New to the book club

First since I am new to the book club let me do a brief introduction. I am a high school library aide. I read a lot, but a lot of what I read is what the kids at school read or should read. It is important that I can make recommendations. Most of the books that everyone posted I have either read or am familiar with because the students read them. I must admit that although I read and enjoyed "Twilight" I did not become an avid fan. I got part way through "New Moon" and realized I didn't have time for it. I know enough about it to participate in the discussions about it at school. Just for the record it was our most read/reserved series this last year at school. I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, such as "These is my words" "Hattie Blue Sky" and others along that line. A few others that I have recently read that were enjoyable were, "The boy in the striped pajamas", written on a middle/junior high level but deals with more adult asubject, the holocaust. As my sister wrote good but a bit disturbing. "Al Capone does my shirts" Having visited Alcatraz I was familiar with most of the descriptions of the place, but the more fascinating part was the relationship Moose had with his autistic sister. "A long way gone, memoirs of a boy soldier" enlightening, informative, the story of a young man in Sierra Leone, Africa who after the destruction of his home town and death of his family is forced to become a boy soldier. What he experience is almost unbelievable. I am much more appreciative of where I live and freedoms I have. "The pilot's wife" an Oprah book club book. Although a bit predictable it was enjoyable to read. How well do you really know your husband? "Hattie Blue Sky" a young woman's adventures as a homesteader in Montana. Sorry this posting is so long but I have a lot to catch up on

new moon & eclipse

ok here we go! over christmas break, during the 2 days we had NO CLIENTS HERE (a moment of silence please for how fantastic that was) i had the chance to read the rest of the series. it was great! ok so here are my two cents, for anyone who cares (if you haven't read this series but plan to, don't read on):

1) even though edward is beautiful & perfect & everything else
2) i would pick JACOB!!!

i like a man with a dark, tormented side. that is why i married ben (ha ha!). not that edward doesn't have that but he's just TOOOOO perfect for me. and in the end, i think bella would get tired of it. and then it would be too late, she would be a vampire, and she would have to spend eternity with him. i just am not a hopeless romantic and i would get tired of all those smoochies and perfect compliments and that is all i have to say about that.

so there you go. i am on team jacob. loved the books, can't wait for the movie, can't wait for the 4th book.

***for all you doubters out there, i was one too! read the series!

PS-andrea, could you send lauren another invite to the book club blog? she thinks you hate her. that is a joke, but if you could send another invite, i have no idea how to do it so i told her i'd let you know. thanks muchly!

The Twillight Series

Alright...this is slightly embarrassing. But I feel brave due to the fact that I know I am not alone in my love for these books. Now for the really embarrassing part. I read all three books consisting of 1800 total pages in 4 days. Don't judge me! Preston was on a scout camp out and I couldn't resist. I am actually posting a picture that my sister took of me at a Kirby Heyborne concert reading the book instead of listening.(But wouldn't you rather read a book than listen to Kirby? Sorry Lindsey!)
I felt like a teenager again. I don't think my review will do this addicting, heart pounding, romantic series of books justice. I am now beginning to realize that professional book reviewers have hard jobs. So... I will post this review from Publishers Weekly:


Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife — between desire and danger.

Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

I know the whole vampire thing sounds weird(well, it did to me) but Stephenie Meyer is so creative that the book feels completely impossible and completely possible at the same time. You know this couldn't happen and yet you completely believe it did. I loved them.