Friends in bookstore places.

Some say it pays to have friends in high places.... I prefer to have friends in bookstore places. You may have noticed if you clicked on the link to my latest read that it has yet to be released. That is because I've got an awesome bookstore connection! My friend Madison hooked me up with the advanced copy of "The Clockwork Angel." My friends who have read Cassandra Clare's previous series "The Mortal Instruments" were all drooling over the book! My two updates for this post prove that I have met my monthly quota of Your Adult Science Fiction. I think I'm craving something a little more mature....

Update Book 58: WAKE my Lisa McMann

I need to be a little less trusting of Amazon.com's "If you liked this, you may enjoy this," recommendation pages. Although "Wake" was entertaining enough, it doesn't match up to the other YA novels I've enjoyed in the past such as "Maze Runner," "Hunger Games" or "Graceling."

The story is of a girl named Janie who gets sucked into people's dreams. The idea is somewhat unique, but the story is incredibly predictable. This makes for a good filler book. Unfortunately it is a trilogy and I will probably read the next two since curiosity always gets the better of me.

Update Book 59: The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

As I mentioned before, I read Clare's previous trilogy "The Mortal Instruments," and loved them. So I had some pretty high hopes for this one. This series is actually a prequel to "The Mortal Instruments." I really enjoyed this book, but was a little disappointed that all of the characters were basically the same as in her last books, just with different names. This could also be considered a good thing by many readers who would enjoy that. Also, something that bothered me is that on top of vampires, fairies, demons, angels, werewolves, and nephilim they throw in robots that are covered with human flesh. Did I mention this book takes place in London during the late 1800's? Anyways....

Setting aside how predictable this novel is I can say that I honestly enjoyed this book for what it is and can't wait for the next installments!

A few quotes I enjoyed from this book....

"One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."

"I've never seen anyone get so excited over books before. You'd think they were diamonds."-Will

"Well, they are, aren't they?"-Tessa

Hot town, summer in the city

I used to pride myself on being an every season kind of girl. I liked each one for a different reason, at one point I might have even told you that Winter was my favorite (with skiing, christmas and my birthday.) but, as I've gotten older it has become clear to me that this is no longer true. What I actually enjoy is the changing of the seasons. The first month or so of a season when the air becomes a bit brisk as the leave turn, or theChristmas spirit is in the air, or when everything begins to bloom. The one thing I never get sick of? Summer. Sure, I can image I would hate to live in a world of perpetual July, but I don't think I would mind an extension of the warm months. I guess you could say here in the Pacific Northwest we appreciate good weather a bit more that other places do.

I know I've said all of this before, but I just can't get over how good I've felt since Summer hit! I am actually going to admit that I'm sad to be taking a trip in August. Why we never plan anything for the grey month of January is beyond me! Some favorite photos from Summertime past:

A good Summertime quote:

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."

-Bill Watterson, "calvin and Hobbes"

Update Book 57: Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

I know I already mentioned this book in my summer reading list, but I feel I should expand upon my thoughts. Obviously since I recommended it for a beach read, I liked it.

This is the story of Tessa and Valerie. Tessa is Nick's wife, Valerie is the woman he cheats on his wife with. The chapters switch back and forth between the two women. Sometimes I hate this style, but in this book it was done well. All of Tessa's chapters are from the first person, while Valerie's are from a narrator. I felt that this was an interesting way of writing a novel about infidelity. If it had been only from one of their perspectives it would have been easy to villainize the other. As it is, you (for the most part) understand where both of them are coming from.

Emily Giffin has a way of completely captivating me. Her novels usually involve some sort of infidelity. They are about how difficult a relationship can be and how easy it is to let temptation in. What I enjoy most about her books is that they are quick reads. What's unique is that Giffin also has the ability to make you feel really connected to the characters. I couldn't put this one down.

Farmer's Market

Want to see a perfect Seattle day? Well here ya go!

This is view from Gasworks park. The weather the last few days has been simply marvelous! The fantastic weather made me realize something about myself, I am much happier and productive when the sun is shining. Even if I am inside on sunny days I am a million times more active. In the two days I had off during our hot spirt I organized my entire house, including my closet!

I also spent a lot of times with some of my wonderful friends. On Saturday and Sunday I went to two different Farmer's Markets. The first was in town and I have to say I wish we lived in a society where went to buy fresh produce and baked goods daily from the source rather than from a supermarket where everything has been chemically treated to ripen. At a farmer's market, you know where it comes from and it is fresh. My plan for this week is to make some Vegan Zucchini Bread. I'll share the recipe because it is so stinking delicious it would be a crime not to!

Vegan Zucchini Bread

Preheat oven 325, grease and flour 2 9x5 bread pans

3 cups flour- whole wheat

3 tablespoons flax seed (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon arrowroot powder (optional)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini

First bowl: whisk together flour, salt, flax seed, soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and arrowroot.

Second bowl: mix together applesauce, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add Zucchini

Fold both together.

Divide between pans.

Bake 50ish minutes until your toothpick is clean (in my oven this is more like 70 minutes.)

Cool in pans for 10 minutes the on a wire rack.

My second market experience was the Sunday Fremont Flea Market. Part farmer's market, part swap meet. I always enjoy my time in Fremont. One of the booths is full of furniture and other household items that have been antiqued in funky colors . I love it! Every time I go there I fall in love with something! The best way to describe it would be "Shabby Chic." Think Florals, antiques, distressed, and classic.

Update Book 56: Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

I'm not sure that I could accurately describe this book without giving away a majority of the plot twist and ending. So here is what I will say: This book is about love, forgiveness, guilt, life and death. Most of the time it was predictable but a very enjoyable easy to read book. In about two weeks you will be able to see Zac Ephron in the title role on the big screen. I'll let you know what I think of the adaptation. I'm hoping it will be one of those rare book/movie experiences where I can enjoy them both individually.

Summer Reading.

Oprah has a lot of really great ideas. Along with her "Declaration of Reader Independence," she also came up a list of 26 books you should read this summer. Ok, so maybe a summer reading list isn't the most original idea, but I was still inspired. We all know how much I love making lists, so here is a Summer Reading list that I made up to celebrate the first few warm days here in the Pacific Northwest.

A book you probably cliff noted in high school:

The Great Gatsby.

This book is simple and complicated all at the same time. All in all it is a beautiful novel and one of my favorites. It also doesn't hurt to imagine Robert Redford in the title role.

An edge of your seat mystery:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

I don't have much experience with mysteries, but I really enjoyed this one. I've heard from several fellow readers that the ensuing novels in this series only get better. I can't wait!

Books to to steal from a teenager:

The Hunger Games.

This is a series (next installment out August 24th). They are brutal and wonderful all at the same time. You will not be able to put these books down.

The Book Thief.

This book moved me like no other novel has come close to doing. The concept is brilliant and the emotions are so real that at times I was overwhelmed.

Something old:

Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Read them both, be impressed that novels written so long ago can still capture readers like they were written today, then decide which sister you think is the better writer (I prefer Charlotte).

Something true:

Fly Boys.

When I originally read it I dubbed it a 'boy book,' but beyond that, this was an awesome book that tells a very important story.

On the beach:

Love the One You're With.

I've loved every book that I have read by Emily Giffin. She tells a good story. At times they are predictable, but that is usually what I look for in a good summer beach read. "Something Borrowed" and "Heart of the Matter" are also 'cantputdownable' carefree books by Giffin.

On a plane:

Ella Minnow Pea.

There are three important things to take into consideration when you are choosing a book for travel, 1. it is light-weight, paperback, less than 500 pages. 2. You aren't embarrassed by the front cover, nor the content just incase someone peeks over your shoulder. 3. It is a good conversation piece. This books hits all the marks! Light, easy read with some good wholesome yet intriguing content.

Something to inspire you:

The Alchemist.

Seriously, if it doesn't then there might just be something wrong with you. The theme is simple, it is never too late to follow your life's dream. Get lost in the feeling this fable gives you.

Well my list isn't nearly as long as Oprah's, but I think it is a good start to your summer reading! Enjoy! Also, I'm looking for some fun new summer reads so start your own list and send it my way!

Update Book 55: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

A classic mystery. Although it wasn't one of my favorites, it was interesting to read and organized in a very unique way. This is the story of Hercule Poirot, an international detective. A murder occurs halfway through his train journey. Because the train had been blocked by a snow drift, only the 13 passengers in the coach can be suspected of the crime. The information is given in a very clean-cut sort of way, there are even diagrams included. There was quite the twist involved towards the end, making this a pretty difficult mystery to figure out.

Agatha Christie is the most published writer of all time. She wrote over 80 novels. As far as I know, this is her most famous. The thing with writers who publish so many books is that their books tend to just be good, not fantastic. Take Nora Roberts or Jamer Patterson for example. They just whip out books every few months. Their books are enjoyable (most of the time), but never deep. Luckily I found "Murder on the Orient Express" to be delightful.

Sunshine and Vampires.

I am blogging in the sunshine! Sitting in my back yard, listing to the creek that runs just behind my house. There isn't a cloud in the sky. Today is supposed to be warmer than yesterday. All I can think is "Welcome summer! We've been waiting for you, and not so patiently I might add." I can truly enjoy the weather today because my lawn is mowed. I know in the past I've complained that laundry is my least favorite chore, but I must admit that it has been bumped from that list by lawn mowing. Mostly because I share part of the green stuff with my neighbor, so whenever he cuts his down, I look like a slacker. Also because conditions have to be near perfect for me to even consider getting the mower out. Not too hot, not too cold, and the glass can't be too wet. So needless to say when I finally get around to it, the grass tends to be around knee length. But! last week the conditions were near perfect and so today I can soak up some rays (with some sunscreen on of course) and enjoy my little backyard of tranquility. As always I seem to have amassed several books to update you on! Even though it has been a whirlwind of a few weeks where sleep has barely ever reached the recommended eight hours, I have still been reading like a mad woman! We can celebrate passing the 50 book mark and the 182 day mark! Where has this year gone?!!!

Update Book 54: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

You know when you are driving down the street and all of a sudden you think to yourself, "I don't remember anything about this drive. How did I get here?!" You aren't sleeping or having a seizure, you are just spacing out. You've made the trip so many times that you just forgot to pay attention. I'm sure that if you needed to react to a traffic situation you could have, but for the most part you are just going through the motions. This happened to me last week as I was driving to my brother's house to see my baby nephew. Instead of keeping on the highway, I made the turn to my parent's house completely out of habit. This is how I feel about my reading experience with Stephenie Meyer's new novella. I read it because I was on my way to see the newest in the Twilight Saga, "Eclipse." For all the excitement I received from reading it, I could have been asleep at the wheel. I was just going through the motions. It wasn't well written, nor did it add to my "Twilight" experience. Basically it was a waste of time. At 178 pages I even considered not adding it to my list. I decided to just because I felt cheated out of the time I could have been spending reading something of substance.

After watching the movie (Yes I went on opening night. I received free tickets, so how could I not?!). My cousin and I decided that this book was written for the sole purpose of having the movie make sense. If Stephenie Meyer hadn't published it, the director would surely have been criticized for taking such liberty with the original story.

All of this being said, when I originally read the books I was smitten! I loved the original "Twilight" novels and would recommend them. I think what has happened here is an author became too famous and thinks her work is more important than it really is. But alas, I contributed by purchasing this book.