Shattered Sun

Woot! Did y’all know that Tuesday, March 2nd, Dr. Seuss would’ve been 100 years old? I adore Dr. Seuss! Sam’s school participated in the celebration by reading with the local fire department. It was all part of Read Across America. Why we limit it to only America, I’m not totally sure. I bet Dr. Seuss would’ve rathered it have been called Read Across the World since he loved all children everywhere.

When I was teaching Sam how to read, one of his favorite books was The Cat in the Hat. He could say it with me as we were reading it at bedtime. There is nothing quite like watching a child giggle and laugh about something silly in a Dr. Seuss book. Ironically, I have never read to him Green Eggs and Ham. Not because of the whole Sam-I-Am business, but just because I never made it a point to get the book. Everyone always asks me if he’s read it yet, lol.

Anyway, I hope that y’all enjoy Dr. Seuss as much as I do. My favorite Seuss book is “Oh! The Places You’ll Go!”. What’s yours?

For no reason what so ever, I picked up Hope’s End by Stephen Chambers when I was at the library. I also picked up the sequel, Hope’s War while I was at it. I finished Hope’s End and while it’s good, I found it a bit hard to follow at times. There were a lot of things that didn’t quite make sense or add up. It was like when I saw the Matrix movies and there was information in the first one that was explained in the second one, etc etc. Basically, Hope’s End was written with the intent of a sequel book. At least, that’s how it felt. I can’t say that’s bad but just not my preference for reading. I want to know what happens now! No delay, lol. Anyway, read on but be aware that I will be mentioning characters and spoilers. (more…)

I finished Ender’s Shadow this morning and that is one amazing book. It’s a parallel novel to Ender’s Game, though I think it’s best that it was written after Ender’s Game. Personally, while not a sequel, I believe that there is knowledge in Shadow that would sorta ruin the twists in Game. But that shouldn’t come as a shock, since there is a large gap between when the books were written and this one deals with many other topics that Game does not focus on. The most amazing thing about Shadow is that it really is focused on Bean and explores his background and future while also giving more insight into the other children that played parts in Game. It also gives more insight into Ender, since you see him the way one of the children see him and not as the adults see him or as Ender sees himself. Very nice addition to Game’s views. I don’t believe that Shadow is really on the same level as Game as far as concept goes, but it explores areas that are definitely unique and worthwhile. If you haven’t read this or Game, go to your library and get them both. You’ll find that they’re hard to put down once you’ve started them.

Part of my goals for this year is to help my children realize that reading is good for more than just video games and homework. They don’t really get it. They haven’t found the world that your mind’s eye can see and enjoy. Their imaginations aren’t really hindered, but they just don’t have the same love of reading that I’ve had all my life. I want them to grow to enjoy reading, if nothing else. So, to that end, I’ve started 30 minutes of reading each night, to be done just before bed. And today we went to the library and got them new library cards. Even Zack, since he’s five now. Zack is more interested in the card than the books, lol! I hope that they’ll change their minds about reading.

While we were there I picked up some books for myself, so I’ll be reading some of the good stuff from Orson Scott Card. I really wanted to check out Mystic River, but all the copies were checked out at the local branch. At some point I’ll probably have to place it on hold, lol. I’m looking for some good suggestions, both fiction and nonfiction, if you have any!

Ooooo, there are so many good books out there! This past fall I read Flashpoint which is a very nice murder mystery. The characters are imperfect, which makes it all that much better. Just watch out for some of the details! There were some descriptions that just made me want to throw up!

Currently, I’m reading Gone For Good at Damon’s suggestion. He was even nice enough to let me borrow it! It’s incredibly intriguing thus far. I can’t wait to see what happens in it. It’s the type of book that you don’t want to put down because you want to find out exactly what the heck is going on and going to happen!

I’d like to read Tell No One next. Coben has really got his hooks in me with Gone For Good and I hear that Tell No One is equally thrilling.