Last night I finished reading Breaking Dawn. I am amazed by how much stuff was blazing through Stephanie Meyer's mind, and I am thrilled that she invested the time and strength into capturing it on page for my entertainment. So thrilled.
My thoughts? I was able to unravel most of what was happening before it happened, but there were still a few things that left me pleasantly surprised. My only qualm was that SM's writing lost a little of it's passion. That's not an accusation, only something I noticed because I've done it myself.
In Suds, the reader can probably see the parts of the story where I was completely involved in the emotional aspects of the story whereas somewhere down the line, there was more explaining than showing expression, passion, and emotion. Writing is hard work. It gets tiring, especially when there is a lot of information that needs to be shared with the reader.
In book one, SM wrote from passion because the characters were so real to her. In the following books, she had to weave in the plot twists with explanations which might have taken away from her ability to just fall in love with the piece. That's what frustrates me about editing sometimes, there's too much thinking involved, and that thinking can dilute the passion and emotion. (I don't state this to undermine the necessity of editing just how easy it is to feel torn and lose footing in the process. And then throw in publishing deadlines and busy schedules on top of that.)
The entire Twilight series is laced with raw emotion and suspense, but the first book is best. And here is the rub :o) If you read the first, you have to follow the characters through the end of the fourth book. The closure is an absolute necessity.
I loved this entire series, and I will definitely be reading Midnight Sun, Twilight from Edward's perspective. Edward's perspective is so much more entertaining, though I still love Bella. Read the first chapter for yourself.
Showing posts with label Train Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Train Reading. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BDBD Part 2
So, I'm on roughly page 557 now (give or take a few pages).
The predictability has disappeared from the pages. I am extremely curious because something I never anticipated has happened, and I don't know what to think next. I know Bella's thoughts aren't in line with what's actually happening, but I don't know what's happening.
Again, I am drawn to the tale, willing the work hours to breeze by quickly so that I can pick up my book again. Roughly 200 more pages to go.
I HIGHLY recommend the Stephanie Meyer Twilight series. FIVE gold hearts :o)
Meanwhile, I don't know why I torture myself with reading this book on the train. The thirty minute ride feels like less than two minutes when I'm reading about lovely vampires and werewolves. Almost missed my stop again :o)
The predictability has disappeared from the pages. I am extremely curious because something I never anticipated has happened, and I don't know what to think next. I know Bella's thoughts aren't in line with what's actually happening, but I don't know what's happening.
Again, I am drawn to the tale, willing the work hours to breeze by quickly so that I can pick up my book again. Roughly 200 more pages to go.
I HIGHLY recommend the Stephanie Meyer Twilight series. FIVE gold hearts :o)
Meanwhile, I don't know why I torture myself with reading this book on the train. The thirty minute ride feels like less than two minutes when I'm reading about lovely vampires and werewolves. Almost missed my stop again :o)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Breaking Down Breaking Dawn
YAY!! The 4th and final book of the Twilight series belongs to me!! I spent Saturday afternoon and evening reading through the first 300 pages. On Sunday, I made time for the next 150 pages. Got through a few pages on the train and almost missed my stop :o)
I'm on page 463 of 754 pages, and here is my impression so far (without spoilers).
I'm on page 463 of 754 pages, and here is my impression so far (without spoilers).
- Of the four books, the first, Twilight, is my favorite. It was stuffed with consuming emotion that made it necessary for me to inhale it within a 24-hour period. The remaining books were good too, just not as good as the first.
- I like Jacob more now, and his perspective had me cracking up laughing. He's funny.
- As with some of the other books, there is so much explanation. Necessary explanation, but not all that captivating.
- I think I already know how book four will end, but I'm still looking forward to reading it.
- I'm not in a rush to get back to the book, but I also feel like I have to read it when I'm not doing anything pressing. So, there is definitely a draw.
I'll let you know how the last half of the book goes.
Toodles :o)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I feel like I should blog...
But I don't know what to blog about.
This morning I sat next to a young lady who was reading book one of the Twilight series. She was on the last few pages, although the preceding pages seemed more than crisp. Hmmm... I wonder if she had just bought the book and flipped to the last pages for a preview.
So, of course I struck up a conversation being that we have similar taste in reading material. She was soft spoken, and I had no clue what she ways saying LOL!!! But I ended the conversation with "That's a very good book."
She said, "Have you read them all?"
"Yep," I nodded. "I can't wait for the fourth one, it's coming out next month."
Then my stop came and I told her goodbye.
The crazy thing is that I knew she was reading Twilight based on the size of the book, the font, the thickness of the pages, and the fact that she was so engrossed that she didn't realize her arm was touching me.
LOL!! Yes, I'm a brat. I have the audacity to ride public transportation and not want people to touch me, especially not men... grrr. I'm a little too aware of ulterior motives. I feel like, while riding public transportation, we should try our best to fit into the tiny space allotted to us. Isn't it enough that we're sharing the same air? I know, I know, I'm being a brat. Pray for me.
(Insert: While rereading the last paragraph, I noticed a tinge -- better yet a lot -- of bitterness in my tone. I'm not going to remove it because that's how I felt at the time, but I will apologize for being... spazzy? Is that a word? Anyway, my apologies. As you can see, my emotions are all over the charts, but that's no reason for my loyal two readers to feel bitterness radiate from the blog screen :o) I'm sorry and a lot on the imperfect side. Please forgive me.)
Anyway, I didn't mind her. She was such a sweetheart. I have a soft spot for genuinely nice people.
I silently wished that one day she would be reading one of my books, perhaps on the train. And maybe she would be so engrossed in the tale that she wouldn't notice that her arm grazed another stranger.
And how great would it be if that stranger glanced over and knew instantly from the curve of the letters, the thickness of the pages, and the lilt of each sentence that the book was written with love by Makeda.
I'm a sucka for love and happy endings. There goes that eternal optimism thing again. LOL!! :o)
This morning I sat next to a young lady who was reading book one of the Twilight series. She was on the last few pages, although the preceding pages seemed more than crisp. Hmmm... I wonder if she had just bought the book and flipped to the last pages for a preview.
So, of course I struck up a conversation being that we have similar taste in reading material. She was soft spoken, and I had no clue what she ways saying LOL!!! But I ended the conversation with "That's a very good book."
She said, "Have you read them all?"
"Yep," I nodded. "I can't wait for the fourth one, it's coming out next month."
Then my stop came and I told her goodbye.
The crazy thing is that I knew she was reading Twilight based on the size of the book, the font, the thickness of the pages, and the fact that she was so engrossed that she didn't realize her arm was touching me.
LOL!! Yes, I'm a brat. I have the audacity to ride public transportation and not want people to touch me, especially not men... grrr. I'm a little too aware of ulterior motives. I feel like, while riding public transportation, we should try our best to fit into the tiny space allotted to us. Isn't it enough that we're sharing the same air? I know, I know, I'm being a brat. Pray for me.
(Insert: While rereading the last paragraph, I noticed a tinge -- better yet a lot -- of bitterness in my tone. I'm not going to remove it because that's how I felt at the time, but I will apologize for being... spazzy? Is that a word? Anyway, my apologies. As you can see, my emotions are all over the charts, but that's no reason for my loyal two readers to feel bitterness radiate from the blog screen :o) I'm sorry and a lot on the imperfect side. Please forgive me.)
Anyway, I didn't mind her. She was such a sweetheart. I have a soft spot for genuinely nice people.
I silently wished that one day she would be reading one of my books, perhaps on the train. And maybe she would be so engrossed in the tale that she wouldn't notice that her arm grazed another stranger.
And how great would it be if that stranger glanced over and knew instantly from the curve of the letters, the thickness of the pages, and the lilt of each sentence that the book was written with love by Makeda.
I'm a sucka for love and happy endings. There goes that eternal optimism thing again. LOL!! :o)
Friday, June 20, 2008
TGIF
It's Friday!!!
I love Friday's. The prospect of two whole days of life on my own schedule is so liberating. :o) Thank God for Fridays.
Speaking of God, I've been reading to book of Matthew -- a little take away from that Let Them Eat Cake book I read. As I was reading Matthew on the train, I noticed a few little things about the temptation of Jesus like how God allowed Jesus to be tempted. And how the tempter waited forty days until Jesus was hungry to step in and do his thing. That night I studied The Temptation more closely and took notes.
Then I remembered how many other notebooks I had tucked away in my closet and on bookshelves. I have pages and pages of sermon notes, experience based lessons, me taking to God, and Him answering me back within a few pages scribbled everywhere. When I smooth my hands over the pages it feels like braille. I smiled and thanked God for journals.
Yes, thank God for journals and for Fridays :o)
I love Friday's. The prospect of two whole days of life on my own schedule is so liberating. :o) Thank God for Fridays.
Speaking of God, I've been reading to book of Matthew -- a little take away from that Let Them Eat Cake book I read. As I was reading Matthew on the train, I noticed a few little things about the temptation of Jesus like how God allowed Jesus to be tempted. And how the tempter waited forty days until Jesus was hungry to step in and do his thing. That night I studied The Temptation more closely and took notes.
Then I remembered how many other notebooks I had tucked away in my closet and on bookshelves. I have pages and pages of sermon notes, experience based lessons, me taking to God, and Him answering me back within a few pages scribbled everywhere. When I smooth my hands over the pages it feels like braille. I smiled and thanked God for journals.
Yes, thank God for journals and for Fridays :o)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Let Them Eat Cake
I just read the cutest story about a girl suffering from cube-o-phobia and ‘God, can you help me out here?’ syndrome. The story was frosted with a love of French pastry and lots of recipes. There was even a delightful twist on the love interest front. And how could I not love a book that left me with little takeaways like:
Recipes – I categorized Let Them Eat Cake as a cookbook on my bookshelf.
Recipes – I categorized Let Them Eat Cake as a cookbook on my bookshelf.
and Scriptures – I love when books fill me up spiritually. I dog-eared a few pages with the intention of revisiting both the recipes and the scriptures.
And last but not least, the cover art with the Marie Antoinette effect leaves you wanting a bite of something frilly and sweet.
The boy and I had to make smooshy-wooshy, sticky-icky, ooey-gooey s’mores because he said, “Mommy, that book keeps making my brain hungry.” :o)
Four Gold Hearts.
And last but not least, the cover art with the Marie Antoinette effect leaves you wanting a bite of something frilly and sweet.
The boy and I had to make smooshy-wooshy, sticky-icky, ooey-gooey s’mores because he said, “Mommy, that book keeps making my brain hungry.” :o)
Four Gold Hearts.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Twilight Series Continues...
It’s almost here! It’s almost here! I’m so excited! It’s almost here!
Do you know what this is? Breaking Dawn, the fourth book of the Twilight Series written by Stephanie Meyer. All 704, hardcover bound pages are finally almost here!
Please tell me you know who Stephanie Meyer is… She’s only the best writer in fantasy, romance, and suspense all combined. This is the series where I swallowed all three ridiculously long books in one weekend. Some people like to read their books slowly and delight in the curve of every well placed word. That’s just not in my disposition. If I love it, consider it read. And, if I really love it (like the previous three books) I read them again, and again, and again.
For those of you who haven’t had the privilege of getting lost in the Twilight series, here’s a brief :o) rundown on the first three books:
Book 1 – Twilight: Ordinary Bella falls in love with a gorgeous 100 year old vampire, Edward, who is torn between loving her and tasting her blood – thereby ending her life. He chooses to love her. Good thing because she can’t live without him. Their chemistry is alluring and you just want them to live happily ever after, and then another vampire tries to kill her. This action packed, suspense filled, romantic-like novel is the most amazing book I have ever read… ever. (And no, I haven’t read the Harry Potter series. I’m having a hard time doubling back on the book after seeing so many of the movies.)
Book 2 – New Moon: This one I rushed through because what I really loved about Book 1 was the Bella-Edward connection. So when he left her and the Jacob (werewolf) character inserted himself as Bella’s “best friend,” I was a little more than annoyed. Grrr. I won’t spoil the tale, but somehow Bella and Edward reconnect, and all is right in the fantasy world again. Stephanie Meyer’s writing is so descriptive that you feel like you’re watching a movie. Yeah, its that good!
Book 3 – Eclipse: Remember the other vampire from book 1 that wanted to kill Bella. This chic must have the sweetest smelling blood in Forks, WA. :o) Anyway, his mate, Victoria, is out for revenge. The cat like, deadly vampire refuses to rest until frail Bella is dead. Why? Read book 1. Turns out Bella is like a vampire magnet because the quaint little town of Forks has a pack of blood thirsty vampires seeking her. Did I mention that the vampires and the werewolves don’t get along, and there’s also a disturbing love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob?
Drum roll please!
Book 4 – Breaking Dawn: Is it wrong for me to want Bella to FINALLY become a vampire in this book? The release date is Saturday, August 2nd. Oh my gosh, I need a moment. Breathe in, breath out, woo-saaa. And I’m back. Let me warn you in advance. I will not be answering phone calls or emails. I will prearrange for my little man, Trey, to spend the weekend with his dad or grandma. And, I will lock myself in my house until I finish reading this book. I predict two sleepless days and nights.
Can you tell I’m a lot obsessed? Keep your eyes open for the Twilight movie.
Please tell me you know who Stephanie Meyer is… She’s only the best writer in fantasy, romance, and suspense all combined. This is the series where I swallowed all three ridiculously long books in one weekend. Some people like to read their books slowly and delight in the curve of every well placed word. That’s just not in my disposition. If I love it, consider it read. And, if I really love it (like the previous three books) I read them again, and again, and again.
For those of you who haven’t had the privilege of getting lost in the Twilight series, here’s a brief :o) rundown on the first three books:
Book 1 – Twilight: Ordinary Bella falls in love with a gorgeous 100 year old vampire, Edward, who is torn between loving her and tasting her blood – thereby ending her life. He chooses to love her. Good thing because she can’t live without him. Their chemistry is alluring and you just want them to live happily ever after, and then another vampire tries to kill her. This action packed, suspense filled, romantic-like novel is the most amazing book I have ever read… ever. (And no, I haven’t read the Harry Potter series. I’m having a hard time doubling back on the book after seeing so many of the movies.)
Book 2 – New Moon: This one I rushed through because what I really loved about Book 1 was the Bella-Edward connection. So when he left her and the Jacob (werewolf) character inserted himself as Bella’s “best friend,” I was a little more than annoyed. Grrr. I won’t spoil the tale, but somehow Bella and Edward reconnect, and all is right in the fantasy world again. Stephanie Meyer’s writing is so descriptive that you feel like you’re watching a movie. Yeah, its that good!
Book 3 – Eclipse: Remember the other vampire from book 1 that wanted to kill Bella. This chic must have the sweetest smelling blood in Forks, WA. :o) Anyway, his mate, Victoria, is out for revenge. The cat like, deadly vampire refuses to rest until frail Bella is dead. Why? Read book 1. Turns out Bella is like a vampire magnet because the quaint little town of Forks has a pack of blood thirsty vampires seeking her. Did I mention that the vampires and the werewolves don’t get along, and there’s also a disturbing love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob?
Drum roll please!
Book 4 – Breaking Dawn: Is it wrong for me to want Bella to FINALLY become a vampire in this book? The release date is Saturday, August 2nd. Oh my gosh, I need a moment. Breathe in, breath out, woo-saaa. And I’m back. Let me warn you in advance. I will not be answering phone calls or emails. I will prearrange for my little man, Trey, to spend the weekend with his dad or grandma. And, I will lock myself in my house until I finish reading this book. I predict two sleepless days and nights.
Can you tell I’m a lot obsessed? Keep your eyes open for the Twilight movie.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Lost in a Book
So, I'm reading the second book of the Sushi Series entitled, Only Uni. It's Christian chick-lit whose main characters are Asian. I'm already reading with an open mind because I really don't know any Asians, not that I'm opposed to,I just haven't met any. Okay that's not true, because there was Cynthia in college... an absolute sweetheart. And oh yeah, my girl Teh-ling. Love her! She's so funny. How could I forget about Teh-ling? Hmmm, and does my girl Vicky count? She's part Vietnamese and part Black. Anyway, I do have Asian friends :o) we just don't talk about culture a lot mostly because we seem so much alike. We have the same interests i.e. college, research, music, and Vicky and I even look alike :o)
But back to the point.
Only Uni is my current train reading book. That's where most of my books start out, on the train. However, it's not uncommon for my train reading book to turn into something that I have to read at every single free minute. And I have been up until 3:30 am on a work night saying, "just one more chapter" until I pass out from exhaustion. Can y0u tell I have an addictive reading personality?? Don't get all bent out of shape, it happens with the Bible too... sometimes... well not to the same extent. The Bible is different, I whip out my notebooks and pens and highlighters, and then end up creating a lesson plan for myself. It's actually pretty cool, but I digress.
Only Uni is pushing her way off the train, and into the office. Now this is bad, I just spent a half an hour at work with the book because I couldn't close the cover on Trish and her quest to become a good girl because she's not that good at it. :o)
Hmmm, what does that say about me? I appreciate books that show the struggles involved in being a Christian, and I love when the characters push through that struggle because God pulls them out. Yay God :o)
I'm in the middle of Chapter 12, and Only Uni is inching off the train (a solid indicator of a good book). And I'm curious about how drawn into I'll become as the story progresses. If it's a really really good book (to me), then I'll be compelled to stay up all night reading until I'm finished. :o) We shall see, although I have a feeling that I will. Remember me? Addictive reader.
Other books that jumped off the train and into late night reading were:
1.) The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer... I read all three of these 300+ page books in 3 days, and had the nerve to get irritated when I had to work instead of reading the last few pages. Can't wait for the movie. The passion and chemistry in these books are so intense that I can understand why Bella would fall for madly in love with a vampire. Five Gold Hearts
2.) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen... Hilarious, Cute, Heartwarming, Timeless... Five Gold Hearts
3.) The Bluest Eye by Maya Angelou... It's funny how a story about such a different time can speak volumes to how we see ourselves today... Five Gold Hearts
Other books that I've read and finished with a frown
4.) Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld... I was discombobulated for days after reading this book. I was so mad at Lee. So mad at Curtis. Mad at the world because I was deprived of a happy ending. I was so mad, I called my girl to vent and she had the audacity to say, "It must have been a really good book if it got you so worked up." Four Gold Hearts. I'm still sour about the ending, but Lee was cute and hilarious.
Recently, I've also read:
5.) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr ... Very descriptive, neat and tidy ending. Actually felt like summer and winter while reading. Four Gold Hearts
6.) Good Girls by Laura Ruby ... A bit on the graphic side, but very honest. Heartwarming. Four Gold Hearts for tackling a tough subject.
7.) Secret Society Girl Series by Diana Peterfreund... Cute, witty, Fun. A lot of big words. I know authors aren't supposed to say that, but I found myself skimming over the $5 words. Although, the back cover descriptions make the book seem more menacing than it actually is. Still, I like it alot. Both books. Four Gold Hearts. I am anxiously awaiting book three :o)
And one more for measure:
8.) Oh yeah, Sushi for One by Camy Tang... Cute, funny. Train reading for three days and then became late night reading. I love reading about different cultures. Four Gold Hearts.
Now, I feel like digging out all of my books and rating them according to my personal taste.
I think I will :o)
But back to the point.
Only Uni is my current train reading book. That's where most of my books start out, on the train. However, it's not uncommon for my train reading book to turn into something that I have to read at every single free minute. And I have been up until 3:30 am on a work night saying, "just one more chapter" until I pass out from exhaustion. Can y0u tell I have an addictive reading personality?? Don't get all bent out of shape, it happens with the Bible too... sometimes... well not to the same extent. The Bible is different, I whip out my notebooks and pens and highlighters, and then end up creating a lesson plan for myself. It's actually pretty cool, but I digress.
Only Uni is pushing her way off the train, and into the office. Now this is bad, I just spent a half an hour at work with the book because I couldn't close the cover on Trish and her quest to become a good girl because she's not that good at it. :o)
Hmmm, what does that say about me? I appreciate books that show the struggles involved in being a Christian, and I love when the characters push through that struggle because God pulls them out. Yay God :o)
I'm in the middle of Chapter 12, and Only Uni is inching off the train (a solid indicator of a good book). And I'm curious about how drawn into I'll become as the story progresses. If it's a really really good book (to me), then I'll be compelled to stay up all night reading until I'm finished. :o) We shall see, although I have a feeling that I will. Remember me? Addictive reader.
Other books that jumped off the train and into late night reading were:
1.) The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer... I read all three of these 300+ page books in 3 days, and had the nerve to get irritated when I had to work instead of reading the last few pages. Can't wait for the movie. The passion and chemistry in these books are so intense that I can understand why Bella would fall for madly in love with a vampire. Five Gold Hearts
2.) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen... Hilarious, Cute, Heartwarming, Timeless... Five Gold Hearts
3.) The Bluest Eye by Maya Angelou... It's funny how a story about such a different time can speak volumes to how we see ourselves today... Five Gold Hearts
Other books that I've read and finished with a frown
4.) Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld... I was discombobulated for days after reading this book. I was so mad at Lee. So mad at Curtis. Mad at the world because I was deprived of a happy ending. I was so mad, I called my girl to vent and she had the audacity to say, "It must have been a really good book if it got you so worked up." Four Gold Hearts. I'm still sour about the ending, but Lee was cute and hilarious.
Recently, I've also read:
5.) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr ... Very descriptive, neat and tidy ending. Actually felt like summer and winter while reading. Four Gold Hearts
6.) Good Girls by Laura Ruby ... A bit on the graphic side, but very honest. Heartwarming. Four Gold Hearts for tackling a tough subject.
7.) Secret Society Girl Series by Diana Peterfreund... Cute, witty, Fun. A lot of big words. I know authors aren't supposed to say that, but I found myself skimming over the $5 words. Although, the back cover descriptions make the book seem more menacing than it actually is. Still, I like it alot. Both books. Four Gold Hearts. I am anxiously awaiting book three :o)
And one more for measure:
8.) Oh yeah, Sushi for One by Camy Tang... Cute, funny. Train reading for three days and then became late night reading. I love reading about different cultures. Four Gold Hearts.
Now, I feel like digging out all of my books and rating them according to my personal taste.
I think I will :o)
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