The Angel's Game, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Bottom Line: Creepy. In a good way. I think.
Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson
Bottom Line: Too cool for school, and too cool for me.
Hey Neal Stephenson, if you're going to name the main character "Hero Protagonist," go ahead and name the bad guy "Evil Villian" just so nobody is confused.
The Book of Air and Shadows, by Michael Gruber
Bottom Line: I could not root for anybody in this book, so I had to stop reading it.
The main character is a pretentious boob. I suspect the author is a pretentious boob.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Book Review: The Year of the Flood
The review for www.bookbrowse.com had to be around 50 words in length, so below is what I submitted to them. I'll expand my review later to let you know why I thought the book sounded more realistic this time. For now, enjoy the brief review below.
Dystopic Sci Fi that hits close to home
I enjoyed this book immensely. I would recommend reading Oryx and Crake before trying this book. When I first read Oryx and Crake, for which The Year of the Flood is a sequel, I thought it was an appealingly silly vision of a dystopic future. But after reading The Year of the Flood, it no longer sounds silly, it sounds like some of the events in the book could really happen. If you liked Brave New World, The Road, or We, you would probably enjoy this book.
Dystopic Sci Fi that hits close to home
I enjoyed this book immensely. I would recommend reading Oryx and Crake before trying this book. When I first read Oryx and Crake, for which The Year of the Flood is a sequel, I thought it was an appealingly silly vision of a dystopic future. But after reading The Year of the Flood, it no longer sounds silly, it sounds like some of the events in the book could really happen. If you liked Brave New World, The Road, or We, you would probably enjoy this book.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Proliferation
proliferation, noun: to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring
What is with the proliferation of people standing on street corners holding signs? I'm not talking about the signs that say "Complete desperation, need money," I'm referring to the signs that say "$10 oil change" or "Complete Liquidation Sale - 95% Off Everything!!" Are wooden posts getting too expensive? Nobody wants an oil change so they're paying the grease monkeys to stand on the corner holding signs until someone else drives up? The Valvoline by my house has 3 people holding signs on different corners at the same time. I don't understand how that can be cost effective. It doesn't make me more likely to get my oil changed there, either. It just makes me feel sad for the poor guy standing there in 80 degree weather wearing all black and holding a stupid sign.
What is with the proliferation of people standing on street corners holding signs? I'm not talking about the signs that say "Complete desperation, need money," I'm referring to the signs that say "$10 oil change" or "Complete Liquidation Sale - 95% Off Everything!!" Are wooden posts getting too expensive? Nobody wants an oil change so they're paying the grease monkeys to stand on the corner holding signs until someone else drives up? The Valvoline by my house has 3 people holding signs on different corners at the same time. I don't understand how that can be cost effective. It doesn't make me more likely to get my oil changed there, either. It just makes me feel sad for the poor guy standing there in 80 degree weather wearing all black and holding a stupid sign.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Year of the Flood
Yesterday I got a book in the mail. Not just any book, a book that is not even for sale yet. I will be one of the first people to read it. The book is so new there's a disclaimer on the back that reads:
Advanced Reading Copy - NOT FOR SALE
This is an uncorrected proof. Please note that any quotes for reviews must be checked against the finished book. Dates, prices, and manufacturing details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
I recently joined an online book club called http://www.bookbrowse.com/. As a member, I am able to read a few books a year before they are actually published and for sale to everyone else. As a book lover, that is probably one of the most exciting things I've been able to do. The only caveat is that I have to read it within a month and provide a review. So I have to carve out a few minutes a day at least to read the book. I'm so excited!
Advanced Reading Copy - NOT FOR SALE
This is an uncorrected proof. Please note that any quotes for reviews must be checked against the finished book. Dates, prices, and manufacturing details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
I recently joined an online book club called http://www.bookbrowse.com/. As a member, I am able to read a few books a year before they are actually published and for sale to everyone else. As a book lover, that is probably one of the most exciting things I've been able to do. The only caveat is that I have to read it within a month and provide a review. So I have to carve out a few minutes a day at least to read the book. I'm so excited!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Histrionics
histrionics, noun: deliberate display of emotion for effect
Note to my toddler: enough with the histrionics already!
The following scenarios have elicited screaming and flailing:
We just signed up for Netflix, and I am super pumped to see movies that I have been meaning to see for ages. Especially since we haven't been to a movie theater since the monkey was born.
Note to my toddler: enough with the histrionics already!
The following scenarios have elicited screaming and flailing:
- Daddy going into the garage without the monkey.
- Mommy going into the bathroom without the monkey.
- Naptime.
- Not being allowed to eat crayons.
Well, maybe she'll be in theater when she's older.
histrionics, noun: theatrical performancesWe just signed up for Netflix, and I am super pumped to see movies that I have been meaning to see for ages. Especially since we haven't been to a movie theater since the monkey was born.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Persist
persist, intransitive verb: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning
The monkey is quite the persistent child. If she wants something, she will go back to it over and over and over again. I spend most of my day pulling her away from the dog's water bowl, the washing machine, and power outlets. She will pull open safety-latched drawers just enough to get her little fingers in there, and then pull as hard as she can. Today we went to story time at the library, and she kept running off throughout the room sticking her hands into everyone else's bags. One little girl had a toothbrush that the monkey decided she wanted, and it had to be put out of reach so that she would stop trying to take it from her. Another little girl had very appealing curly hair that the monkey wanted to touch and pull on.
It's a little exhausting, and it's hard to have a conversation with anyone because I'm constantly having to run off and pull the monkey away from something else she isn't supposed to be touching. Other kids seem content to play with their toys or sit with their mothers. Not my little monkey! At least I know she won't be prone to giving up on things when she's older.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Accomplish
accomplish, transitive verb: to bring about (a result) by effort
The monkey's recent accomplishments:
The monkey's recent accomplishments:
- Quacking like a duck
- Saying "tick tock" (we sing a tick tock song at story time)
- Stomping her feet like an elephant
- Doing the arm movements to The Itsy Bitsy Spider (super cute!)
Infinite Jest
I recently started reading the book Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace. I'm already in love with the book. It's 1000 pages and has footnotes. It's complicated and convoluted. I won't try to explain or describe it because so many other people have already done a much better job of that than I could. If you're interested in more about the book, check here: http://infinitesummer.org/about
Monday, July 6, 2009
Book Review: Open and Shut
Open and Shut, by David Rosenfelt
Summary
A defense attorney agrees to handle an appeal for a case that was originally prosecuted by his father. Shortly after that his father dies and he must delve into his father's past to find out what really happened.
Ramblings
This is a suspenseful book told from the perspective of the witty and self-deprecating defense attorney, Andy Carpenter. It was a fun book to read and very short. I'd say it's a good book for a rainy day when you're looking for something fun that will not make you have to think too hard.
Bottom Line
A fun and funny read, not an in-depth story by any means, but I'd recommend it if you like whodunits.
Summary
A defense attorney agrees to handle an appeal for a case that was originally prosecuted by his father. Shortly after that his father dies and he must delve into his father's past to find out what really happened.
Ramblings
This is a suspenseful book told from the perspective of the witty and self-deprecating defense attorney, Andy Carpenter. It was a fun book to read and very short. I'd say it's a good book for a rainy day when you're looking for something fun that will not make you have to think too hard.
Bottom Line
A fun and funny read, not an in-depth story by any means, but I'd recommend it if you like whodunits.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Independence Day
Independence Day, noun: a civil holiday for the celebration of the anniversary of the beginnings of national independence ; specifically : July 4 observed as a legal holiday in the United States in commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776
Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!
Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Dream
dream, noun: a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep
I have the strangest, most random dreams. Last night I dreamed that my brothers and sisters and I had our eyebrows waxed together, and we all ended up having four eyebrows each.
Have you had any strange dreams lately?
I have the strangest, most random dreams. Last night I dreamed that my brothers and sisters and I had our eyebrows waxed together, and we all ended up having four eyebrows each.
Have you had any strange dreams lately?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Loquacious
loquacious, adjective: full of excessive talk: wordy
In case you couldn't tell, I'm feeling loquacious today.
In case you couldn't tell, I'm feeling loquacious today.
Book Review: The White Tiger
The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga
Summary
A poor boy from rural India becomes a wealthy Bangalore businessman. The book opens as the man reflects on how he got where he is - by murdering his former master and stealing his money to start a business.
Ramblings
This book is almost two books in one. It is at once a dark comedy and a glimpse into the stark contrasts that exist in India (light and dark, rich and poor, rural and urban). The book can be read simply as the story of Balram, a boy born without a name and without a birthday, and the circumstances and motivations of his life. It can also be read as an expose of India, its political systems and social realities. Caste systems from the past collide with social mobility of the present. In the old India, you did what you were born to do based on your caste. In the new India, "entreprenuers" (as Balram calls himself) can climb their way out of servitude and into the business class.
Bottom Line
A well written quick read that lingers in the mind.
Summary
A poor boy from rural India becomes a wealthy Bangalore businessman. The book opens as the man reflects on how he got where he is - by murdering his former master and stealing his money to start a business.
Ramblings
This book is almost two books in one. It is at once a dark comedy and a glimpse into the stark contrasts that exist in India (light and dark, rich and poor, rural and urban). The book can be read simply as the story of Balram, a boy born without a name and without a birthday, and the circumstances and motivations of his life. It can also be read as an expose of India, its political systems and social realities. Caste systems from the past collide with social mobility of the present. In the old India, you did what you were born to do based on your caste. In the new India, "entreprenuers" (as Balram calls himself) can climb their way out of servitude and into the business class.
Bottom Line
A well written quick read that lingers in the mind.
Opine
opine, intranstive verb: to express opinions
I've decided to start doing book reviews on my blog. I hope that will make it more interesting, and that way I can talk about more than what my toddler has done lately.
My Shelfari bookshelf is linked on the right of my blog. I only have it showing books that I am currently reading, because I don't like to have too many things in my sidebar. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the upcoming book reviews.
I've decided to start doing book reviews on my blog. I hope that will make it more interesting, and that way I can talk about more than what my toddler has done lately.
My Shelfari bookshelf is linked on the right of my blog. I only have it showing books that I am currently reading, because I don't like to have too many things in my sidebar. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the upcoming book reviews.
Biped
biped, noun: a two-footed animal
The monkey has two feet, and she is using them. She started walking more than a few steps while we were on vacation, and she can now stand up without holding onto something. Of course, this means she wants to walk and not be carried wherever we go. She walked by herself through Office Depot and wanted to pull everything off the shelves, so I had to find something for her to carry for me. Otherwise I'd have had to chase her through the store replacing everything she'd touched. Today she wanted to walk by herself through the parking lot, and stopped to touch every car we passed.
The next phase, I believe, is the climbing phase - I'm scared!
The monkey has two feet, and she is using them. She started walking more than a few steps while we were on vacation, and she can now stand up without holding onto something. Of course, this means she wants to walk and not be carried wherever we go. She walked by herself through Office Depot and wanted to pull everything off the shelves, so I had to find something for her to carry for me. Otherwise I'd have had to chase her through the store replacing everything she'd touched. Today she wanted to walk by herself through the parking lot, and stopped to touch every car we passed.
The next phase, I believe, is the climbing phase - I'm scared!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Respite
respite, noun: a period of temporary delay
We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging. Or our irregulary unscheduled blogging, whichever you like.
respite, noun: an interval of rest or relief
We spent last week on vacation with my family in North Carolina. My parents rented a lovely house on the beach, and my siblings and I and our offspring all stayed together for the week. It was divine.
We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging. Or our irregulary unscheduled blogging, whichever you like.
respite, noun: an interval of rest or relief
We spent last week on vacation with my family in North Carolina. My parents rented a lovely house on the beach, and my siblings and I and our offspring all stayed together for the week. It was divine.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Clean
clean, adjective: free from dirt or pollution
We're heading out on vacation soon, and I'm trying to get the house clean, the suitcases packed, and every little random thing in order before we leave. Of course this is the week the monkey decides she doesn't like naps anymore. I think (I hope) I've finally gotten her to sleep, only an hour later than normal. Let the deep cleaning begin!
We're heading out on vacation soon, and I'm trying to get the house clean, the suitcases packed, and every little random thing in order before we leave. Of course this is the week the monkey decides she doesn't like naps anymore. I think (I hope) I've finally gotten her to sleep, only an hour later than normal. Let the deep cleaning begin!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Paranoid
paranoid, noun: extremely fearful
Yesterday the monkey and I were enjoying a peaceful afternoon snack in the kitchen, when a wasp flew over our heads and landed on the window, behind the blinds. After a moment of panic, I picked up the monkey and called the dog to come hide with us in the sunroom. My husband was golfing with our neighbor, and I had worst case scenarios of wasp sting allergies going through my mind. I don't think I'm allergic but I kept imagining being stung and then collapsing on the floor leaving the monkey unattended. I know, I know, I'm paranoid. I hide in the basement all day if there's a tornado watch issued.
I went to another neighbor's house and he was kind enough to come over and kill the offending wasp for us while we cowered in the sunroom. Stupid hymenopterous insects.
Yesterday the monkey and I were enjoying a peaceful afternoon snack in the kitchen, when a wasp flew over our heads and landed on the window, behind the blinds. After a moment of panic, I picked up the monkey and called the dog to come hide with us in the sunroom. My husband was golfing with our neighbor, and I had worst case scenarios of wasp sting allergies going through my mind. I don't think I'm allergic but I kept imagining being stung and then collapsing on the floor leaving the monkey unattended. I know, I know, I'm paranoid. I hide in the basement all day if there's a tornado watch issued.
I went to another neighbor's house and he was kind enough to come over and kill the offending wasp for us while we cowered in the sunroom. Stupid hymenopterous insects.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gender Bender
gender bender, noun: a person who dresses and behaves like a member of the opposite sex (date, 1980)
The child of a celebrity gets a sex change, and all of a sudden we have to be inundated with news stories about people getting sex changes, like it's something new? Who cares? Get a sex change, don't get a sex change, doesn't make much difference to me. Good grief.
p.s. In case you didn't know, Chastity Bono is getting a sex change.
The child of a celebrity gets a sex change, and all of a sudden we have to be inundated with news stories about people getting sex changes, like it's something new? Who cares? Get a sex change, don't get a sex change, doesn't make much difference to me. Good grief.
p.s. In case you didn't know, Chastity Bono is getting a sex change.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hymenopterous
hymenopterous, adjective: any of an order of highly specialized insects that include bees, wasps, and ants.
Apparently, we have several hymenopterous insects living around our house. Ants are pretty easy to take care of. Bees don't live nearby, they just come along to pollinate our plants. It's the wasps that are driving me nuts. They have built a nest in the same spot every spring for the past three years. Yesterday I wanted to take the monkey to play in the back yard. I stepped onto the deck and what do I see? Wasps, crawling on the deck. So we turned around and went back inside. Oddly, though, their nest disappeared between yesterday and today. We can only hope that this means one less hymenopterous insect for me to worry about.
Apparently, we have several hymenopterous insects living around our house. Ants are pretty easy to take care of. Bees don't live nearby, they just come along to pollinate our plants. It's the wasps that are driving me nuts. They have built a nest in the same spot every spring for the past three years. Yesterday I wanted to take the monkey to play in the back yard. I stepped onto the deck and what do I see? Wasps, crawling on the deck. So we turned around and went back inside. Oddly, though, their nest disappeared between yesterday and today. We can only hope that this means one less hymenopterous insect for me to worry about.
Reticent
reticent, adjective: inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech
Often, when I don't know what to say, I tend to be reticent.
Often, when I don't know what to say, I tend to be reticent.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Toothsome
toothsome, adjective: of palatable flavor and pleasing texture
I made pineapple upside down cake last night, and it was not as toothsome as I had hoped it would be. The flavor was good but the texture was mushy, bordering on soggy. My husband did not seem to mind though, because he ate two pieces.
toothsome, adjective: agreeable, attractive, sexually attractive
Well, I never knew that was one of the definitions of toothsome. I suppose one could call Brad Pitt toothsome, or the male ballet dancer who couldn't be on So You Think You Can Dance because of his contract with the Miami Ballet. What a shame. I hear rumors he'll be on next season, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.
And, as Lesli reminds us, Johnny Depp is ever toothsome. Happy belated birthday, Johnny Depp.
I made pineapple upside down cake last night, and it was not as toothsome as I had hoped it would be. The flavor was good but the texture was mushy, bordering on soggy. My husband did not seem to mind though, because he ate two pieces.
toothsome, adjective: agreeable, attractive, sexually attractive
Well, I never knew that was one of the definitions of toothsome. I suppose one could call Brad Pitt toothsome, or the male ballet dancer who couldn't be on So You Think You Can Dance because of his contract with the Miami Ballet. What a shame. I hear rumors he'll be on next season, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.
And, as Lesli reminds us, Johnny Depp is ever toothsome. Happy belated birthday, Johnny Depp.
Word
Welcome to my word of the day blog.
My husband told me that I should have a blog because I have a large vocabulary. That doesn't mean I have anything relevant or interesting to say, but I took him at his word, and here we are.
The monkey can say seven words. Hello, Daddy, Sasha, Cheese, Shoes, Thank You, and All Done. Sometimes we'll say "thank you" to each other over and over, just for practice.
My husband told me that I should have a blog because I have a large vocabulary. That doesn't mean I have anything relevant or interesting to say, but I took him at his word, and here we are.
The monkey can say seven words. Hello, Daddy, Sasha, Cheese, Shoes, Thank You, and All Done. Sometimes we'll say "thank you" to each other over and over, just for practice.
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