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To pass the time on our drives across Florida and Alabama, I brought along a few books. They were so good, I wanted to tell you about them, just in case you haven't read them already. And then I thought, hey, I should tell you about all the good books I've read recently. I've hardly made a dent in my stack, but here goes.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, and narrated by Death, I was a little worried I wouldn't like this book. But, the way the author writes, and sets the words on the page, made me not want to put it down. It is pretty depressing material (Nazi Germany, remember), but it'll make you think, and realize we have no idea what a bad day looks like.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
If you're struggling with your life's purpose, or have a hard time 'following your heart', this is the book for you. A super short, easy read, it's the story of a shepherd how sells his flock to find a treasure, and all he encounters along the way. The book was written over 20 years ago, but it has a very spiritual, religious message, and I LOVED it!
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Narrated by 3 main characters, 2 black maids and a young white woman, The Help tells the story of what it was like to be a maid in the South in the 60s. This book will have you experiencing every emotion, and have you amazed at the fact that this subject matter only happened 40 years ago. This book and The Book Thief really made me sad that people can be so mean, and that so many others just follow along. Great read! And, soon to be a movie.
This trilogy consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. Set in the future, in a destroyed North America, the trilogy is the story of the Hunger Games, where a boy a girl from each of the 12 districts of Panem compete to the death. The stories are part Gladiator, part reality TV. Yes, morbid material. Yes, science fiction. But, yes, the 3 books are superbly written. They're classified as Young Adult novels, because the narrator is 16, but the subject matter is hardly child's play. Also being made into movies (because of Special Effects, I think we have to wait til 2012).
Water for Elephants is the story of a vet student who joins the circus during the Great Depression. It's narrated by the vet, who flashes back between current day and his circus days. One of the main characters is Rosie the elephant, who you are sure to fall in love with. Said to be loosely based on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Sooo good. (Again, being made into a movie. I wish I could remember who the main actor is!! Ha)
And, last but not least...
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Ha ha ha ha. Hee hee. Did you think I'd have a book post without featuring my favorite?! Especially since Eclipse came out this summer, so I was forced to read it for a 4th time? I'll spare you the synopsis - if you don't know what it's about yet, then you've obviously not been following this blog, or current events, for that matter.
So, still on my list: Love in the Time of Cholera, My Sister's Keeper, and The Happiness Project. What have you read lately that you loved? I have a huge stack, but nothing's better than curling up with a good book on a cold night.
Before September sneaks off into the sunset, I thought I'd get the playlist out. The songs here are part wishing summer didn't have to end, and part being ok that the leaves are changing, and football's taking over my TV.
You know I'm always looking for new tunes (case in point, so drop me a comment & tell me what you just bought and think I have to hear; what you love and think I might not know about; or what you're thinking about buying, and think I should too.
Since I've told you before what music keeps the workshop going, I thought I'd add a monthly playlist post. Who knows? Maybe I'll introduce you to new music, or remind you of oldies, but goodies. Then you can introduce me to new music, or remind me of oldies but goodies.
I filled this playlist with both new and old in honor of this, my summer of live music (yippee!), and the opening of Eclipse (obsessed, remember?). And, you know no playlist with a song from the Eclipse soundtrack would be complete without an RPattz song...What? No really, what? (For the record, you're probably going to hate the song, and think he's all whiny and emo (wait, can a mid-30s person say that?) and such, but I love him it.)
Here's the playlist. I tried to mix some more upbeat in with the more mellow (I did go to Lilith Fair, remember?). Now, give a listen, and tell me what's on your July playlist.
PS. Didn't I promise never to do a post with this many parentheses again? Hmmm, too bad. Next to the exclamation mark, they're my favorite. And, most times I forget to close them (the HORROR).
PPS. Not sure who named these songs, but that Toad song is actually called I Will Not Take These Things for Granted.
PPPS. Songs from Sarah & BHTM are not my total faves, but they were what I could find on Playlist.com.
PPP...just kidding!
We interrupt regular blog posts about recent designs to have a little chat about obsession. (And, no, I don't mean the early 90s perfume/cologne by Calvin Klein, although I do love it. Mmmm. High school football games...shellacked, permed hair...wait, where was I?)
Ok, so a little less than 2 years ago, my sister mailed me 4 gigantic books titled Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. She warned me I might think they were cheesy, well, because I'm over 30, and it's a love story about a human and a vampire.
Well, I didn't read them for a while, but decided a trip that included many air miles, and driving hours, would be the perfect excuse to cart 2 of the brick sized books with me (you know, in case I finished one during the trip).
To keep a long story short, I couldn't read them fast enough. I think it took all of a week to finish all 4 of them. And, then I couldn't read them a second time fast enough. And, then I couldn't get them into the hands of my friends fast enough. And, then I couldn't believe I didn't know about this Twilight phenomenon. (you see, because I consider myself on the hip, "in the know" side.)
So, to say I'm obsessed might be a little bit of an understatement. But, whatever. I've now read them all 4 times. And, fallen in love with a vampire. And, the guy who plays him. And, I may or may not have a vampire as a background image on my computer & phone. I also may or may not have an RPattz calendar. (gulp) What? We all need an outlet, right? At least I'm not camping out for 4 days at the premieres, although I'm seriously thinking about "visiting" my sister in Baton Rouge, when they begin filming Breaking Dawn there this fall.
I know most of you, my readers (all 3 of you), are obsessed like me. Ok, maybe not like me, but you like the books. And, if you aren't, what the heck are you waiting for? Don't miss the boat on this cultural phenomenon! So, you know the point of this post is the 3rd movie, right?
Yep - Eclipse comes out tomorrow. And, I'll be there. With my best gal, Carrie. In my Team Edward shirt. Trying to ignore Carrie's Team Jacob shirt. Squealing in girlish delight during the tent scene.
Don't judge. My name is Raeann, and I'm obsessed with Twilight.
Email me if you need to know which sites to bookmark. ;)
