13 posts tagged “books”
I was reading Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Books (such a fabulous site, though I am not a huge fan of romance novels), and this post, as well as the comments that follow, got me thinking.
I buy books as often as I can. I love walking into my local B&N. When I was younger, there was an indie bookstore that my dad would take us to...I would always spend my allowance on the Fear Street series. At some point, this particular bookstore stopped selling new books, moved to the bad part of town, and turned into a haven for bums. There are two or three other family-owned bookstores in Tyler, but they are all the same. Now B&N is the only place for me.
Sometimes, I can't find what I'm looking for, and I buy it online (always from Amazon). It doesn't take as long and is often cheaper than special-ordering it from the store.
When I saw the New Yorker cover, my first reaction was smugness. Then I realized that just because I buy from a local store, doesn't mean I'm any better. That's because I'm buying from a huge chain. It makes me wish we had indie shops that were a little brighter and more organized, not to mention safer. Central Florida spoiled me. Boston and especially Cambridge really spoiled me (there are some Cambridge peeps in the post's comments, and they make me sad with their bragging and I really want to live there someday BOOHOO). I'd have to drive out to Dallas to find anything similar.
I guess it just makes me a little sad that we've all grown so accustomed to convenience, instant gratification, and high-priced coffee that we let ourselves and our local businesses down.
Just a thought.
Stimulus check arrived, and not a moment too soon. I've squirreled away what I could, paid some bills, then went and got some new work clothes and shoes. I was a little naughty, and got three minor things that I didn't need, but wanted.
No more spending. Except for the rum and beer that I'm bringing to Jessica's kegger tomorrow. No more. Nope.
I do need a hair straightener, though.
*ponders*
Do you have any idea how happy this makes me?! DO YOU?!
I'm going to cry.
Look, I really love Miss Austen, so deal with it.
I had the pleasure of watching the 2008 BBC adaptation of Sense and Sensibility earlier this week, and have been tortured ever since by the following question: Which version is the best, the 1995 movie or the 2008 miniseries?
I finally reached a decision, after mentally listing the pros and cons of each.
Sense and Sensibility (Hattie Morahan, Dan Stevens, Charity Wakefield, David Morrissey, 2008): Here we go...I was able to stomach Marianne far more in this one. She wasn't quite so theatrical, and though she was written as such in the book, I find her melodramatic ways annoying. It was nice to finally sympathize with her. I liked Elinor a great deal; she didn't quite match Emma Thompson's emotional range, but I think Hattie Morahan did a wonderful job. With a miniseries, you're able to fit in so much more, like the confrontation between Elinor and Willoughby and a slightly deeper look into Colonel Brandon's past, but I was disappointed to see that Mrs. Jennings and Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, three of the silliest and most entertaining characters, were not as prominently depicted as they were in the 1995 film. Dude, you have to understand, I really liked Mr. Palmer. On a scale of one to ten, the romance in this adaptation hit a solid nine. The opening credits were straight-up "Bow-chicka-bow-chicka bow-chicka bow-wow!" As much as I love Alan Rickman as the Colonel, David Morrissey had me at "Hello." Quiet, with deep-set eyes and a knack for looking downright tortured, Morrissey really takes the cake for "Hottest Duel that I Do Not Believe Actually Takes Place in the Book".
This statement needs its own line: Edward (Dan Stevens) is waaaay too blasted hot and I DON'T EVEN CARE. He is my new James McAvoy. Yes, Leslie, I said it.
Willoughby, on the other hand, looked like a frog. Not good.
The verdict: I will always love the film. It is spectacular, and I have to say that it was what got me into Jane Austen to begin with. But for straight-up romance, it's the BBC all the way, baby.
Did I mention that Dan Stevens is gorgeous? I found this while searching for the pictures above, and I had to share:
And here's the trailer, just for the hell of it.
There is something about walking into the local Barnes & Noble that makes me feel like I'm coming home. I have no idea how to explain this. I got out of work at around 9:30 tonight, and after trying in vain to find a drinking buddy for the evening, I thought, "Fuck it. I'm going to the bookstore. I've been on decaf for weeks now; I'll get just as good a buzz from a frappuccino as I would from a Red-Headed Slut (that's a drink, by the way...you pervs)". Might make the drive home a bit safer, too.
About three minutes later, I'm gathering up my keys and wallet and heading toward those big wooden double doors. I pull one open, and immediately, I'm hit with a wonderful combination of scents...coffee, chocolate, and crisp, blemish-free book covers. In other words, pure heaven, at least to me. Cozy, inviting, and as familiar to me as anything I've ever known.
I browse the stacks for a time, pausing to yank a book off the shelf and read the blurb on the back. I add some titles to my mental list, and try to recall what I added the last time. I should really start bringing a notepad in to keep track. They've got a display up for Breaking Dawn, the newest book in Stephenie Meyers' Twilight series, which comes out in August. I'm so excited. Who thought YA paranormal romance could be so delicious?
I slowly make my way into the fiction section, and I realize that I really, really need to get another copy of Pride and Prejudice, since the three copies I've owned in my life have either fallen apart or disappeared. As luck would have it, they've got a lovely paperback edition on sale for a sinfully low price. Score.
Okay, what next? History, magazines, sex, cooking, mystery, romance? All are inviting, but I glance over at the paperback new releases, and BOOM! there it is. A book that I never remember to buy until I get home or run out of pocket money. A book that has screamed for my attention since October, since my life turned upside-down. It's almost like it speaks to me. Eat, Pray, Love. I have done all three in mass quantities lately. The cover is so simple, so gorgeous.
It's 20% off. It is time.
I feel like I'm embarking on one of those journeys where you know you're going to learn something, but aren't sure what or if you really want to. Who knows? I might hate the damn book twenty pages into it. But I had to have it. Maybe I'll review it later.
I walked out with my treasures in one hand, a coffee in the other, and my keys jangling to the tune of, "Life is grand."
I felt inspired to list my favorite romantic books...don't ask me why:) Valentine's Day is just around the corner, (not that anyone cares, right?) so I figure it's somewhat relevant.
In no particular order, as usual. As you can see, I do not read the traditional "bodice-ripper". Talk to Kristi for recommendations in that area. Rather, I like an subtle undercurrent of romance (okay, maybe not so subtle sometimes) and loads of drawn-out tension. These range from YA to classics, mystery to chick lit, comedy to horror, and so on.
*swoon*
Okay, neighbors...time to share. What are your favorite romantic titles?
I'm reading this book, and thoroughly enjoying it. You know I love continuations of classic novels or characters, and while I'm not a Sherlockian by any means, the female protagonist that eventually becomes his apprentice has already made it into my top ten literary heroines.
I realized early this morning that I had indeed been a fan of Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Jeremy Brett in the eighties. What a looker he was in his youth, and I seem to remember having had a crush on him even during his later years. I always had a thing for older men. He was a terrific Holmes. I really should see if the library carries the series on DVD.
For your viewing pleasure:
(Note: these are in no particular order.)
1.) Crazy Japanese Candy Called Ichigo Daifuku.
At work, we also refer to it as a "breast implant", after its close resemblance to a squishy pink silicone chest enhancement. I have no earthly idea how to describe it accurately, but it's strawberry jam covered in a thin layer of something like marshmallow, which is them surrounded by a thick layer of pink gelatin topped with powdered sugar. I think. Whatever it is, it's delicious.
2.) Absolutely Fabulous.
I love, love, love this show. I want to be just like Patsy when I grow up:) I hold Ab Fab responsible for turning me into an Anglophile. Enjoy a few moments with me now....
3.) Coffee.
Strong, with lots of milk and sugar. Comforting and tasty, I like it best when reading, and prefer it to come in a funky, oversized mug.
4.) Books.
I spend most of my time reading. I read anything I can, even cereal boxes and junk mail. Right now, I'm reading The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs, after seeing it advertised on Crazy Aunt Purl.
5.) Shopping. It doesn't matter if I buy something or not; looking at shoes or purses or earrings makes me all giddy. Favorite stores: IKEA, Pottery Barn, The Body Shop, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Bombay, Aeropostale, and New York & Co. I could spend all day browsing.
I'm reading this book, Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant, a collection of short stories revolving around the experiences of eating alone, whether by choice or by situation. I laughed my ass off at the following passage, taken from Steve Almond's Que Sera Sarito:
"Now: most of my friends are artists of some sort, meaning poor, hungry, aggrieved. They don't do a lot of parsing. My friend Kirk, for example, has been known to finish a meal without (technically) inhaling, after which we often play a game called What Did Kirk Just Eat?
Me: Okay, what did Kirk just eat?
Kirk (after a thoughtful pause): Was it chicken?
Me: No.
Kirk: It had meat in it."
Jeez. It reminds me so much of my brother-in-law, who will scarf down anything and not even realize what he's eating. HIGH-larious. I once watched him inhale FOUR packs of ramen noodles in the time it took me to boil the water for my tea.
You're Watership Down!
by Richard Adams
Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're
actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their
assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they
build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd
be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Hmmm...I can do that. Though I talk more about geese these days than rabbits.
My Groups
-
The Thinking Woman Updated: 31 minutes ago
-
MINERVA: A Global Women's Discussion Group Updated: 31 minutes ago
-
Things on Tuesday Updated: 53 minutes ago
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
