I got so excited about finishing Annie's reading challenge for this year I had to go check out the What's in a Name 2 challenge for next year. Which got me so excited that I then spent an hour compiling my new list (I wasn't very good at sticking to my list last year so I listed a couple of options for some categories in case I change my mind):
Book with a profession in the title:
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Book with a time of day in the title:
Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Book with a relative in the title:
The Favoured Child by Philippa Gregory
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman (also an option for profession title)
Book with a body part in the title:
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (this one is supposed to be published next fall...)
Book with a building in the title:
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
Book with a medical condition in the title:
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What's in a Name Challenge Book Review - On Chesil Beach
I finished my last book in Annie's What's in a Name Challenge a while ago but never did get my review posted and linked up. So here it goes...
For the book with a place in the title I read "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan. This is the only book I have read by this author, but after watching "Atonement" it seems to me that there is a common theme between these two books. A single moment in time, a lone decision, made by one person changes the course of lives forever.
This book is set in the 50s and introduces us to Florence and Edward as they eat dinner in their hotel on Chesil Beach on their wedding night. Edward is eagerly anticipating the wedding night "festivities" while Florence is filled with dread. While it is never clear exactly why Florence has so many issues, it is implied that she was abused by her father and has been left with a serious repulsion for sex. Although she loves Edward, the wedding night is a disaster. I won't give away the ending, but suffice it to say that McEwan creates a story fraught with humanity that is both tragic and beautifully realistic.
This is a relatively short book and a pretty easy read, but definitely not a feel good story. I wouldn't recommend it if the shorter fall days are making you feel a little blue. Although I would recommend it - it is well written and thought provoking.
For the book with a place in the title I read "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan. This is the only book I have read by this author, but after watching "Atonement" it seems to me that there is a common theme between these two books. A single moment in time, a lone decision, made by one person changes the course of lives forever.
This book is set in the 50s and introduces us to Florence and Edward as they eat dinner in their hotel on Chesil Beach on their wedding night. Edward is eagerly anticipating the wedding night "festivities" while Florence is filled with dread. While it is never clear exactly why Florence has so many issues, it is implied that she was abused by her father and has been left with a serious repulsion for sex. Although she loves Edward, the wedding night is a disaster. I won't give away the ending, but suffice it to say that McEwan creates a story fraught with humanity that is both tragic and beautifully realistic.
This is a relatively short book and a pretty easy read, but definitely not a feel good story. I wouldn't recommend it if the shorter fall days are making you feel a little blue. Although I would recommend it - it is well written and thought provoking.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
We're back!
And we had a great time at Disney World! The weather was great and we ran around like crazy people, but we had a lot of fun. And best of all, Bryn had a super time! Pictures to follow soon...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Long time, no blog
My husband informed me that I haven't blogged in a really long time so I figured I'd better go ahead and post even though I have very little news and no new pictures to post!
The kids and I spent some time in Memphis and got to see lots of family and meet my new niece. We got some great cousin pictures but I haven't gotten them on the computer yet. Mema looks good and although we wore her out we had a good time!
We went and saw the Lion King musical last weekend and it was great. And Grant refused to sleep for the babysitter - he decided screaming was much more fun.
We are leaving for Disney World on Sunday...I am trying to pack and get organized. the house currently looks like a war zone...there is stuff everywhere. But I guess I better get my act together because I suspect the plane will leave without us if I do manage to get us and our stuff to the airport!
Just trying to stay sane in the midst of travelling, horrible allergies, field trips, soccer, ballet, teaching and too little sleep. And blog withdrawal as I haven't been reading any either....sigh. Maybe someday I'll get it all done.
The kids and I spent some time in Memphis and got to see lots of family and meet my new niece. We got some great cousin pictures but I haven't gotten them on the computer yet. Mema looks good and although we wore her out we had a good time!
We went and saw the Lion King musical last weekend and it was great. And Grant refused to sleep for the babysitter - he decided screaming was much more fun.
We are leaving for Disney World on Sunday...I am trying to pack and get organized. the house currently looks like a war zone...there is stuff everywhere. But I guess I better get my act together because I suspect the plane will leave without us if I do manage to get us and our stuff to the airport!
Just trying to stay sane in the midst of travelling, horrible allergies, field trips, soccer, ballet, teaching and too little sleep. And blog withdrawal as I haven't been reading any either....sigh. Maybe someday I'll get it all done.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My baby is growing!
Grant had his 6 month check up today...
He weighs 17 lbs 2 oz and is 26 inches tall. He is still under the 50th percentile for weight which is really hard to believe if you see the size of his thighs!
We will see an ENT doc next week to find out whether or not we need to get his little tongue clipped (it is attached way up front and he can't stick it out past his lower lip). I just hope they won't have to put him under general anesthesia to do it if it needs to be done.
Bryn, Grant and I are headed to Memphis on Friday to see Mema and as an added bonus I will get to meet my new niece and see lots of other family, too!
He weighs 17 lbs 2 oz and is 26 inches tall. He is still under the 50th percentile for weight which is really hard to believe if you see the size of his thighs!
We will see an ENT doc next week to find out whether or not we need to get his little tongue clipped (it is attached way up front and he can't stick it out past his lower lip). I just hope they won't have to put him under general anesthesia to do it if it needs to be done.
Bryn, Grant and I are headed to Memphis on Friday to see Mema and as an added bonus I will get to meet my new niece and see lots of other family, too!
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