The Kitchen House

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. This particular one by Kathleen Grissom was very enjoyable. The plot started with a young girl who was orphaned while traveling with her parents to America in the late 1700's. They were to be indentured servants, and at a young seven years old, had to work off her debt on a southern plantation.

The poor girl was sent to live with the black house servants, who quickly became her family. She grew up in between two worlds, and life eventually saw her married to her fellow servant's master. It always amazes me that in our history people actually owned human beings, and some treatment is appalling.

It was very interesting to read how she came to the plot idea, by a vision she had while looking out over her land. Then she takes that vision and uses a family friend's actual history and creates the story by weaving the two ideas together. Sometimes I wish I can write something that can affect someone the way certain books affect me.

What's Next??

I just finished another book, and a post will follow soon, but I am having my usual dilemma. What do I read next?

I have to be selective when making this decision. You may be laughing right now, but it is a serious problem I sometimes have. If I choose incorrectly, it could mean that I might miss out on a good story because my decision affected my feelings for the new story.

Having many different styles of literature that are my favorites, I have to "rotate" the types of books I read. If I read a mystery, the next one needs to be a romance, or classic, or biography, you get the point. If I read one mystery after enjoying another, I just don't get involved in it. Many books that have been tossed aside after the first 50 pages or so only suffered because my decision was incorrect.

Alot of the books are from the library, so hindering my decision is the due date. If I choose wrong, and it takes longer than anticipated, the other may have to go back to the library before it is due. I know I can check it out again, but for new publications that means going back to the waiting listing, possibly being number 197 in line. I know you are thinking just don't return it, but that would mean the person in "line" after me has to wait even longer for that great book!!! I actually have had librarians compliment my consideration for the other person wanting to read the book I returned before it was due. Yep, it's good to be friends with your local librarian.

I also have to take a small "break" between novels. I try to space my reading so I finish a book right around suppertime, then I make my decision on the next one, waiting to start it on my lunch break the next day. If I happen to screw up that timing and finish a book only 15 minutes into my lunch hour, I'm stuck either not reading anything for the next 45 minutes or if I do start a new one, I keep thinking about the past plot, getting things all confusing in my head. Believe me, it's bad enough keeping actual things straight in my head. If I have to straighten out fictional ideas, oh boy.

This, my dear family, is why I take multiple choices with me when I travel. You never know when you finish one, what you will be in the mood for next. Oh, the problems I create for myself.

After finishing a book, especially if it was a great one, I have to "mull" it over in my head. I actually think about the characters or situations. I don't analyze anything, I kind of "revisit" the enjoyment I had. I also like to throw in a classic sometimes, and when that happens I have to adjust my reading schedule, because I pay close attention to them. Guess that is the English student in me. My greatest fear is to run out of things to read, but I know that will never happen. I also wonder sometimes what would happen when I get older and lose my sight. Then I worry that I will lose my hearing and not even be able to listen to books on CD. OMG I am such a NERD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wicked Cravings

This one is another installment of a favorite series I read. I'm pretty sure it can be classified as a "cozy mystery", which Kristen blogged about earlier. These simple books have a couple of main characters who are close friends, and could eventually end up as a couple. Savannah is a southern girl living in California, working on her own as a PI. Dirk, her sometimes partner, is a detective on the police force. Together they work on crimes, helping out each other in their respective careers. Assisting them is Savanah's employee, Tammy, and good friends Ryan and John (who just happen to be a couple themselves, and Dirk is a little homophobic, so they tend to get on each other's nerves).

If you ever want a quick read with some interesting characters, this would be a perfect book. The author, G.A. McKevett, is not the writer's real name, it's Sonja Massie. Never read anything else by this author, and someday may have to check the others out.

New Cultures

Ok, I know you realize I love to read. It is my passion, but it still amazes me how much I learn about the world just by picking up a novel.

Growing up, I was never aware of what was going on in the world. That, I suppose, is natural when you are young, but many occurances were so important that they affect my current world. I picked up "Kite Runner" because it had been on the best seller list for an extended time, and everyone was talking about it. I had looked at it when it was first released, but wasn't something that seemed interesting to me. Finally giving in, I was tranmitted to a time in our world's history that surrounded a young boy's life.

Soon the author released his second novel, "A Thousand Splendid Suns". I knew I had to read this because I loved his writing, and this one actually had a plot I would have liked. I didn't just like it, I loved it.

This great story teller also taught me some important history through a fictional character's life. Afganistan is not a place I usually thought of, but since September 11th, it is a place I now wonder about. The Russian invasion and the Taliban were taught in high school history, but wasn't very interesting for me. Because the war on terror has brought so many things to my attention, this now almost seemed important to learn about. I now cringe inside when I hear of someone's loved one being stationed in Afganistan, not because of the news today telling me about the war, but because I now have a small understanding of the culture there, and know just a little about what some feel about America. I only wish more in this world would open themselves up to learning about other people. Bet we would all get along if we understood more.

Kristen Turns 40 Today!!!

I love how blogging has allowed me to wish special people in my life Birthday Wishes. I want to take time out to wish one of them a very special Birthday. Kristen turns 40 today. I want her to know that it is just a number, and if she thinks like I do, she probably still feels 17, which is how old her son turned the day before.

My memories of life start when Kristen was there. I don't recollect her being born, her coming home from the hospital, or ever being jealous over our parent's affections when she joined our small family. My memories begin when she was already there, which should tell her how special she really is.

Even though she is 2 years younger than me (and you need to remember that when you regret reaching that 40 year mark) I still look up to her as if she is my big sister. She is who I try to be. I am always amazed at what she has accomplished. In high school, she made more friends than I did. In college she took all of those fun road trips to far away places, then proceeded to single handedly raise her son all on her own. She went back to school while a single mom, first completing her bachelor's degree, than amazingly that Master's degree. Wow, she accomplished what only I can dream of.

Now she is an important teammember at her job, trying to get funds to support their research for an alternative fuel. She wasn't afraid to jump into doing something she didn't know much about, she just did it. Kristen volunteers (I know you think it's work, but it's something many wouldn't do) with a special group of young adults, sometimes giving up her free time to take them places they want to go.

Thank you, Kristen, for being there and teaching me what a great person is. You are amazing in everything you do, and because of you I am a better person. LOVE YOU:)

Caleb's 17 Today!!!

My nephew Caleb turns 17 today, and I bet he is excited. I know he is one kid who has always wanted to be older than he really is, so today is always a great day for him. What a great guy he is turning out to be. Caleb has been working for Burger King for quite awhile now, and missed very little work. In the world of high school students who work part time that I have dealt with in all of my retail years, that is one amazing feat.

Caleb has quite an amazing imagination, and I always understand where he is coming from. Don't want to embarrass him, but we think alike and have the same strange sense of humor. I still think he needs to be a lawyer or politician, because he can argue a point until it is so frustrating you really want to tell him he won. He gets such a kick out of trying to get us worked up, I really think he just takes the opposite side to see how long he can out last me. Don't even get me started on how frustrating it is trying to play Risk, Monopoly, or Killer Bunnies with him. He will destroy you, even if it causes him to lose the game!

I really wish he wasn't the teenager he is now, because I miss hanging out with him. I know the last thing he would really want to do is hang out with his old aunt, but you are alot of fun (until you pick the most obnoxious topic to talk about and the discuss it until everyone is so irritated!).

The picture I chose is my favorite. Just looking at it you can tell who he is, an all around great kid, and I am so glad to get to know him as he gets older.

LOVE YOU CALEB!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

The 9th Judgment

Another James Patterson book. Seriously this guy has become a machine. I suppose it helps he now has other authors "help" him write down all of his ideas. At least he gives them props and puts their names on the books too. Sometimes I wonder how much of this "help" is really entirely by the other author.

This book was the recent in his Woman's Murder Club, and it didn't disappoint. It was a quick read with a few suprises. Although I like his Alex Cross series better, this is one I do look forward to reading. It went fast, like all of his books do, and ended with a small cliffhanger.

If you want a quick read that is hard to put down, this one is a good choice.

The Catcher in the Rye

Every so often I try to read something that is considered a classic. This time I picked "The Catcher in The Rye" and did not enjoy it. The narrator, Holden Caulfied, was very whiny and complained through the entire book. I believe that if it was currently published that the main character would be classified as bipolar.

It starts just after Holden discovers he is, once again, kicked out of another private school. We follow him as he travels back to NYC, delaying the fact he has to face his parents. His mood swings are quite sudden and drastic, and is constantly swearing through his monologues. I am glad I did not have to read this in one of my classes!

IPod

I love my IPod. I never thought I'd actually admit to it, but it makes sense, doesn't it? After all, I love music, why shouldn't I enjoy it in it's most updated technology?

I would not have my IPod if Faith would not have given me her "outdated" one when she upgraded. It was so easy to load all of my music on it, and my complete file has 699 songs, which doesn't even take up the space. It is quite fun to make up playlists, I feel like I did when I made my mixed tapes. With the adapter for the car it is fun flipping through all those songs to find the one I am in the mood for, even though it can be dangerously distracting.

I will take out my earbuds and listen to the music while on lunch at work, hoping that the music will tell others I am on break and don't disturb me, but it doesn't work. You see, they are tiny earbuds attached to a tiny cord plugged into a tiny machine. No one sees it, but it is quite funny to look up at someone talking to you and you can't hear a thing they are saying. Even more funny is when you pull out an earbud and say "what?". That gets them apologizing every time.

Lori Armstrong

I would like to introduce you to one of my great finds, and a local writer. Lori Armstrong caught my attention with her first book, "Blood Ties". After doing a little research and discovering she lives in Rapid City, I picked up her book and was hooked right away. The main character is the strong woman who is trying to get by, which is typically my favorite type of book.

Although disappointed when the series ended with "Snow Blind" I was happy to see a new publication, "No Mercy" was being released. This newest book also had a strong female lead and also took place in the land that sits between the Black Hills and the Badlands. I always enjoy finding new local authors, and if I owned that bookstore in Hill City (yes, can't get it out of my head!!!) this series would be one I would love to introduce to the tourists, just to prove that in South Dakota you can find good writing. Now if I could just figure out how to post pictures. I can never get them right!

Happy Birthday Trung!!

I would like to wish my favorite brother-in-law a Happy Birthday. I know, he's my only brother-in-law, but he's still my favorite. The poor man has to deal with our family, and his patience with us is tremendous. I don't know any other man who would willingly (of course I don't live in their house, but I'd like to think that) drive my sister and nephew the long distances to spend time with us, or put up with our visits staying in his house and using all of his water and electricity.

Trung can get along with all of us. He enjoys being a kid when around Faith and Caleb, whether it's teasing, wrestling, or trying to attack them in the video games. He can talk cars with Dad and understand it. Trung can talk to his mother-in-law about anything she is interested in, and can put up with his annoying sister-in-laws when around (of course I'm sure Kristen isn't half as annoying as I am). What more can this family ask for? A normal guy who can do the crazy stuff we do, but I don't remember him participating in the 4th of July parade. Thanks Trung!!! Your the best and love you:)

Sizzling Sixteen

The whole gang is at it again. I was excited when I checked my library account and found that Janet Evanovich's newest Plum novel was on hold, waiting for me to come get it. I knew that I would not have any problem reading it over the last two days I had left on vacation, and was not disappointed!

The gang is trying to save Vinnie, but only because without Vinnie they would not have a job. With it's usual car accident, Lula problems, and Grandma's issues, the only thing missing was Bob the dog. We still don't know who Stephanie will choose, Morrelli or Ranger, and never did hear from her sister and family. Sometimes I wish I was just starting the series again and able to enjoy it for the first time!

So Kristen, did you finish yours yet???

Dead In The Family

I was so excited to have one of my favorite authors, Charlaine Harris, along for the ride during vacation. The Sookie Stackhouse series is perfect to read in the car or between the "Logan" times while at the cabin. This book in the series did not disappoint.

Without spoiling it for anyone who hasn't gotten to the newest publication, I was excited by the new character introduced. Even more excited than when I discovered that Elvis was turned into a vampire. This new character was from farther back in time, and is part of a family that has always been an interesting topic, because it is always discussed if someone ever lived through the tragedy. We also found out about Eric's "dad" and Bill's "sister".

After watching the HBO series "True Blood" season one, I did have difficulty finding myself comparing the two differences, and the theme song kept running through my head. Jace Everett's "Bad Things" is a song I had to download as soon as I heard it. It is a country/blues/zydeco song that is addicting. In fact I am listening to it right now (Dad-you should try it too!). Once again a literature addiction has turned me onto a new recording artist. Strange how that happens, huh?

The Millions Website

I was referred a website that had information on all types of publications, as well as reader comments and reviews. It has been interesting to look through it every once in awhile, because I am always on the lookout for a new author, especially since I enjoy a wide variety of book types.


http://www.themillions.com/books-reviews/

Stieg Larsson

Well I am back. It has been a crazy week, and there might be more on that to follow, but I have been trying to finish a book. This took me a long time because my mind has been at work, but it was a little hard to get through the final book in this series.

Sometimes I pick up a book just because of the title or cover art is intriguing. That was the case with the first book in the series by the late author Stieg Larsson. "The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo" introduced me to Lisbeth Salander, a petite fireball who has been dealt a terrible beginning in her life because of her father and the Swedish government's lack of caring. Helping her without her wanting any help at all is a popular journalist Mikael Blomkvist.

The second in the book, "The Girl Who Played With Fire" introduces us to Salander's father, who turns out to be a protected Swedish citizen who defected from Russia. His crimes are continually covered up by a secret section in the Swedish government. This particular section is not even known by the prime minister, but Blomkvist uncovers everything but is not able to publish his discovery because Salander is trying to kill her father. Blomkvist thinks he needs to protect Lisbeth, and the book ends on a cliffhanger.

I anxiously awaited the third publication, I had become so wrapped up in the character's lives. I did not have to wait very long because the author had turned in all three manuscripts at the same time, and passed away shortly after. "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" shows alot of government intrigue as Blomkvist and friends try to help Lisbeth uncover the business surrounding her father's protectors.

While it was a great series with a good plot, I found it very interesting how much I learned about Sweden. It did get somewhat confusing at times because the places and names were local, but I now realize that Sweden's government is not that simple. Even though they do things a little differently than the US does, they still have problems. Larsson used actual scandals in the country's history to back up his fact that the secret section could have been real.

I am really disappointed that this will be all from this author. I learned alot about Swedish culture and politics, and feel that reading really teaches us while we enjoy the story. Even though I had struggle through the last book, I am glad I finished it.