The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

When I bought this book, I didn't even know it existed. I was in line at Costco, and the lady behind me had it. I ran to get it because, let's face it, it was a Twilight book.

I started reading this book on Sunday, and was about half way done by the time I went to see "Eclipse" on Wednesday (I don't have too much time to read). I'm glad I did, and was also wishing I had finished it, because it made the battle scene so much more enjoyable.

If you enjoyed the Twilight Saga, you'll enjoy this book. It offers a look into the life of one of the Newborns, one with feelings and a conscience. I just wish it had all turned out different for Bree.

Princess Lessons (Meg Cabot)

Last night, I finished "Princess Lessons" by Meg Cabot. This is one of her Princess Diaries books, but it's not part of the series, per se.

Technically, it's written by Princess Mia, her grandmother, her bodyguard, and her friends. It basically teaches a young lady about how to act like a Princess, even if she wasn't born one.

This would be a perfect gift for a pre-teen. It gives fun, age-appropriate, real-life advice about how to treat people, how to act, and even a few tips on how to dress from Princess Mia's hair stylist and fashion designer. Princess Mia gives her opinion on everything, telling the reader that she should just be herself, too.

As a special feature for this blog, I am going to list the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading level and points for each book that has one. My daughter's school uses this program, and since I'm reading Young Adult books as one of my 2010 Challenges, I thought I'd add this onto my reviews.

So, Princess Lessons by Meg Cabot has an AR level of 6.8 (upper 6th grade reading level), with 2.0 points available.

Project Princess (The Princess Diaries #4.5)

This was a short little book about Princess Mia's Spring Break, and her trip from Manhattan to West Virginia to help build a house for a Habitat-for-Humanity-type charity.

I read it while I was eating at Sonic today. At 64 pages, it was a very quick read. Very good, though. I love Meg Cabot's writing style as Princess Mia.

I am now reading The Princess Diaries #5: Princess in Pink.

The Princess Diaries IV: Princess in Waiting

Because I joined the 2009 Young Adult Challenge, I decided this would be the time to read the Princess Diaries series. I've been working my way through them, and just finished the fourth volume, Princess in Waiting.

This one was, in my opinion, the best one so far! It starts with Mia in Genovia for the holidays, where she is pining for her new boyfriend. When she gets back to Manhattan, her Grandmother (who is NOTHING like sweet Julie Andrews from the movie version!) is trying her best to ruin Mia's life, like always. It has a great, sweet ending and I'm ready to move on to Volume IV and a half.

If you have a tween who loves drama, or are like me and has to read the book if there's a movie, this series is great. I cannot wait until Big Sis is old enough to read this series.

Because of Winn-Dixie

Last April-May, I was in charge of the 2nd grade Reading Group. We read Because of Winn-Dixie.

As the only adult in the group, I thought it was pretty good! It's about a little girl who moves to a new town with her Preacher-father. She's very lonely until she finds a stray dog. It's a very moving coming-of-age story. I have not seen the entire movie yet, but I'm sure that it's not as good as the book. (Are they ever?)

My 7-year-old, who was in the group with me says, "It's a great book. It has lots of experience. And I like the characters."

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.

I'm back

Hi all! After taking a break from blogging, I've decided it's time to come back.

Since my last post, I've read a few more books. I finally finished the Shopaholic books: Confessions of a Shopaholic (which is in a separate post below), Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, and Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Every time I read these books, it really puts into perspective my own shopping habits. However, I really wish my life would turn out like Becky Bloomwood's -- meet a sexy, rich man who loves me despite my shopping habits and who is willing to marry me. Ahhh....if only life were like Chick Lit and/or Chick Flicks. I still have yet to see the Confessions movie, but it's on my list.

All three of these books fall under the 100+ Reading Challenge.


I also attempted to complete the Harry Potter series before Half Blood Prince hit theaters. I started with Sorcerer's Stone, then went onto Chamber of Secrets. By June 1, I was just starting Prisoner of Azkaban, and I realized that there was no way I was going to finish the next 3 as well. So I skipped the rest of PoA, as well as Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. Even though it was summer, I was just not finding the time to read like I wanted (I blame Facebook). I finished Half-Blood Prince on the Monday before the movie came out.

That being said, I was disappointed in the movie, compared to the book. So, instead of waiting to read Deathly Hallows before the 7th movie came out, I read it immediately after seeing the 6th movie. This way, the details won't be so fresh in my mind, and (I'm hoping) I won't be so disappointed.

The four Harry Potter books I read (SS, CoS, HBP, and DH) fall into the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.


I am currently reading The Lovely Bones. I read this book before, but it was back in late 2002 or early 2003 (I know this because there is a Gymboree coupon inside with the expiration date of 3/31/2003). I left it at home last week, though, when I came to visit Grandma, so I haven't been able to read much.

Sadly, I've only hit the 10 book mark by this time of the year. I was hoping to be around 50. I'll just keep on plugging away and start fresh next year. My goal is to be at least to 25 by the end of the year.

I will be working on updating my lists on the sidebar for the challenges, however, I really don't have any reviews of the books to link them to.

If you're on Facebook, I have a book group where we can discuss books. It's called The Laughing Book Nook, and it's an open group. If you're on Facebook, feel free to join!

Until next time...

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Whoo! Another book finished!

First, if you've seen the movie, this is NOTHING like the movie!! Queen Grandma is mean, Prince Dad is alive...

That being said, it was VERY cute!! A quick read, too. If you have older kids, 4th thru 7th, this book would be perfect. And it has Accelerated Reader points!!

I am looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge and the Young Adult Reading Challenge.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

FINALLY! I've finished my first book of 2009!

On Friday, I finished Confessions of a Shopaholic. I've read the book before and I LOVE it.

Becky Bloomwood is a financial journalist who cannot keep her own finances under control. In the end, everything works out, but not without a few mishaps along the way.

I have yet to see the movie, as I was waiting to finish the book. Once I see the movie, I'll be sure to post a review comparing the two. My prediction is that the book is better (it usually is).

I've now started Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. And I'm still working on the other books I've got on my currently reading list.

This book falls under the 100+ Reading Challenge.

A Book Meme

Tena over at Crazy Book Slut tagged me for this meme. This one's a bit different than any I've done on any of my blogs. Here goes:

The book that’s been on your shelves the longest: Wow, I really don't know. I would have to say that it's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) I actually got the first book back in 1999 or 2000, along with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) from my grandma. I read them both in less than a day, then went and bought Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) the very next day. Ever since, I've been in line at midnight to get the remaining books.

The one book I will keep forever is my answer to the next question
A book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time, etc.): I would have to say my complete Harry Potter library, which includes 1, 2, 3 and 6 & 7 in Hardback (4 and 5 were lost after the divorce). I also have 1-6 in paperback, and the 10th anniversary edition. I would like to complete the hardback set, so I have something to pass on to the girls. The paperback set is the one I read. And they're on the list for this year!

A book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used bookstore, prize, etc.): That would be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 10th Anniversary Edition (Harry Potter) I won this one from MomDot, too. I haven't cracked it open, because I am trying to keep it in mint condition. Of course, I say that and it's in a box somewhere, because I just moved.

A book that’s been with you to the most places: Wow, this is getting pretty pathetic. LOL Again, it would probably be one of the two Harry Potter books mentioned in the first question, because I've read them so many times. If it's not one of the two Harry Potter books, it would have to be The Da Vinci Code because I've read that one more than any other on my book shelf, after Harry Potter.

The most recent addition to your shelves: This one's easy. Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1), New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2), Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3), and Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4). I had actually gotten Twilight from Paperback Swap, then I sent it back out. New Moon came from the library. I couldn't wait for Eclipse to get to the library, so I bought it. Then I bought Breaking Dawn. At that point, I couldn't have an incomplete set, so I bought the first two. I'm actually looking forward to reading them again for the Young Adult Challenge.

A bonus book that you want to talk about but doesn’t fit into the other questions: This was really an unfair meme because all my books are in storage LOL I'm really picky about the books I read. I like to stick to authors I know entertain me, but I'm always willing to pick up something new if it comes recommended by a friend. That really doesn't answer the question, does it? LOL


So now, I have to tag people. I hate tagging people, since I never know just how busy they really are. LOL So, if you're here, I'm tagging YOU. Yes, YOU. Nope. Don't hide now, it's too late!!! Have fun!

Breaking Dawn -- FINALLY Finished!!!

Well, I finally finished Breaking Dawn today.

Now, I have fully fallen prey to the power of the Twilight series. I devoured the first three books, and the movie was awesome (more on that later).

However, Breaking Dawn dragggggggggged on. The first two parts were decent. I know a lot had to do with the thoughts of Bella and Jacob, so it provided a real insight to both characters. However, the third part was just, I dunno. Slow. I can't even think of anything to compare it to.

The plot was great. I enjoyed the way it went, and the story line with Renesmee was really good. However, the final scene shouldn't have lasted five chapters. Was it five chapters? Let me check. Ok, it was three. But it felt like five.

So, here is my take, including spoilers:
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Jacob imprinting on Renesmee kind of tripped me out a bit. I don't know if it's because I have girls, or if it's because it happened immediately after birth. And the fact that she'll be fully mature when she's 7? My daughter is 7. It just seems weird.

Alice and Jasper. LOVE them. Loved them in the movie, too. However, Alice just ditching the Cullens ticked me off like it did Bella. And the thing with J. Jenks? There were a lot of times when I was like "Just get to the POINT already!" The book read like talking to my ex-boyfriend. I felt like I was being asked to be a mind reader.

However, once everything panned out, things made a whole heck of a lot more sense. I will defintely be re-reading this series. I have Twilight and New Moon on order from Amazon, and I already own Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I will be taking a break, though. I am on my way to check the box of books I have in the garage.

So, what are your thoughts? On Breaking Dawn? On the whole series?

If you want to give me your thoughts as a guest blogger, let me know, and I'll tell you how to post!

Eclipse -- Twilight Book 3

Wow. Just wow. This series has me in more of a tizzy than Harry Potter did. And the best thing? All the books are out, so I can read them without delay!

I knew 2 days ago I would finish Eclipse yesterday (which I did) so I bought Breaking Dawn from Amazon.

By the way, with Christmas right around the corner, you can get a MONTH free of Amazon Prime, which will give you FREE 2-day shipping, or you can upgrade to overnight shipping for $3.99 per item.

Which is what I did. So I received Breaking Dawn yesterday from Mr. UPS Man. I started reading it this morning (I had obligations last night), and not even one chapter in, I'm hooked.

But since this post is about Eclipse, maybe I should be talking about that?

*****SPOILER ALERT*******











I love the connection between Bella and Jacob. While I think that Edward is the better choice for her, what girl wouldn't want a guy to pine after her? I also enjoyed the battle at the end, and the team work of both the vampires and the werewolves. Like Bella, I just wish they could all get along! Reading into Breaking Dawn, I see that Seth and Edward are friends, but I know nothing more than that (please, no spoilers in the comments for Breaking Dawn, only talk about the first three books).


If you have something more to say about any of the first three Twilight books, let me know, and you can be a guest blogger!!!

Harry Potter -- 10th Anniversary!

As most of you know, I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I have all the books in both paperback and hardcover. I was at the book store at midnight when they were released. I'm at the theater on opening weekend when the movies come out. I'm highly disappointed that the 6th movie is coming out in July instead of November.

Let me tell you how I came to know Harry Potter. It'll be short, I promise.

I was living with my grandparents, and my grandma's coworker had given her a box of books. I looked through them, and one of the books was called "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I'd never heard of it, but it looked pretty interesting. So, I read it. In one night. Inside the front cover was information about a second book. So, the next day, I went to Target, and there it was: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." I was hooked.

As soon as the rest of the books came out, I was there. As soon as the movies were being shown, I was there. If it's "Harry Potter Weekend" on ABC Family, I'm watching (even though I own all 5 movies on DVD).

Now, here's the fun part!

The Harry Potter Series is turning 10 this year!!! To commemorate, a new version of "The Sorcerer's Stone" has been designed. Features include the following:

• New Jacket artwork by Mary GrandPre
• Additional four-color frontispiece artwork from Mary GrandPre
• Two pages of special content from J.K. Rowling
• Full cloth case with gold stamping

Over on MomDot, they are giving away amazing Harry Potter prizes worth $315!!! Grand prize is the COMPLETE box set of books #1-7, a copy of the 10th anniversary edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and a collectible gold Harry Potter pin.


Four runners-up will receive the 10th anniversary edition of the "Sorcerer's Stone" and the collectible pin.

For more information about the contest, head on over to MomDot's Harry Potter Contest Page! Then, head on over to the Scholastic website for more Harry Potter information, including wallpaper and screensaver downloads!

Wouldn't one of those prizes be an AMAZING Christmas present for the Harry Potter fan in your life?

Just Watched: "The Other Boleyn Girl"

That was horrible.

It was NOTHING like the book. I'd hate to give it all away, and I NEVER say this, but WATCH THE MOVIE FIRST!!!

If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, seriously, watch the movie first. You won't be disappointed in the movie, then, when you read the book, you'll be even less disappointed.

Granted, if I had only watched the movie, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it. But I'm a "read-the-book-first" kind of gal! But at least the "Harry Potter" series didn't disappoint!

So, there you have it. My opinion on the movie "The Other Boleyn Girl" after having read the book first.

Just Finished: "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

Wow, this book was very good! I actually finished it on Friday, too.

I really don't know what to say about the book, but I do know that it made me think about things. The most obvious, of course, was death, but it also made me think about how life works.

If you read it, you'll see what I mean. There were a few moments I teared up. I recommend it if you haven't read it!

(Kira: I think your dad would like it!!!!)

Next up: The Chronicles of Narnia. I decided to read this book now because I have a 7th grader who is dealing with reading comprehension issues. So, I asked her to read it. I told her I'd read it too, and we could "discuss" it. I also found some online resources for it, so I'm hoping it works! Then, maybe I can sponsor a movie night for my students!

Just Finished: The Undomestic Goddess

I finally finished "The Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella! It took me a while to get into it, and then it was slow at times, but I did enjoy it.

The only thing that irked me a bit was the ending!!! No "5 years later" or something.

Is there a sequel?

I enjoy Sophie's books, and I recommend this one! It proves that there's hope for all of us!








Next book I'm reading?

"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom. It seems like it'll be a quick read for me, and I need something right now that I can read with my increasingly short attention span! I've also considered just re-reading the Harry Potter series starting with "Order of the Phoenix." I'll probably wait until after I read "Twilight" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" though.

Just Finished: The Other Boleyn Girl

WHOO!!! I'm FINALLY finished with this book!

And WOW, was it good! Very good! I knew how Anne's fate ended...we all know if you paid attention in history class. But the rest of the ending was bittersweet.

And every part of me was excited reading this book: the history lover, the girl who used to live in England, and the woman who loves a good sappy love story.

If you haven't read this, I highly suggest it. I'm waiting now to see the movie. There's no movie rental place here, and we're saving right now, so no Netflix. I have a friend visiting this weekend from Arizona, so I'm going to see if she can stop and rent it for me.

I'm not sure what I'll be reading next. Any suggestions from my "to be read" list on my side bar? I'm thinking something light, probably "The Undomestic Goddess."

Tuesday's Happenings!

I woke up at 4am because Honey's alarm was particularly loud. He ended up not going to work today, so we slept in until 10am.

I got up, and worked on my homework. He woke up at 12:30, and started working on court paperwork. He has a hearing on the 23rd for child custody stuff. I made lunch: egg salad sandwiches and Doritos.

I then brought in some boxes to unpack. We went to the post office, where I received four books: Junie B Jones is (Almost) a Flower Girl (this one's for Big Sis), The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Undomestic Goddess, and The Pact. All of these were recieved from PaperBackSwap. The three books will be up for swap after I'm done reading them.

We also went to the store, where we bought some ground beef for dinner (Hamburgers) and a 5lb bag of potatoes (for tater salad). Honey's working on my car, and will be leaving to pick up E in about 20 minutes.

I also woke up this morning with a mild sore throat. I should have expected it, since I'm supposed to be at Disneyland on Thursday. I'm always on some sort of medication when I'm there...either for allergies or a cold or something! I have some Airborne, so I'll take some before dinner. I hate that stuff! Hopefully it'll work!

Here's the recipe I'm using for potato salad:

COLD POTATO SALAD
8 med. potatoes
2 med. onions, chopped
1 1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. horseradish
1/2 c. celery, cut fine

Peel potatoes; slice thin. Cook in salt water; should remain firm. Drain and cool.
Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish and celery. Put a little of the mayonnaise mixture in the bottom of casserole dish, then a layer of potatoes, the onions. Alternate layers. When all ingredients have been used up, sprinkle paprika over top.

Edited to Add: This came out pretty good! I didn't layer it, and forgot the sour cream, and left out the celery! I also added a bit of garlic power, onion powder, lots of fresh ground pepper, and seasoning salt.

Currently reading - The DaVinci Code

I am currently re-reading The Da Vinci Code. I love love this book. I'm at the point where Langdon just went into the Louvre. I have to remember that this book is fiction. After I read it the first time, I researched the Knights Templar and all that other stuff in the book. If you've seen the movie, but haven't read the book, I highly suggest you read the book. It is so very much better.

Today....

...will be BUSY.

It's not even 7am. I've been up since 5. I finished "Something Blue" (more on this later) this morning. I've finished my homework that's due today. In about 20 minutes, I'll be leaving to go back to the old house to finish packing up the rest of my stuff, and to clean.

I have to pick up my paycheck today, too, and deposit that into the bank. Pay car payment and rent. Buy groceries.

My mid-term is at 6pm. I'm nervous beyond belief. I took this class last semester, and while I'm having an easier time with it this semester, I bombed the mid-term last time. I have an A in the class, so I'm not too scared, but I would love to KEEP my A!

Ok, so like I mentioned before, I finished Something Blue. I started it yesterday morning when I woke up, and finished it this morning, at 5:30.

What a fabulous book! I can't remember much of "Something Borrowed," but the first couple of chapters gives enough background information that I was able to enjoy the book. I felt like I *was* Darcy through the whole thing. About half way through, I was expecting an ending fitting for the Darcy we meet at the beginning, but was very pleasantly surprised by the ending Emily Giffin wrote.

I highly recommed this book! It's on both my BC and PBS bookshelves. If you want it, let me know, and I'd be more than happy to mail it off to you! Just a fair warning, though...keep some tissues handy for the last 3 chapters!

So, this will be the last blog from me today, unless I send something via my cell phone. Wish my luck on my mid-term this evening.

Oh, yeah....my girls will be home TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

To Be Read...

Yes, I know. I've posted, like, a million blogs today. What can I say? Honey's been sleeping for hours, I miss my girls, and I'm watching a movie. I'm bored.

So, here's my To Be Read list for the rest of the summer (ok, maybe that's being a bit ambitious...let's say before the end of the year).

In alphabetical order:

1. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown -- I've read The Da Vinci Code already. I've been told this one's pretty good, and that if I enjoyed TDVC, that I'd enjoy A&D.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown -- yes, I know I just said I've read it. But I'd like to read it again, probably before I read Angels & Demons.

3. Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottoline -- Never heard of the book or the author. But while I was unpacking, I found it, in hard cover. I suppose I should read it before Swapping it, since I probably spent good money on it! Don't worry, you'll get a review once I'm finished.

4. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold -- I think I've read this one before. But again, I found the hard cover while unpacking, so I figure I should read it.

5. Lucky by Alice Sebold -- this is apparently a true story about Alice Sebold's attack while she was in college. I've not read this one, but it looks interesting!

6. Naked Prey by John Sandford -- Another hard cover book I found while unpacking. No idea what it's about, but I'll read it anyway!

7. The Regulators by Richard Bachman -- ok, this is Stephen King using a pseudonym. I know I've read it before, but that was back in high school. So, I'll read it again. This one will probably stay in my permanent collection.

8. Something Blue by Emily Giffin -- this is the one I'm reading right now. Well, will start reading as soon as I can get off of the computer long enough to actually read it!

Also, I would like to re-read the Harry Potter books, starting with Order of the Phoenix. "Half Blood Prince" is scheduled to come out in theaters November 21, 2008, so I want to re-read it before that! And when Deathly Hallows came out, I read through it so fast because I wanted to know what happened!

So, who wants to start taking bets that I won't finish them all before New Year's Eve?