Reading

I've been really lucky at work recently, what with only having three clients and all. Especially since two of my client's are really low impact. I've had time to actually do paperwork AT WORK, ya know...when I'm getting paid instead of at home for hours after work. Since I've had practically no paperwork I have been reading a lot. Which is VERY GOOD because I have Y'all Fest in November and I'd really like to have read at least one book by each of the authors who will be there. Right now I'm reading a lovely steampunkish novel called The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge and The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell.

I'm not certain what exactly The Vespertine is about, but it is one of the most amazing books. The way Mitchell describes her MC's thoughts and feelings is incredible and I am completely in love. And honestly, I think that says something about Mitchell as a writer. Usually if I get seven chapters in and have no idea where the story is going I toss the book aside and try again later. I never want to put The Vespertine down. There is a sense of elegance and mystery in the book. Set in the late 1800s in Maryland it focuses on girls who are attempting to find husbands. A common practice back in the day. There is also a flirtation with the occult, the girls sneak off to see a medium and I'm pretty sure that they plan to start dabbling as well. Soon I will be reading about seances and spirits. Already the MC has "seen" the future. I'm not sure that she has actually had a vision or if her imagination has ran away with her.

In short this book is beautiful. I have a (very, very sad) Tumblr account that is rarely used, but as I've read this book I've posted quotes from the book. Actually I think that may become the reason for my Twitter account. To post book quotes and such. It's hard to fit them all on Twitter and really I don't see the point of posting a three sentence quote HERE because apparently short blogs are of the devil! In short: If you are looking for an awesome historical fiction book check out The Vespertine.*

*Even though I have no real idea what the book is about or what is going on. It is still WONDERFUL!

2010 Challenges

Why do I do challenges? Mainly because I love to read and I read without abandon. By doing challenges my reading goes in a direction. Sometimes the challenges make me stop and pick up a book that I usually would never consider. Sometimes the challenges just encourage me to work toward a random goal. Regardless of the reason, challenges are fun and they give me the opportunity to keep track of what I read throughout the year. Last year I only completed two of the four challenges that I tried. This year, I am trying more challenges but they are more topical than others. Most of these I will put in the sidebar, but some I will do in the both the sidebar and the original post.

Here are the challenges that I will keep track of only in the sidebar along with the link to the sign up pages

1. The 100+ Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog
2. 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog (I will do at least the "Stepping It Up" challenge, but most likely I will end up reading enough to qualify for the "Super Size" version.
3. Celebrate The Author hosted by Becky's Book Room
4. Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog (I will probably only commit to doing the "Mini Challenge" for this one but maybe more.)
5. Gilmore Girls Challenge hosted by Lisa (for this one I am only going to commit to the "Emily" level, but I would really like to complete the "Rory" level.

So, this is to just get me started on various challenges. I'm also planning on doing a few others that just looked fun, and I'll post more about them later, along with the books I have chosen for those challenges. If you want to join any of these challenges just follow the links to the sign up pages for more information. Also, leave me a comment so we can be challenge buddies!