Next Step Complete

Yes! I was right. Last Days by Scott Westerfeld was a much quicker read than his last books I just finished. Not quite the romance vampire story of Twilight but still a good read. The book centers around 5 young adults 2 of which are parasite positive or Peeps (or in other word Vampires) The five make up a band who have a special talent for calling up very old secrets from underground. A definite must read for anyone who likes a thriller.

I am now working on reading more into the book Heat. I feel like I am maybe getting soemwhere with this book. I am out of town for a few days so when I get back I will also complete my last Westerfeld book for the summer. Keep updated!

Finally Done!

Alright, I have finally finished The Killing of Worlds by Scott Westerfeld. That book and The Risen Empire make up the Succeession Books. It was an interesting read overall. It was really slow getting into as I ahve said but by then end I couldn't put it down. I really wanted to know what happened. Unfortunately, by "the end" I mean abotu the last 75 pages. So if you can make it to that last section it's an intriguing read.

Now onto my next Westerfeld book, The Last Days. It is a sequal to his book Peeps which I read quite a while ago. It is a new look on vampire life so for all you Twilight fans out there this is for you. I will keep you updated on how this book goes. It should be a much quicker read!

Catching Up

I had a bit of a break at work (AKA reading at the YMCA with a hundred screaming kids in the other pool) today so I finally got a chance to back in and read Bill Buford's Heat. I learned all about the making of pasta, mostly tortilini which are compared to innie belly-buttons. Who would have thought? Sounds delicious though.

I also have started reading my next Westerfeld book. The Killing of Worlds. It's an exact continuation off The Risen Empire. No time has elapsed between books. It picks up right at the beginning of the space ship's battle. It's actually got me quite intrigued now that I understand the story. I have never been one for a space science fiction story but this one has me hooked. I think this one will be a much quicker read than the first now that the plot and characters ahve already been set up. This is, of course, a good thing as I am looking forward to starting the next read on my list.

1am update

It is 1 am on Monday morning and I have just finished the Risen Empire. Last few pages definitely keep you on your toes. Slow moving at first but definitely hooked you by the end.

A large amount of typoes ( my editing-enthusiast roommate would have had a field day!) but otherwise an interesting read.

Onto its sequal-The Killing of Worlds

Reading Adventures on the Greyhound

So the first step to my Westerfeld kick is almsot complete thanks to an hour wait at the Greyhound bus station this evening and then a two hour ride. It quite attentuon grabbing now that the end is so near. Turns out the Child Empress wasn't actually that big of a deal...surprise. The book is actullay the narratives of mnay different characters and with about twenty pages left to go I am finally seeing the connections and am actually quite looking forward to the sequal.

For anyone interested, a greyhound bus at night is actually quite an ideal place to read. Except your own personal light, you can't see anyone else and it is silent...no distractions and comfortable seats!

Although I did almost have a heart attack when the guy in front of me turned around to ask to borrow my cell phone. I must have been so immersed in my book I actually jumped about six inches out of my seat!

CR Continued

I am still plodding on through the Risen Empire by Scott Westerfield. Now that I'm a little over halfway through I actually understand this crazy futuristic high tech world the characters are living in. It makes the book a little more itriguing and I now want to know what has happened to the kidnapped Child Empress.

I have not had a chance to read through any more of Heat by Bill Buford but maybe during the remainder of the weekend I can keep an update on that.

I just learned how to post pictures to my blog. I am pretty excited about this. Hopefully, this means there will be many more images to come.

Currently Reading

Time for day 2 of the blogging adventure
I figured I should really build some credibility if I'm going to write a blog about reading. Therefore, I am now reporting on the literary adventures I am engaging in currently.

Number 1. Heat-Bill Buford
Synapsis: A one time writer had decided to turn cook and begins his adventures with pumpkin filled raviolis and semi-slave labor in the back kitchens of Mario Batali's famous restaurant. It is skillfully interwoven with the back histories of Mario Batali himself. This makes for a very educational commentary on varying levels of quisine as well as European culture.

Number 2. The Risen Empire-Scott Westerfield
Synapsis: I have begun a Westerfield kick for the remainder of the summer. I read his Uglies series for a young adult literature class a year or so ago and after that I wa shooked on his captivating storie. Although, in all honesty the Risen Empire is not quite living up to his reputation. It seems to be a sci fistory with rootic minds and conquests of differentiating cultures. All stems from the kidnapping of the Child Empress of the Risen Empire by the "Collected Mind". I will keep an update of how this drama turns out.

Once I complete the stack of Westerfield novels on my desk as well as Buford's Heat I will need to begin actual reading for classes...once again. Hopefully it's something good!

Favorite Books...today

This is my first time blogging...well other than livejournal in high schools. But...that was about six years ago and it was pretty much full off teenage angst.

So, here is my first real blog and as a future English teacher, I thought a blog on books was appropriate. To begin I will start with a list of my top ten favorites...If I can even pick ten out of all the hundreds out there (Series count as one).

In no particular order:
Harry Potter-JK Rowling
Wicked-Gregory Maguire
Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen
Kate's Book-Mary Francis Shura
Little House-Laura Ingalls Wilder
Jo's Boys-Louisa May Alcott
The Secret Garden-Frances Hodgson Burnett
Anne of Green Gables-LM Montgomery
A Walk to Remember-Nicholas Sparks
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood-Rebecca Wells

Please, leave comments and your favorite books. I am always looking for new ones!