So, yeah

That post the books I read and review them, that didn't work out. I haven't posted since LAST year. I really should try that again. I do read a lot. I actually have taken a break from reading so much, but of course, that's not working. Instead I'm playing sudoku, but I really should read. Next on my agenda to read is Lovely Bones. I'll start it tonight.

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Books read in 2010

I'd really like to keep track of all the books I read. There really are quite a few. I will list them and discuss them, but I have no idea what order I read them in. Here's the list of books finished in January, in no particular order:

1. Just After Sunset by Stephen King I may have finished this in December, but I don't think so. Either way, this book of short stories has stuck with me. I really loved all of them. The story that really got me was Harvey's Dream. Very interesting. I also really enjoyed Anyana. Actually, I liked all the stories.
2. Another Faust: The First of Another Series by Daniel and Dina Nayeri This book, a young adult novel, was another great read. I can't wait to see what else they have in store. This is a brother and sister writing team, which is amazing in itself. I would kill my brothers before being able to write with them. Anyway, I chose this book because I heard an interview with the authors on NPR. It sounded so amazing, I went in and ordered it immediately. So, this book is a take on the Faust story. Basically it's about making a deal with the devil. But, if you have never heard the Faust story, it won't make a difference, you'll still "get" the book.
3. The Gutbucket Quest by Piers Anthony and Ron Leming Well, this book was good. Very short and quick book. I always love a Piers Anthony book, and this didn't disappoint. I probably would not have picked up this book without Piers Anthony's name on it. I love everything I've ever read by the man. This book only felt like a touch of Piers in it. The story is about a blues guitar player that is transported some how (maybe through a lightning strike) to a parallel universe. I loved the musical concept of this book. I don't want to give too much away in these books, but in this one there is a guitar called the Gutbucket, and there is a quest concerning it.
4. Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz Dean Koontz is one of my all time favorite authors. I have been reading him since my dad left a book laying around and I picked it up and have tried to read all of his books ever since - about 5th grade. So, typical of Koontz's style, you are pulled in right away even though I felt I had little in common with the protagonist. This guy has everything. Then his heart messes up. As you follow him through the eventual heart transplant, many things come up. Of course why did this perfectly healthy, young guy get sick anyway? Well, you would think that a heart transplant was the end of the adventure and they all lived happily ever after, but no. Soon, he's feeling threatened and is the organ donor wanting her heart back? He is getting messages that "Your heart belongs to me." Definitely recommend this book.
5. Rant by Chuck Palahniuk Yes, this is the guy who wrote Fight Club. Let me just say that I love that movie. Luckily, I saw the movie first. Rare case, but the movie was better than the book. Also, lucky for me, I read other books by him before reading Fight Club. I felt that he was an amazing writer from the other books I read. Fight Club was a good story, but not great. Rant is interesting, but I have heard many people saying they don't like the format. Basically, it's an interview/oral history and it's written from various view points. I liked it. It also amuses me that the main character Rant Casey, doesn't even get to tell his own story. Why? You can read it and find out! I can't give that away.

So, I think that's all I read in January. I'll check my nightstand, it's full of books. I'm of course reading a book now, so I will have to do a February installment in a couple of weeks.

what's up?

not much.

Did you read the new Harry Potter yet? I did and really enjoyed it. I'm not going to give away anything, but I'd be happy to discuss it in emails. Anyway, I read it this weekend as soon as I got it. I had a long weekend, so I was tired, but I kept reading anyway. Only thing I regret is that it's over. I half wish I would have slowed down and savored every page. Oh well, I suppose I can re-read it.

This weekend, I also read the first two books in the spiderwick series by Holly Black. I think there are 5 books in that series. A movie is coming out based on these books (I'd say they are geared for 3rd to 5th grade, but I'm not good at judging). I intend to read the last 3 as soon as possible so I can get them out of the way before the movie comes out.

Speaking of movies and Harry Potter and stuff what books will fans read now? What books will be made into movies? Like I said, Spiderwick is good. Other series for young readers that are in the fantasy vein that I have read include Septimus Heap, The Bartimaeus Trilogy, and Artemis Fowl and Charlie Bone. I also enjoyed Wrinkle in Time (and will pick up the others in that series.) Also, be sure to check out the Cornelia Funke books, I hear they are great too.

Spiderwick is about 3 children who find a book about a "fantastical world". Because of this book, they end up having many adventures including meeting brownies, fairies, and trolls.

Septimus Heap is the series that I can see younger Harry Potter fans looking to. It's about a wizard family and Septimus is the 7th son of a 7th son. He is believed dead, but he isn't. The adventures are just begining.

Bartimaeus is interesting. Another young magician with family problems. This boy summons a djinni (genie).

Artemis is my favorite. He's NOT a wizard or a magician or anything like that. He's just insanely smart! He has many adventures involving the faeries and other magical creatures.

Charlie Bone has a power from being a descendant of the red king. His power is hearing thoughts or conversations in photographs. These books are easy and not as good as Harry Potter. BUT, I think kids would like it way more than adults.