Currently reading
Mockingjay
Language in Thought and Action
Don't Sleep, There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
Gulliver's Travels (Signet Classics)
A Nameless Witch
Possibly my favorite book, not just by Martinez. The witch is a quirky and fun character, as are her companions. I could read this book over and over again. And it just gets better every time I do.
His Majesty's Dragon
This is everything I want in a book and almost never get. While the Jane Austen sort of language took some getting used to (for me, at least) there was never a dull moment. It was so wonderful to actually lose myself in a book and spend time with characters I loved and characters I loved to hate. Novik knows how to spin a tale in the most satisfying way. I really look forward to the rest of this series. Overall: This book reminded me why I read books in the first place.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World
In the second installment of Scott Pilgrim's excellent adventures, an actual plot develops!And there was much rejoicing.
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life
The first half was kind of boring and the second half was mostly WTF. But Wallace is cool and the seven evil exes look promising, so I'll keep reading...
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
This novella was exactly the right length, with focused prose and engaging characters; I was pleasantly surprised. Bree proved to be a likeable and effective narrator--much smarter than Bella, too. I wasn't really invested in the Twilight saga, but TSSLBT fits my definition of a true page turner.It probably wouldn't make sense unless you read Eclipse first, but I like this book better.
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
I was hoping this would be something like Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott) or Writing Down the Bones (Natalie Goldberg) but it wasn't. The writing was dry and I don't agree with some of the things he had to say about the writing process. Mostly, I was disappointed that I had to skim the entire book to find two or three useful insights that I hadn't heard before. Your mileage may vary.
Blood Oath
The pace of a good political thriller with a supernatural plot--and the promise of a sequel! Can't ask for more, really. Cade has to be one of the most intriguing vampires in contemporary literature and he comes with a dash of deadpan humor, too. I loved the short chapters and the point blank writing. My only complaint: I thought the torture and sex scenes were gratuitous. Other than that, can't wait for the next installment :]
Fool
Another fun tale by Mr. Moore about heinous @$#%ery most foul :) Goes a bit slowly at times, but Pocket is a likeable narrator and there are many laugh-aloud moments.
Gil's All Fright Diner
I loved this book the first time I read it, but now I don't know. I still like the characters, but the book just wasn't as interesting. The humor didn't hold up the second time and the plot seemed dry. Maybe my tastes have changed, or maybe this book just isn't one to re-read. Your mileage may vary.
Twice Upon a Marigold
Definitely not as good as the first, and I thought the ending pushed its morals too hard. The first book didn't need a follow-up and it seems to show in the sequel's stalling plot.
I Kissed a Zombie, and I Liked It
While I appreciated the satirical aspect of the book and all its nods to Twilight, the middle dragged too much for a short work, and the ending seemed clumsy/puzzling at best. Doug's love of building proves to be more of an inexplicable embellishment than anything, and Alley's character changes too quickly to be entirely believable. I was disappointed.
Once Upon a Marigold
The writing is a little rough in places and the beginning is slow, but overall it's an enjoyable story and the action at the end was very exciting.
Candide
Voltaire is very clever and I didn't expect to laugh out loud so much. Unfortunately, the book drags quite a lot. That's my only complaint.
Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1
I enjoyed the art very much--it's detailed and gorgeous, though the cover doesn't do the rest of the book justice. As for the story, well, it's Twilight... again. As if the original novel, movies and what-have-you weren't enough. The graphic novel includes scenes that the movie excluded (good thing? bad thing?) and its more sappy moments are balanced out by the art. I would suggest this for anyone even remotely interested in Meyer's famous (infamous?) series.
Beloved
I had to read this for an English class and wouldn't have been able to understand any of it without my classmates and professor's help. Difficult reading, but worth it for the patient reader. That said, I wouldn't read it again.
