Twenty One Books????

I HATE it when this happens.  Every single book I had on hold at the library became available during the past two weeks.  Why?????  It's not like I sat down and requested them all at the same time, in fact some were added before Halloween.  I'm stressing out a little bit, and about half of them are due in two weeks.  I tried to spread out the due dates by only picking up the books that were going to have their hold expired on the very last day possible.  Some books I will be able to renew, but most will have to go back, and I HOPE they will all be read. 

I do have to admit that I was a little impressed that there was almost an entire shelf with just my holds on it at the library (we have self checkout on our holds).  I almost took my phone out to take a picture, but that would be a little noticeable in the library, and a little strange.

Oh, and then I get the news that my favorite second hand book store in town is having a half off sale tomorrow.  Oh the JOY:)

Chekhov's Gun

I learned about a new term today, thanks to one of the many book blogs I follow.  I can't remember which one it was, but I guess it is a well known term, because I found the meaning in Wikipedia, as described:

Chekhov's gun is a literary technique whereby an element is introduced early in the story, but its significance does not become clear until later in the narrative. The concept is named after Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, who mentioned several variants of the concept in letters. Chekhov himself makes use of this principle in Uncle Vanya, in which a pistol is introduced early on as a seemingly irrelevant prop and, towards the end of the play, becomes much more important as Uncle Vanya, in a rage, grabs it and tries to commit homicide.
The phrase "Chekhov's gun" is often interpreted as a method of foreshadowing, but the concept can also be interpreted as meaning "do not include any unnecessary elements in a story." Failure to observe the rule of "Chekhov's gun" may be cited by critics when discussing plot holes.

This phrase exactly describes another of my reading pet peeves, when the author describes too much detail that doesn't even apply to the theme of the story.  I never had a term for it, I just knew it bothered me.  I really don't care about the color of the neighbor's house if the character never interacts with said neighbor.  I have issues hearing all about the doll the character received as a child when their problems are not caused by any childhood trauma.  I'm suprised I never heard this term during any of my college lit classes (especially Dr. Basile's, he was the typical English prof with the tweed jacket with patched elbows, and the big furry beard). 

I love reading something and just thinking that is exactly right!  I also love when I can discover a very intelligent sounding term for one of my pet peeves.

Caleb----Whoops, Calvin Shoveling Snow

For some reason, today's strip made me think of Caleb.  Maybe it was the way he made that crazy loop for Cena to run through in the backyard when the snow is deep, but for some reason this would be exactly what I could see him doing to his mom.

Calvin & Hobbes Snowman Adventures

I follow a comic strip site that has daily postings of Calvin & Hobbes, which is where I get my daily fix.  Here's another funny snowman one I had to share. 

Don't Blink

Another James Patterson crossed off my list.  Sadly, this was not part of the Alex Cross series, but there are two new releases I have to check into that might meet my fix!

A new character was introduced, this time a newspaper writer.  What do action packed newspaper writers always get mixed up in?  The mob, of course!  While the characters were okay and the storyline plausible, it was a book I only rated 3 out of 5 stars on my Goodreads list, it was a fast read.  That is why I pick up every James Patterson book.  I feel refreshed when I encounter the very short chapters.  These seem like a break to me when the books I normally read have chapters that are long, and difficult to stop except during those breaks. 

His books are the ones I read at stoplights and in drive thru lanes.  Scary, I know, but what else is there do to when the light changes three different times and you hardly move?  I don't pick up my classic novels--I can't keep an eye on my surroundings with those.  I recommend to anyone with toddlers that these books are perfect to take with you because you can watch the kiddos and enjoy a story.

You also get the sense of Patterson's narcissistic tendencies when you reach the end of the book and turn the page, finding the complete listing of his "works".  I think this last book it was three pages long and said he held the Guinness record for most books published.  I guess I would want to be known for that single most well written novel than being a factory of publishing.  But I can't really criticize if I've never attempted at writing a book.

Biblioz

Thanks to a blog I read (What Red Read) I got a link to a way to find out the bestsellers that were out the day you were born.  Cool, huh?  And I also wish I thought up that name for my blog!


http://www.biblioz.com/best_sellers.php?a=0&i=43622970

Here's my list, can't say I've read any of them.

Fiction 1 AIRPORT Arthur Hailey  author info

Fiction 2 VANISHED Fletcher Knebel  author info

Fiction 3 MYRA BRECKINRIDGE Gore Vidal  author info

Fiction 4 THE CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER William Styron  author info

Fiction 5 TOPAZ Leon Uris  author info

Fiction 6 THE TOWER OF BABEL Morris West  author info

Fiction 7 CHRISTY Catherine Marshall  author info

Fiction 8 THE EXHIBITIONIST Henry Sutton  author info

Fiction 9 THE PRESIDENT'S PLANE IS MISSING Robert J. Serling  author info

Non-Fiction 1 THE NAKED APE Desmond Morris  author info

Non-Fiction 2 BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD Haim G. Ginott  author info

Non-Fiction 3 NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA Robert K. Massie  author info

Non-Fiction 4 "OUR CROWD": THE GREAT JEWISH FAMILIES OF NEW YORK 4 "OUR CROWD": THE GREAT JEWISH FAMILIES OF NEW YORK, Stephen Birmingham  author info

Non-Fiction 5 GIPSY MOTH CIRCLES THE WORLD Francis Chichester  author info

Non-Fiction 6 RICKENBACKER Edward V. Rickenbacker  author info

Non-Fiction 8 TOLSTOY Henri Troyat  author info

Non-Fiction 9 THE ECONOMICS OF CRISIS Eliot Janeway  author info

Non-Fiction 10 THE DOUBLE HELIX James Watson  author info

2011 Reading Goals

I know it's the middle of January, but I want to share my link on my Goodreads reading goal.  There was a way to type in your desired goal of read books for the year, and it keeps track as you enter them.  My goal this year is 60.  I've never kept track of this, but thought I'd give it a try this year.

2011 Reading Challenge  I will keep you posted on my progress through the year!

The Winter Queen

Here's another book based in Russian history and takes place during the winter.  I did not plan on reading this book so soon after Russian Winter  (I figured out how to link my blog!  Yeah for me) but because I had so many library books checked out, The Winter Queen was due and I wanted to read it, so here we go.

I've mentioned before that when an author starts a series of books featuring a the same main character, I have to read in chronological order.  This is a series with Erast Fandorin, a young up and coming Russian police officer (that's not the official title, I learned in late 19th Century Russia there were more complex titles).  This was a fun read, because Erast is a very loveable, bumbling character who turns his mistakes into success.  He had many close calls with death, but managed to survive, and this is going to be a little wierd, but many of the situations almost reminded me of Stephanie Plum's antics.  He didn't have a strange sidekick, but his zest for life and many mistakes along the way were similar in fashion.  I know that reader's of Evanovich will understand exactly what I mean.

Although the flowery language sometimes made the story a little boring, I will definitely pick up the next book in the series because of the main character.  I also enjoyed the fact I was reading another book translated from another language (the other books were by Stieg Larsson which I think were the first type of translated books I had ever read).  This shows that I am growing in my selection of reads.  What I also discovered was that many Russian words/terms used in Russian Winter were similar to ones used in The Winter Queen.  It shows that just reading fiction can expose you to new things.

Happy 45th Anniversary Mom & Dad!!

Wow, 45 years.  That is a long time.  Sorry, I don't mean to make it sound bad, it's a great thing when you hear someone has been married for 45 years!

I know that over the years you both worked with one simple goal in mind, to give us a good home filled with love and happiness.  I want you both to know you accomplished just that.  All three of your girls are out on their own, doing what they love to do (I say that now because the holidays are over and comp time is being used:)).  We all have families of our own, but know that because of the fact that 45 years ago today, you joined together to give us that oppurtunity, and I thank you so much for everything.

We always say our family is crazy, maybe even a little wierd, but it's our family and I don't think any of us would want to change anything growing up.  Yes, we had to walk beans (except for Heather) and yes, we had to stack wood (except for Heather) and we even had to go to CCD every Thursday night (except for Heather) but I know we wouldn't change a bit.  (Sorry, Heather, I'm feeling a little goofy and had to put that in--love ya sis!)  I want to list some of my favorite family memories, please add some if I missed any:

• Spending time in the car Sunday mornings waiting for Heather to get done with Sunday school.  We would sit reading the paper and not doing much, but for some reason it was a good time.
• All of us driving down to G & G Blaschke's to cut and load wood for the winter.  Sorry we give you such a bad time, Heather, but because all of us were there it was fun, even though I'm sure Mom and Dad just remember us complaining the entire time.
• The road trips:  need I say more?  The singing (Christmas and top hits!).  The Gambler, Chocolate Ice Cream Cone, Islands in the Stream.  I also remember the radio shows, the top hits from the fifties, "The Shadow Knows", I really miss those drives!!
• Vacations in the Black Hills.  Your love of that area was passed on to us.
• The family pets:  Max, Buffy, and all of those cats.  Yes, I even remember Kraut.
• Running the Fireworks stand.  It was hot, but we were the cool kids who had all of that ammunition!
• The variety of vehicles we would drive.  I don't know if any kid in our school had as many options as we did.  They may not have been pretty, but they were unforgettable!
• The sleepovers!  I remember that many of my friends loved staying at our house.  We lived in the country and couldn't go many places, but I think they liked staying there because our parents were pretty cool.  (And when I run into them today, they always remember to ask about you!)

I could sit here all day to think of more.  Thanks Mom and Dad for such great memories.  You're dedication to family has paid off and you can sit back and reap those rewards (but you have to wait for the money until your grandkids make their fortunes!)  Love you lots!

HELP!

After finishing my last book, I was excited to start a new one.  I had gone to the library Sunday to pick up my latest batch of holds.  (The hold expired Sunday, so even though the weather was bad, out I went).  I have since over the past 2 days picked up 4 different books and put them back down again.  I think the one book I actually got to page 11 before tossing it aside.  I HATE it when this happens.  I'm sure they are very good books.  In fact all four of them were from blog recommendations that received high ratings.  For some reason, I just could not do it. 

So, I've been catching up on my shows instead.  I'm down to 87% capacity on my DVR.  That's the lowest it's been since before Halloween of last year.  I'm making some progress, huh?

Earl Grey Tea

Everyone knows my coffee obsession.  It is strange how as I age, my tastes in foods and beverages have evolved, and I have become very particular on what I consume.  I do enjoy a cup of hot tea every now and then, and the tea I keep on hand at home is Earl Grey.  I discovered it when I had received a gift of assorted teas, and this one I really enjoyed, especially sweetened with honey.  I now purchase it caffeine free, because I think I get enough caffeine from my other daily beverages.  I don't know if there is a particular brand of Earl Grey that is better than the other, it just happens to be the Bigelow brand I pick up when at the store. 

This gets even stranger when my favorite cold tea is just sun tea made with two standard tea bags and one peppermint tea bag.  That is what I drink cold, without any sweetener at all.  I make that all year long, just using hot water and letting it seep overnight.  It is very refreshing when thirsty, and tastes better than water, which would be better for me.  I guess it just makes me seem very picky.

Bad Blood

I reached my goal on my three day weekend.  To finish the book I had just started.  It was very easy to sit inside and read when it is cold and snowy outside, the only problem was this book's location was in Minnesota in the winter.  Didn't warm me up at all.

I have read some other books by John Sanford, but only one of the Lucas Davenport series.  I couldn't get into that series, but enjoy the Virgil Flowers books.  You can tell that Sanford is local, he writes like so many around here talk, quick and to the point.  The only thing about this book is the premise was a little creepy and sickening, without going into any details.  Don't want to spoil it for you!  It was a good read, but my only suggestion is wait until it is hot and humid outside.  I'm cold and reading about the characters being cold doesn't help at all!

Calvin & Hobbes Sunday #2

Funny New Blog

Have you ever hit the "next blog" key when you are reading a current blog?  I have occasionally, and there are some weird things out there.  When I was reading one that came up by an English teacher, she had a link for a blog she was recommended and said it was the funniest thing she had ever read.  So, I clicked on it.  After all, it's been a long boring day and I was up for a little excitement.  She was right, it is hilarious!  You have to check out the recent post.  I was laughing the entire time!

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/12/year-kenny-loggins-ruined-christmas.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Hyperbole-and-a-half+%28Hyperbole-And-A-Half%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Russian Winter

Before the end of  the year, I voted on a website for favorite books of 2010.  I can't remember which site it was, but it had many different categories, and this book was listed as a choice.  I actually have a new list from that site, but this is the first I read.

I was drawn to it because it was historical fiction, and about a new topic I had not approached.  It's background was the Russian ballet in the late 1940's, early 1950's and the ballerina today.  There was many flashbacks to her background, but not enough to satisfy my needs.  It was very interesting to get that glimpe into that world of beauty surrounded by the fear of governmental control.  Their very lives were centered around if they would be the next to "disappear" into the night after being reported on.  The current story was centered around an auction on this ballerina's jewelry and the people involved in her current life. 

While it was interesting to read about a new subject, I felt that the story really dragged on.  It was one of those books that you wanted to stop reading, but something new would come up and you had to continue.  Sometimes I felt that it tried to be classical literature, and then a romance, followed by history. 

Kelly's Goodreads

After messing around with the blog, I figured out a way to list my current books.  It doesn't start at any certain time, but the link will bring you to my page of Goodreads.  If you ever want to check it, go for it!

Happy Birthday Heather!!!

You are one year older today!  Yeah!  Okay, that doesn't sound as exciting as when it is said to your son, but just think, you have one more year you get to say goodbye to.  After reading about your goals for the upcoming year, sounds like you will be glad to start over. 

I know it's not fair you have to celebrate your birthday right after Christmas, but you can just blame Mom for that every year (sorry Mom--Love ya too!).  You are still the best part of the holidays!  Every time we are together, I just marvel at the person you have become.  You are no longer that nasty head biter (sorry, just read Kristen's post and couldn't resist it) and now a person I wish I could become.  You are that all around great woman that so many of us try to be and fail.  You are a mother who works outside the home, but yet manages to keep your family grounded.  You are the sewer, crafter, and photographer I always wish I was, but yet don't make anyone feel like you are better than them.  What more can I say?  You are the best (or should I say one of the best) sisters a girl could ask for!  Love you lots and miss you more!!!  (Bet you thought I'd post that pic of you in the pink cowboy hat didn't you)

Calvin & Hobbes Snowman Tales

The Calvin & Hobbes strips with the snowmen will always be my favorite!

Calvin & Hobbes Today

Kelly's Best Reads of 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I said I would compile my own list of favorites I experienced this year. They are not in any order, but I enjoyed them all! I'm not really good with the link part of my own blog, so if you want the review again, you will have to look it up yourself. *Sorry!

• The Help -wasn't sure about picking it up to read it because it wasn't my normal format, but sure glad I did!
• The Fall of Giants-can't resist a great historical epic novel!
• The Room-kind of creepy the way the author could write like a little boy talked, but an amazing read.
• Under the Dome-Stephen King, what can I say? Thanks for allowing me to believe in you again!
• Ape House-thanks Sara Gruen for letting us into the amazing world of the Bonobos.
• Burn-Anna Pigeon, I want to grow up to be you some day.
• All of Stieg Larsson-may he rest in peace.
• Sizzlin Sixteen and Dead in the Family-gotta love my Stephanie Plum and Sookie Stackhouse. They are also on my list of who I want to be when I grow up.
• Nowhere to Run-Joe Pickett, I want to marry you!
• Angel Time-Ms. Rice, you have done it to me again.

I'm ready for a new year with some new reads!