So I have kept a list of things to write about. But then I got pregnant, and we were moving again- back to Regina. and I wasn't going to spend 9+ months complaining or complimenting prenatal, perinatal,postpartum and parenting books, though trust me, I could. WHAT CRAP is out there is astounding. And it is only now that my sweet daughter is 2 months old that I'm starting to read again. I still want this blog. I still want to make it work one day. I have lots of great recommendations and links for my friends. But alas, I am failing at blogging. So I am going to give it a few more months and see how the reading and schedules go and I may relaunch. Or maybe I'll restart as an online book club since I can't seem to find one because my evenings are busy but my days are looong and drawn out right now. Hmmmm.... I am reading How to Survive in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu if anyone wants to join me! :)
In the meantime... keep fit and have fun??? lol nope. see. I'm so uncreative lately I can't even come up with my own "see you later"... how abouts just keep on reading anything and everything.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach
So occasionally I like a good science fiction novel. Particularly when the reviews come in as being the Douglas Adams of our generation (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fame). Now I had put two books on hold at the same time. One was a non-fiction book that Brad was interested in and the other was such a book as described above. So when Packing for Mars came in I mistook is for a funny sci-fi book that I had ordered, when in fact it was the book for Brad- and am I ever happy to have made this mistake.
I got about 10 pages in and thought, gee this doesn’t read like a novel. I looked at its call number and behold! It’s non-fiction! So having been already hooked by a hilarious intro involving monkeys and sex, I decided to make a go of it. And I will forever love Mary Roach as a result. First, she’s a woman. Second, her books are all science based. Third- they are absolutely hilarious and informative all at once.
This specific book is her newest and latest and is about science exploration. B O R I N G in my world. Never would I pick up a book where the prime location of most of its content takes place in a NASA lab or space shuttle. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. But this book was insightful, didn’t make many assumptions of its audience in the way of knowledge or vocabulary, and informed me that sex in space is a very serious topic!
Nearing the end there are a couple of chapters I breezed over because they did get a little “sciencey” on me, but when Brad was home on weekends we fought over who got to read it until I was done. In fact, I never read the last chapter because he took it to Regina and returned it in Regina and I never got it back! Hrmph!
Anyway, so if you’re looking for something a little different I highly recommend Ms. Roach. I have also read Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex and found it just as funny and informative. Who knew!
I know this review doesn’t go into the specifics of the book but I can’t do it justice explaining what this book is about. If I told you it covered the intricacies of relationships on the international space station, covered the history of launching monkeys into space,and science experiments on gravitational pull, I would worry it will start to sound boring. But know that there is dead bodies, sex and alcohol, as well as swearing and university student shenanigans throughout the book- and its all true! So just go read it, and trust me. Its funny. Even my hubby gives it 2 thumbs up.
I got about 10 pages in and thought, gee this doesn’t read like a novel. I looked at its call number and behold! It’s non-fiction! So having been already hooked by a hilarious intro involving monkeys and sex, I decided to make a go of it. And I will forever love Mary Roach as a result. First, she’s a woman. Second, her books are all science based. Third- they are absolutely hilarious and informative all at once.
This specific book is her newest and latest and is about science exploration. B O R I N G in my world. Never would I pick up a book where the prime location of most of its content takes place in a NASA lab or space shuttle. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. But this book was insightful, didn’t make many assumptions of its audience in the way of knowledge or vocabulary, and informed me that sex in space is a very serious topic!
Nearing the end there are a couple of chapters I breezed over because they did get a little “sciencey” on me, but when Brad was home on weekends we fought over who got to read it until I was done. In fact, I never read the last chapter because he took it to Regina and returned it in Regina and I never got it back! Hrmph!
Anyway, so if you’re looking for something a little different I highly recommend Ms. Roach. I have also read Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex and found it just as funny and informative. Who knew!
I know this review doesn’t go into the specifics of the book but I can’t do it justice explaining what this book is about. If I told you it covered the intricacies of relationships on the international space station, covered the history of launching monkeys into space,and science experiments on gravitational pull, I would worry it will start to sound boring. But know that there is dead bodies, sex and alcohol, as well as swearing and university student shenanigans throughout the book- and its all true! So just go read it, and trust me. Its funny. Even my hubby gives it 2 thumbs up.
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
So 2. 5 months ago I said I had to books to give you reviews on and was excited to do so. And then....what happened? I can't actually say. I can't even remember what books those are! But tonight, I have one for you. Largely because it is a book that may or may not be done at the Library book club once I'm gone and moved on, and it was on my to read list anyway. It was a fun book, and here is my review.
And for the record I hope that this will get better once I am no longer trying to work full time, take care of the dogs, sell a house and be pregnant. I am hoping that I can settle back in to some semblance of a normal reading schedule in the somewhat near future. But that could also be my naiveness as a new first time mom too. Who knows.
OH! I just remembered one of the books from 2.5 months ago...And I shall review it. I will work on it immediately following this post. It was another non fiction and I loves it. My husband loved it. I almost gave it to my brother for Christmas. Anyway-that one is by Mary Roach. I love her.
Now, back to Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
At first I was sorely disappointed. If I’m going to read non fiction I want to feel educated, like I understand something new for reading it. Hence, I expected this book to give me an insight into the Mennonite culture…and I’m still not sure I really got that. I got sarcasm. I got humorous stories. I got a world that is full of contradiction and different viewpoints-not unlike my own (which was refreshing in its presentation). Sure there were some culture specifics-terms that are never explained, unique foods and hymns. But I didn’t come away feeling I knew anything more about the Mennonite culture and faith, nor really about the author, something essential to me in a book calling itself a memoir.
But Chapter 10 kind of saved the book for me. What she does examine is religion and this is a great chapter where she changes her voice and brings you into the discussion. She challenges you to consider things, as she did. She shares anecdotes that finally feel meaningful. That I enjoyed. And even as the rest of the book proceeds there is a new “coming together” of most of the rest of the book.
The sarcastic appendix was of little help to anyone wanting serious answers though.
The book is self depreciating, humourous and read like chick lit. Not a waste of my time but something I am still up in the air about actually recommending. I think if someone who traditionally enjoyed Sophia Kinsella and ilk but wanted something different, I would suggest this. It would be a great book club book for a club who likes mostly lighter reads but wants something different and doesn’t mind approaching the topic of religion. I still stand by that I was expecting I am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby with a slight sense of humor and got Sophia Kinsella with a touch of culture.
Now to go review the stuff from 2 months ago!
And for the record I hope that this will get better once I am no longer trying to work full time, take care of the dogs, sell a house and be pregnant. I am hoping that I can settle back in to some semblance of a normal reading schedule in the somewhat near future. But that could also be my naiveness as a new first time mom too. Who knows.
OH! I just remembered one of the books from 2.5 months ago...And I shall review it. I will work on it immediately following this post. It was another non fiction and I loves it. My husband loved it. I almost gave it to my brother for Christmas. Anyway-that one is by Mary Roach. I love her.
Now, back to Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
At first I was sorely disappointed. If I’m going to read non fiction I want to feel educated, like I understand something new for reading it. Hence, I expected this book to give me an insight into the Mennonite culture…and I’m still not sure I really got that. I got sarcasm. I got humorous stories. I got a world that is full of contradiction and different viewpoints-not unlike my own (which was refreshing in its presentation). Sure there were some culture specifics-terms that are never explained, unique foods and hymns. But I didn’t come away feeling I knew anything more about the Mennonite culture and faith, nor really about the author, something essential to me in a book calling itself a memoir.
But Chapter 10 kind of saved the book for me. What she does examine is religion and this is a great chapter where she changes her voice and brings you into the discussion. She challenges you to consider things, as she did. She shares anecdotes that finally feel meaningful. That I enjoyed. And even as the rest of the book proceeds there is a new “coming together” of most of the rest of the book.
The sarcastic appendix was of little help to anyone wanting serious answers though.
The book is self depreciating, humourous and read like chick lit. Not a waste of my time but something I am still up in the air about actually recommending. I think if someone who traditionally enjoyed Sophia Kinsella and ilk but wanted something different, I would suggest this. It would be a great book club book for a club who likes mostly lighter reads but wants something different and doesn’t mind approaching the topic of religion. I still stand by that I was expecting I am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby with a slight sense of humor and got Sophia Kinsella with a touch of culture.
Now to go review the stuff from 2 months ago!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Great Googa Mooga, it's a new entry!
Holy Cows, I have read! That is right, after close to 4 months of not reading anything more than Sheldon comics and Pearls Before Swine comics, in the last two weeks I have put away 2 books and another 2 books halfway through.
I still don't really understand why I hit a dry spell. Maybe I couldn't bring myself to read knowing how much else there was to do, even if I was procrastinating and not doing what needed to be done. Maybe it was the "pressure" of now having a blog about the books I'm reading-like there are many of you reading this.
Maybe I was watching too much TV. But now that the fall schedule is back I seem to PVR Glee on Tuesdays, SYTYCD is over, and Thursdays is Big Bang THeory and I wait till hubby is home on the weekend to watch that.
Maybe its also the realization that is absolutely no more than 5 months from now I will no longer be working at a library and will be able to discuss books 100% uncensored! Woo woo!
In the meantime I am excited to say that I have read two books and both I think will interest you! So until then my friends...
I still don't really understand why I hit a dry spell. Maybe I couldn't bring myself to read knowing how much else there was to do, even if I was procrastinating and not doing what needed to be done. Maybe it was the "pressure" of now having a blog about the books I'm reading-like there are many of you reading this.
Maybe I was watching too much TV. But now that the fall schedule is back I seem to PVR Glee on Tuesdays, SYTYCD is over, and Thursdays is Big Bang THeory and I wait till hubby is home on the weekend to watch that.
Maybe its also the realization that is absolutely no more than 5 months from now I will no longer be working at a library and will be able to discuss books 100% uncensored! Woo woo!
In the meantime I am excited to say that I have read two books and both I think will interest you! So until then my friends...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
So, it's been a while...
I feel really guilty guys. I had beautiful intentions for this blog. And I still do. But it seems like the minute I started the blog, I stopped reading!
What?! Taren stopped reading? Yah, kind of. I have only read the library book club book and re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows since my last post. So the question is, why?
Well, as the two of you who I know read my blog already know, I found out in July that I am expecting! Which is really exciting and also meant I dropped all other reading for What to Expect When You're Expecting. Then I even gave up on that.
And I don't know I just have fallen off the wagon in favor of the TV. Likely because I can fall asleep while doing that where as I get soo involved in my books I have a hard time putting it down.
I'm slowly getting back into the "mode" of reading but its still just fluffy books that I want and none of which are worth discussing here.
So to tide you over I have recently discovered that someone told the entire Hamlet play by Shakespeare in social media updates. It really is hilarious.
What?! Taren stopped reading? Yah, kind of. I have only read the library book club book and re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows since my last post. So the question is, why?
Well, as the two of you who I know read my blog already know, I found out in July that I am expecting! Which is really exciting and also meant I dropped all other reading for What to Expect When You're Expecting. Then I even gave up on that.
And I don't know I just have fallen off the wagon in favor of the TV. Likely because I can fall asleep while doing that where as I get soo involved in my books I have a hard time putting it down.
I'm slowly getting back into the "mode" of reading but its still just fluffy books that I want and none of which are worth discussing here.
So to tide you over I have recently discovered that someone told the entire Hamlet play by Shakespeare in social media updates. It really is hilarious.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Oprah's Declaration of Reader Independence
So you may have read this, and I may be a little slow, but I'll be honest. I avoid Oprah. I have a personal issue not to be discussed here that generally makes me loath her and what her talk show does for people who watch her day in/day out.
However, in her defense, she has done a lot of good things too. And this Declaration of Reader's Independence is funny and Dead On!
So please, enjoy:
It is my independent right to:
1. Not finish a book, whether you've read to page 10, 50, or 250. (But if it's Ulysses, you get points just for getting past page 1.)
2. See the movie first—especially if you've heard the book is kind of lousy; the movie just has to be better.
3. Read two books at once—and occasionally get the plots mixed up.
4. Reread a childhood favorite. But be forewarned: Charlotte still dies.
5. Judge a book by its cover. Or its title. We defy you, for example, not to pick up Mary Roach's Bonk, which, um, scores on both counts.
6. Wish that Cormac McCarthy would use a little punctuation now and then.
7. Be miffed if your friend doesn't like a book you recommend. On the other hand, you have our permission to be miffed if she gets miffed when you don't like the one she recommends to you.
8. Ignore memoirs by people who have barely cracked their 30s.
9. Declare yourself unmoved by the existential struggles of vampires, zombies (even those in league with Jane Austen), talking dogs, or what we worry is the next trend: scary-smart monkeys.
10. Believe that books can be magic carpets to enchanted lands, even while realizing that they're inanimate objects made of ink and paper. (Unless they're e-books. And it's okay to love those, too.)
For the full article and more of Oprah's books, etc. see here.
However, in her defense, she has done a lot of good things too. And this Declaration of Reader's Independence is funny and Dead On!
So please, enjoy:
It is my independent right to:
1. Not finish a book, whether you've read to page 10, 50, or 250. (But if it's Ulysses, you get points just for getting past page 1.)
2. See the movie first—especially if you've heard the book is kind of lousy; the movie just has to be better.
3. Read two books at once—and occasionally get the plots mixed up.
4. Reread a childhood favorite. But be forewarned: Charlotte still dies.
5. Judge a book by its cover. Or its title. We defy you, for example, not to pick up Mary Roach's Bonk, which, um, scores on both counts.
6. Wish that Cormac McCarthy would use a little punctuation now and then.
7. Be miffed if your friend doesn't like a book you recommend. On the other hand, you have our permission to be miffed if she gets miffed when you don't like the one she recommends to you.
8. Ignore memoirs by people who have barely cracked their 30s.
9. Declare yourself unmoved by the existential struggles of vampires, zombies (even those in league with Jane Austen), talking dogs, or what we worry is the next trend: scary-smart monkeys.
10. Believe that books can be magic carpets to enchanted lands, even while realizing that they're inanimate objects made of ink and paper. (Unless they're e-books. And it's okay to love those, too.)
For the full article and more of Oprah's books, etc. see here.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Books and the beauty of technology.
So this weekend, not feeling overly ambitious, I finally read a book. I have felt horribly guilty not reading lately but I just couldn't bring myself to do it and I've no idea why. But I did it. And it wasn't that good. Highly disappointing. So what was this book...well, you know how I was telling you about Spanking Shakespeare earlier? Well I read Jake Wizner's second novel Castration Celebration. With a title like that I was giggling before I even read the book. However, it wasn't as fun to read as Spanking. He even pulled a few teacher moves-paralleling Shakespeare in the book. But the jokes are lame, the rhyming isn't that witty, the plot line is more predictable than my breakfast when there's only one box of cereal in the house. And for me, what seems like one of the most interesting side plots doesn't even get reconciled. That all being said if you're looking to read a book/play about Much Ado about Nothing set in a summer arts camp with semi funny modern teenage humor, it's worth the 4 hours that it takes to read it.
Now, my main reasons for writing today. I know I have a tendency to rant about technology and its ill effects on literature. But I want to say I'm not against it. I, for example, have learned about soooo many books I likely would never have heard of if it wasn't for the world of the internet. Harry Potter would never have got so big if it wasn't for the internet. I wouldn't have found out about this kids book called It's a Book by Lane Smith if it wasn't for the internet. And most importantly I wouldn't have witnessed one of the sweetest moments of my week last week if it wasn't for the internet.
You see, with Estevan booming the way it is in the oil patch we often take temporary boarders to help us pay the mortgage or save for a trip-whatever floats our boat. And right now we have a guy from BC with two little kids back home. The other night he came home with a brand new Dr. Seuss book in his hands and I questioned him. And he told me that it was almost bedtime for the kids and that his job is to read them their bedtime story. So, just like the cute computer commercials you see on TV that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, he actually uses SKYPE to visit with the kids every day and read them their bedtime story every night. These kids may grow up missing their Dad as he travels around the country working but what a precious connection they will forever have to books, bedtime stories and thier father. And without the internet or SKYPE that never could happen. Awwwww, I love you technology!
Now, my main reasons for writing today. I know I have a tendency to rant about technology and its ill effects on literature. But I want to say I'm not against it. I, for example, have learned about soooo many books I likely would never have heard of if it wasn't for the world of the internet. Harry Potter would never have got so big if it wasn't for the internet. I wouldn't have found out about this kids book called It's a Book by Lane Smith if it wasn't for the internet. And most importantly I wouldn't have witnessed one of the sweetest moments of my week last week if it wasn't for the internet.
You see, with Estevan booming the way it is in the oil patch we often take temporary boarders to help us pay the mortgage or save for a trip-whatever floats our boat. And right now we have a guy from BC with two little kids back home. The other night he came home with a brand new Dr. Seuss book in his hands and I questioned him. And he told me that it was almost bedtime for the kids and that his job is to read them their bedtime story. So, just like the cute computer commercials you see on TV that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, he actually uses SKYPE to visit with the kids every day and read them their bedtime story every night. These kids may grow up missing their Dad as he travels around the country working but what a precious connection they will forever have to books, bedtime stories and thier father. And without the internet or SKYPE that never could happen. Awwwww, I love you technology!
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