Two Thirds is Better than One

I'm excited. Why am I excited? Because the third novels in two series I love are coming out in October. One is The Death Cure by James Dashner. I really liked the first one in this series (The Maze Runner), the second was okay too (The Scorch Trials). But I've been waiting to find out how things end. And on October 11, 2011 I'm going to find out because my wonderful sister pre-ordered it for me. Next, are books by Tamora Pierce. I'm not sure why I love this series so much. The first one, Beka Cooper, Terrier (I listened to the audio this month, anticipating the arrival of number three) is as good as I remembered. The novel is set in the kingdom of Tortall in the year 246. And Beka is a cop in training (in the book they're called Dogs). The second installment is called Bloodhound. And on October 25, 2011 Mastiff comes out. And I'm first on the hold list at my local library. Woohoo!

1. Enclave by Ann Aguirre: Another dystopian young adult, shocking isn't it? I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I can't remember how I heard about it but at some point I put it on hold at the library. I thought the writing was well done and the plot well developed. The book follows the life of Deuce, a girl living in an underground community where in your late 20's you're declared an elder. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the ending, I wanted there to be more of a "wrap-up," to the ending. The good news? There's a sequel where I hope to have more of an ending. The bad news? It's release is tentatively Fall 2012. Boo.

2. The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama: My older sister recommended this book to me several months ago and I was able to check it out via ILL (Inter Library Loan). I love ILL because it allows you to rent almost everything. Your library doesn't have the book you're looking for? They will get it from another library. Fabulous. This book is set in India and as its title suggests talks a lot about the marriage customs etc. At first it was a little difficult getting past the things that are culturally different in a setting that's halfway across the world, but after about 50-70 pages it's quite entertaining.

3. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg: What girl hasn't been fed up by a boy at some point? Did you ever do anything about it? Penny Lane decides to start a club, The Lonely Hearts Club. I like the premise of the club, and how the characters decide to love and support one another in their different pursuits. It's important to have friends and this novel gives that message loud and clear.

4. Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony: Set a couple decades in the future, this novel explores what our nation might be like after an economic collapse due to oil shortage. I enjoyed reading it. I like the main character and her fiddle. This makes me wonder, what if we could only travel a short distance away? When you think about it's not until the last century that extensive travel was made possible and you lived in one place your entire life.

5. The Witness by Dee Henderson: Dee Henderson is what I would call a Christian Romance author, but the fun thing is most of the her novels (maybe all) deal with some sort of thriller mystery. I particularly like her O'Malley series (the prequel to this series is Danger in the Shadows). This new novel is full of intrigue and suspense. And connections where you least expect them. Not as good as some of her previous novels, but an engaging read.

6. The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June by Robin Benway: A fun young adult novel, although I must say, I think curse words and other topics (drinking, sex, etc) are appearing way too frequently in young adult literature these days. Yes, I think there is a place for it, because let's face it the language in high school hallways is anything but clean and the topics even worse, so I can see wanting to keep novels "real" and true to life. But I also think curse words can be eliminated in most circumstances, especially if you're a writer and have an expansive vocabulary. Just my thoughts. I loved the sibling interaction in this book.

7. Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard: I was under the impression that this novel would be a Pride and Prejudice knock-off, and although the main character (Callie) does end up in the year 1815 at a large estate, it didn't follow the P&P plot line. Disappointing. But if you continue to read past the first 100 pages the book does get more amusing. To it's downfall it has a few awkward moments (I can't stand awkward moments in plots, they make me cringe) and some of the character interactions could also be improved.

8. Miss Match by Wendy Toliver: Young adult romantic comedy type novel. It was exactly what I expected it would be.

9. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford: This novel was slow-paced in sections but it's one of those novels where the slow pace is part of the characters and story and it unfolds exactly how it supposed to. It switches back and forth between 1942 and 1986 and sometimes it makes you want to skip ahead to catch up in the year you just read about. The story follows Henry as a young Chinese boy and later in life when he's middle-aged. By the end I felt like I knew him fairly well and it was interesting to see how events and situations influenced him. Enjoyable story overall, sad and frustrating in some parts.

10. Generation Dead by Daniel Waters: Teenagers are coming back to life...or existence...in this teen novel. All of them function differently and more slowly than other teenagers and it's difficult for them to show emotion. Phoebe, the main character, is curious and wants to learn more about them, especially as one of them used to be one of her best friends. The part I didn't like? And I don't think it's just exclusive to this novel, but sometimes I really don't like the one girl, two guys, she has to pick one scenario. I feel like it's a prevalent theme throughout YA literature (Twilight series, Matched, Hunger Games, etc). And sometimes I wish it was just one guy. I'm reading the sequel to this one right now...

Hiking Nebo

On Saturday, we went hiking. Hiking is not my favorite activity but it is DEFINITELY a good workout. Especially this hike. There were some lengthy steep sections.

Caleb in the lead. His cousin Josh came with us. Most of the trip was Caleb and Josh up front with me trailing a healthy 50 feet (and sometimes more) behind. Let's just say I like to move at my own pace.

This gives you a little idea of how high we were. Check out that valley down there. The pink blob is me. And yes there was a little snow on top. Talk about CHILLY.

Climbing down the ridges. The end portion of this hike was climbing over rocks and stuff. I don't really like that kind of hiking/climbing and I was perfectly content to stop about 500 feet from the top and wait for Caleb and Josh. (When I can look to both sides of me and there are sheer drops I'm going to stop right there and not go any further. Me and heights, we're not friends.)

Someone else graciously took their picture on top.

Caleb in his classic hiker pose.

The view.

Me and Caleb on the mountain. When Caleb first saw this picture he said, "man, your legs are white." Yes, yes they are, but winter is coming and I'm not going to worry about it.

Amusement Park Fun! and a Birthday

For my work's summer party we went to a nearby amusement park and it was SO much fun.

Me and one of my co-workers!

By far, one of the funnest rides. Caleb did not agree.

This was more Caleb's style. Thankfully Caleb's cousin Josh came along so I didn't have to go on these kinds of rides.

In other news, I'm now a quarter of a century old. And I decided it's an excellent time to start making changes. Sometimes birthdays are like your own personal "New Years." You can make resolutions and goals to make the next year of your life different and better. One of my goals is to continually learn new things. I think since graduating from school I've been stagnant in the learning department. Maybe it had something to do with being in school for 17 years and needing a break. But no more! First off, I'm learning about business...with many more things to come.

Pretty flowers my mom and dad sent me.

Some of the bling decorating my work cubicle.

The full picture.

My New Hobby

I finally did it. I got a new hobby. Don't worry I'll still post about the books I read each month (I think I'm at eight for this month) and other fun and exciting things. But I felt like I needed to be more productive with some of my time and do something that challenged me in multiple ways.

SO...

I decided to start a business. Surprised? I'm kind of surprised. It's a little intimidating to start something so new and different and risky. But I'm going to try it nevertheless. What am I going to do? I'm going to make and sell wooden home decor items. It's a creative outlet that I need...so if it suits your fancy you can visit my new blog, "Wooden Parlor." Let me know what you think. I'll also be doing a giveaway on the Wooden Parlor blog soon if you're interested.

Meet Evelyn!

On August 19, 2011 I met Evelyn, my adorable new niece! She came a couple weeks before her scheduled due date (which was Labor Day). I was lucky enough to take the day off and spent it with Amanda. Our mom flew in that night to help out, with my dad coming a week later. Everyone was very excited to meet this new little one.

My first look

Amanda, looking good for just having surgery
She finally got to hold her after four hours
Holding baby Evelyn
I love this picture of her
Uncle Caleb holding Evelyn (she looks so tiny when he holds her)
Happy family!

My husband calls when he leaves work, "What are you doing?" he asks. The answer is almost always reading.

You know how sometimes you read a book and you think it's incredible, but then you think back on it later and wonder, why did I think that was so great? Or you start reading a book but don't have much interest, but then pick it up another day and can't set it down? It's fascinating how much my 'mood' dictates my reading. Not only what I choose to read but how I view the characters and plot, etc. Is it the same way for you?

Maybe I felt I had to catch up from not reading as much in July, but I hit a record of 12 books for August. A couple of them were really quick reads though.

1. Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen: I always hear about Sarah Dessen as THE teen romance author. Other author's blogs I read refer to her, etc. So when I saw this book on one of my sister's bookshelves I decided to give it a shot. It was a quick read, not an all-nighter but overall a decent read.

2. A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine: This one was recommended to me by my cousin-in-law Jessica several months ago and my number was finally up at the library to borrow it. A fun, cute and definitely worth reading children's book (amazon.com says ages 9-12 but hello, I'm almost 25 and I totally enjoyed it) about a girl far from home making her own way in the town of Two Castles.

3. Outside In by Maria V. Snyder: I read the first in this series awhile ago, and this one was similar to the first. Young Adult novel, not spectacular (just like the first) but again I thought the concept (community traveling in space) was unique.

4. This is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis: I love how this book (and her other book) focus so much on the main character.

5. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg: I love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, I also love the movies and all of the knock off novels. I've read a few over the years and I always wondered, why don't they make a high school version? A few months ago, viola! Someone did. I think the plot could have been more developed and the writing a little better, but I'm a sucker for the storyline and loved it.

6. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Super quick read, others really loved it, but it was just okay for me.

7. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer: I saw that this book as a pick of the teen board at my local library and I thought it looked interesting and it also received numerous awards. It wasn't a page-turner per say but it was interesting. With another country thrown in the mix and cloning technology available this novel explores the life of a clone.

8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson: Definitely a book for older audiences, this mystery thriller is more on edge than what I typically read but numerous people recommended it to me. There are several...make that more than several instances that are disturbing and other places that you just skip ahead a little if you're like me. But the plot was interesting and I love Lisbeth as a character. I think she is so interesting.

9. Delirium by Lauren Oliver: A dystopian young adult novel, not as good as Hunger Games or Divergent and more on the same vein as Matched this novel was enjoyable to read.

10. Within my Heart by Tamera Alexander: A Christian Romance novel, this book is (apparently) the third book in a series. However, if you're like me and check it out not realizing this don't fret because I didn't have any trouble with the story and didn't even realize it was part of series, so it can stand on its own.

11. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter: This book reminded me a little bit of The Lightning Thief (think Olympians).

12. Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck: The ending was a little rushed but I enjoyed this young adult novel about a Christian girl wanting to go to prom and the ins and outs of her life (crazy parents, crush on long life friend, and new guy in town, etc).

Coming in September a really good book (referral worthy) that I just finished this morning.