Gossip Girl

I don't usually watch something then go read the book that it was based on, but I did it with this book.

The book and the first episode of Gossip girls are quite similar which makes me wonder what the CW will do once they get through the books Cecily von Ziegesar has written.

I also don't usually like the movie, or TV show in this case, more than the book, but so far in this case I prefer the TV show.

The actors and actresses of these snobby elite children make the characters much more likable. Especially S. My favorite characters are the not so snooty ones, of course, because they are so much more likable. I did enjoy the book, but it was ruined a little because I had already watched the episode on television. I think I would enjoy reading the rest of the series a bit more having not already known what is going on.

S and B, as they are often called in the book are the main characters in the book. Gossip Girl is also a main character, however, we never learn who she is. She is the writer of the Blog that lists all the events of the lives of the elite and their friends. The book only takes place over a few weeks and focuses on the estranged friendship of Blair and Serena. There is an endless supply of drugs, alcohol and sex in the book to keep any teen interested. I, of course, stay interested to root for the underdogs of the story. I will continue to read and root them on as well as to see how the TV show and the books relate to one another, but I won't expect a lot honor from the main characters. Just a little bit of entertainment.

So Many Books....

Ok so i have finished the second book in the Something About Me Challenge I am participating in. It is called So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson.

With so many books in the world I feel like I could have done without this one. Although, the explanation for that may be that I am not really a non-fiction fan. I did feel this book was well written and I did enjoy hearing about some of the books the author read, but I felt the purpose of the book was better figured out on your own than explained. It was interesting to hear about how the books came to be on Sara's list and what she thought of them, and I could easily see how and why lovers of books love this book. There were many people who chose this book for their "Something about me" choice and with this many lovers of books I completely understand. I hope that no one who has picked this book or read it because of their list takes offense to my opinion, this book was just not a good choice for me. I try to broaden my horizons in regards to the types of books I read, but the more I read the more I realize that I read to escape into another world. I prefer when there is a good lesson to be learned, or some hard work to be done by the characters.

There is a part at the end of this book that I will remember for its irony. It took me a long time to read this book because it was a non-fiction. There wasn't something drawing me back to the book to pick it up and read it to the end. I felt a need to finish it for the challenge and so as I drove the the library to return it, I sat in the parking lot rushing to read the last few chapters. Sara was talking about her difficulties in finishing books and how her friends and colleagues were explaining to her that it is acceptable to skip around or not even finish a book. She accepted what they said and felt no need to finish certain books she had started. To me felt I was getting permission from the author herself to shut the book and return it without reading the entire thing. So that is what I did and I feel no regret for doing it.

The City of Ember

There are spoilers in this review......beware.......

The City of Ember is on my must read list for others. I just re-read it for class and remembered how much I liked and enjoyed the story. That being said, I think I was a little more critical in my read this time. For me reading books is sometimes like watching a movie or a theatre production. There are times where you have to make do with the little bits of a story or production that seem to be over the top. Everything in this story fits too perfectly. I know that if this story were to really happen that the events might not go so smoothly. Doon and Lina, the main characters, seem to luck out quite often. That is really my only critique of the book.

I love the book for so many other reasons. The story begins as Doon and Lina are getting ready to receive the jobs they will have in their community. The mayor is handing them out randomly with not attention to qualifications or desire. Doon gets "messenger" while Lena becomes "a pipeswork worker". While these two youngsters have never really been friends the opportunity for them to swap jobs makes them one step closer. Lina wanted the messenger job because she loves to run, a necessary requirement for this job. While Doon didn't necessarily want to work in the pipeworks he does want to help their community and being a messenger would not be beneficial at all.

Doon and Lina live in Ember, a community of people living underground. The people have no idea where their community is, in relation to the Earth, or even that Earth exists. Their community is crumbling because the generator that lights their world is deteriorating. Their supplies are running low and no one knows what the answer is to their problems. Doon has his heart set on finding a way to fix the generator, but isn't quite sure how to go about it. Lena, a descendant of a past mayor, finds an set of instructions she must decipher that will lead to Doon and Lina becoming better friends and finding a way to help their community.

This original story will quickly draw you in as you root for the good of these children and the community they live in.

Ender

I read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card originally because of the Something about Me Reading Challenge. I chose this one to read only because I had heard of it before. I first remember it when I was looking for science fiction type books to read for a reading group at school. It never worked out because I couldn't find enough copies to buy right away, nor did we have it at school. Since then I have seen the title pass by me, however, as a "non" fan of intense science fiction material, I let it pass me by. This, I see now, was a mistake. I had even started a book for this challenge before beginning Ender's Game and had to set it aside for this book.

I am completely surprised at my love for this book. Karlene and Becky chose it because of their love for the writing of Orson Scott Card. I see now what they love so much about this book and its author. I assumed that science fiction would lack empathy and emotion and I felt more of those two feelings in this book than I have in quite a long time. Card was able to create a character so amazingly full of will and innocence it was hard for me to read of the injustices he had to endure. I instantly wanted to help and protect him. I never once doubted his desire to do the right thing, but I was pained at the torture he was put through. Without such a strong and likeable character there would be nothing to this tale.

I was amazed at the world Card had created. It was one that was easy for me to create in my own mind, even if I didn't understand everything scientific phrase or event. This is one reason I fear SF. Everything can be completely obsure to me because I can't wrap my mind around the ideas presented. This story was much easier to relate to and that only added to my love for the book. There were minor things that I could not understand without a bit of research, but it wasn't something that effected my understanding of the story.

Because I love happy endings I was smiling by the time I finished this book, but I am not sure how realistic, even for a SF, the ending really is. For a child to be put through all that Ender was put through I have a hard time believing everything would turn out so well. For this character though, I am willing to suspend my disbelief and believe in Ender's wonderful life. He definitely deserved all that he got in the end.

I sometimes get so wrapped up in the characters and emotions of a book that I feel like I have gone on an emotional roller coaster. Since I finished this book only minutes ago I feel that way now. I think that some of what I say now will change as I remove myself from this story, but I will definitely pick up another book by Orson Scott Card and will recommend this one quickly to others who might enjoy it.

Themes

Ok so I came across the themed reading challenge and I really would like to participate. I keep thinking about how I would like to join. Do I read all YA books, all Newberrys I have not read, books about vampires (just cause I am really excited to read Eclipse), books with a dog as an important/integral character, or even a set of books in a series. The opportunities are endless and I am not sure where I want to head. I keep waiting for the perfect opportunity to pop up and show itself. I am leaning towards doing the series with a dog as an integral character. I will go with that for now and read 4 of the following books:

1. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
2. Fifty Acres and a Poodle by Jeanne Laskas (not sure this has a dog as an integral character)
3. Lost and Found by Jacqeline Sheehan
4. A Good Dog by Jon Katz
5. Walking in circles before lying down : a novel by Merrill Markoe
6. From Baghdad, with love : a Marine, the war, and a dog named Lava
by Jay Kopelman
7. Sight hound : a novel by Pam Houston
8. A dog year : twelve months, four dogs, and me by Jon Katz
9. Dog is my co-pilot by BARK Editors
10. Tails from the bark side by Brian Kilcommons

Ok, I know there are so many to pick from, but I didn't have 4 in mind that I wanted to read so when I did my research all of these came up. I will have to narrow it down later.

Charlie Bone

I am on my 6th Charlie Bone book. I love to hear what is happening in this crazy boy's life, but I wonder if it is every going to end. It isn't like Harry Potter where I know when and what to expect. I think I started reading these books because of Harry Potter. Someone suggested them if I liked Harry Potter. And I do like Charlie Bone. All of the books are very interesting and full of adventure. The children at Bloor's Academy where Charlie goes to school are all unique and easy to like. In this particular installment, Charlie is finally happy to have found his father, but the person who saved is father is now in danger. There are new sparks of evil appearing around every corner and Charlie is having a hard time deciding who is really on his side. In the end Charlie's friends, who are always there for him, and even some new friends are there for him again in order to do everything good he can do. One of the reasons I like Charlie and I think one of the reasons people compare Charlie Bone to Harry Potter is because of their quest for goodness. Both boys are not doing everything perfectly and may often get in trouble, but in the end are doing the "right" thing.

A book survey!

Ok so I am on mysapce and am addicted to the little surveys everyone fills out. This may have been the last place I expected to find more surveys, but here they are! And I can't resist them here either.

What are you reading right now? Right now I am reading the most recent Charlie Bone, The City of Ember, and Dear Mr. Henshaw.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that? I have some more books to read for my classroom and I really would like to read Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer, plus there are about 5 books from the library sitting on the counter waiting patiently to be opened.

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now? Glamour, Oprah and scrapbook magazines

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read? textbooks

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone? I recommend My Sister's keeper to a lot of people and Harry Potter of course.

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they? No but I do know my account number by heart.

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?
Um...maybe House of the Scorpion, but most of the time I make too many recommendations to notice.

Do you read books while you eat? While you bathe? While you watch movies or TV? While you listen to music? While you’re on the computer? While you’re having sex? While you’re driving? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, not often, not yet and yes.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits? No I don't think so. I read and get teased much more now.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn't put it down? Um...I tried to stay up for Deathly Hallows, but couldn't do it and there was one that I really liked recently, but I don't remember which one exactly.......party foul!

The Grimm Sisters

One of my students gave me a book to read. I have so many others to read, but her enthusiasm for this particular book was enough to make me start reading. Once I started I couldn't stop. Although Sabrina and Daphne are orphans when we meet them, which is something I feel is a bit overdone, they are easy to like and care about. The young Daphne compliments her bitter older sister with a youthful joy which is refreshing. The story quickly moves from one dramatic event to the other, keeping you wondering what crazy thing will happen next and there are enough plot questions imbeded in the story to keep the mind going at all moments. I enjoy Daphne much more than her older sister and love how easily she attaches to her crazy grandmother. I love her positive outlook on people and events and her willingness to do whatever she can for those she loves. Even though Sabrina is a bit pessimistic, she has good reason. She keeps this fairy tale story grounded and more believable.

We meet these girls as they are on their way to yet another foster home. Sabrina is nervous about living with her supposed grandmother, and becomes even more so when she first meets her. She suspects all kinds of terrible things about her, especially when she has them investigating giants. It takes her a while to have faith in her grandmother, but when the truth is looking her in the face she can't help but believe. And when her grandmother is taken from them, they do everything they can to get her back. The girls find themselves scrambling around in a town of fairy tale characters befriending some and fighting against others as they try to rescue their new family.

I enjoy the mix of fiction and fairy tale of this story and can understand how Michael Buckley has made a series with a great set of main characters to play with. I haven't actually finished the story so I am unsure if the girls actually find their grandmother or not or if they have enough faith in her to stay with her. You will have to read the book to find out just as I will. And my guess is that it will be worth it. I am already looking forward to reading the next one. I will move on to some other things before that, but eventually I will get there.

Newbie fever

I am not sure if it is because I am fairly new to the blogging world but I am enjoying looking at every one's blog so much. I have mainly been checking out the other people that are a part of the "Something about Me" reading challenge. I fear that even though I intended this blog to be about books it will end up being about much more. I visited The Rech Times and loved how She Read's is doing a self portrait of herself every single day of the year. Wow!! Since this year has been a pretty rough one for me and considering I have a milestone birthday coming up next year I thought this would be a great way to document "The end of the 20's" and take a snapshot of myself. I absolutely love pictures! I might even love them more than books, so this would be great, but I am not sure I can do the once a day thing so I am going to shoot for once a week. Thanks for being so inspiring!
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I also came across a site that had all kinds of book related blogs and sites and I was like a kid in a candy store.....now I can't figure out where I saw it. As I search I have found that Trish has a good list on her site, but I don't think it was the one I say before.

Maybe I saw it the same place I saw another reading challenge about choosing books within a theme(actually I didn't see it there I just checked). I love that this challenge doesn't start until January. I have time to finish the challenges I am doing and think of some books that fit together in a theme. Right now I am thinking about books where people have self esteem issues. That covers a lot of books I think! I have always felt a little on the chunky side and I like to read about how people deal with those issues. That is why I chose The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things for my About Me reading challenge. Anyway, it is just one idea. I could also do books that have dogs as an important character within the book. I love my dogs and have really enjoyed reading about other people's lives with their dogs. I will have to put some investigation into this challenge.
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But as I browse I think that a lot of the people I am looking at all know one another. At lease in the blogging sense. I wonder do they like newcomers such as myself? Do they assume I will be here and gone quickly? I don't even know the answer to that question. I am sure enjoying myself at the moment and hope I am not barging in on anything.
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Still browsing here off of Trish's site and found this one:Books.Lists.Life. My first thought was how beautiful her blog is. I love the deep red and creamy tan together. It just looks classy. Plus she had a great list of places she would rather be and I couldn't agree more. When I am working my list of places I would rather be looks something like this:
1. At the beach (any beach will do)
2. Watching a movie
3. Reading a book in the sunshine
4. Disneyland
5. Somewhere near the ocean where I can feel the cool breeze and hear the waves
6. On my dad's back porch
7. Taking my dogs for a swim
8. Eating sushi
9.Scrapbooking
10. On vacation (and taking pictures while I am at it)
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So like I said, I think I will be adding a lot more to my blog besides my thoughts on books and reading in general. I started out calling myself The Book List and had to add And Many other Things to it because I know I won't be able to limit myself. It sure is exciting.....even if I am the only one who ever reads any of this.

Cause I am crazy

Ok, since no one who knows me reads my blog, no one knows I am a teacher. I just started my school year about a month ago and am only teaching reading and writing. I have about 8 books to read for my class and I keep finding these fun challenges to join. I have joined the "Something about me" challenge and now I am joining the Book to Movie challenge too. That makes a lot of books to read and I am feeling a bit crazy about it. Then I calm down and realize that I have a while to get it done. This challenge is especially fun because after reading I love to go to the movies. I tried to pick choices where I had neither read the book or watched the movie, but I had to cheat a little.

So here are my books that I am going to read for the Books to Movie challenge:

1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Everyone has been saying what a good book this is and it is sitting on my shelf. This gives me a great reason to read it. I didn't know it was a movie, but it is on the list.

2. Golden Compass (which will be a movie soon) by
Ever since I saw the previews for this movie I have wanted to read the book. I am a huge believer in the fact that books are always better than movies. I always try to read the book first so that is why this one is on my list.

3. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
I have heard great things about this movie and I think I will have to go watch the movie before I read the book since it might not still be in theatres by the time I can read the book. I will break my rule to read before watching on this one.

I am going to add another watch then read book on to here because saying that reminded me that I have never read the book The Neverending Story. I absolutely love the movie and didn't even know it was a book, but I have heard a lot of talk about it recently and think I must read the book too.

I just got done reading Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs and didn't even know it was a movie. Has got to be a crazy movie I am sure. Will have to look for that one on DVD.

After looking at the list I see there are more books to movies than I ever realized. Wow!! I had to resist the urge to put things like Because of Winn-Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia and Harry Potter on my list. I love all of these books and think that the directors did a great job with the movies, but I will always think they are a million times better in written form.