7/13/2009 05:46:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more returned unfinished: American Thighs by Jill Conner Browne.

I just can't do it anymore! I tried, I got about 70 pgs in, and then I just took it back. I couldn't deal with it. The first few books were endearing and fun (and the recipes weren't bad either!) but this one just hopped from place to place. I can't get into something that choppy.

There's this trend now, and it's not specific to Browne, where instead of WRITING a book, an author just compiles anecdotes from other people. And who gets the check in the end? I actually saw on a web site, one not connected to this book or movement, a link where you could submit your own picture to be used in the book. does this person get paid? My guess is no, although if you know then tell me.

Another thing I'm getting tired of is women and fat jokes/comments (again, not specifically tied to Browne). Can we move beyond this? Few of us are happy with our bodies, but when I hear a woman like Browne talk disparagingly about having a less than perfect figure it really bugs me. I've met Browne, and I would cut a bitch for her figure at MY age.

I know in posting this I might get some hateful comments. That's fine. Go for it.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 4/29/2009 05:53:00 PM 2 comments links to this post

A moral dilemma, can you help?

So, I was briefly associated with a gentleman (dated is probably a better word, but it's so loaded these days that I try to avoid it) a couple of years ago. I am no longer in contact with this man but during our brief friendship he lent me two nice books to read. I never got a chance to return them. They are still in my possession and on my bookcase.

Now, as you know (and have contributed, and I love you for it), I have recently had some pretty hefty bills come up suddenly that have left me cash poor. As a result, I am eyeing everything in my house critically. Anything that can be will be sold. I am thinking about selling these books. Is that wrong? I have a tiny nagging voice telling me it is, but I doubt the man will come asking me for them.

Passive aggression to follow, mainly to give the potentially injured party a chance to defend himself:
I know you read this blog sometime. Sorry about your books. I'm considering the gains to be what my friend Molly calls the "asshole tax." But I'll strike a deal with you: If you give me the explanation you promised (e-mail or comment here, please, I don't wish to speak to you) and didn't deliver then I will return your books.

Labels: books, discussion, question

posted by Leah at 12/04/2008 09:38:00 PM 1 comments links to this post

One More BACK: A recommendation

Years ago I read a nice novel called The Confessions of Max Tivoli. It's a sweet story about a man who is born with the body of an old man but the brain of an infant. As he grows older in years he grows younger in body. Does this sound familiar? It should, as it is also the premise of a short story written by F Scott Fitzgerald which has been recently made into a film called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." I'm excited to see Benjamin Button but it makes me a little sad that this means there will likely not be a film version of Max Tivoli. I'm reserving judgement of either until I read/see Benjamin Button (since my reading queue is kind of long I will probably get to the film first), but I do highly recommend Max Tivoli. Your library probably has it. And right now you are the love of my life for reading this! My writing sucks these days.

Labels: books, movies

posted by Leah at 12/04/2008 09:29:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

Media roundup

Please use the search box up there. thanks.

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Apkan. A friend of mine apparently doesn't like movies that make him feel bad. It's understandable on a certain level, but good art doesn't always leave you with a happy feeling. Case in point. A collection of short stories about troubles in Africa made even more poignant because they're told from the POV of children.

The Piano. Yes, it did take me this long to see it. And it was disturbing.

Elmer Gantry. I can't recommend this enough, especially at a time like this.

Labels: books, movies

posted by Leah at 9/14/2008 07:26:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down and one better forgotten

Bonk is a lot of fun, and that's what you'd expect from Mary Roach. I was a big fan of Stiff, not such a fan of Spook. It's not nearly as salacious as you might expect. It's never dry but somewhat clinical.

Meanwhile, I finally finished watching the documentary Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary. you know what? Not what I expected and in a bad way. I didn't expect a 90 minute interview (light on the questions) where she recounted the last days of Hitler, nor did I expect her humanization of Hitler. for once, seeing someone humanized wasn't welcome. Really, he was an atrocious person who did horrible things and I don't care how much he loved his job, or how kind he was to his staff. I don't need the blow by blow of the last days. He was murdering people while she worked for him. I realize that at the time some didn't know the extent of the torture and death in the camps, but at the same time Hitler was still vocal in his hatred of the Jewish people. I mean, it's not as if it was a quirk--his whole plan was to create a master race! You can't excuse that, and in my opinion she was just as complicit as those tried in Nuremburg.

Maybe I missed the point, though.

Labels: books, movies

posted by Leah at 8/29/2008 06:36:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

drag-tastic!

Last night's Project Runway was the BEST. EVER. Drag every week. Yes. More Varla Jean! And those of you who haven't, go see Girls Will Be Girls!

Made another run to the bookstore. Still have only slightly less than $250!

Meanwhile, I finshed The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi. It's good enough, it just seems too soon. I know that doesn't make sense considering the last Monster murder took place in the 1980s, but the aftermath appears to be VERY fresh. I'm a sucker for true crime, though.

And I'd like to remind you that when you use the amazon links I get money, money I will use for texts (one of my books will be $78!!!). Even if you don't buy the item once you're there I get a cut of what you buy.

Labels: books, television

posted by Leah at 8/21/2008 08:26:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

A couple more down and some notes.

I realize I've been neglecting the heck out of this blog. What used to be a daily ritual has become an occasional nuisance. Not a nuisance, though. You know? I don't like updating at work, and it seems as though that's the only time I'm near a computer, except when I'm home and playing pogo games.

the twitter thing above is my way of trying to keep this page fairly dynamic. it's easier to update by cell phone, so maybe I'll stick with it.

Meanwhile, I have been thinking about Passing for Thin by Frances Kuffel a lot lately. I couldn't remember the title or author, but could remember a description and luckily found it on Amazon. it's been several years since I read it, but I need to get back to it. i remember it being fun, engaging, and relatable. I'm going to reserve it from the library and read it again.

Also, just finished Rollergirl by Melicious. It's a lot of fun, but might not be as fun for folks who aren't knee deep in derby--I'm not sure, so check it out for yourself. I know I enjoy it, particularly a part where Melicious details her reaction after finding out she didn't make her league's travel team. now, i'm willing to bet that Melicious is a WAY better skater than me, but I know the feeling, although on a much lower level.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 5/09/2008 06:57:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

So many more down that I don't even know where to start.

I was really good about documenting my reading, then I started grad school and that's fallen off. I do read, although not as much as I'd like. So I think I'm going to forego the amazon links (if you'd like them, please use the search box above and I'll get a portion of your purchase which will buy me school books).

And away we go in no particular order except the order in which I remember them.

The Ruins by Scott Smith. So I saw a preview for the film version around Christmas time and got this just in time for my Iowa trip. I read it on the way there and ugh, what a pain. Third rate suspense, characters I had no sympathy for. It may have colored my crappy mood when I arrived in Iowa.

The Learners by Chip Kidd. A follow up to The Cheese Monkeys, but easily stands alone (although I'd recommend the Cheese Monkeys just so you aren't blindsided by the appearance of Himillsy Dodd). It takes something you learned in High School psychology and shows the other side. Redemption, guilt, all that fun stuff. I loved it, and was glad to have Happy back in my life for a short time.

The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff We Didn't Actually Do, but Could Have, and May Yet by Jill Conner Brown and Karin Gillespie. Do we really need this? This reminds me of when you were in junior high and you thought it would be SO FUN! to write about your real life friends and how you wish things had happened. It's almost like fanfiction, but in a way I can't possibly explain. I like the SPQ books, but this was unnecessary. Next!

Suburban Legends by Sam Stall. A collection of weird-but-true stories from Suburbia. I love stuff like this and I needed something to cleanse my cranial palate after writing a 16 page paper for class. It's the kind of book you can keep in the bathroom for, ahem, longer trips.

Duma Key by Stephen King. I commented ages ago in an entry about The Colorado Kid that he's gotten a heart. Boy, has he ever and BOY do I like it. He builds the suspense so slowly but you're never bored. The body count gets high and emotional but the ending is satisfying. King is getting better with age, and this book seems very personal (the main character is recovering from an accident that leaves him with physical and mental impairments). He needs to talk to his son Joe Hill who wrote...

Heart Shaped Box about which I heard very mixed reviews but decided to try it for myself. I couldn't believe it was a real book based on the synopsis I read, and on top of that I kind of wanted to see what Stephen's kid had in him. It reminded me of the period where I just couldn't finish King's books due to the ridiculousness. I did finish, though.

With the gift card I will have more later.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 4/21/2008 06:43:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

$1000

What would you do if you won a $1000 gift certificate to a large bookstore? We're talking a two story deal with books, periodicals, dvds, cds, lotions, totebags, and a fancy cafe. No, it's probably not the one you're thinking of (unless you live in the Nashville area, then it's TOTAL the one you're thinking of). Because I did.

Short story: local public radio is having their pledge drive and gives away prizes during this time. I was the winner, and I never win a dang thing (remind me sometime to tell you about the time mom won 2 airline tickets). So I go to the office park to pick it up and after work make a quick stop at the store.

I walk in and I get tears in my eyes. Seriously. It was sensory overload. I'd imagine it was like what Henry Bemis felt like before his glasses broke. I didn't have much time so I only got a few items here and there so I've still got plenty to spend. I did FINALLY get that Monty Python's Flying Circus box set that includes every episode of the TV show. Until now all I had was episodes I'd taped on VHS way back when it was on the Comedy Channel (later Comedy Central).

Yes, I've had a few requests. I'll probably use some of it for DVDs (I'm not a book buyer--i love libraries!), some of it for school books.

Labels: books, news

posted by Leah at 4/10/2008 06:56:00 AM 1 comments links to this post

One More Down: Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan

Yes! I finally read a book that wasn't for class! Of course at 160 pages it is more accurately described as a novella, but I'll take what I can. At least it's not Levinas, right? But I did get an A- in the class and good closure. Whether or not we broke the prof's spirit is not the issue, right?

I listened to the interview with the author on one of my favorite podcasts, The Bat Segundo Show and decided to check it out. Listen, it's all about carrying on. No matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, it all falls apart. I've spent a lot of time recently mourning the death of good old American work ethic, so this book makes me both happy that maybe there's someone out there like Manny, and sad that this is just a fictional character and there may not be real folks out there.

I have only worked in food service for four days (and that was a Taco Bell, hardly anything as classy as a Red Lobster) but management is a rough existence. I've had my run-ins with retail management and when you find a good one s/he rarely sticks around. In fact, you'll probably get in a passive aggressive battle with a woman who collects cats and Precious Moments figurines--a deadly combination.

Anyway, it's all about carrying on, something I don't remember enough.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/27/2007 10:20:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

Open letter to the person who used an Amazon Referral link

Thank you, thank you, and thank you! It will defray the cost of my books for my opera class next semester, and it looks like someone out there will have a very happy holiday season.

I get so annoyed with online folks who "panhandle." I try not to do this, I think I've kindly pointed out the links to amazon and etsy a few times when times are tough. I don't have a tip jar because I personally don't care for them (though I understand a discreet link on a page), and I absolutely hate listening to podcasts and hearing the host go on about who's given them money. It's tacky. If you're going to sell ad space then be honest about it.

Really, there's nothing wrong with a thank you e-mail, people! I would do that very thing except the process is completely anonymous which is the way I prefer to do things. So instead I'm posting. Thank you.

Maybe I'm bitter and jealous. After all, I don't have the talent some folks have and I obviously don't have the social connections/aptitude that many online do. I'm broke with a property tax bill coming up next month (do not even ask about why there's no escrow account for this purpose--that is a long story).

Anyway, I haven't forgotten you guys. I've actually not been doing a whole lot lately, but I'll update you on the whole lot of nothing later on.

Oh, and anonymous buyer, you and I have similar tastes in books.

Labels: books, gratitude, open letter

posted by Leah at 11/27/2007 12:41:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

Several More Down: I'm Lazy

Oh, let's just go with this. There's so much I've read in the past several months I can't even remember it all! Well, that and the fact that none of the books really stood out too well.

I will say that I just recently finished Water for Elephants which was quite good up until the end. The end was fine, just not satisfying. But never mind, let me tell you about the book.

I do love to read about circus life. I don't know what it is as the circus life, it isn't the life for me but I do love to read about it (see also Wonder When You'll Miss Me which is amazing, I hope you go click on that link and buy it immediately). I also don't know what led me to Water for Elephants, but it provided even more behind the scenes circus knowledge. As I mentioned I didn't care for the ending but still, the journey was better than the destination. Getting there was all the fun. The means justified the end. Ok, not really. Still, worth getting from a library or at a book sale.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 4/15/2007 08:07:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

So it turns out I like the Showtime series better. By, like, fifty miles.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/28/2006 09:21:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Walking Shadows by John Evangelist Walsh

This book was a birthday gift from Angi, and I say thank you yet again as this is one of my favorite subjects. So, this book examines the hearst/welles face off (such that it was) back when Kane was released. It's pretty clear which side Walsh falls on, but he goes a little more in depth on the subject than I've read before.

Whether Hearst is the reason Welles wasn't as successful as he should've been or if Welles was just too difficult is really not the point. The point is that Citizen Kane is the finest movie ever made and if you disagree I will CUT YOU. To the white meat. Slice and dice, bitch.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/28/2006 09:07:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

Holiday media

So, in the past I've refered to this season as the I Love Jesus holidays. See, I think that Christmas has now officially become its own entity. Christmas season means traffic, spending tons of money, terrible songs, trees, lights, and feelings of inadequacy. I Love Jesus season is much shorter and involves togetherness, church, hymns, harmony, joy, and Jesus.

I had an arguement the other day about the song "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." I hate it, it's a dumb song, and i was vocal about this. I was told it's no different from other holiday songs. Well, yeah it is. It's a bad song in any season. It's like comparing "My Humps" to "Can't Do A Thing."

If you're looking for a media escape I recommend the following:

Labels: books, movies

posted by Leah at 12/20/2006 12:50:00 PM 4 comments links to this post

Mystery solved and thanks for all the fish!

I blogged previously about a cool book about Welles and Hearst that I received. The mystery has been solved, and I would like to say that it wasn't exactly a mystery, as only one person knows me well enough to know of my love of Welles vs Hearst, that's Angi. Thank you Angi! This book has been moved to the top of my queue (PS check out RKO 281).

Speaking of birthdays Friday night I finally got the cake. It's a delicious Red Velvet from the Sweet 16th. Did you hear the angels singing? Yes, they are exalting the beauty of the cake.

Denny to the left of me, flashy to the right,here I am stuch in the middle with YOU.

Anyway, getting back to birthdays. Last night Mandy took me out for my birthday dinner at Battered and Fried, which, contrary to what the name may imply had some absolutely amazing sushi. We then enjoyed red velvet cake and a Discovery channel special about removing a parasitic twin which nearly caused the red velvet to make an unwelcome return.

I then came home and promptly fell asleep on the couch waiting for Saturday Night Live to come on. I had kind of wanted to make the trip to The End for some fine music but it was not going to happen.

Labels: books, food

posted by Leah at 12/03/2006 10:51:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Tideland by Mitch Cullin

I just finished this during my lunch break and holy crap this is the most messed up thing. For real.

I have heard the horrid reviews of the Terry Gilliam film so I decided to read the book first. So, it should go without saying that I'm going to skip the movie. i'm quite happy with messed up but this is the sort of messed up I couldn't get behind.

honestly. so messed up I almost didn't go and find it on amanzon to post the link you see to the left. But then I realized that you are all entitled to your own opinion and if you're curious who am I to stop you?

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/01/2006 03:11:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Awake in the Dark by Roger Ebert

I know the box to the left shows the author as David Bordwell. He wrote the foreword. Aside from a few essays in the final section the entirety is written by Ebert. so there.

Roger Ebert is fantastic. Most folks only know of him as the fat dude on Siskel and Ebert. Well, up yours. Firstly, he's lost a lot of weight (no, not in the Star Jones way. Ebert's weight loss was due to a bout with cancer.). Secondly, Siskel died several years ago and now the co-host is Richard Roeper. Finally, he's a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. If you're not familiar with his column i highly recommend you read.

A friend asked me for a non-fiction recommendation after finishing the Harry Potter series. I mentioned this book and he told me he wasn't into movies like I was and really couldn't read reviews of movies he'd not seen. Well, I said, I haven't seen many of the movies he reviews but never once felt as though this was a problem. Ebert has a way of writing about a movie that just makes sense. he's incredibly brilliant but writes in a way that's easy to read. To me, the smartest people make being smart look effortless and don't feel the need to talk over your head to prove intelligence.

I have loved Roger Ebert for years. He's got a healthy respect for cheesy movies and never comes off as a film snob. he does scene by scene analysis of movies at several venues and what I wouldn't give to attend one of these sessions involving "Citizen Kane." If you're looking for a late birthday/early christmas present that would be it. i suppose for the time being i'll have to settle for the commentary track on the DVD.

however, we will have to agree to disagree on "Crash."

Labels: books, movies

posted by Leah at 11/27/2006 03:09:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: St Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell

So, I like Magic Realism. A lot. This book isn't magic realism but I felt the need to emphasize that point, mainly so you'll understand that I have no problem suspending my disbelief, but there comes a point when you just can't suspend it any more because your arms are tired and you're shouting "oh for fuck's sake, come on!" and your eyes have popped out of their sockets from all the rolling they've been doing.

So there seems to be this modern movement in literature that could be called Annoying Randomism. I'm sure there's a literary term out there but since I'm an outsider and not an intellectual in the least I'm going to call it as I see it. I'm sure I could list several criteria for Annoying Randomism but it all boils down to this: it seems like it was pulled out of the author's ass and covered up with flowery prose. similar to that feeling when you know someone is lying to you but they're trying so hard that on the inside you just can't get over it and you have to give them credit for trying but damned if you don't want to call them on it, but you won't because it's just too much man, too much!

I get it. We don't want to grow up. I don't want to grow up. I want a TMX Elmo for crying outside. No one wants to grow up and our generation is the first to see just how responsible we can be without ever having to grow up. My biggest issue with this book is that all the stories are told from a child/young adult perspective, but I haven't met a single young person with language skills of that caliber.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 10/31/2006 02:37:00 PM 1 comments links to this post

One More Down: A Series of Unfortunate Events Book the Thirteenth: The End by Lemony Snicket

Ok, if you've come this far in the series and you're the sort who turns to the end of a book to see how it ends before you get there then DON'T with this book. If you do that, you might as well not read any of the series. Seriously, you're cheating yourself. Dipshit.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 10/17/2006 09:22:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Areas of My Expertise by John Hodgson

Is there a Dewey Decimal category for books that would be better if you read them while you were high? No? Should be. Ths book was nuts, and the author has some serious hobophobia going on. Did you know the author is the PC from those pretentious Apple commercials? Indeed.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 9/24/2006 08:50:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios by Yann Martel

Ok, Yann Martel has a way of writing that makes me so happy to be a reader. No lie. One question though, if you're on death row and you get a last meal how do you know you're really going to get what you want? My mom is the best cook I know, how do I know my last meal will be as good as my mom would cook it? Some people can really fuck up cornbread, for example. How can I be sure my cornbread won't be sweet and disgusting?

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 9/24/2006 08:46:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: My Sister, Guard Your Veil; My Brother, Guard Your Eyes by

Any time I read about Iran before the revolution it sounds amazing. But this collection of essays, stories, and interviews is excellent, even though it's not new material. But I have a headache, so my reasoning ability is hindered.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 9/10/2006 11:24:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings by Tyler Perry

Mmm. Tyler Perry. Essentially a how to book on every damn thing. Dr G, I think you would really like Madea.

I first found out about Madea from my coworkers, then saw clips here and there and decided I need to be Madea. It's never too early to start.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 8/27/2006 12:08:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Twentieth Centry by Howard Zinn

Wow. Everything I know is wrong.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 8/27/2006 11:53:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Thy Kingdom Come by Randall Balmer

The full title of this book is "Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts the Faith and Threatens America: An Evangelical's Lament." It's going to piss off a lot of people based on title alone. The sort of people who will get pissed off will likely not read this book. That's their own cross to bear (no pun intended), Balmer presents some amazing food for thought. Most importantly how far denominations have come from their founders' ideals.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 8/21/2006 07:48:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg

Ok, Fannie Flagg is just adorable. Her books are adorable. This one takes place in Elmwood Springs, MO, just as her last couple did. If you've read anything by Fannie Flagg then I won't go on, if you liked it you'll like this one.

Let me take a minute to share a memory with y'all (here we go again). When I was a kid I watched lots of game shows and lots of reruns. It should come as no surprise that I really enjoyed Liar's Club. I remember little about it but I do remember there was a celebrity panel who tried to stump a civillian. The other panelists I either recognized or were easily quantified by my mother. I remember Fannie Flagg always wore snug tees with crazy logos. She was trendy before it was a trend! My mom never gave me an acceptable answer regarding her credentials, and that's probably because she picked up a bit here and there. I knew she was the nurse in Grease but that hardly qualifies one for a celebrity panel. But I knew she was a redhead and back then I needed all the redheaded role models I could get--they were few and far between and being a natural redhead really opened me up for ridicule.

Oh, and in looking up some info on Flagg I found out she's a lesbian. So, there you are. Random fact to end your day.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 8/21/2006 07:28:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

If you didn't know, my father is still living and I am not a lesbian. At the end of this book I was crying, that's how touched I was. Seriously.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 7/30/2006 01:40:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Oh man, did I hate the character development in this book. I loved the story, but by golly, all of the characters sucked. Well, except one or two, but whatever.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 7/30/2006 01:38:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Girl From Charnelle by K L Cook

Y'know, sometimes a book is just a book. And sometimes a mesh bag of pineapples is just a mesh bag of pineapples.

I'm not belittling Cook at all, but sometimes I just sit back and enjoy the story.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 7/17/2006 06:44:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler

So, it's fairly common knowledge that back in the day girls would occasionally "go away," sometimes to take care of a relative, sometimes with no explanation. And, of course, they ended up in maternity homes where they were often treated coldly and gave birth without family or other support nearby. Sad. And of course, the babies were often given up for adoption despite what the mom wanted. And that's what this book is about. It'll make you cry, that's for damn sure.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 7/03/2006 10:54:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: I Am Not Myself These Days by Josh Kilmer-Purcell

If you've been paying attention you will know that I attended a book signing several months ago. Well, I've attended many book signings but I'm only referring to one. I love a good memoir, I love a good drag queen, therefore I did love this book. It seems the author loved a drug addicted male prostitute. That's really all I'll say, and that a certain chapter had a fantastic little glimpse into the effort that goes into being a drag queen.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 6/26/2006 05:00:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs

In my world, Augusten Burroughs and David Sedaris and their respective partners get together once in a while for brunch. They exchange clever stories about their pasts, laugh, and exchange knowing looks.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 6/26/2006 04:55:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: We're Just Like You, Only Prettier by Celia Rivenbark

Another collection of essays by a crazy southern woman? OKAY!

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 6/01/2006 07:50:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Strange Case of the Walking Corpse by Nancy Butcher

Crazy bunch of medical stuff. Good times.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 6/01/2006 07:47:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes

I don't know what to think about Sykes's books. I mean, she writes of a world full of summers, couture, travel, money, leisure, and social connections, but it sometimes come off as though she's OF the world but not IN it. Is she laughing with them or laughing at them? And who cares? I finished this book in one day so it's no skin off mine. It's summer so read something frivolous for once, you elitist snob. You could read worse (ahem, devilwearsprada *cough*).

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 5/18/2006 08:51:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

Waters is one of those authors with significant time between novels but in a good way. She just has this knack for fiction that makes me so happy. Love the interconnecting lives, something I usually find a bit hokey and hard to swallow. And somehow it pulls off the balancing act of managing to be heartbreaking AND uplifing at the same time.

I do have a tendency to get a little bit lost when there are many characters, plus this book has an unconventional style that means rereading some parts. With Sarah Waters you really don't mind rereading. And then rereading. and rerereading.

And if you aren't a reader be sure to put Tipping the Velvet on your Netflix list. Not quite as good as the book but still excellent.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 5/18/2006 08:40:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

So, I love Mr Gladwell. Seriously. He really makes it all sound so easy.

I first read The Tipping Point ages ago. See, it's all about how phenomena, buzz, etc are created. Well, that's really oversimplifying but I think you get the point. And Blink kind of follows along those lines, only not. As the title would suggest it's about thinking without thinking. As in, the snap judgments we make within seconds. Which is now how I'm going to live. I will not spend hours, days, thinking things over, if it doesn't feel right in the first five seconds it probably isn't right. Honestly, when I think back on the last couple of years some of the worst decisions I've made have had hours, days, etc of pondering behind them.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 5/18/2006 08:21:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Cell by Stephen King

wow. So, what are you trying to tell us, Mr Stephen King? From a review on Amazon.com:

In Cell King taps into readers fears of technological warfare and terrorism. Mobile phones deliver the apocalypse to millions of unsuspecting humans by wiping their brains of any humanity, leaving only aggressive and destructive impulses behind. Those without cell phones, like illustrator Clayton Riddell and his small band of "normies," must fight for survival, and their journey to find Clayton's estranged wife and young son rockets the book toward resolution.

Don't sugarcoat it, give it to us straight. A little spoiler here: The cell phone zombies listen to light rock, easy listening, and popular classical music. Wow. I wish I could figure out the message you're putting across, Mr King. I guess things are what they are.

also, nice return to your apocalyptic template.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 3/13/2006 01:10:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: the End of an Error by Mameve Medwed

good question: is it selfish to do what is right for you, even if it may harm others? do you settle for the comfort of second best or risk everything for a chance at your first choice? Light and fluffy, but it did provoke some thought. Is who you are the result of what people want you to be? Are all your choices a result of what you believe people expect from you?

Think about it, won't you?

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 3/13/2006 01:05:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: He Was Her Man by Sarah Shankman

I checked this book out from the library because it came up when I did a subject search for "Hot Springs." Boy, was it terrible. Ugh.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 2/24/2006 01:19:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Chip Kidd: Book One 1986-2006

If you've ever seen a hardcover book you are probably familiar with Chip Kidd's work. And I'm so not an artist so I don't understand how someone can come up with unique ideas, let alone well over a thousand. he even shares unsuccessful designs which speaks volumes for his security.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 2/24/2006 01:14:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Wow. Just wow. I've been reading light and fluffy for so long that this book just blew me away. Incredible writing. I read actual literature!

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 2/15/2006 06:38:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Hot Springs by Stephen Hunter

Hot Springs, AR is a ton of fun. I am hoping to go back sometime soon, but until then I'm reading books about Hot Springs. This book is a fictionalized version of some real events, using real places. The Arlington has a bit of a role, and I do love the Arlington.

But lots of shoot em up good times. Apparently it's the prequel to some series.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 2/07/2006 07:04:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Lily Dale by Christine Wicker

Spiritualism is fascinating. It started off with some young girls who said they weren't faking, then they were, then they weren't, and the religion is still around to this day. Lily Dale is a spiritualist community in New York, it sounds like a fantastic place to visit. I don't have a definitive stand on psychic abilities, I've never had a psychic reading that wasn't full of the general crap that could be true of anyone. Anyone willing to convince me?

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 2/07/2006 06:55:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Sweet Potato Queens' Wedding Guide and Divorce Planner

Same as the rest, clever and short.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/29/2006 06:33:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Whore's Child and other stories by Richard Russo

I don't remember reserving this book from the library, but there is was, large as life and twice as natural. I don't browse at my library, my local library is little bitty but the library system is quite large so I usually find the books and then request them. It's funny, because I may go a week or more with no books coming in from the library and then BAM! I have five waiting for me (as is the case right now). But I honestly don't remember requesting this book, I almost think they gave it to me by mistake and its rightful potential reader has some trash that I requested. Still, I enjoyed the book. Short stories are nice once in a while.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/24/2006 01:54:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Fire in the Brain by Ronald Siegel

all about hallucinations, and not just the drug kind. The most important thing I took away from this book was the information on what happens to you physically when you don't get enough sleep. And here I thought I was just lazy and out of shape.

wait.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/24/2006 01:48:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Not In Kansas Anymore by Christine Wicker

My mom recommended this book to me, and she knows my tastes almost better than I do.

I love that Wicker flat out states that she's a skeptic, but she retains an open mind. She participates in rituals, casts spells, and even allows herself to beocme a psychic vampire's victim. Or subject?

Wicker also describes most of the folks she encounters along the way, and wouldn't you know that many of them have the long, black tresses and flowing robes? One time I went to a book signing by Silver Ravenwolf and she looked like a suburban soccer mom, which was quite refreshing.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/22/2006 11:08:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Alternate title: Irony. HA!

(with apologies to Harley)

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/22/2006 10:56:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: Whispers by Ronald K. Siegel

I found out about this book during an orientation where something caught fire, we were evacuated, and we took with us some personal belongings that were left behind. One of the items was this book. No, I did not steal it, I assume it got back to its rightful owner. Instead, I reserved it from my friendly local library. And, you know, I've been going to this library for the better part of fifteen years but I still don't know anyone's name. There is very little turnover so I should, but they don't wear name tags. One lady there, an older lady, always comments on the books I check out. This isn't really a problem because she's cool about it. She's offered to help me with knitting and even recommends books about knitting. The funniest time was once when I checked out America by Jon Stewart. My mom and I were talking about how they were not selling it at Wal-Mart due to nudity and the librarienne looked it up. She laughed.

But I digress. More library stories to come later because they're SO interesting.

Siegel's writing style is somewhat lighthearted. The case studies seem to be mostly drug related paranoia which is fine, but not exactly what I was looking for. In fact, lots of cocaine based paranoia.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/15/2006 07:49:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Mary Mary by James Patterson

You ever get the feeling you've read a book before? Read enough James Patterson and you will definitely get that feeling. Still dig it, though, when I'm looking for light reading.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/09/2006 09:53:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks

Astral Projection! Conspiracy! Fight scenes! Romance! Intrigue! ROCK!!!

But I did really enjoy this book. It appears to be the first in a series, and the only information it has on the author is that he lives off the Grid. This book is all about the dangers of living on the Grid. Well, actually, it's about a group of folks who can project themselves into other Realms and the Harlequins who exist to protect the Travelers (the projecting folks). The Tabula have killed off all the Travelers, or so they think. I'll stop there.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/08/2006 08:47:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg

Flagg is adorable, and her writing is best described as adorable too. Not in a negative way, mind you. Hey, she was wearing message tees before they were cool--about 25 years before they were cool (I watched a lot of Liar's Club growing up).

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/08/2006 12:42:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan

This book was great. Funny, engaging, all that. Also made a good point about obsession with media, blah blah blah. Dug it. Had a hard time putting it down.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 1/08/2006 12:40:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Let's be honest here: no one can write about obscure religious figures quite like Neil Gaiman. I could be wrong, but I'm going to assume I'm right.

Love his storytelling abilities.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/29/2005 07:36:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

It should come as no surprise that I always wanted to go to boarding school. Of course, this was not really feasible. Prep was all right, but JUST all right. It wasn't really engaging, to be honest. It was a very light read, with no real conflict until close to the end. They built up to it as the book went along, but it was kind of too little too late.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/27/2005 07:34:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Last Playboy by Shawn Levy

Wow, who knew a book about Rubirosa could be so dang boring. I guess that's my fault, though, as I had very little interest in the political climate of the Dominican Republic at that time.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/25/2005 08:52:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: Fear of Flying by Erica Jong

When I first started reading it I thought that it would be one of those books that's regarded as a classic due to it's timeliness but would be considered dated. However, *insert discussion about universal themes here*. Good book.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/20/2005 11:20:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: 2nd Chance by James Patterson

So, it's not Alex Cross. I kind of liked it, but I will never understand how someone can be this dang prolific.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/14/2005 08:13:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

Yes, I read a Christmas book. And I enjoyed it. My boss lent this to me because she knows I'm a Fannie Flagg fan. It was cute and a very quick read. I know this sort of thing isn't my style, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/09/2005 02:21:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

So, did you read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil? Ok...replace Savannah, Georgia with Venice, Italy. And replace the murder with the Fenice opera house burning down. Ok, now, don't get too attached to finding out more about the Fenice fire because it isn't as compelling as the murder was. In fact, by the end of the book you kind of think "Oh yeah, there WAS a fire at the beginning of this book, wasn't there?"

Listen, nobody catches local color quite like Berendt, but using the Fenice fire as the glue of this story doesn't really work that well.

And if you've read the book, then I shall direct you here.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 12/08/2005 07:39:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: The Blind Mirror by Christopher Pike

I read Chain Letter and fell in love with Mr. Pike (or Kevin McFadden if you prefer). I collected every single one of his books except for the kiddie series he did and the Alosha books. Mind you, I didn't read them all...I loved his thrillers but he got too sci fi/fantasy for me. I liked his supernatural stuff, but things took a turn I didn't care for. This book is the Christopher Pike I had an adolescent crush on.
I mean, seriously. I saw the Fall Into Darkness TV movie. I had the book on tape (read by Kelly Ripa!). Come into my house, you'll see the collection. You can't BORROW them, but you can read them while you're here. HEY, I'm possesive.
At any rate, I had kind of given up on Kev, but this book brought me back.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/28/2005 09:57:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: 13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell

I love British thriller writers. This book was funny and engaging and fantastic.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/28/2005 07:55:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

one more down: The Myth of You and Me by

All about the ending of a long friendship, this book reminded me of Teri. Of course, TEriand I just kind of drifted due to lifestyle differences, nothing quite so explosive as in this book.
The ending of a long friendship can be just as painful as the ending of a romantic relationship, this is the first book I've read to touch on this subject.
Highly recommended to anyone who no longer speaks to his or her best friend. The perfect book to read over the holidays.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/16/2005 09:31:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire

Not as difficult to read as "Wicked." I assume the musical isn't too hard to follow? Maybe one day I'll see it. Anyway, I quite liked this book.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/15/2005 09:36:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: The Roots of Desire by Marion Roach

You know, this book should've been interesting to me, but it wasn't. I have red hair and i was completely bored by this. It would've made for an interesting article, but as a book it was just not enough.

I do like the idea that all red heads are connected genetically, and I'd like to know when the clubs are going to start meeting.

But this "gentlemen secretly prefer redheads" thing is a big ole pile of it. If that were true, I'd get a lot more attention from boys. Or maybe more accurately it's "gentlemen secretly prefer redheads if they've got a hot figure"? At any rate, I'm lonely.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/14/2005 08:59:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: Spook by Mary Roack

I loved loved LOVED Stiff by this author, but this book just didn't impress me. I'm ok with the skepticism, but there was more of an edge to this one. Plus, I'm just about tired of reading about Spiritualism, but that's my own problem, not Roach's.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/14/2005 08:53:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: Pop Goes The Weasel by James Patterson

I love how he ended this, and more thriller authors should do this.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/08/2005 11:52:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One More Down: The Penultimate Peril: Book the Twelfth in A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

It's the second to last in the Series of Unfortunate Events, so you know what that means.
Oh, so you don't. That's cool. It means that this is the book that's getting the loose ends all ready to be tied. I'm going to guess it's also the longest in the series (around 350 pages if I remember correctly). As a standalone it was not the greatest, but as the second to last in a series it was lovely. I love that the author is a big ole book nerd. Not just literature, but everything about books. It makes me want to go back and get a degree in Library Science, it does. And it also makes me want to quit my job and write but then, what doesn't? Even bacon does that.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/05/2005 10:46:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

One more down: Therapy by Jonathan Kellerman

Recommended by Ginger. Ok until the end, where it fell apart. The ending felt SO rushed, it really did. I'm still not sure I get all the double crossing and so forth. I mean, I love a good red herring but not one that's been sitting out so long that it's no longer recognizable as such and just looks like a big ole mess. There's a big difference between a twist ending from left field and pulling something out of your ass. If you tell me this is not one of Kellerman's best then fine, but never again.

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 11/05/2005 10:39:00 AM 0 comments links to this post

one more down: the colorado kid by stephen king

There was no movie on the flight from DFW to BNA and with a dead ipod I had to think of something. i ended up buying this at the newsstand because I keep reading about how they're reviving the lost art of the pulp novel, etc. I prefer king's short stories, so this was right up my alley. when did he get all sentimental, though?

Labels: books

posted by Leah at 10/25/2005 05:43:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

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