BOOK #21

I stopped reading Peter Straub years ago. I couldn't remember why. After struggling through this book, I remembered. He's just not that good of a writer. Anymore. Once upon a time, he was. And he used to scare the shit out of me.

This book was a snore. The character development was weak, the story was all over the place and the ending was stupid. I cannot say enough bad things about this book.

I hate that I wasted my time on it.

Blech.

BOOK #20 (YAY!)

My 20th book! Yay for me!

Does it matter that it was a cheat book? Nope.

My favorite kind of chick lit - witches, warlocks and lots of down and dirty sex.
It was a fun romp.

I highly recommend it.

Okay, I truly COULD NOT resist. I read Joe Hill's other novel in one day, and this was no different. One day. That is all it took. Joe Hill is right up my alley. He rights the most devlish crap out there. You have to keep reading to see what the hell is going to happen next. The main character, Ig, wakes up one day, a year after his girlfriend is murdered, and he has HORNS!!! Yep, just like the devil. Everyone thinks that he murdered her, which of course, he didn't. These horns give him the most awesome powers...people tell him their innermost secrets, he can make them do things. If you like this kind of book, it's the best thing I have read so far this year. I don't feel the least bit guilty....

Middlesex

I don't even know what book I am on in the pledge, as I have not been very diligent in my posting. I haven't been very diligent in my reading either this year. I think the pledge has taken away some of my thrill. I bought this book simply because I had seen it around so much that I thought it must have some merit. Well, eh, not so much. I will have to say that I consider myself a fast reader, and this book took me three weeks to get through. I just found myself getting bogged down in all the history with Cal's parents and grandparents and I wanted to know more about Cal. I know a lot of people really like the book, but I personally wouldn't recommend it.

BOOK #19

I admit it.

I broke the pledge. But no one reads this blog so no one will ever know.

I had a bad day. I was in B&N to buy a cookbook and they were sold out. This caught my eye on the way out and I love this series. I bought and read it while recovering from my surgery.

So there.

BOOK #18

Again, I learned of John D. MacDonald from Stephen King. He's been dead 22 years and the Travis McGee series is at least 35 years old. But still after all this time, so much fun. Quick great read and rip-roaring yarn.

Or as Wikipedia says:

MacDonald was a prolific writer of crime and suspense novels, many of them set in his adopted home of Florida. His best-known works include the popular and critically acclaimed Travis McGee series, and his novel The Executioners, which was adapted into the film Cape Fear. In 1962, MacDonald was named a grand master of the Mystery Writers of America, and he won the American Book Award in 1980. Stephen King^[1] praised MacDonald as "the great entertainer of our age, and a mesmerizing storyteller."

It was only my second Travis McGee novel but I have more in my stack. Perfect for the upcoming sun and fun season.

BOOK #17

Wow. I cannot believe I am only a few books shy of 20 out of my 90+ being read. I can actually see empty spaces forming on my bookshelves and I'm pretty thrilled. But, of course, I haven't really tackled any HUGE books but I'm fine with reading alot of my smaller books for now. And as you can tell, I'm trying to read all the books Mer loaned me in the last year so she can put 'em out on PBS!

If you don't know Laurie Notaro's work and possess even a glimmer of a sense of humor, she's a must read. Her adventures with her family, her in laws and her life in general are pretty hysterical. Her writing style is balls out funny, self-deprecating and almost unbelievable. I'm sure she takes artistic license with stretching the truth but I still want to party with her. She's akin to David Sedaris' writing only bigger and bolder. And very very funny.

I've only read two of her books but I found this one, so far, to be her best. Maybe it's because everyone (myself included) can relate to Christmas horror stories. Especially stories with being on the receiving end of terrible, terrible gifts.

Eventhough it's a Christmas book, it can be read and enjoyed any part of the year. Tuck in a beach bag this summer but be prepared to laugh yourself silly!