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.