2008-09-13T09:08:00.007-04:00

Hello again!

It has been about a month since I created this blog and posted my first entry. I am a total novice at blogging so I have a lot to learn and am in the process of learning how to link other people's websites within my posts, putting book images in my blog, having icons of the various challenges I am involved with show up on my blog, etc. etc. I reached out to several fellow bloggers for assistance in learning how to do various things and I want to thank M. Smith for her wonderful and kind advice. You can visit her website at Dolcebellezza. Also, Tracy Scott from Shelflife was wonderfully helpful. I appreciate both of you very, very much! One day I will be able to assist novice bloggers on their way to happy blogging!!! I know that sounds sappy, but there is so much learn and although I am enjoying the process, it can be overwhelming. I am excited that I just learned how to use the HTML code to link all of you to the above mentioned blogs!!! I am taking this one step at a time in the learning progress.

What I Have Been Reading:

In August I discovered Vampire novels!!! Who would've known??? Yes, years ago I read INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice and last year I read half of DRACULA by Bram Stoker. I loved DRACULA, but got distracted by it (probably by the onslaught of Library Holds that came in all at the same time) and never finished it.

I also don't usually read Young Adult Books, but last month found myself reading the first two books in the TWILIGHT series - TWILIGHT and NEW MOON. I was hooked!!! Hooked on Vampire books and hooked on Young Adult books!!! In fact, I discovered that Young Adult books are not very different from Adult books. Usually the protagnoists are in high school, but the plots are as interesting to me as any other book I would have the desire to read. So I read TWILIGHT (which I would rate "A+") and then read NEW MOON (another "A+.") I have borrowed Book 3 - ECLIPSE from the library and it is sitting in my TBR pile and last weekend I bought the 4th and final (so far) in the series - BREAKING DAWN.

In the meantime, I started researching this genre and am in the process of discovering other authors. It is very exciting to have all of these wonderful books to read and a whole new world is opening up for me!!!

I had read a couple of books in Christine Feehan's DRAKE SISTERS series and decided to try her Vampire series - THE DARK SERIES so I read the first in the series - DARK PRINCE. Aside from the eroticism (which is out of my comfort zone) I found the plot very compelling and will definitely continue reading this series.

I just finished the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris - DEAD UNTIL DARK. I wanted to finish the first book before it came out on HBO's series TRUE BLOOD which will follow this series. I subscribed to HBO in order to be able to see this series. Anyway, so I was reading DEAD UNTIL DARK and enjoying it when the library notified me that the first book in Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake (the Vampire Hunter) series GUILTY PLEASURES was available. I couldn't wait to start reading this so I started it while I was still reading DEAD UNTIL DARK. Big mistake. GUILTY PLEASURES was proving to be so stupendous that I no longer cared about finishing DEAD UNTIL DARK. But I did finish it and I enjoyed it, but kept thinking about Laurell Hamilton's book. Couldn't wait to get back to it. Watched the first episode of TRUE BLOOD and thought it was fantastic.

So, as of today...I am planning on continuing reading and watching the Sookie Stackhouse series and am in the middle of the first Anita Blake book (GUILTY PLEASURES) and don't want to put it down!!!

I am doing major research about this genre, and have immediate plans to read Kim Harrison and Patricia Briggs. I am also researching fantasy and satirical fiction and have books in my TRB pile by Terry Prachett and Christopher Moore. I feel I am expanding my reading world. I have always had very, very eclectic tastes and read many different types of books.

And in addition to my paranormal obsession, I am also reading:

(1) LIFE AS WE KNEW IT - Susan Beth Pfeffer

Young Adult book written in the form of a teenager's journal about disaster striking the world and how she and her family are coping with the change in the weather patterns/environment. There is a version that takes place in New York City called THE DEAD AND THE GONE. I look forward to reading that one soon.

(2) BEL CANTO - Ann Patchett

Book about the relationship between party guests and the terrorists who are holding them hostage.

(3) SCAVENGER - David Morrell

#2 in the series

Book about time capsules.

(4) THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER - Kim Edwards

Book about a couple who have a Downe Syndrome child.

(5) EAT, PRAY, LOVE - Elizabeth Gilbert

Memoir about a girl's journey through life.

So, please keep checking back as I add more features and share my reading adventures!!! Please post comments as I would love to learn more about you and your blogs, reading recommendations, etc.

Thanks for visiting!!!

Cynthia

Welcome to My Brandnew Blog!!!

2008-08-19T07:16:00.005-04:00

This is my very first blog and I am super excited about taking this journey with all of you!!! Thank you for visiting!!! I am in the process of learning how to create a blog so patience is a virtue - for me and for you!!! I have been in awe of the many beautiful and inspiring blogs I have discovered and this has compelled me to join in and create my own blog!!!

Please subscribe so that you can see all of the changes as they happen!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Cynthia xxx000

Books ~ My Treasures, My Friends

Welcome to My Brandnew Blog!!!