Eclipse & Breaking Dawn

Hey, readers!

I recently finished "Eclipse" and started "Breaking Dawn", which means I am dangerously close to finishing the "Twilight" series. That's right: I committed to it, and I will follow-through.

The truth is, after "Twilight", I felt the series picked up steam. I enjoyed "New Moon", and "Eclipse" held my interest even through the busy Christmas season. "Breaking Dawn" is suffering my inattention because I have been on vacation, but as soon as I simmer down and keep my eyes open long enough, I will finish that too.

I can already predict that my affection (who knew?!) for the series will lead me to read the excerpt of "Midnight Son" online. I am always interested in the story behind the story, and to read "Twilight" from a different perspective will be a really interesting experience. I am looking forward to it, actually.

In other news, I have resisted the urge to see "Twilight" in the theater. I want to finish the books first, and even then I am not sure I will ruin the imagery in my head by indulging myself with the movie. However, the more I read the books, the more I'm starting to see the actors' faces in my mind; thus, I have already been tainted. My guess is that I will break down and watch it.

That is all for now! I hope you are all enjoying your vacations with family, friends, and fabulous reads.

Happy reading!

What are you reading? (Part two)

Back in the day, I posted a list of my five favorite books, and I invited you to post your own list as well. A number of you chimed in, and you can see that if you click the link to the post on the right.

Here, to revive the top fives, Nick Mitchell and James Lee offer their suggestions. If you want to add your own, click "Comment" or drop a note on my desk!

Nick's List
1. Voices of Protest (various authors)
2. Autobiographies and Informational Texts
3. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred Taylor)
4. The Well (Mildred Taylor)
5. Silent Boy

James' List
1. The Odyssey
2. The Iliad
3. Dune (the whole series)
4. The Three Musketeers
5. Frost (collected poems, prose, & plays)

Thanks for your input, Nick and James!

Happy Reading!

New Moon (Part 2)

I finished New Moon just moments ago. My final assessment must include some version of "I enjoyed it far more than I enjoyed Twilight." Now, I understand there is little to no consensus on which Stephenie Meyer book is best. And, for those who do agree on the "best" book of the series, I have yet to hear any two people agree on the final "order of excellence."

That said, so far, my vote is for New Moon. I think the deciding factor for me is everyone's favorite werewolf: Jacob Black. With his "sweet" smile and "shining" eyes, Jacob proves himself a true friend to Bella (by this time a social outcast to the nth degree). He indulges her need for adrenaline. He fills the gaping hole she feels burning in her chest. He intuits her hatred for music and romantic comedies and all the things that remind her of Edward. He is fabulous.

Of course, the drama with the "bloodsuckers" does not end. (There are, after all, two more books in the series, plus the belabored Midnight Sun to woo readers.) But, in the end, after a brief trip to Italy and lifetime groundation, Bella is back in Forks, forced to do the impossible: catch up on school work in time for graduation.

Ah. The life of a mere human who happens to be in love with a vampire.

If you liked Twilight, you clearly do need to read New Moon. As for me, I did not love the first book, but my sister (and Mrs. Brann) insisted that I read New Moon. I can now admit that I'm glad I did.

Time to move on to Eclipse.

Happy reading!

New Moon

Well, my sister came through for me and brought New Moon and Eclipse from Florida to Maine when she visited last week. So far, Stephenie Meyer's second book (New Moon) has already captured my attention more than Twilight did. Perhaps this is because my sister read the first three chapters aloud, proving once and for all that no matter your age, being read to is fun and relaxing.

I will keep you posted on my experience of the Edward/Bella drama-thon. Here's hoping I love what's between the pages as much as I enjoy the neat covers.

Happy reading!