Such a clutz. . .off the wagon again

I went to the library to kill time and check my email between things I needed to do yesterday.  Well, all three computers were being used so what did I do. . .you got it!!!  The following books of contraband are now sitting on my coffee table waiting to be read:  Cleopatra, Diary of a Whimpy Kid-The Ugly Truth, The Wedding, The Forgotten Garden, The Red Pyramid.

So, lets see how fast I can get these read along with the new books on my list. . .

The Hostile Hospital

I began to read these books years ago and bought the entire series for the boys.  I made it half way through before life interrupted me, so now I am catching up.

Even though these stories are incredibly silly and outrageous, they are fun.  It shows kids that you can work your way out of anything if you use your brains and try your hardest.  It also helps kids realize that sometimes life is not fair and it takes a while to get through the bad stuff. 

Connecticut Yankee in King Authur's Court

Finally!!!!! This book was difficult to get through.  However, with bribery I was able to finish it.  It was interesting how many themes ran through this book based on the real-life issues that were going on when Samuel Clemens wrote it.  He spoke a lot about slavery, entrepreneurial pursuits, and government. 

I admire the character in this book who tries to instill in people that they have value and can achieve anything they want in life.  Living under an oppressive system which crushes people's ability to think for themselves and believe that they can have a better life is difficult for me to understand.  What a blessing to live in a country where there are so many possibilities and opportunities.  Let's hope it stays that way!!!

The last of the contraband

I have finished the last book of contraband that I got at the library.  This was an interesting look at a woman who runs into an old boyfriend and reignites a friendship with him all the while trying to decide if she is really happy with her marriage. 

Maybe its just me, but why in the world would you even bring that trouble into your life.  In my mind, if you are married, your choice has been made.  Toying with an old romance whether mentally, emotionally or even physically is never a good idea. 

The character did not technically "cheat" on her husband. But in my mind, the emotional energy she invested in this other man is way worse than any physical manifestation.  It was okay, not great. 

3 more "non-list" books

I have finished the Hunger Games series and the Traveling Pants series.  The other book I read is not a series book, but was by an author of another couple of books I have read. 

This series was full of teenage girl drama which is not riveting for me.  I was a little disappointed in some of the situations presented in the books--these are supposed to be for teenage girls, who are very impressionable.  However, the ending sends a good message that we need to make time for our friends in order to stay close.

At first I was hesitant to read these books, based on the premise of sending children into an arean to "fight to the death" for political reasons.  However, the characters find strength to throw off an oppressive government and reclaim their freedoms.  How fantastic that I live in a country where we have a constitution which protects us against such oppression.

 This is a great book about realizing our relationships are bigger than ourselves.  Sometimes we don't always get what we want, but usually we get something better as a result of putting others before ourselves.

Still Off the Wagon. . .but running alongside

I have decided to bribe myself to finish Connecticut Yankee by agreeing (with myself--can anyone say schizophrenic??) to read 5 chapters in Connecticut Yankee in exchange for reading an entire book that is fun to read!!!  I finished the books below and went back to the library on Saturday and picked up 5 more.  Once I am done with the 5 new books, I should also be done with Connecticut Yankee.  If my current pattern holds, I will be done with Connecticut Yankee by Wednesday since I read an entire book yesterday and 5 chapters in Connecticut Yankee.  Here are the books I finished on Friday.

Of course it is a series book (my weakness).  Only one more to go and I am done w/ the series.  I don't know why I picked them up to begin with, but I found myself crying in the first one, so I continued.  BTW, I think Carmen is a total selfish BRAT!!!!

Never thought I would like these books. . .the premise of sending children into "battle-to-the-death" games for political purposes was a little disturbing. However, I have enjoyed them and even got my husband hooked on them.

I have enjoyed these "chick" books.  Nothing educational or deep about them, just fun to read.

I fell off the wagon. . .

So much for sticking to my list!!!  I was forced to waste time at the library waiting for one of my kids to be done with play practice and could not help myself.  Is there such a thing as a readaholic?!?  I checked out these three books and read them in 2 days.  Then to confirm that I have an addiction, I ran back to the library and got the next three in the series.  See what I mean about a series. . .they are addicting.  There is no great moral in these books to be read "between the lines" they are just fun reading.  I am still plugging my way through Connecticut Yankee, but it is not fun!!!!