Matched trilogy by Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Ally Condie received a degree from Brigham Young University and worked as a high school English teacher. She is currently a full-time author. Her books include Freshman for President, Being Sixteen, and the Matched Trilogy. (Bowker Author Biography)
Matched
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
This book, Matched, is the first in a trilogy. The books are:
1. Matched
2. Crossed
3. Reached
Mce has not read this yet. I am now 5th on the reserve list and there are 4 copies owned by the Mesa Library. I do have the second and third books being held, but am not going to read them until I have the first one read. Berit LOVES these books, hope you all enjoy them.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
March 2014 EEE Book Club
Hello, I am giving you the selections early, so you can go to the library. Will post the summaries on March 23rd (or thereabouts). I have checked and these books are available at all your local libraries. The more current books have holds, if you get interested in the main character and want to continue reading. Have fun reading!!!
1. Killing Floor (1997) by Lee Child Book #1 in the Jack Reacher series
Ex-MP Jack Reacher goes into action to find his brother's killers, after a series of brutal crimes terrorizes tiny Margrave, Georgia, only to uncover the dark and deadly conspiracy concealed behind the town's peaceful facade.
2. Die Trying (1998) by Lee Child. Book #2 in the Jack Reacher series of books
Former military policeman Jack Reacher is abducted on the streets of a Chicago suburb, along with a woman and a dentist, by two mysterious men.
Lee Child is the pen name of Jim Grant. He was born in Coventry, England in 1954. He attended law school at Sheffield University, worked in the theater, and finally worked as a presentation director for Granada Television. After being laid off in 1995 as a result of corporate restructuring, he decided to write a book. The Killing Floor won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and became the first book in the Jack Reacher series. In 2012 the first motion picture feature of Jack Reacher was released staring Tom Cruise. (Bowker Author Biography)
1. Killing Floor (1997) by Lee Child Book #1 in the Jack Reacher series
Ex-MP Jack Reacher goes into action to find his brother's killers, after a series of brutal crimes terrorizes tiny Margrave, Georgia, only to uncover the dark and deadly conspiracy concealed behind the town's peaceful facade.
2. Die Trying (1998) by Lee Child. Book #2 in the Jack Reacher series of books
Former military policeman Jack Reacher is abducted on the streets of a Chicago suburb, along with a woman and a dentist, by two mysterious men.
Lee Child is the pen name of Jim Grant. He was born in Coventry, England in 1954. He attended law school at Sheffield University, worked in the theater, and finally worked as a presentation director for Granada Television. After being laid off in 1995 as a result of corporate restructuring, he decided to write a book. The Killing Floor won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and became the first book in the Jack Reacher series. In 2012 the first motion picture feature of Jack Reacher was released staring Tom Cruise. (Bowker Author Biography)
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February BOOK CLUB with Meredith E F
Meredith had several books to choose from. I have included some information about each book. Let us know what you think !!
“THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN” by Mitch Albom, published 2003
Killed in a tragic accident, Eddie, an elderly man who believes that he had an uninspired life, awakens in the afterlife, where he discovers that heaven consists of having five people explain the meaning of one's life.
Summary
Sports columnist, radio talk-show host, and author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom has written a parable quite different from his best-selling memoir about his old professor but with the potential to follow it as a favorite of the book club circuit. At an oceanside amusement part, 83-year-old maintenance mechanic Eddie is killed while trying to save a little girl. Instead of floating through the cliched tunnel-and-light territory, Eddie meets five people whose lives intersected with his during his time on Earth. The novel comes down firmly on the side of those who feel that life matters, that what we do as individuals matters, and that in the end there will be a quiz. The touchy-feely phobic need not be afraid: this is not judgmental ax-grinding; nor does it favor any religion. Before you finish reading, you can't help thinking about your own life-Albom's whole point, of course. Morrie fans will want to read this first novel, and readers daring to examine their own lives may enjoy as well. For all public libraries.-Mary K. Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS (c) Copyright 2010.
“FOR ONE MORE DAY” by Mitch Albom, published 2006
Summary
This is the story of Charley, a child of divorce who is always forced to choose between his mother and his father. He grows into a man and starts a family of his own. But one fateful weekend, he leaves his mother to secretly be with his father--and she dies while he is gone. This haunts him for years. It unravels his own young family. It leads him to depression and drunkenness. One night, he decides to take his life. But somewhere between this world and the next, he encounters his mother again, in their hometown, and gets to spend one last day with her--the day he missed and always wished he'd had. He asks the questions many of us yearn to ask, the questions we never ask while our parents are alive. By the end of this magical day, Charley discovers how little he really knew about his mother, the secret of how her love saved their family, and how deeply he wants the second chance to save his own.
“HAVE A LITTLE FAITH: A True Story” by Mitch Albom, published 2009
When an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy, Albom goes back to his nonfiction roots and becomes involved with a Detroit pastor--a reformed drug dealer and convict--who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof. A timely, moving, and inspiring look at faith: not just who believes, but why.
Summary
What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds--two men, two faiths, two communities--that will inspire readers everywhere. Albom's first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy. Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he'd left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor--a reformed drug dealer and convict--who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof. Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat. As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Albom and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers, and histories are different, Albom begins to recognize a striking unity between the two worlds--and indeed, between beliefs everywhere. In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor's wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the rabbi's last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself. Have a Little Faith is a book about a life's purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man's journey, but it is everyone's story. Ten percent of the profits from this book will go to charity, including The Hole In The Roof Foundation, which helps refurbish places of worship that aid the homeless.
“THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN” by Mitch Albom, published 2003
Killed in a tragic accident, Eddie, an elderly man who believes that he had an uninspired life, awakens in the afterlife, where he discovers that heaven consists of having five people explain the meaning of one's life.
Summary
Sports columnist, radio talk-show host, and author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom has written a parable quite different from his best-selling memoir about his old professor but with the potential to follow it as a favorite of the book club circuit. At an oceanside amusement part, 83-year-old maintenance mechanic Eddie is killed while trying to save a little girl. Instead of floating through the cliched tunnel-and-light territory, Eddie meets five people whose lives intersected with his during his time on Earth. The novel comes down firmly on the side of those who feel that life matters, that what we do as individuals matters, and that in the end there will be a quiz. The touchy-feely phobic need not be afraid: this is not judgmental ax-grinding; nor does it favor any religion. Before you finish reading, you can't help thinking about your own life-Albom's whole point, of course. Morrie fans will want to read this first novel, and readers daring to examine their own lives may enjoy as well. For all public libraries.-Mary K. Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS (c) Copyright 2010.
“FOR ONE MORE DAY” by Mitch Albom, published 2006
Summary
This is the story of Charley, a child of divorce who is always forced to choose between his mother and his father. He grows into a man and starts a family of his own. But one fateful weekend, he leaves his mother to secretly be with his father--and she dies while he is gone. This haunts him for years. It unravels his own young family. It leads him to depression and drunkenness. One night, he decides to take his life. But somewhere between this world and the next, he encounters his mother again, in their hometown, and gets to spend one last day with her--the day he missed and always wished he'd had. He asks the questions many of us yearn to ask, the questions we never ask while our parents are alive. By the end of this magical day, Charley discovers how little he really knew about his mother, the secret of how her love saved their family, and how deeply he wants the second chance to save his own.
“HAVE A LITTLE FAITH: A True Story” by Mitch Albom, published 2009
When an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy, Albom goes back to his nonfiction roots and becomes involved with a Detroit pastor--a reformed drug dealer and convict--who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof. A timely, moving, and inspiring look at faith: not just who believes, but why.
Summary
What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds--two men, two faiths, two communities--that will inspire readers everywhere. Albom's first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy. Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he'd left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor--a reformed drug dealer and convict--who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof. Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat. As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Albom and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers, and histories are different, Albom begins to recognize a striking unity between the two worlds--and indeed, between beliefs everywhere. In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor's wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the rabbi's last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself. Have a Little Faith is a book about a life's purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man's journey, but it is everyone's story. Ten percent of the profits from this book will go to charity, including The Hole In The Roof Foundation, which helps refurbish places of worship that aid the homeless.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Weddings, Sisters, Daughters, Mothers, etc.
Our Family is having many changes this season of time. We are growing and expanding and reproducing at a rapid rate. Just 10 years ago there were only 8 Ellsworths and 1 fine Claridge man.
And now there are 22 of us, and soon to be 23!! After we change to the 23, one daughter is adding a husband, which moves us to 24!!! And he has 6 sisters!!! With V's 5 sisters, that will give her 11 sisters and sister-in-laws. WOW
And of course, we do have 5 grand-daughters, who are the lovely nieces and the new in-laws have 4 grand-daughters. So, if you are keeping up, that is 11 sisters and sister-in-laws, with 9 nieces (grand-daughters). 20, folks that is TWENTY !! So, if you are co-ordinating wedding clothes, this is a lot of females !!!
And now there are 22 of us, and soon to be 23!! After we change to the 23, one daughter is adding a husband, which moves us to 24!!! And he has 6 sisters!!! With V's 5 sisters, that will give her 11 sisters and sister-in-laws. WOW
And of course, we do have 5 grand-daughters, who are the lovely nieces and the new in-laws have 4 grand-daughters. So, if you are keeping up, that is 11 sisters and sister-in-laws, with 9 nieces (grand-daughters). 20, folks that is TWENTY !! So, if you are co-ordinating wedding clothes, this is a lot of females !!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Calendars and Projects
At the beginning of the year, I like to make a future calendar, of possible events. The past few years, I have been running three different calendars for 3 different aspects of life.
1. A regular calendar. I make and print from the computer. Regular 8 ½ x 11 size for my notebook. Always with portrait orientation. So I don’t have to turn the notebook to read the calendar!! Very important!! I carry this one with me always. I start one in January and print until the next May (for school reasons).
2. A family map calendar. It has names on the top and months on the side. One page per year. Easy to see and plan. Easy to see where the action is and where notice should be taken. After I started this system, I noticed that one of my children had NOTHING for 3 years. That was rectified. It also has a friend / companion page. A condensed version of 1 page per decade, with only the major events of their lives. This calendar is in my small planning notebook, that I keep at home (usually).
3. An update yearly calendar. Similar in some ways to #2, but totally different in scope. On the top are the divisions of name, life, church, school. Down the left side, are the names. The information that is needed for memory book details. This calendar is also in my small planning notebook, that I keep at home.
And there you have it. A family action plan that has worked for over 10 years. And no problems yet. And only #1, is carried in my planner, unless they have to move to the daily stack when something big, like a wedding is coming up !!
1. A regular calendar. I make and print from the computer. Regular 8 ½ x 11 size for my notebook. Always with portrait orientation. So I don’t have to turn the notebook to read the calendar!! Very important!! I carry this one with me always. I start one in January and print until the next May (for school reasons).
2. A family map calendar. It has names on the top and months on the side. One page per year. Easy to see and plan. Easy to see where the action is and where notice should be taken. After I started this system, I noticed that one of my children had NOTHING for 3 years. That was rectified. It also has a friend / companion page. A condensed version of 1 page per decade, with only the major events of their lives. This calendar is in my small planning notebook, that I keep at home (usually).
3. An update yearly calendar. Similar in some ways to #2, but totally different in scope. On the top are the divisions of name, life, church, school. Down the left side, are the names. The information that is needed for memory book details. This calendar is also in my small planning notebook, that I keep at home.
And there you have it. A family action plan that has worked for over 10 years. And no problems yet. And only #1, is carried in my planner, unless they have to move to the daily stack when something big, like a wedding is coming up !!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Books, Reading and mce
After Christmas, during late December and January, mce got sick. Very, very sick. And was put to bed for a week. In a unique convergence of the universe, mce was also, first on this list for some books at library. I reserve books at the local library, from the different book reviews in the newspapers. So, here it is. The reviews that you have all been waiting for. My own personal opinion of some new and different BOOKS !!
Grading system:
A = Get this book and read it NOW. The philosophy stays with you. There are things to remember and use in your life. A book worth buying. A unique story.
B = Read it. A solid book and enjoyable.
C = I am not sorry that I read it. But won’t read it over
D = It passed the time away. Better than watching television. Will not remember anything about the book and/or characters.
F = A total waste of time, energy and effort. Don’t admit that you read it. If you have to read it, skim it instead. People will wonder about your judgment.
1. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. Beautiful book. Loved the message and the story. I enjoyed the different philosophy of the author. Mr. Albom has such a depth of experience in his writing and telling of this story. It was wonderful. A+
2. Ford County by John Grisham. A great surprise. I just love John Grisham and my favorites are the non-lawyer, non-witness protection books. This was a group of stories, from a county in the south. They were all interesting. Quirky, yet brilliant. Great snapshots of life in a small town. A
3. True Blue by David Baldacci. I reserve all the books that Baldacci writes. He in on my (current) authors list. Always good, always an ending and engaging to read. He doesn’t talk down to the readers or try to hard. Just good, solid writing. B
4. Rainwater by Sandra Brown. I have never read a book by this author before. When I went to the library, there were several express books in the new fiction and this was one. So, of course, I picked it up and had to read it quickly. I enjoyed it. Good story, appealing characters, and interesting twists and turns. An old-fashioned love story. B
5. 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly. Loved the characters and the continuation of the story. But we need another book, very quickly, or it needed some more chapters. It did have a good ending, but not personally satisfying to mce. I just wanted a little more, and things to turn out differently. But since I did not write it and could not discuss the way the book should go, I guess I will have to let it go !!!!! C+, with much trepidation. Should have been a B.
6. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton. I am getting worried about my dear Kinsey. We are on U. There is only V, W, X, Y and Z left. Will we wrap it all up? Will everything work out? What will we do? The fist books, A, B, C, and D were so different than the rest. I have enjoyed every single one. And I never figured out this title!! I know that the undertow is with the ocean and California does have the ocean (for now, we, in the Zone, are just waiting for that giant earthquake to make Yuma the new San Diego!!) But really, what was the point of the title?? Enquiring minds would like to know?!?! Grade is an A for Sue Grafton.
7. Intervention by Robin Cook. Another medical thriller. Always different twist and turns. I didn’t guess the ending in the first 10 pages. But after reading this book, I will NEVER see a chiropractor, ever. Grade B
8. Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I did a whole blog on Suzanne Collins book series, Gregor the Overlander. These 2 books are good, but are they better than the Gregor books?? They are very popular young adult books and I did enjoy them, (even not being a young adult.) The third book is due out soon. If I had known, would have waited to read the first two, until the third was written and published. An intriguing idea. Grade B-
9. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. Remember that I reserved all the New York Times best-sellers every Sunday. This book could have been published by Harlequin. Very formula driven. I also reserved some other books by him, when I reserved this one. The whole book could be written in one small paragraph. That is what they want to make movies or television shows to do the sales pitch. To read, not so much. The character were very one dimensional. I have a hard time with books written just to make money. This was a very easy one day read. No thinking necessary. Grade D
10. Pirate Latititueds by Michael Crichton. His last book. Found the manuscript after his death and then published. Better to not. He should be remembered for Time Line and Jurassic Park. This was just not a polished or finished work. Based on a true story. Grade C- (and that is generous)
11. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen. A reflection on her live by Rhoda Janzen. It was very interesting. I enjoyed learning about the Mennonite culture and the way it has evolved in America. I liked this from beginning to the end. You could become very involved in the story. The writing was engaging. Grade A
12. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. (see notes about #9?!?!) I had never read another book by Richard Paul Evans before. This was an express reader, when I went and picked up all the other books. And it was little, and it had Christmas in the title, and I picked it up. A very easy read. The ending could have been more involved and much more information given. But is was fun and in the season. I did enjoy it. And I liked the story. Grade C
13. Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler. I saved this for the very last. Anne Tyler is on my Top Ten list of authors and favorite books. And just all-around one of my favorites of all time. When we went back east, I needed to go by Baltimore, Maryland, for Anne Tyler. I buy her books, when they go cheaper after the first run. This was my treat to read; I was first on the list at the library and got the first copy. It smelled wonderful. It had a nice cover. I waited to read it, until I felt better. I looked at this book standing in my little bed book-case, every day. And finally it moved into first place on the shelf. (Side note **** I have a system for not having library fines. I put the books in order of being checked out, and read them in order, except the express 1-week books, that move to the front of the line****) And now for the actual review. This was not the best Anne Tyler book. In fact, it could tie for the worst. I did not like it at all. We have met the protagonist before. The epiphany moment was forced. Very poor ending and the whole story line was just bad. And I was so excited for this book to be published. So I sent the dear husband to the library to get me another Anne Tyler book (that I didn’t own) and he came back with “Digging to America.” I re-read it. And remembered why I love Anne Tyler. Let’s just hope that her next book is back to her usually excellent standards. Grade D !!
Grading system:
A = Get this book and read it NOW. The philosophy stays with you. There are things to remember and use in your life. A book worth buying. A unique story.
B = Read it. A solid book and enjoyable.
C = I am not sorry that I read it. But won’t read it over
D = It passed the time away. Better than watching television. Will not remember anything about the book and/or characters.
F = A total waste of time, energy and effort. Don’t admit that you read it. If you have to read it, skim it instead. People will wonder about your judgment.
1. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. Beautiful book. Loved the message and the story. I enjoyed the different philosophy of the author. Mr. Albom has such a depth of experience in his writing and telling of this story. It was wonderful. A+
2. Ford County by John Grisham. A great surprise. I just love John Grisham and my favorites are the non-lawyer, non-witness protection books. This was a group of stories, from a county in the south. They were all interesting. Quirky, yet brilliant. Great snapshots of life in a small town. A
3. True Blue by David Baldacci. I reserve all the books that Baldacci writes. He in on my (current) authors list. Always good, always an ending and engaging to read. He doesn’t talk down to the readers or try to hard. Just good, solid writing. B
4. Rainwater by Sandra Brown. I have never read a book by this author before. When I went to the library, there were several express books in the new fiction and this was one. So, of course, I picked it up and had to read it quickly. I enjoyed it. Good story, appealing characters, and interesting twists and turns. An old-fashioned love story. B
5. 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly. Loved the characters and the continuation of the story. But we need another book, very quickly, or it needed some more chapters. It did have a good ending, but not personally satisfying to mce. I just wanted a little more, and things to turn out differently. But since I did not write it and could not discuss the way the book should go, I guess I will have to let it go !!!!! C+, with much trepidation. Should have been a B.
6. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton. I am getting worried about my dear Kinsey. We are on U. There is only V, W, X, Y and Z left. Will we wrap it all up? Will everything work out? What will we do? The fist books, A, B, C, and D were so different than the rest. I have enjoyed every single one. And I never figured out this title!! I know that the undertow is with the ocean and California does have the ocean (for now, we, in the Zone, are just waiting for that giant earthquake to make Yuma the new San Diego!!) But really, what was the point of the title?? Enquiring minds would like to know?!?! Grade is an A for Sue Grafton.
7. Intervention by Robin Cook. Another medical thriller. Always different twist and turns. I didn’t guess the ending in the first 10 pages. But after reading this book, I will NEVER see a chiropractor, ever. Grade B
8. Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I did a whole blog on Suzanne Collins book series, Gregor the Overlander. These 2 books are good, but are they better than the Gregor books?? They are very popular young adult books and I did enjoy them, (even not being a young adult.) The third book is due out soon. If I had known, would have waited to read the first two, until the third was written and published. An intriguing idea. Grade B-
9. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. Remember that I reserved all the New York Times best-sellers every Sunday. This book could have been published by Harlequin. Very formula driven. I also reserved some other books by him, when I reserved this one. The whole book could be written in one small paragraph. That is what they want to make movies or television shows to do the sales pitch. To read, not so much. The character were very one dimensional. I have a hard time with books written just to make money. This was a very easy one day read. No thinking necessary. Grade D
10. Pirate Latititueds by Michael Crichton. His last book. Found the manuscript after his death and then published. Better to not. He should be remembered for Time Line and Jurassic Park. This was just not a polished or finished work. Based on a true story. Grade C- (and that is generous)
11. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen. A reflection on her live by Rhoda Janzen. It was very interesting. I enjoyed learning about the Mennonite culture and the way it has evolved in America. I liked this from beginning to the end. You could become very involved in the story. The writing was engaging. Grade A
12. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. (see notes about #9?!?!) I had never read another book by Richard Paul Evans before. This was an express reader, when I went and picked up all the other books. And it was little, and it had Christmas in the title, and I picked it up. A very easy read. The ending could have been more involved and much more information given. But is was fun and in the season. I did enjoy it. And I liked the story. Grade C
13. Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler. I saved this for the very last. Anne Tyler is on my Top Ten list of authors and favorite books. And just all-around one of my favorites of all time. When we went back east, I needed to go by Baltimore, Maryland, for Anne Tyler. I buy her books, when they go cheaper after the first run. This was my treat to read; I was first on the list at the library and got the first copy. It smelled wonderful. It had a nice cover. I waited to read it, until I felt better. I looked at this book standing in my little bed book-case, every day. And finally it moved into first place on the shelf. (Side note **** I have a system for not having library fines. I put the books in order of being checked out, and read them in order, except the express 1-week books, that move to the front of the line****) And now for the actual review. This was not the best Anne Tyler book. In fact, it could tie for the worst. I did not like it at all. We have met the protagonist before. The epiphany moment was forced. Very poor ending and the whole story line was just bad. And I was so excited for this book to be published. So I sent the dear husband to the library to get me another Anne Tyler book (that I didn’t own) and he came back with “Digging to America.” I re-read it. And remembered why I love Anne Tyler. Let’s just hope that her next book is back to her usually excellent standards. Grade D !!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NEWSPAPERS
I am a news junkie. I love to read the newspaper. And the internet has made it just wonderful. Every morning, I read CNN, Fox News, MsNBC and the Drudge Report first. Then I mosey on to the Seattle Times, East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Republic.
I have to keep current with the children, and we would start with the ones that moved south in Arizona, so also read Yuma Sun.
And for those that moved north, to Utah, Cedar City Spectrum and since they are in a small town, they also have a county paper that comes out once a week, the Cedar City (Iron County) Review, and for the big news, it is the Deseret News out of Salt Lake City.
Those that moved east to Woodbridge VA, have the Potomac News, the Manassas Journal Messenger and of course the Washington Times and the Post in Washington DC. They also get lots of coverage with the national papers.
Then comes the weekends. I love to read the New York Times. They have the best book section and also love their style section with the wedding and celebrations. Each one is a novel unto itself. And I can’t leave out the UK Times. They have a unique perspective on world events.
And when you are bored silly, can always read the celebrity news site and feel so happy to not be famous and followed.
I have to keep current with the children, and we would start with the ones that moved south in Arizona, so also read Yuma Sun.
And for those that moved north, to Utah, Cedar City Spectrum and since they are in a small town, they also have a county paper that comes out once a week, the Cedar City (Iron County) Review, and for the big news, it is the Deseret News out of Salt Lake City.
Those that moved east to Woodbridge VA, have the Potomac News, the Manassas Journal Messenger and of course the Washington Times and the Post in Washington DC. They also get lots of coverage with the national papers.
Then comes the weekends. I love to read the New York Times. They have the best book section and also love their style section with the wedding and celebrations. Each one is a novel unto itself. And I can’t leave out the UK Times. They have a unique perspective on world events.
And when you are bored silly, can always read the celebrity news site and feel so happy to not be famous and followed.
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