5.18.2008

Something new and exciting for me...

I read. Sometimes.

In fact, I just finished a real book. It only took 5 months.

Not reading because you don't have time is obvious. I don't have time to blog, either. Not reading because it takes you a good week to come out of the place you just stepped into is a little more real for me. However, I made the decision to enlighten myself with the world of fiction to catch up with my fancy pants read-ee sisters who appear so sophisticated and intellectual when they talk about books.

So I leave a little early to pick up the kids from school, park in the car ride line, hope the boys fall asleep while we wait, and I read a chapter. Or half. Or less.

Has anyone read this book?


I know, it's not thick at all. 5 months, gimme a break.

I claim total ignorance when I bought this book. An impulse buy in the aisles of Target because I liked the cover. I was thinking Chronicles of Narnia or something. Intrigued, after reading the back...

If you start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old-boy named Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence.

Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope you never have to encounter one.

It wasn't until the 4th chapter I caught on that this book was serious. Even with the reference to "Out-With", I was still waiting for the talking goat. Duh.

John Boyne's ability to portray Bruno and Schmuel's naivety caught me. I was put on the level of my children, looking up, wondering what I'm talking about. Making my own interpretations. Never considering...the other side of the fence I suppose.

I kept reading. Interesting book. La-dee-dah. Then...Chapter Nineteen.

Oh...my...goodness. What? No.

It's taking me a while to get myself out of that place with Bruno and Schmuel.

So I need a new book. Shannon Hale, the Goose Girl? I own A Wrinkle in Time? I've never read Narnia? Peter Pan? Ope, I forgot Corrie bought me Tuesdays with Morrie for Christmas. Oh, and Narnia, 4 years ago. Um. thanks.

All of you Read-ee girls, give me a good one. Knowing at this rate I can do two, maybe three books a year (sad), which book do I choose. Out of all the places you love to go, and people you love to go to...give me your best. It's like the one trip buffet; you've got to be careful you only put the most delicious on your plate.

I'm not up for the vampire thing. The werewolf talk threw me off. Huh?

15 comments:

corrie said...

I think you'll like the Goose Girl. Mitch Album's books are good and quick reads too. You can't ask me for just one!!! Tuck Everlasting is pretty good and only 139 pages. Or...no...I'll stop. I think The Goose Girl. Start with that.

Unknown said...

I so get your fear of becoming bonded with fiction, just to have to say goodbye at the end of the book.

I read one of my favorite books of all time last year...I LOVED IT! Papa Married A Mormon. They have it in the Knox County Library system, so just put an order on it. You won't be disappointed, until the end, when you have to say goodbye.

ShEiLa said...

I have never read this book... but you have sparked my interest. I was going to say no suggestions... but Nicholas Sparks is my all-time favorite writer. So any of his 12 novels or his memoir would be a great choice. toodles, Sheila

Anonymous said...

Jennifer Weiner. New York Times best selling author.Her books include In her shoes,Good in bed,little earthquakes,goodnight nobody,the guy not taken,and Certain girls. Her website is www.jenniferweiner.com. Best books I have ever read.

Lori said...

I have these three, you can borrow:
To Kill a Mockingbird. It makes you want to be better.
Listening is an Act of Love. Non-fiction but a very easy read. It's 49 short stories, so it's perfect for reading in your little snippets of time.
Pride and Prejudice (or anything Jane Austen). Light and romantic, perfect chick-flick on paper. Speaking of which...
Give the vampires another chance.

Mia said...

I'm with Lori, give the vampires another chance. I get pretty attached to the characters in books as well. I will think about any other books to recommend. (PS A Wrinkle in Time is one of my all time favorite books)

andrea said...

I have to agree with Lori and Miakatia about giving vampires another chance. You don't even have to worry about werewolves until the second book and by then you really won't care!
I would also recommend A little Princess or Emily of New Moon under the books about children category.

Jane Eyre--I just read as my penance for liking the Vampire books too much. But it was SOOO good!

Anything Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey cracks me up!

I think those are the only fiction I've read recently. I'm a big fan of non-fiction and self help books. And might I recommend books on tape--a busy girls best friend.

Happy reading!

wendy said...

GOSH, I AM WITH CORRIE - - Just one book. That's like having just ONE piece of pie (hey, there's a whole pit there) I don't know I LOVE BOOKS . Try SUNFLOWER by Richard Paul Evans. He is an LDS fellow and it is a lovely sory. Rather small so you should handle it ok.

wendy said...

GOSH, I AM WITH CORRIE - - Just one book. That's like having just ONE piece of pie (hey, there's a whole pit there) I don't know I LOVE BOOKS . Try SUNFLOWER by Richard Paul Evans. He is an LDS fellow and it is a lovely sory. Rather small so you should handle it ok.

corrie said...

SUNFLOWER was great. I read it in two days. And Wendy knows books!
I love Jane Austen. If you want to go Regency Era romance...try Georgette Heyer books to start. Like The Grand Sophy or The Devil's Cub. or Arabella...they are fun, clean and delightful.
Man,I could talk books all day.
Good luck...tell me what you pick!

corrie said...

Oh! K- Sorry, but I just thought about TIMELINE by Michael Crichton. That was great. The movie...not as great.
Last suggestion - promise...or I'll just call you.

Unknown said...

wow, i absolutely have to read this book now! intriguing post...

Andi Kate, Children's Author said...

There is no such thing as ONE favorite book, agreed. I like a bunch of the suggestions.

I would also recommend Jeffrey Archer, if you're into fast reading. He has a collection of short stories: "A Twist in the Tale"--it's is a good intro to his style. Suspense. I think "The Eleventh Commandment" is another goodie (but a real novel.)

Anyway, if you want to know more about the books I like, try this link http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/745806?shelf=read
and/or sign up on goodreads.com and you can get lots of good book suggestions all the time!

Unknown said...

No vampires, huh? Well then, how about something at the opposite end of the spectrum? If you loved "Anne of Green Gables" you will love "Before Anne" - the prequel. You'd think it was written by L.M. Montgomery herself. Loved it. I've gotta put in a good word for John D. Fitzgerald's "Papa Married a Mormon" (great read) and if you haven't read his "Great Brain" series, it's never too late. Those were some of my favorite kids' books ever.

Cole said...

A Wrinkle in Time is my all time favorite. I can't read books more than once because I remeber the plots. But A Wrinkle in Time i have read at lest seven times. I LOVE it!!!! Actually any of Madeline L'Engle's are good choices, but it all start with my vary favorite book of all time.....

BTW-- The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, Animal Farm by George Orwell

If it's murder and suspense your looking for...Patrica Cornwell, John Stanford, James Patterson...all amazing authors.

Jude Deveraux..she has so many books that I enjoy.

Sorry, I read ALOT! There is plenty more where all of that came from.