Anna Begins

The first book (other than How to Eat Fried Worms in 4th grade) that I remember being really passionate about in school was Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, about a family who drink from a stream and are given eternal life. That was in Middle School and I still think about that book. In High school, I took an alternative English course that focused on short stories and was introduced to masters like Raymond Carver, Flannery O'Connor and Shirley Jackson (yup- I got to read The Lottery in High School!) I'd also have to mention Man's Search for Meaning, psychiatrist Victor E. Frankel's account of his time in concentration camps. I read this in a Comparative Religions course my senior year in High School instead of a regular English class. It is a book I will ALWAYS have in my library.

Yes, my Luka can hardly see right now, as he really needs a cut! I might have to do his face myself, but he is REALLY fuzzy right now! The other night, I noticed he was limping so I inspected his paw and found a burr in between his toe fur and his pad fur. I started to untangle the fur to get it out and it hurt him so bad he started growling... but not at me! He turned to the wall and growled really quiet. I got the burr out and he jumped up and licked my face and then my hand. He totally knew I was helping him. Dogs are so cool.

Reading it now, about 40% done. The middle is dragging a bit, but glad to hear from Kidsmum that it picks up near the end. I like books that have chapters that end and make me want to begin the next chapter immediately!

Glad to hear they are good, I've got a sample of the 1st one.

A yummy Pinot Noir from just down the street- Sonoma, California.

It's dangerous

Just got through the book review section in BBC History. I now have a ton of new Kindle samples loaded. Learned about some new authors (uk). Elizabeth Norton, Charles Emmerson, Kate Williams. It's a great magazine, I've really enjoyed it and am considering a subscription. Still reading Clan of the Cave Bear, and still liking it a lot. Only about 140pages in because of the magazine.

Margarita, rocks, salt

I had no idea he struggled with heroin. I'm so sad he is gone.

I read everything pretty much. I don't read much fiction, unless it's historical, but I make exceptions. I've been in a sci fi kick lately though.

All this sounds great- I love historical fiction and crime/ thrillers. Raiders of the Nile by Saylor looks great- comes out Feb. 25th.

I'm with ya

Rapine: The violent seizure of someone's property.

You should have no problem with the English, it is a pretty easy read. Oh cool- thanks!

Woohoo! That is way cool. Today is the Super Bowl- a day in the US where we sit around and eat and watch football, pretty much. We aren't having a party, just us. My mom is making homemade chili and I am making guacamole with tomatoes, red onion, lime and garlic. We are also having tomatillo salsa, beer and margaritas! Go Denver! (we hate Seattle because they beat us for this game).

Found them finally! Thanks, they sound good!

Isn't Les Miserables difficult? I'd love to read it someday.

I thought it was a bit rushed too, but really, how much more of that would have been interesting. One of the things I liked about this book is its brevity and... easiness of it all (for lack of a better word)

I'm going to keep a list of interesting words I learn this year. I'm going to post whenever I get a word, so random, not a list. I start with corvette (not a car, but a small warship) and alacrity (brisk and cheerful readiness).

That's a lotta 007! How on Earth do you read so quickly?!

I've done 5 so far... well, I'm on #5 (and 6 if you count BBC History, which is really wonderful to have while being into a book). Clan of the Cave Bear is going great and I think will go quickly.

That's terrible! A book should be available to all!

IMO, it is a tough re-read. I decided against it around 30pages in. I just had remembered it too vividly and decided it was a journey I didn't wish to take again.

These sound good! Checking out samples on Kindle now... thanks a lot lol This site gets me into so much trouble! Edited: Only finding CJ Sansom on Kindle

Will definitely have to watch it then- I can't wait to see how they did it all! Started Clan of the Cave Bear this morning. It's good! The beginning has been a little disturbing to me, as I have a 5 year old. I couldn't imagine her being on her own at this age. Still reading BBC History, but that is a magazine that will take me awhile to finish, especially now, with Clan of the Cave Bear started.