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Sunday, January 17, 2010

For the love of books

Pics of my new hair cut are in the previous post, in case you're interested.

If you've been around here at all, you probably know that I love to read. And if you're new...well, hi, I like to read. I devour books, always have. Big time bookworm for as long as I can remember.



In case you missed it and are interested, here's my list of Keepers and Stinkers from 2009.







I actually had a long rant started in my drafts about my feelings about Dear John and when I saw this meme from Supahmommy and MommyBrain, I figured I could probably shorten my rant a bit you're welcome and play along. I do have a spoiler later in this post, but I clearly marked it, so you can easily skip it.







Btw, I recently joined goodreads so that I could list the books I read this year- widget is over on the sidebar. If you are on goodreads or join, please add me as a friend so that I can see what you are reading, too!







What are you currently reading? I just finished rereading Dear John and am in desperate need of a trip to the library.







When do you find the time to read? I ignore my kids to read or choose to read instead of doing the dishes or putting away laundry.







Where do you do most of your reading? Out on the deck as long as it's not freezing or on the couch.







How do you choose what you read? Suggestions of others, fav authors, judging a book by its cover, or whatever I have time to swipe from a library shelf before one of my boys has a meltdown







From where do you get most of your books? library because I'm cheap (or GREEN!)







What do you do with a book after you've finished reading it? return it to the library, or pass it on to a friend if I actually bought the book; if I LOVED it, I'll keep it







What are your book (reading) quirks? When I say whether or not a book is "good," I'm not talking about its literary value or the quality of writing or any of those things that I used to evaluate when I was a snobby lit minor. I'm talking about whether I, personally, enjoyed the storyline. Did the story fly by? Did it touch me? Could I relate to the story? Did I like the ending? So, it's a personal thing with me.







For example, I usually Nicholas Sparks.







He actually lives not that far from me and always has his first book signing of a new book tour at the rinky dink little mall about an hour away from me. I stood in line for 3 hours to get him to sign my books once- with a two month old in tow.







I know that I'll read a story about an amazing love that will touch me and probably make me cry.







I know to expect the sad endings(most of the time they're sad).







And, I'm okay with this.







However, I am NOT okay with the ending of Dear John. With the movie coming out soon, I decided to reread it and see if maybe my opinion would change, but it didn't.







Spoiler alert: if you don't know and don't want to know about the ending of the book. I can't say anything about the ending of the movie, as it hasn't come out yet and you know what they do with book-to-movie adaptations...







Anyway, if you don't want to know, scroll down quickly and leave me a comment with a book that you love so I can go to the library armed with a list. And go link up with Supahmommy and MommyBrain if you want!











SPOILER







Here's my problem with Dear John: at the end, you are left with a couple who is married. The wife loves her husband, but it's more a marriage that just happened due to circumstance and not because she actually is IN love with him. She's IN love with her ex and still thinks about him, wishing things had happened differently. Her husband, who just went through a bout of cancer from which he almost didn't make it, is well aware that his wife would choose to be with her ex if she wasn't so set on honoring her marriage vows, but her heart is really else where. And then there's the ex, who is still in love with the girl that he can never have.







Blech. Awful. Horrible.







What kind of love story is that?







Tragic, I know, but it just leaves me feeling icky.







I don't want to think about people in a marriage where one would rather be with someone else. And the other even knows it. It's just indescribably sad. It doesn't sit well with me at all. It's probably because of how I view marriage.







Yes, I'm sure I'll still see the movie and I'll probably even like the movie.







But, the book...I just can't recommend it.







END OF SPOILER


Check back next Monday for more fabulous bookworm fun!

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43 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Sophie Kinsella - Twenties Girl

or really anything by Nora Roberts. Right now my Favorite Series is the Bride Quartet. So far 2 of the 4 are out and I absolutely adore them!

January 17, 2010 at 9:04 PM  
Blogger AiringMyLaundry said...

I need to re-read that. I also love Nicholas Sparks and want to see the movie even though I know it doesn't end well.

And I second the above note: Sophie Kinsella rocks. As does Marian Keyes.

January 17, 2010 at 9:16 PM  
Blogger Liz Mays said...

I need to start a new one now. I have a huge stack and can't decide.

January 17, 2010 at 9:16 PM  
Blogger Shannon K. said...

Okay, totally didn't read your spoiler alert, because I did just get that book, and intend to read it. I am just like you though...I devour books, and I also give merit based soley on whether I like the story, or whether it impacts me in some way. Unless the writing is so bad that I can't even wade through it.

January 17, 2010 at 9:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

James Patterson is my favorite. I love the Cross series.

January 17, 2010 at 9:49 PM  
Blogger Staci said...

I too love books!!! I am not a Nicolas Sparks fan though... I have never read a single one! Maybe I should try him out?!?

January 17, 2010 at 10:06 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I LOVE to read and have since I was little. I won't go into what per say cause well I am doing my own post for this particular blog carnival but I can say in all honesty Ihave neve read any of those lol

January 17, 2010 at 10:13 PM  
Blogger Evonne said...

I love to read. I just wish I had more time to read the monster I have waiting.

I've never read a Sparks book, but I have seen or movie or 2. I did skip over your spoiler just in case I decide to see the movie. Thanks for the heads up spoiler alert!

January 17, 2010 at 10:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My fav place to read is outside as well, unless its winter like now, then i just curl up in bed and read, Im reading a book called the beautiful boys right now...awesome read.

January 17, 2010 at 10:34 PM  
Blogger Sarah at The Stroller Ballet said...

That is so neat! I need to get back into reading, lately television has just been too easy. On another note, I love that picture of your hair all natural. I have even more hair envy now ;)

January 17, 2010 at 10:42 PM  
Blogger Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

I love to read to, but have never read any of Nicolas Sparks books, perhaps because sad endings make me cry!
Also, loving your hair!

January 18, 2010 at 12:05 AM  
Blogger Bamawhitney said...

Thanks for the spoiler because it reminded me of what the book was about! I love Nicholas Sparks books too, but so far, almost all of the movies in my mind have been a bit of a let down at the end. Nights in Rodanthe for one. I will go and see this one...or maybe just wait for pay per view!

January 18, 2010 at 12:20 AM  
Blogger Tammy said...

Okay...honest opinion from ya. I just started Dear John...should I stop or keep reading? I am in the very beginning so if I quit no big deal...let me know, I am curious!

January 18, 2010 at 1:02 AM  
Blogger Epiphius said...

I haven't read Dear John yet, but normally like Nicholas Sparks too!

January 18, 2010 at 1:39 AM  
Blogger MommyBrain said...

Love your 09 booklist! I did a little link hopping ;)

I am just not a fan of books turned into movies. I avoid them. I've never seen one that felt exactly right to me. Haven't read Dear John, so maybe I'll see the movie instead.

Thanks for sharing a slice of your bookworm brain :)

January 18, 2010 at 1:55 AM  
Blogger BJ_Mama said...

I COMPLETELY agree with your Dear John assessment and am so very glad you reread it...because now I don't have to. I remembered why I didn't like it now. THANKS, Friend!

January 18, 2010 at 5:32 AM  
Blogger danita said...

i'm not a huge fan of nicholas sparks--i feel like all his books/movies are like the one you described. i do like sophie kinsella, jane green and marian keyes. i also can't resist any of the remakes/sequels of jane austen's books. huge j.a. fan!

January 18, 2010 at 8:07 AM  
Blogger The Mommyologist said...

I totally agree with you on Dear John! I was way disappointed at the end. I do love Nicholas Sparks though!

Love the new hair...and I'll get to see your face soon!!

January 18, 2010 at 8:12 AM  
Blogger Dual Mom said...

I skipped the spoiler...I'm reading Dear John now and it sucks to know the ending sucks. So sad.

Have you read Meriam Keyes? If you haven't you must....start with Watermelon or Rachel's Holiday.

January 18, 2010 at 8:51 AM  
Blogger gina said...

It sounds sadly, very realistic. Not whta i would choose for myself but what many people do do. :(

If you want to shoot me your address I can mail you my hard cover of Not My Daughter- as long as you pass it on when youre done too. :) (Not necessarily in the mail, lol.

January 18, 2010 at 8:52 AM  
Blogger The Princess of Sarcasm said...

Hmmmm....I'm probably going to get unfollowed by some people for this...but I don't really enjoy Sparks. I also don't really get the Twilight thing. I've read 2 1/2 books and seen both movies, desperate for the bug to bite me, but I'm just not crazy about it. I don't hate them, but I just don't find them very memorable. And I don't find Edward remotely attractive. I'm team Jacob just because 1. he's obviously better looking (imo) and 2. I don't want to be left out. LOL

January 18, 2010 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Our Favorite Things said...

I love, love, love Nicholas Sparks, and I have to say that I loved the book Dear John. I know, I agree with what you are saying, but I still loved it. I read it straight through until 2am.

January 18, 2010 at 9:28 AM  
Blogger JennyMac said...

I am reading Julie Powell's new book Cleaving. I am about 1/2 way and its just ok. I have Corner of Bitter and Sweet tee'd up next.

January 18, 2010 at 10:46 AM  
Blogger Tina L. Hook said...

It is always nice to meet a fellow bookworm. Thanks for visiting my blog.

PS Love the post about your boys and the shovels. Goodness gracious.

January 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM  
Blogger Kmama said...

When you mentioned Dear John, I wondered if it was the same one as the movie coming out. I really want to see the movie. I wonder if it will closely follow the book. Based on your description, I hope not.

January 18, 2010 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Foursons said...

I like Nicholas Sparks too but I had to stop reading them because I do NOT like his miserable endings. I don't handle them well and always end up angry when I finish the book.

January 18, 2010 at 11:31 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love to read & am on goodreads, too. Gonna find you in a sec!

I am reading "Water for Elephants" right now and I love it...I'll be sad for it to end, especially since I think I know what's gonna happen. I think I have about 50-70 pages left. Sad!

January 18, 2010 at 11:53 AM  
Blogger Ali said...

yeah, I hate the end of that book too, of course who know how the movie will end because The Notebook (the movie) ended different the The Notebook (the book)!

I love Nicholas Sparks to, I want to movie to NC because of all his books!!!

January 18, 2010 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger Debbie said...

I have a huge hang-up about book endings. They have to ring true with me. If it seems like the author tried to tie everything up too neatly with a bow on it, I end up hating the book!

January 18, 2010 at 12:55 PM  
Blogger Theta Mom said...

Since I've been blogging, I have no time to read...but so glad you will join us for Theta Mom Thursday! Should be fun!!!

January 18, 2010 at 2:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Right now Im re-reading the Twilight series. I just heart vampires. lol

You know what book turned movie that I really hated? My Sisters Keeper. Now I loved the book. But I was mad at the movie. I couldnt believe they totally changed the ending!!

January 18, 2010 at 2:37 PM  
Blogger Mae Rae said...

I am a GoodReads member and if I can find you I will add you. I have read some really good books this year and one absolutely horrible one. If you haven't read it yet, Firefly Lane is GREAT! Maybe more for me because I remember the things they refer to in the book. Anyway, i am a rambling.

January 18, 2010 at 3:23 PM  
Blogger Cole said...

I'm a big fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. They crack me up and have yet to make me cry. I just can't handle the ones that make me cry, so I've never gotten into Nicholas Sparks.

January 18, 2010 at 4:11 PM  
Blogger Sarah and the Gentlemen said...

HA! I knew it. I started reading Dear John and saw that ending coming; I haven't finished it yet.
The most recent book that grabbed me most was Summer (by Karen Kingsbury) There's a lot of emotion in that book. At one point I had to struggle to continue reading through my tear-filled eyes. Sometimes I just love mystery and adventure so Tess Gerritson and Clive Cussler provides me the entertainment I desire.

January 18, 2010 at 4:31 PM  
Blogger Karen and Gerard said...

I didn't like "Dear John" either. I especially didn't like that if you read the prologue you knew how it was going to end. This is not one of his better books in my opinion.

I am on GoodReads and Shelfari.

Visiting from SITS.

January 18, 2010 at 5:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am such a book snob. I have read so many horrible books lately that I refuse to pick any new ones up. So, I end up reading the same old book from the same old author.

I think I am going to try reading some textbooks. Weird, I know. At least they won't have some dumb ending. : )

January 18, 2010 at 6:47 PM  
Blogger Lee-Ann said...

Dear John is on my read list so I didn't read your spoiler. I love how you ignore dishes and laundry to read, I do that to spend time online, lol.

January 18, 2010 at 8:06 PM  
Blogger Helene said...

I haven't read Dear John yet but I did read the spoiler. I'm not sure why other than I'm really impatient and NEED to know how things end. I've been known to just flip to the end of a book to simply read how it ends because I can't stand the suspense sometimes.

BTW, I saw your pics in your previous post and I absolutely love how your hair turned out!!!

January 18, 2010 at 8:19 PM  
Blogger Kiera said...

i just read the spoiler which makes me want to read it bc im sick like that.

i love to read, but have a hard time finding time, bc when i read i READ!

January 18, 2010 at 8:42 PM  
Blogger Tonya said...

I really like to read too...if only I had more time. I choose books by the season in life that I'm in.

Thomas Nelson has a cool book program in which they send you a free book to do a book review on your blog.

When I do read, I like to read on my couch and if it's a really nice day, outside on my lawn chair.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by my blog today! :-)

January 18, 2010 at 11:45 PM  
Blogger Corrie Howe said...

Someday I need to get back to reading books and not just blogs....someday.

January 20, 2010 at 9:05 PM  
Blogger Jessica {Team Rasler} said...

Ugh, I can never read that or see the movie. I HATE tragic love stories. My husband loves to tease me about how much I hate Romeo and Juliet, even. But why do I want to read about people who DIE? Or end up miserable? Or in a depressing marriage? No, thank you. But thanks to you for making sure I avoid that book like the plague.

January 21, 2010 at 6:26 PM  
Blogger Shannon K. said...

So I just finished the book, and I agree. Not a huge fan. Big build up for big letdown.

February 13, 2010 at 5:08 PM  

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