Happy Summer Things

Believe it or not Summer 2010 has been my first summer that I have been working full-time. Before now, I was student, a lover of Greek beaches, a teacher, or a Grad student. But now I am a librarian and libraries are anything but closed in the summer months.

But I have to say, It's been fun. I don't feel like my life is just a long string of workdays tied together by quick weekends. My days are unpredictable, my stresses are minimal and I feel as if I can do whatever I'd like. I love it, actually.

This summer has been so much fun, actually. Sure, there is the side of me that will always miss being in the classroom (as a student, not a teacher) but that's why I spend my mornings outside with a good book or backyard bird watching. And this summer has been so generous. My budget is tight. In fact, some weeks that's an understatement. But we've managed to fit a lot in, with another adventure coming up next week.

I guess that's the beauty in three day weekends, wonderful friends, riding bikes and living in a beautiful place. You don't have to travel far or spend much money to enjoy yourself.

And those pictures are only 2 glimpses of our summer adventures.

Just to a Little Update

Summer seems to be getting away from me. Faster & faster each day. With the weather so beautiful and my mood mostly light, it's hard for me to come home from work each day and think about posting here.

I have much to discuss, but I think it can wait just a little longer. I have pictures galore and tales to tell. I'm off this weekend, so perhaps you'll get some quality writing soon. It doesn't help that the nights that I have my camera on me (and not left somewhere) I don't have my computer and vice versa. This finally after I purchased a new USB cord for it. *sigh* One day I'll have my act together.

Summer Updates

A little bit ago I posted a list of the 20 books I hope to read between Memorial Day & Labor Day. So much of my definition of summer includes sitting outside, on a swing, my nose pressed in a book. And really the only sad thing about my librarian life is that I often work until 8 pm every night. I'm not a morning person, by any means, so this often makes my time outside during the week slim. Sure, I may sit by the window and have my breakfast with a good book. But you won't find me rising at 7 to be presentable for the outside world when I don't actually have to be at work until much, much later in the morning/afternoon. Anyway, I'm still making progress on the list of books, so I thought I'd post an update of where I stand. And the "I-want-to-be-outside" thing is something I've always had in me since I was little when the weather turned nice. Good thing I have all weekend to make up for it.

• Three Little Words by Ashley Courter-Rhodes (finished)

I loved this sweet memoir about a girl who gets adopted late in life. Pick it up if you enjoy memoirs, stories of struggling childhoods & happy, but not perfect endings.

• Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Leviathan (finished)

The best part about this book was the back & forth between the two Will Grayson characters. Sometimes I liked this more than I thought I would and I guarantee it becomes a movie.

• The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O. McNees (slowly reading)

There is nothing wrong with this book, I should have finished it by now. But other things just keep popping up. I may have to return it this week & pick it up again later in the summer.

• Orange is the New Black: One Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman (finished)

Kerman was sent to Federal Prison and an old drug charge and this memoir of her time in jail is filled with strong, memorable women. Kerman tells it like it is, understands that she got some type of special treatment sometimes and doesn't go on and an about the drug scene in AMerica, though you do end up knowing what her feelings are

• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collin
• Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakaue

• Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern (finished)

Hilarious! and I read it in one night! He's the guy who tweeted the stuff his Dad was saying. And I would recommend anyone reading this for good laughs and heartwarming stories

• The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (finished)

Filled with mystery, magic, friendship and love. Two women, one young and one-middled aged, find their place in a mystical town. A light, sweet summer read.

• Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age by Victor Mayer - Schonberger
• The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee by Sarah Silverman
• The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall
• The Long Song by Andrea Levy
• The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordin
• Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
• Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Changed my Life by Kim Severson
• Poetry Speaks Who I Am by Elise Paschen (finished)

I love poetry books that try to capture younger readers. And this collection is filled with names people should know, and unknown others. It's a nice blend of old and new. And the themes of the poems reflect that poetry just isn't about love and death, it can be anything in any form, and it can be accessible. Not always what young people associate with poetry.

• The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
• The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (may be giving up on for now)

Just starts off sooo slow & I have sooo many other things to read.

• How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley
• The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer (slowly reading)

It's no secret that Stephenie Meyer is no Jane Austen. But it's clear that she's lacking official writing-talent in this novella. Without Edward & Bella to keep the storyline afloat, it's more awful than I'd ever imagine.

What I'm Dreaming

This is what I want to be doing today. Add a book & you have my perfect summer dream.

I love Summer Weekends

This weekend appears to be the summer wedding kick-off and though I am only invited to two this year, one is happening tomorrow. It's a great way to remind me how much I love summer weekends packed with people you enjoy.

Things that have/will happen this summer weekend:

• Explored the 3 Rivers Arts Festival with Adaena over at City Scraps. She's a fellow librarian and I'm so glad we met last year. She's smart, hilarious and a fabulous dresser. I'm glad she joined me for the Arts Fest and she was even a dear when Jim got out his internship early and joined us. She was also at the CLP Extravanga last weekend, dressed up as the River Queen, and is all-around awesome. I hope we see each other more throughout the summer. Oh, and go treat yourself and be sure to read her blog.
• My senior prom date & smartest-guy-I-know, Mark, is getting married tomorrow to his longtime girlfriend, Jess. I'm super happy for them and can't wait to celebrate with them tomorrow evening. Also, I splurged and bought an additional new dress to wear to their wedding. It's green & I'm in love.
• I get to see my best-pal, Matt K & his lovely wife (and also super amazing friend) Kari at the wedding! They just adopted a puppy, Vegas, and she's here in Pgh. I wish she could come to the wedding.
• Summer Reading Clubs start tomorrow at the library. This is the biggest full-force programming we do all year. It's jammed packed with registration, prizes for everyone, in-house games and lots and lots of events. We try to get as many people as possible to sign up and participate. And this year, in addition to having kids & teens programs, we're offering one for adults too. I'm the go-to person in charge of teens & adults and I'm hoping upon hope all goes smoothly tomorrow...and the rest of the summer.
• Toddler Story Time tomorrow AM. We'll be "Making a Splash @ Our Library" and reading about fish. Also, I have a big tub for the tots to throw some balls in and make a "splash" when I'm reading. Should be interesting.
• I plan on to cross off one more book on my quest to finish 20 by LaborDay.

Hope you're off to have a super weekend as well!

My Secret Love Confession

From Monday to Fridays at 10:00 am on Channel 11, my love appears. Ms. Ellen DeGeneres. Basically I can't get enough of this woman. I started watching American Idol on a regular basis because of her. And even though she wasn't at her best along Simon Cowell, I still admired her jokes and cheerleading. So consider this list my ode to Ellen.

Reasons Why I Love Ellen Degeneres

• She plays ridiculous games on her show that I would laugh at and win.
• She laughs at herself, most of her stand-up at the beginning of her shows is all about how ridiculous she is.
• She clearly loves her wife.
• She is a cover girl.
• She gives things away to people, and helps individuals, because it does good. Not once have I ever felt like she does things because it makes her look good.
• She is a quest for world domination. I am also on my own type of quest.
• Her motto is to: Laugh. Dance. Live. Tweet. Graduate. Rescue. Recycle.
• She advocates a Finding Nemo 2.
• She has hosted the Oscars (a dream).
• She calls fans at home.
• All she wants to do is put good things out into the world.

Seriously, you can take Oprah and her book clubs any day, give me Ellen pretending to be a masseuse. I know she's married & I have a boyfriend, I know she lives in LA...but I would love to be on her show, eat dinner with her, spend some time with Ellen.

The Television Shows I Pretend Not to Watch

I like to think that I don't want a lot of television. I can be pretty good at monitoring how much I sit around and just veg out in front of the tube, but I can also be pretty bad about having it on. I'm also really good at working/reading with background noise. I was always the student who liked to have music on when doing homework and I don't like being in a room when it's completely quiet.

Because of this sometimes I end up watching television that is pretty much embarrassing. It's the crappy TV that's out there to pretty much waste our brains. Forget witty, well-written, informed, etc. It's drivel. Thankfully, I only have 3 shows that I like to watch on a regular basis (Glee, HIMYM & Modern Family...throw in Jon Stewart before bed) but if I'm home alone in the middle of the afternoon and I'm tired of CNN, here's what you'll catch me watching.

1. The Real Housewives of New York: Dear God, I've only just got hooked on this show mid-way through this past season but these ladies are all sorts of nuts. There lives are fake, their fights are mind-blowing and their one-liners will have you on the floor. Bethenny is my favorite.

2. 16 & Pregnant/Teen Mom: When 16 & Pregnant first debuted on MTV last year I was a huge supporter of the show. I thought it was a great way for teens to get a close look at what having a baby still in HS could be like. It seemed to be more reality than show. And I felt the same way about Teen Mom's debut. I am worried that after the second season of 16, it will become more like the rest of reality shows MTV does and somehow end up looking "fun" and "easy."

3. QVC: The boy attributes this to a "white trash" sort of quality. And I have to add a disclaimer that I've never actually purchased anything from QVC. But if I'm home alone, working on a library project and just want background noise that isn't music...QVC fits the bill. Esp. if Isaac Mizrahi, Joan Rivers of the Quaker Factory lady is on.

4. American Idol: I never watched a complete season before this year. I love Ellen, what more can I say.

I know you have guilty TV pleasures, share in the comments.

One Word Writing

This website is making me wish the Internet was around in a much fuller version than it was during my teen years:

OneWord

Perfect for all of those nights you knew you had a story inside of you, but just couldn't manage to find it. Which seems appropriate for today as well.

Summer, Summer, Summertime

I love Memorial Day. I love that it kicks off the unofficial start of summer and that fancy free days, even if you aren't a student/teacher. I'm neither teacher nor student this year and summer isn't even my favorite season...but I love that it's here!

Don't you think you get more done in the summer time? The work days go by quicker, everyone is in a much happier mood (that is until the humidity sets in and then all of Pgh wishes it was February again), and there is just so much to do! Or, for the sake of today's post...read! I'm diligently keeping track of all the books I am finishing and am very excited that summer is here. I'm guessing it's the old school routine that is rooted into my foundation, but I tend to read more in the warmer months. And I'm hoping to get through 20 books between Memorial Day & Labor Day, I've crossed two off the list already.

20 Books to Finish by Labor Day (25 is the goal, titles may change):

1. Three Little Words by Ashley Courter-Rhodes (finished)
2. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Leviathan (finished)
3. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O. McNees
4. Orange is the New Black: One Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman
5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
6. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
7. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
8. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
9. Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age by Victor Mayer - Schonberger
10. The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee by Sarah Silverman
11. The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall
12. The Long Song by Andrea Levy
13. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordin
14. Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
15. Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Changed my Life by Kim Severson
16. Poetry Speaks Who I Am by Elise Paschen
17. The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
18. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
19. How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley
20. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Filled with a mix of serious and light, I'm ready to go. Though who knows what books may come my way tomorrow. 2 down, 18 more to go.

Oh, and here is a crowd of librarians changing up Lady GaGa. Yes, it's okay to embarrassed for them. And yes, it's okay to think it's ridiculous. I feel that way. And a tiny part of me loves it.

An Update on Books

It has been quite awhile since I last updated my blog with the books I have finished. I've been growing more attached to Goodreads since then, adding books "to-read" almost daily. But I've also been writing them long-hand in my book journal. I'm funny because I write them all using a special "good pen" and sometimes record a few books at one time. I like making the time to write about the books special, as if in the future my posterity might find the journal and decide to read what I was reading in 2010. But the "good pen" is weighty and, mixed with thin pages, makes my handwriting messy. That's okay, my posterity will be so determined they'll quickly figure the difference between a W and a U.

So, onto the update (in the order they are written in my journal, not by date finished). Oh, and it should be noted, each review (be it journal, goodreads or blog is a little different):

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

finished March 20-something

By now you've probably heard of Stockett's debut novel. It took me longer than it should to read it thanks to graduate school and then a long line of holds. But wow, is this a book that all women should read. A tale of southern life, race relations, female companionship, mothers & daughters and more, it's well-written and entertaining. I read it over the course of one weekend and was sad to see it end. It's one of those books that becomes a friend by the end and you don't want it to leave. Pick it up this summer, if you haven't already.

Cheslea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang

by Chelsea Handler

finished March 20-something

Yes, this is host of the E! late night show, Chelsea Lately, and no, this is not her first book. It's her third actually, and though the least funny of the trio, it's still perfect when you find yourself wanting something witty and irreverent. I've read all of Chelsea's books and recommend them to others. She's at her best when writing about her crazy family and if you like smart women who crack jokes, she may be a good fit. Just don't go recommending her to your more conservative, less boisterous friends. And I'd recommend starting from the begging of her books (My Horizontal Life followed by Are You There Vodka? It's me, Chelsea & then Bang, Bang)

A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Byrson

Finished April 3rd

This book is the 2010 pick for ACLA's "One Book, One Community" program. An idea that strives to get everyone in Allegheny County to read the same book, together. I must have tried to read this book before, because much of the beginning was familiar and I've read some of Bryson's others, but this was the first time I had finished it. It's about a man's journey along the Appalachian Trail, a way to reconnect with America after living abroad for a number of years. Sometimes the book can feel a bit wordy, as if Bryson is feeding you too much fact and too little story, but when he is telling the story the pay off is big. It'll have you absolutely thinking you could hike the trail yourself, and then desperately realizing how hard it is all int he same breath. Of course you should pick this one up, especially if you live in Allegheny County!

Lottery

by Patricia Wood

Finished on an unknown date in April

If you enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time chances are you'll connect with Wood's story of a young man with an IQ of 76. Told this young man, Perry's, perspective we get to see how the extreme differences in how his family and friends react. Filled with strong characters, it's a quick read and perfect for summer. You can't help but just love Perry.

Lost

by Jacqueline Davis

Finished April 17th

I couldn't help but be attracted to this book simply because half of its pages are written on dark, slate-colored paper. It ended up being a surprising read with many different turns along the way. A historical-fiction YA novel, the main character is a young girl working in textile factory who has seen her share of pain but has a huge heart. I can't write much more without giving away key plots, but I will say that I did shed a few tears along the way.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

finished March 27, 2010

One of the best children's book I have read. Calpurnia is a rambunctious and intelligent girl at the turn of the century. Her love of adventure and curious nature does more good than harm and makes her a positive role model for today's young readers. The author blends science, discovery, a Darwin-inspired mystery, family and change all into a delightful read. I'd instantly try to read it in a Literature Circle if I was still teaching.

The Summer Before

by Ann M. Martin

Finished May 11ish

Of course I picked this book up because I was a huge Baby-Sitters Club fan when younger. One of my biggest childhood regrets is not reading all of the Super Specials. And I am happy to say that I think Ann M. Martin succeeds in this prequel to the stories we all know. It's a simple story of what happens to the founders of the Baby-Sitters Club the summer before Kristy's Big Idea. And Martin peppers characters readers meet along the Baby-Sitters Club road throughout the book. There is so much to love about the BBC, a girl for just about everyone, good fun and drama! Give this to any girl you want to share the BBC with and read it together.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes

by Elizabeth Bard

Finished May 20th

It's never going to be a secret that I love memoirs and this is a pick for all of us who have lived in Europe/dreamed of living in Europe/hoping to meet true love/enjoy cooking up fancy feasts. Bard tells the tale of her and her French husband and trying to adjust to living life in his country. Although there is rarely any turmoil (which can leave Bard coming off as uppity) it's a sweet story that had me wishing all the way through that The Boy and I were living on a European street somewhere eating delightful things. A day dream I don't mind having considering the reality is a poor couple who cannot afford French cuisine let alone a fancy apartment.

Okay, folks...so you're all caught up on my reading adventures. So far that makes a total of 17 adult books this year ( I don't count the number of pictures books I read and one day I'll write about all the books I shelve for later or give up on completely). Hoping to crank out two more over Memorial Day weekend.

So let me know....have you read any of the above? What books do you recommend? Let me know!

Oh, Internet, You Devil, You

Being 28, I'm on the upper end of what some Academics and assorted others who study things call "Digital Native." I was born in the '80s, had computer class at school growing up

(LOGO anyone?) and got the "family Christmas gift" of a home computer in the tenth grade. Essentially, I grew up with technology. Sure, I was born in the early '80s and my learning experience is entirely different than those born in the late '80s or those in school today. But I've had an email account since before I was 16 and AIM was arguably the most popular form of communication in college.

And let's be honest, I love the Internet:

1. I love that I can carry out conversations/video chat I've met across the globe. Years ago, this would have been pen & paper, a form I love and admire, but looses its urgency when life takes its toll and both ends are busy.

2. I love that anyone can find a creative outlet. Want to write? Start a blog. Want to be a filmmaker? Post to YouTube. Looking for an Art Project? Turn to PostSecret for inspiration. I strongly believe this type of freedom does more good than harm.

3. I love that the Internet has a place for everyone. Be it for expressing your feelings, finding common friends, sharing your hobby or finding your persuasion, it's out there. Less need for people to feel alone and isolated.

4. I love that it gives those with shy voices, Autism, stutters, and more a voice. Have trouble getting those participation points in class because you don't like talking aloud? Why not try an online course? It's out there.

5. I love that it brings museums, music, art in abundance to those who may not be able to visit such places, but can log onto to the web.

6. And mostly I love that it's open. I love that it inspires people, young and old, to learn new things. I love the people who use the Internet as a tool, not an answer.

But I have worked with children, teens, adults and senior citizens long enough to have some frustrations about the way we see/use the Internet. So keep my praise in mind when I rant on here some day.

Cleveland Rocks

Oh, how I love relaxing and fun-filled weekends, especially when they are mini-breaks. Sometimes I like mini-breaks more than regular vacations because you can have more of them. More friends, more sight-seeing, more places to discover. But don't get me wrong, if anyone comes around offering me a two-week trip to England, Spain or even a beach along the Atlantic Coast, I'll surely take it.

This mini-break took us to Wadsworth, Ohio for Saturday and then on to Cleveland, Ohio for Sunday. It really was a short trip, but packed full of fun, sun and all other things I look for when considering a trip a success:

1. This spur-of-the-moment drop to Ohio was in honor of my good AC/KKG pal Nikki and her new life change and future-job with Amazon. In just a few weeks she'll be moving to KY to train at an Amazon distribution center for the better part of the year and then she'll be leaving this side of the US for good....and off to Seattle. We partied at her parent's house, drank sangria and laughed.

2. Saw another AC/KKG pal, Michelle, who I haven't seen since her baby shower last May. Her husband, Matt, was also there but they were minus Baby Cooper. Michelle is the best kind of friend because she is always happy to see you, it feels like old times when you're with her and she gives the best bear hugs that make you realize how much you're loved.

3. Ate lunch at Lucky's in Cleveland, which The Boy introduced to me as his favorite breakfast spot in his old city. If you live in Cleveland or visit there, I recommend this place x 1000. I've only ever had the Mac 'N Cheese because I'm not a huge fan of breakfast food (yes, I know...call me UnAmerican, I've heard it before). But it's the best Mac 'N Cheese I've ever tasted. We go every time we find ourselves in Cleveland no one I've ever dined with has had a bad meal.

4. Saw Jim's good friends, Kim & Kristi, and their son while at Lucky's. Brunch with them was filled with laughs, dancing as Lady Gaga and correcting crazy neighbors when they misprounce your name. It was too short and I hope we find a common weekend to go camping (?!) with them this summer.

5. Walked around the Cleveland Art Museum. Though still in the middle of reconstruction, the collections available were a treat. It was my first visit and any museum that doesn't charge an admission rate is close to my heart.

6. Enjoyed the Hessler Street Fair & glorious people watching. Though we missed pal Bonk and his performance.

7. A Mediterranean Dinner at a restaurant whose name I forget. But it was fantastic. Mediterranean, be it Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, etc., is always my favorite.

8. The movie Babies before we hit the road. I love that The Boy offered to see this with me and that it was filled with chubby baby legs, babies reading books and babies throwing temper tantrums. Go see it, you'll enjoy it.

Thanks for a great weekend, Ohio.

Greek Lover, Greek Lover

Two things have found me slipping back into memory more than usual this week and thinking about my old life in Greece this week: 1. Local 5th graders are working on their nationality projects for school, coming into the library seeking books on different nations. I loved this project when I was in school, loved assigning it when I was a teacher and love helping students with it as a librarian today. It's a gentle reminder to learn something new about a nation you know very little. 2. I'm reading a memoir called Lunch In Paris: A Love Story with Recipes. The author tells her tale of falling in love and marrying her husband in Paris. It's sweet, romantic, and leaves me wishing that myself and The Boy were living this spring on a back alley in a large, European city. Be it Paris, Athens, London or Madrid...it really wouldn't matter. Sounds lovely, doesn't it?

So with my mind back on Ilia Ilou, drinking retzina or even Amstel, getting excited to go to the sea on Sunday, I give you a list of my favorite Greek music videos. Because it's impossible not to want to dance and this music reminds me of walking around town after a big soccer game, the Olympics, Eurovision or a hard night at school.

1. Greek Lover: This song is dirty & ridiculous.

2. My Number One: Winner of Eurovision, the best song contest in the world, 2005. Holy crap, so long ago.

3. This is Our Night: Sakis Rouvas was pretty famous long before I got to Greece, but this was his Eurovision song last year.

4. Zorba the Greek: When I first had to read this book on my first trip to Greece as a college student, I couldn't get into it. Then I re-read and loved it. And now every time the movie is on, I have to stop and watch.

Greece has been in the news so much for their financial woes and I think about my friends/old students often. All of my thoughts of it lately though, made me want to talk about the fun side. Hellas!

What I Saw/Overheard/Thought of on Primary Tuesday in PA

It was Primary Election Day here in Pennsylvania. I voted before going to work and was the youngest person in the old school's gymnasium. Granted this was in the middle of morning and most people my age have jobs that have much more normal hours than mine does.

• I saw the my old lady why the dyed black hair manning my polling station. She's there ever year, seems that she'd yell at people for making a mistake & I'm glad she was able to be there today.
• Many people comment that Senator Specter is old.
• Not one comment about his switch from Rep. to Dem. but lots about his age.
• Young boys run around the library and climb things that should not be climbed. Parents busy.
• A large collection of new DVDs go out into the wild.
• A few people who took 1,2 or these new movies & left a fair selection for others to choose from.
• Fewer, but still significant, wiping out the rest of the new DVDs, leaving little for others to choose from.
• Admitting that I started to watch American Idol because of my true love for Ellen. And then sticking with the show because I'm hooked and want Crystal or Lee to win.
• I really think Lee will win.
• The delightful smells and tastes of Sesame Inn are the perfect way to end a long, busy day at work.
• Wondered if my name was announced on the radio after I gave my support to WYEP.
• Got really excited that I can lay in bed tonight and read....Lunch in Paris.

And that is what I'm off to do.

A List

A List of Things I Want to Be in My Life:

• A super, awesome librarian
• A good friend who always knows when to call
• A sweet girlfriend who makes coffee in the morning for him, tea for herself
• A lady who owns lots and lots of funky jewelry
• A lady who has a collection of fun bags...from vera bradley toto felted to handmade and back again
• A giver of love and laughter
• A girl with pink bike, basket tied to the front
• A woman who earns her PhD (???!!!)
• A reference extraordinaire
• A supportive sister
• A concerned daughter
• A someone who is remembered
• An author. Seriously, I am half-tempted to write romantic smut under a nom de plume.

And there are more, I'm sure. But this is fine for just right now.

As Spring Gets Ready for Summer

May is halfway over and I can't believe it. Since library books are generally due three weeks after check-out life can go by quickly in big, three-week chunks. As of today books were due on June 7th and that pretty much means it will be the end of the school year, summer reading will start in just a few days and hopefully it will be sunny all of the time. Sure, it won't officially be spring...but to me, summer truly starts when school is out and free time is on hand.

I've been thinking a lot lately of the lazy days of Allegheny and how it felt to sit on the front stoop of the Barn, drink in hand, laughing out loud with good friends. The end of the semester was equally as good as the beginning and sure we felt stressed about finals and papers then, but we know now how silly those stresses really were. I would love to have a weekend of my close friends together again, laughing until we cry. There are too many people scattered throughout this city, country and globe that I miss too much.

I've actually been thinking about starting an online book group so that those of us who love to read, but can't get together because of distance and time, could read the same book & discuss. It's an idea I've toying with for a long time, and one I'd like to see work in a library-setting too, but it would be more fun to do personally first. Is anyone interested? We could start by picking a book and maybe giving a month or two to read & discuss? Maybe even start with one that so many have already tackled?

And finally, I've been thinking about the books I've read so far this year. I owe book reviews & updates on this site...hopefully in the next few days. I finished my 18th book for the year. And am starting a new one tonight.

On Confidence

I tend to think that I am a confident woman. I wasn't always a confident girl though. And sometimes that girl finds her way into my adulthood. So I've been mellow the past few days and trying to fight back tears that half of the time don't even seem justified. This battle is something I've always struggled with...and it overcome me in a moment, but take days to sort through.

So a list. Because once you say it, or write it, it doesn't have to consume your insides.

I like being a curvy girl, I don't like shopping for a swimsuit.

I am really good at what I do, I have trouble putting my best down in a resume (I'm not writing resumes right now, but I was talking about this with someone last night).

I like to be busy, I have trouble saying no.

I'm friendly, but guarded.

I am positive, but don't want to always be the cheery one.

I go with the flow, but think *too much?* about the future.

I embrace free speech, but don't like saying bad things.

I talk a lot, but wonder if I'm saying anything relevant.

I love, but worry, worry, worry.

I like crafting, but feel my craft skills aren't up to par.

I feel a little better already.

Love.

Things I Saw

I've been thinking about what to write here for the better part of the evening. I haven't been blogging here a lot because a lot of my creative energy is being spent on library projects and when I get home from work, I don't want to spend the last few hours of the night in front of another computer screen.

So today I decided, that no matter what happens throughout the week in terms of personal blogging, I will write a post on Sunday that chronicles the things I saw/remember from the week. I hope to include pictures when possible and relative, but tonight, let's just list the events.

This week I saw...

People read a lot of romance fiction.

Sidney Crosby score two goals and nail a shoot out.

The Healthcare Bill pass.

My boyfriend enjoy the best pot of chili I've made so far.

A new purse arrive in the mail.

A woman leave her daughter's coat behind.

People lying.

One peregrine falcon disappear and a new one arrive.

The Blind Side. And was impressed with the actors, including Tim McGraw (How did I not know he was in that movie?).

Old students at the Penguin game, but didn't say hello (I don't think they would remember me, they were in the other class and were quite young when I left).

My friend's baby turn one.

A teen dressed as what I could only figure the Mad Hatter at Market District.

Jon Stewart on vacation when I wanted him to be on the ball.

Time slip by me.

How long a week feels when you work six straight days.

People not know how to handle new directions. Seriously, you would have thought the sky had turned purple.

Old friends.

Lots of toddlers and their company.

Tylenol PM.

A Very Happy Day

There is probably very little that I can say about the Healthcare Reform Bill passing that hasn't already been said by someone much more informed and much more eloquent. But I want to take a few minutes to express my thoughts. It's my blog and this is, after all, a very important moment in our history.

I have always thought of myself as a bleeding heart. I may not cry while movies, but I'll save the tears for the man who can barely walk into our library because his diabetes is so bad and who I am pretty sure is homeless. I am a Democrat and proud of it. I may even end up changing my parties one of these days because I think often more needs to be done and my liberal-ness may need more room to stretch. But oh, today I am very proud to be a Democrat.

I do believe that everyone in this country has the right to their opinion, but that people who try to stand in the way of a bill that helps people have healthcare and protection in their lives boggle my mind. I know people, and love and respect, people whose opinion on this matter is very much the opposite of mine.

But I want to ask to people who so angrily fight healthcare for all, talk about Obama and his fans being socialist and spew even worse comments, "Have you ever known someone to have a catastrophic illness who didn't have insurance," "What type of people do you think aren't insured," "Why should be people be denied coverage because of something they had in the past," and "Why should people go bankrupt to pay for the health of their loved ones?"

Because I have and it breaks my heart.

I've had a family member, struck with a horrible cancer when just out of college, with no insurance who has had to battle costs on top of worrying about her health.

I am the type of person who has not had health insurance, even though I've been gainfully (and thankfully) employed since the day I left Allegheny College.

I am the person who has had to pay hundreds of dollars out of her own pocket every month, to be covered, and subsequently not been able to money in savings.

I know the people who cannot be covered today because of cancer, diabetes, Huntington's Disease and more.

I am the one who has seen medical bills pile up, for those insured and those not, and see the worried looks on faces.

So today, I am happy there is hope. I am thankful that maybe in the future, people will not need to be so worried about the ones they love. We live in the United States of America, where we have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Seems to me that you need your health in order to gain the other three.

Sorry for the Delay

I haven't been posting much lately, I apologize. I realize I'm probably apologizing mostly to myself, because I haven't been keeping up my promise to write as often as I could here this year. I can't say there was any real definite reason keeping me away, just a general mood and feeling like I had very little of interest to say. Just a bit of the late winter blues, I think. But as the snow has finally melted here in Pittsburgh & spring is just around the bend, I think my desire to spit more frequent blog posts is coming back.

For now, I'll start with some book recommendations, since I finally seem to be back in a reading groove this month as well. While nothing in February grabbed me, March has been a parade of books. I'm reading two more right now and have about 5 to 10 checked out or on the holdshelf waiting for me. Once again, not including picture books nor the social-networking related reading I've been doing as of late.

Keeping with my promise to write a few words here for every 3 books I finish:

This Book is Overdue: How Librarians & Cybrarians Can Save Us All

by Marilyn Johnson

finished 2/28/10

The only book I finished in February, just happened to be one that highlighted my profession. And of course, I really loved it. Written by a non-librarian, Johnson really gives friendly and approachable descriptions of what this job is about. It's the book I want to hand to people (or at least quote) when someone doesn't understand that this job requires a Master's Degree, or makes some crack about libraries being non-existent anymore. This book really isn't meant for librarians, it's a book written to bring a misunderstood and often "forgotten" profession into light during a period of time when libraries are needed almost more than ever. If you're a book lover, a techno-geek, amateur archivist or just someone looking for an interesting non-fiction read, don't hesitate to pick up Johnson's book.

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky

by Heidi W. Durrow

finished 3/1/10

Though I hope I can keep using this phrase as the year progresses, "this is the best book I've read this year." Author Durrow has a handful of different degrees and her intelligence shows through this well-written debut novel. It's a haunting tale of a young girl finding herself living in Portland after a tragic family event. Told through the perspectives of a few different voices as Durrow weaves the moving and touching tale together. You can't help but have sympathy for everyone of her characters and wish that the book was a *little* bit longer. Highly, highly encourage everyone to read this!

Brooklyn

by Colm Tobin

finished 3/5/10

The story of an American-Irish immigrant girl sent to better her life in Brooklyn. A sweet read for this time of year, Irish gals themselves, or those who enjoy "American Dream" books. Readers will be captured by Eilis' hesitations, excitements, romance and family drama as she tries to adjust to her new American life while being pulled back home to her Irish roots. Ever since I checked the book out & returned it, we've been getting a lot of requests for this title at the library. I think it's going to be a very popular book-club read. So you may want to read it now before it's super popular.

And I haven't been out of writing completely. Just busy with library writing. I am teaching classes on social networking next month and it has been very time-consuming getting hand-outs and resources together (and quite frankly, I'm not even quite done yet). I've also been asked and am excited to spin this class into a workshop for librarians in Allegheny County. More pressure, but of the super fun, exciting kind. And the library is now on Facebook and blogging itself. Check out our blog here: http://scotttwppubliclibrary.wordpress.com/

I've been busy, but it's been enjoyable and exhilarating. Lots of projects, many creative outlets and all-around good things.

So, what have you been reading this month? Anything I should check out? Let me know in the comments!

Wishful

The sun is shining, snow is melting. I am beginning to feel rejuvenated and excited about the promise of warm weather. Bicycling, walking, reading in the sun are all just around the corner. This makes me happy.

Now, if I could just find someone to finance a new spring/summer wardrobe. This librarian needs to look good & wants a closet-makeover.

Good-Bye February

Oh, February. Our shortest month, and despite Mr. Eliot's disagreeing assessment, often our cruelest. Throughout the month these things happened: Pittsburgh got pounded with snow, work was cancelled, people tried to use the snow as a way to get out of old fines (we did waive fines for days we were closed due to inclement weather), it was cold, I lost a glove, had little desire to be productive most days, Shawn White & Apollo Ono won medals, and I only managed to finish reading one book.

The last bothered me and I literally went for a mad reading dash this weekend so that I could record at least one new title read for the month (I did read picture books, but as much as I love picture books, they don't count on my own reading quests. I see that reading as "professional" reading for my beloved story time kids). There is just something about the month of February that makes staying inside and being almost useless pretty appealing.

Not that it was all bad. It wasn't. I made headway on a lot of projects this month & continued with old ones. I start Baby Lap Sit next week & I am planning a social media class that will start in April. The Library is on Facebook now & I made a video that shows our patrons how to use the new catalog. All of those things were productive & good, but I'm looking forward to a fresh start & the arrival of Spring.

I like winter. I like sweaters and jeans and wool skirts and white snow. But I like new beginnings as well.

Declaring My Religion

I am not a traditional girl, but I am a fan of tradition. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school for 8 years. I send Christmas cars every year because I love the tradition of personal greetings, but I purposefully pick ones with messages of peace, love & joy versus "Seasons Greetings" or "Merry Christmas." Giving up something for Lent each year (this year Candy) because it feels like a challenge, a way to better myself, and because it feels right.

I suppose there is a valid argument in that I don't really identify myself as a practicing Catholic anymore, so I don't really need to do any of the above. I go to church at Christmas & Easter because it makes my Mom happy and it's tradition. It feels like what you *should* do on those holidays. And those homilies are typically not preachy, but yet have messages of love and peace. The two things that I believe are stronger than any certain religion. I'm not an "see-you-every-Sunday" Catholic because so much of their message is mixed and hypocritical. And often these days, political.

I have faith, yes. I believe that is probably something bigger than all of us that is connecting us all together. But I just don't believe that one god would ever consider himself/herself/itself the right god. What is the purpose of the messages of love and peace, if deep down, we believe that one group is better than another? So my general spiritual purpose just believes that as long as you are putting good things out into the world, you'll be rewarded. Perhaps that means here on EArth or in some heavenly way, who knows. And I believe that if you feel moved to "pray" or talk to some spiritual being, then you should. Whether that's through poem, song, silent thought, or a prayer that remember from childhood, it's perfectly okay to send that out there. Thoughts like those, general are or should be, filled with love and peace. Maybe it's not as simple as the "power of positive thinking," but I do believe that the power of good can change things for the better.

I don't believe that formal prayer has a place in public schools. If we want to have a moment of silence each morning, for students to reflect on their own goals, peace, faith or even just on their hair, then that should be allowed. I don't believe in pushing your beliefs on others and yes, I respect the groups that try to "save" me on street corners, but I don't think it's the best strategy to get people to listen.

Religion is a touchy issue, I get that. But I also think that if we all spent a few moments reflecting upon what it's like to live in someone else's shoes, we wouldn't be so wound up in our own beliefs, habits & ways of life. As more good is being put out into the world, I think we'll be okay.

What are your traditions?

Oh-Oh-Oh-Olympics!

When Vancouver was announced as the official city for the 2010 Winter Olympics a few years ago, I felt certain that I would be out there in the Pacific Northwest enjoying International festivities. Obviously, I was very, very wrong. Instead, I'm watching NBC jump from event to event, feeling sorry for Vancouver as it seems every day there is another problem. From the devestating to the mundane, it seems as if the Canadian host can't seem to catch a break. Tonight, it's the speed skating track having too many grooves or generally not being smooth enough. I just watched some very angry coach and a very concerned "ice master" (how do you get to be THAT for a living? Awesome) try to complain about/fix the problem.

But man, do I love the Olympics. Yes, they are very political but where else can you have all type of nationalities in one place?! And it be happy?! I love what they stand for: peace, dreams, accomplishments, dedication and can think of few other events that bring people together across borders.

So far my favorite story from the Games has been that of Alexandre Bilodeau, the Canadian who won his country's first gold medal in a home Olympic game. Bilodeau won for Mogul skiing and his run was pretty amazing to watch (I wish I had better adjectives, but I know nothing about this sport). I feel that typically the figure skaters get so much of the press time and it was nice to see a different sport be featured at such length over the past day. Plus, if you haven't seen the video NBC on him and his older brother with cerebral palsy, I encourage you to find it. I have never seen anyone cheer so strongly after any type of game than his brother after his gold-winning run. It's a tear-jerker, for sure.

What does bug me about the Olympic Coverage here in the US though, is NBC's monopoly of the Games. Like I mentioned above, it's too jumpy and it seems as if we never get to see an event from start to finish. Though it's a little better in the winter because there are less sports, I just wish we could see more of everything from start to finish.

I lived in Greece during the 2004 Summer Games and Greece made sure to have a Grecian person in every event (no small accomplishment for a small country). In order to do this, they opened the doors to anyone who had Greek heritage (I think it had to be Mother/Father, Grandmother/Grandfather) and wanted to try out for their teams. To show their support of the Games in their home country, they had every news channel covering the games and made sure to broadcast every Greek participant on air. While also managing to cover the "big" events/matches that were not Greek (USA's men's basketball, for instance) at least part of the time. I just admire that commitment and pride in athletes.

Now, I'll always love the Summer Olympics more than Winter, but since I've been to both Athens and Atlanta (and am contemplating the London Games in some dreams of mine) it's a life-goal to get to a Winter Olympics at some point in my life. I didn't make it to Vancouver because graduate school, new life paths and little money stood in my way...but dare I say bring on Sochi, Russia.

Oh, and my favorite Winter events? Luge, Hockey, Speed Skating, Ice Skating & Ski Jumping.

Who is coming with me? Which games are your favorite?

What Games do You Play?

We're about to close what looks like the last snow day from Snowmegeddon 2010. Sure, some of you teachers still have tomorrow but we all know that it has stopped snowing and Pittsburgh is moving on. Hopefully everyone has had time to relax and enjoy doing what they love the most: reading, watching movies/trashy TV, writing, crafts or doing what needed to be done: laundry, cleaning, studying, shoveling.

Last night The Boy took a break from his grad school reading and writing and played a game of Banannagrams with me. I'm a fan of board games and am usually trying to find a way to sneak one into my week. However board games do not quite make as many appearances in my daily life as I'd like and tonight I tried *unsuccessfully* tried to rope my Mom into playing a game of Bookopoly with me. Hence my sadness and undying love (it is Valentine's Day after all) have materialized in this Top 5 List. Leave your faves in the comments. And anyone whoever has a board game night, let me know.

In no-particular order (because I can never just pick an ultimate):

1. Scrabble

The classic of classic board games. It's perfect for a romantic night with your significant other, a casual game with your parents or for a party. I have fond memories of the 5th grade Scrabble competition Mrs. Fiori put on and I secretly covet The Official Scrabble Dictionary. I don't consider myself a naturally competitive person, but this is one game that I hate to lose.

2. Apples to Apples

The new modern favorite! Best played with a few glasses of wine/pints of beer and a really funny/smart/goofy group. The only down-side about this game is playing it with people who only take it very seriously...but thankfully they are few and far between.

3. Battleship

My love for this game started in the 4th grade on those days that we were forced by Mother Nature to have indoor recess. Everyone in my Catholic grade school class always wanted to play Connect Four and I never really got to play a game of Battleship. So I asked for it for Christmas and go to play it to my hearts content at home. I was a geek even back then.

4. Pit

I had never even heard of this stock-market trading game until last Christmas when I went to Ohio to meet The Boy's family. It gets loud and crazy as soon as the game begins and I itch to play it with a group of friends. The Boy bought me my own version of the game (after a year of searching) for Christmas this year. But it remains unopened as it's been a very hectic and rough few weeks since the holidays. And playing it with my family could mean trouble anyway.

5. Candyland

The best of nostalgic games. I played this game so much that it's cardboard box became too damaged and I had to cart the pieces around in plastic baggies. I would play it right now, even without preschoolers. And I really, truly, deeply want to put on a life-size version at the library some day.

Board Games!

Weather Man-Mania

The Boy has been poking a bit of fun at me, calling me an old lady. Under normal circumstances this "term of endearment" would come after I started a new knitting project or put pajamas on at 6 o'clock, or after expressing my love of slipper socks, but thanks to the snowstorm, I've heard it because I have been referencing my favorite weather man a lot lately.

I love Jeff Verszyla. KDKA has always been my go-to channel for their news. The hometown advantage won me over at an early age, probably because it's the channel my parents and grandparents always chose. But in my heart of hearts, I watch because they seem less cheesy and sensational than our other two network choices here in Pittsburgh and because they were (after all) the first radio station. How can you not love that history?!

But I will also admit, that my loyalty to @Verz (yes, I follow him on Twitter too) is in part of our common bond. We are both Allegheny Gators and I can't help but think that one day, years before I was living in Meadville, he attending a parties at The Barn and loved Springfest with all of his heart. If I ever met him, these would be the questions I would ask him. And then we'd compare notes about the doppler radar and I'd ask him if knew that the person who invented the wind chill was also an Allegheny grad.

Does anyone else have this sort of loyalty going on in their house?Even with someone other than Jeff? Or is it just me who is the lame one? Please, please, tell me I'm not crazy.

Snow My Goodness!

As everyone knows by now, Pittsburgh is smothered in snow. Not as much as our souther neighbors in the DC area, who have been hit more times than I can remember in the past two weeks, but enough to have our city halt.

The Boy and I snuck out of town just before the bit Snowmageddon (is that what we are calling it?) started to fall, but faced above-average inches in Findlay (Home of Big Ben), Ohio. Luckily, the only major fallout from the snow was a cancellation of the Boy's nephew's basketball game and some snow drifts that were up to my waist. The roads were bad in Findlay, but since it's flat as a pancake in there and the Boy's car has 4-wheel drive, we were fine to make the 10 minute trip from his mom's house to his sister's. And we had a lovely, relaxing "Extended Christmas" playing with the Wii, getting tickled by nephews and eating. Our trip home was uneventful, the roads cleared...that is until we reached PA. Yes, the highways and local roads were bad once entering our home state, we did see 6 tractor trailers jack-knifed or abandoned (as well as one bus on its way to Wheelings Downs), but we made it home *thankfully* in one piece.

Which brings us to today, and the third day of no work, no school, no class. The library opened its doors for a few hours on Tuesday, but as soon as the snow started falling, we locked up and headed home. The local school district has already called for a Snow Day tomorrow and, thanks to our policy, we close when they close.

And other than a few little twitches of stir crazy, it's been nice. I've cleaned house a bit in my time off, cooked a meal, baked some cookies (from scratch)!, played lots of Doodle Jump, read, played my first game of Bannanagrams, prepped for story time, spent too much time of Facebook, watched bad TV, listened to episodes of This American Life (thanks to their awesome new app) and slept in. Tomorrow I plan on tackling a new knitting project and hopefully visiting my Dad who is still in the hospital (but doing well).

Maybe it's the kid in me, and maybe it's the woman who was a teacher after college, but I love a good snow day. And I'm entirely grateful that I still work in a profession that calls snow days. One more reason to embrace libraries and non-profits! Though it could be viewed as an excuse to be lazy, I like to think it's just a guaranteed way to make time for yourself and start/finish things you've been putting off. Who doesn't like lounging in comfy clothes and eating comfort food? It's a win-win.

How have you been spending your snow days? What is something you've been meaning to do but keep putting off (like really, I should use this time to do my taxes but alas, my W2 is at my parent's house, not the boy's).

Congrats Saints!

I am very happy to see the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. I love stories of cities triumphing and underdogs. Yet no Super Bowl is all that exciting if it lacks the Steelers.

So, here is my favorite Super Bowl Commercial:

What was yours?

Happy Things

My Dad's infection came back yesterday, bringing about a very long and worrisome day for my family and our close friends. I appreciate everyone who has been sending good thoughts/meals/love our way. But thankfully, this time it seems that even though the doctors aren't entirely sure where it started in his face, they were able to scrape out what they saw in the CAT scan during surgery yesterday. Dad is doing very well and is in his own private room with nothing, other than the infection and antibiotics, being monitored 24/7. He should have to stay in the hospital 4 to 5 days before coming home with antibiotics. Things are serious, as to be expected with this type of infection, we are extremely relieved and hope that things continue to progress well. Please, keep sending the positive energy/prayer/love.

So I'm counting small and big things of happiness this week:

My Dad coming out or surgery relatively healthy and strong. He is his old self and I can see him happy to be getting better, even with this setback.

Wonderful co-workers who understand that sometimes we are needed elsewhere and step in to cover when things get tough.

An iPhone app (by the way, I have the iTouch, not iPhone) that lets me listen to all the "This American Life" for $2.99. If I want to buy, instead of stream, I can pay 99 cents. AND IT'S CATEGORIZED: by episode, tv, radio, favorites and commentator! all the way back to 1995. I can already feel this being trouble.

A trip to Findlay, Ohio to visit Jim's family for a belated Christmas. We've had this trip planned since my Dad started to show signs of recovery, put it on hold last night, but were told by my Father to go today. Jim has been absolutely the best boyfriend ever during this hard time and completely missed the holidays with his family. I am excited to finally be able to spend some time with them this weekend...and give his nephews Christmas gifts!

Snow! We'll be on the road early tomorrow morning and *should* miss the bad traveling weather. So that's why I can say this and shake my little nerves away. But it's winter, winter should be cold and have snow. I'm glad we're getting more of the white stuff, as long as everyone is safe at home with their milk, toilet paper and a good library book.

Alright everyone, have a happy, safe, warm and lovely weekend!

What I am Reading

I've pledged to keep everyone posted on my own reading progress this year, 3 books at a time. And I'm happy that I managed to finish 3 more books by the end of January, making my total for the month, 6 finished books (and probably 2 or 3 more started and not finished).

I'm Down

by Mishna Wolfe

finished 1/17/2010

A more laugh-enducing that tear-jerker of a memoir, Wolfe tells the story of growing up white in an all-black neighborhood, with a father who doesn't realize he himself is white. Young Mishna is half-precocious and half-oblivious making for a witty read that keeps its audience entertained. It's a perfect selection for "go-out-and-get-'em" women and outcasts. Or those who are anxiously awaiting the newest book from funny-lady Chelsea Handler.

When We Were Romans

by Matthew Kneale

finished 1/24/2010

Told from a little boy's perspective, readers slowly gather information to piece together the reality of a woman who believes her ex-husband is out to harm her family. Motivated by fear, the narrator's mother moves the family to Rome where they must rely on the kindness of old friends until the truth comes crashing in around the little boy. A moving read and fitting for those who were fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

finished 1/29/2010

The 2010 Newbery Medal Winner! Truthfully, I had not encountered this book before ALA announced its choice, but after reading it in just one day, I'm a total fan. Stead's book is a perfect blend of coming-of-age, friendship and even science fiction. Set in the late 70s amid preparation for the $10,000 Pyramid (with Dick Clark!) the plot is complex and detailed as it pieces together mysterious clues and changing relationships. A pick for both children and adult-book lovers alike, you'll want to finish it in one-sitting too.

Honestly, these three book were some of the best things I've read recently and I am a bit sad that they all came one right after the other. Sometimes it can take so long to reach a gem and I was lucky enough to find 3 in January alone. Has anyone read any of the above? What did you think? If not, I highly recommend starting one of them soon...and then come back and tell me what you think!

Best Books

One of the projects I want to tackle on this blog is the dissecting and reviewing of "top" books. For awhile, I thought I would tackle the "Best Books of All Time" lists that float around the Internet and be very honest when I had not read something. But, frankly, that's a little boring. I found lists from Newsweek and from Time and the BBC and though I had read many on the list, the ones I hadn't, I had not desire to even attempt.

I was an English major, at a prestigious liberal arts school, so of course I was taught to appreciate good literature and yes, I am a book snob because of it. My own personal taste in reading material tends to attract memoirs and literature fiction, short stories and information books. Sure, I read YA and picture books, but I consider this type of reading "professional development." I read them while trying to capture the eye and mind of children and teens, it's "different" reading. Now, I will absolutely defend your right to read whatever it is you choose to read, but that doesn't mean I have to believe that publishing books about Guiding Light or choosing only to read steamy erotica is the best way to make sure books survive the digital age.

That being said, I thought it would be fun to tackle a list of "Best Books of the 21st Century." Since the list only has a decade to span, I can easily remember the titles and most of them are still being read by those discovering the titles. But I'll be keeping with my idea that I won't be picking up non-read books to read solely for this blog. There are too many books on my own list that I don't need to add more unless I'm compelled too. I'll try to be honest no matter my relationship with the book and I'll try to tell you why 1.) I liked/didn't like it 2.) Why I haven't read it/why I have read it 3.)What I thought about the hubabaloo behind the book if applicable.

Oh, and you may want to know that I'm taking my list from GoodReads' "Best Books of the 21st Century" which is voted on by GoodReads users. So I expect the list to change from time to time, so my Top 100 may not always be what is on their website.

So, here we go with Numbers 100-91:

100: The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason

by Sam Harris

Right away, one I have not read. In fact, I don't even recall being aware of this book. The review tells me it discusses how humans are willing to "suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs." Though I consider myself a more spiritual than relgious person, I could be interested in picking this up. But I want to know more about who reads this before I invest my time. My first thought is "Really?! Best book of the 21st Century"?!

99: 2666

by Roberto Bolano

I haven't read this either, though I think I would. This book takes 5 of the author's "interlocking yet independent" novels and puts them together. Bolano has passed away and I know nothing of his life. Can anyone offer some insight?

98: The Yiddish Policeman's Union

by Michael Chabon

First off, I have to set the record straight & let you know that I am a Chabon-junkie. I love him and his writing style. He brings sentences alive and reading one of his novels is like eating a whole bag of Hershey Kisses in one day. You end up feeling ill from all of the treats. Seriously, he's so good that it's almost an overdose on great writing. Though Policeman's Union is not my favorite of his books, nor do I think it should be the one to break your Chabon-virginity (try Wonderboys first or even Mysteries of Pittsburgh, and then move on to heavier stuff), but it's a compelling read.

97: The Nanny Diaries

by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Straus

I own this book thanks to Half-Price books. I remember picking it up one summer but I have no recollection of finishing it. I thought it was funny/cute but best book of the 21st century? I can't even imagine a real scenario where this could be true.

95: The Bookseller of Kabul

by Asne Seierstad

I first heard of this book through an English friend while I was teaching abroad, but it took me a few more years before I read it myself. I went through a phase when I was reading pretty much anything I could get my hands-on about the Middle East, fiction and non-fiction. Though it's not the best choice when gathering factual information, it's an interesting story that could hook people who have read Hosseini.

94: The Host

by Stephenie Meyer

I have not read, I don't plan on reading immediately. Though because people in the library are reading it, I may eventually pick it up. I just don't think Meyer has staying power and I doubt that in 5 years we'll still recognize this as one of the "Top 100." In fact, I find it hard to imagine anything Meyer writes will be at the top of any "all-time" list unless it's for YA-Vampire fiction.

93: Magical Thinking: True Stories

by Augusten Burroughs

One of Burroughs' books that I haven't read, but would add to my list. Does anyone have an opinion about this book? I enjoyed his brother's book Look Me in the Eyes: My Life with Asperger's more than Burroughs himself.

92: Odd Thomas

by Dean Koontz

I haven never read anything by Koontz and would need a seriously convincing argument in order for me to do so.

91: Kafka on the Shore

by Haruki Murakami

I was a sophomore in college when I first encountered Murakami through a short story that was printed in The New Yorker. I think that was the moment that I new I wanted to get a New Yorker subscription and one of the moments that made me fall in love with the story story. Sadly, I have not yet read this book. Oh, internet voting.

So, should I get flack for not reading some of these books? I haven't read others on the list either and I promise one day I'll create a "Top" list of my own. Who has read any of these books? Which ones should I add to my queue? What would be on your "Top 100 of the 21st Century" list?

More to come in the following days....