Summer Reading List... Number #1: How to Turn Off Your Mind

I, unfortuantely, have one of those jobs where a summer vacation is nearly impossible-- I am a spring/fall vacationer. Nonetheless, I always try and find myself on a beach here and there, book in hand. There is nothing more relaxing than summer reading. And so, I thought I would share a handful of book recommnedations for anyone who has time to focus on their summer reading.

So Book #1-- The fun, engaging read that will let you shut your mind down and focus on the surf

Dead to the World, by Charlainne Harris

I've read nearly every Sookie Stackhouse novel (for some reason I skipped the first). As someone who worships the literary greats like Margaret Atwood, John Irving, and Madison Smartt Bell, this feels like an odd choice, but these books are amazing for what they are-- pure, unpretensious entertainment.

The Sookie Stackhouse novels will surprise you, make you laugh, and (yes) at times make you groan and roll your eyes. But they will also pull you in and hold you in delightful anticipation.

This, the fourth novel, was by far my favorite and happens to coincide with this season of True Blood. Trubie or no, this is the ultimate beach read. And, you don't have to have read the first three books to jump in on number 4... BUT, I consumer each one of these books in about a day, so if you have the luxury of ten days at the beach, you may be able to get through the whole series and still have time for a BBQ and amusement park :)

My favorite book... Part 2

Most of us bibliophiles have had this moment... we know MONTHS in advance when an author's next title will appear on shelves/Amazon, and we are waiting anxiously to devour it. It is, in fact, one of my favorite book moments... the arrival moment, when you are so excited and full of antcipation. I've had a few great ones in my life-- the seventh Harry Potter novel, Flight by Sherman Alexie, etc. But, one author gives me this chance about once a year, bringing me novels I devour in a day and find delightful, empty bliss within, and that novel is Charlaine Harris, who once a year publishes a new Sookie Stackhouse novel.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, these are the novels on which True Blood (the best show ever) is based. On book #7, I was mystified that I was still reading-- I typically loose interest in a series after 3 or 4 books, but for these delightful, easy reads, I was still hooked on 7 or 8.

Last week, book 11 came in the mail, and I read it in a day. While I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in Harris' vampire world (think Twilight with an NC-17 rating), I am saddened to see my interest waning. Much of the dramatic tension that so pulled me in during the first 8-9 books just feels lacking in this last book (as it was somewhat in book 10). Sookie, or perhaps Harris, just seems to be going through the motions in this last installation, and I am very hopeful that next May a new, exciting book will bring the series back to its initial glory.

Or, eventually, Harris will run out of creative ways to work "Dead" into the title of a book :)

Regardless, the anticipation is still one of my favorite book moments.

Back from hiatus...

Hello all.

I want to apologize for the lengthy gap between my last blog entry and this one. I’ve had a lot on my plate. Quite frankly, I still do, but I also feel that, as someone who wants my book to be read, I should be able to commit to sharing a blog more regularly.

So, why has my plate been so full? I lost my mother on August 13. There isn’t much more I am yet able to say about it. This isn’t a forum for me expressing grief, nor is it appropriate for me to try and work out some of what I am thinking/feeling here. Thus, though it is trite and not at all fitting, I will simply say “it is what it is” and assure everyone that I am working through this incredibly difficult time privately.

And, back to my true aim here—to spread and share my love of the story!

About a month ago, I bought a new copy of an old favorite. This was a book I read two or three times during my early teen years—I am sure I would not have been allowed to do so if my parents actually knew the content. Rereading it has been invigorating and created such a whimsical nostalgia in me. The feeling I get from returning to these pages alone has been enough to push me (albeit slowly) through the 1100 pages of this tome. However, I have been very pleased to find that the book contains as much appeal for me as an adult as it did when I was 12. Perhaps this book is even more appealing now that I actually understand some of the “adult content.”

If you have not yet found the time, I encourage everyone (over the age of 16!!!) to pick up Stephen King’s It. Most of you probably know the premise—a scary clown terrorizes the young residents of a Maine town until a band of seven kids band together to stop it. Thirty years later, when It returns, they do as well to try and end its reign for good. King isn't typically a favorite of mine. I actually thoroughly enjoy his books, and have read many of them, but he isn't on my list of "all-time favorites" as his style just isn't what I am typically most drawn to. It, however, is the exception.

The book is about a lot of things (you can cover a lot in 1100 pages), but some of my favorite themes are perhaps those that many people would read over or disregard. I am in awe of how intricately King weaves such a frightening and powerful story, and how, if you dig just below the surface, you will find the book rife with really beautiful and compelling lessons. Pervasive throughout the book is the power of belief, be it in the monster in the sewer, or the power of friendship. King teaches in the book that belief is crucial and potent, and I love the idea. This goes hand in hand with an emphasis on fate—both that it exists, but also that it is within your control. I know it seems conflicted. Characters in the book are destined to do this or that, but yet maintain the power to affect change on their situation. I like the duality.

It’s a good read, but definitely a commitment given the length. I have been grateful for the chance to dwell within my own past, and find re-reading it as an adult definitely gives me perspective on if and when you can ever go back to childhood, either in place or in state of mind.
There is much to look forward to this fall, and I am focusing on it with maniacal intent. We are now only two months away from the publication of Max and Menna. I am truly amazed at how fast these past several months have flown by, and am very much looking forward to promoting the book when it is a tangible thing!

Also, this fall, a new season of my second favorite t.v. show (True Blood being the first) premiers. All of you ghost story fanatics should join me in my excitement to see what Paranormal State has to offer when (dreamy man) Ryan Buell is at the helm as executive producer. Ryan’s first book comes out in September. I am contemplating braving another potential foot-in-the-mouth moment to go to his book signing party. We shall see.

And last but not least, some amazing movies on the line up for this fall. Tron is on my must-see-over-and-over list. Stay tuned. I will keep on sharing amazing stories as I come across them.

For now, my advice to everyone in Baltimore is this: Get to Joe’s Squared this week for the special skins. Roasted eggplant and feta. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Smiles!