The Fault in My Reading

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that the rest of the world loved but you found really wasn't your cup of tea? That's exactly how I felt last weekend when I finished The Fault in our Stars. The book received great reviews, has been listed on multiple teen reading lists and is beloved by teens and adults alike yet I struggled to even make myself finish the book after one day of reading. Thank goodness it was a quick read and by the next day I was done.

Perhaps it was a wonderful book. I'm just one reader among millions. I'll be the first to admit that I normally don't like bestsellers. That's probably why... This book just became way too popular for me. I tried unsuccessfully to read the Harry Potter series three times. Yes, I am the only librarian who doesn't like Harry Potter. I even come from a family of crazy Harry Potter fans. I've tried twice to read the Shades of Grey series. It was so poorly written I couldn't even make it through the first book. At least Harry was well written. Didn't someone read Shades before it was published?

I don't even know the popular TV shows because I have my head in what some would categorize as an unpopular boring book. 

Well, enough of my rant. Back to The Fault in our Stars. For some reason, I found myself thinking I had read or watched this storyline before. To my knowledge there have been similar books and movies but nothing to this plot line. It was reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks A Walk to Remember, which I also hated although I will admit I was a slight Sparks fan in high school until I realized the books were all the same. It also seemed a little to Lifetime TV for me. I'm surprised they didn't grab the manuscript first for the movie! It's right up their ally!

Some props to John Green because he is a great writer and he does engage the teens. I'm sorry but this former teen librarian was just not impressed. Hey, we all can dislike books. I was disappointed when my book club hated  Maine, which is one of my favorites. We all have different tastes and I guess teen romance mixed with adolescent cancer isn't mine. Don't get me wrong. If I didn't like it, you probably will. So, my friends, give it a try. It is a bestseller after all but do me a favor, don't buy it. Go to the library!

Summer is Here! Finally!

This year more than ever, summer is needed! After a long winter and cold spring, I'm ready for hot weather, reading on the deck, swimming and trips to Lakeside. There's a lot I want to do this summer.

2014 sUmMeR bUcKeT LiSt!!!

*  Have a CAMPFIRE.  *  Go on a HIKE.  *  Have a PICNIC in the PARK.  *  Got to at least 10 different PARKS.  *  Go to an OUTDOOR CONCERT.  *  Go to the ZOO.  *  Play DISC GOLF.  *  TIE DYE.  *  Go to a DRIVE-IN MOVIE.  *  Hang out with all of my FRIENDS. *  Spend all day at a BEACH.  *  Go FISHING.  *  Make POPSICLES.  *  Go ot a FARMER'S MARKET.  *  Go to FLEA MARKET.  *  Ride BIKES. *  BBQ with friends.  *  Play TENNIS.  *  Have a summer CRAFT NIGHT.  *  Play MINI GOLF.  *  Go to a DRIVING RANGE.  *  Go to an AMUSEMENT PARK.  *  Take a ROAD TRIP.  *  Meet NEW friends.  *  Make ICE CREAM.  *  Go to a FAIR.  *  SHOP for honeymoon.  *  RELAX!!!

My Summer Reading List

Last week I made my summer reading list. Yes, I'm a nerd because I'm super excited about reading this summer! This year, I created my list by adding five books I own that I need to read, five that were on beach read recommendation lists and then five from my to-read list accumulated from Barnes and Noble trips.

Here's my list for the summer...

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Island - Elin Hilderbrand

The Hurricane Sisters - Dorthea Benton Frank

The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters - Elisabeth Robinson

Summerland - Elin Hilderbrand

Nantucket Sisters - Nancy Thayer

Dune Road - Jane Green

Palisades Park - Alan Brennert

Where'd You Go Bernadette - Maria Semple

Open House - Elizabeth Berg

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

The Starboard Sea - Amber Dermont

Summer We Read Gatsby - Danielle Ganek

The Matchmaker - Elin Hilderbrand

Beautiful Ruins - Jess Walter

So, what will you be reading pool side this summer? 

Happy Reading!

MaRcH, ApRiL and MAY book recomendations! - Part 1

Wow! I haven't posted a book review/recommendations post since February. It's almost halfway through March. It's not that I haven't read either! I've been on a reading binge. I'm always devouring books but the minute the weather gets nice there is nothing I enjoy more then sitting in the sun on the deck with a good book. In the last two months, I've read a little bit of everything...children's books, YA books, biographies, book club picks, old favorites. Here's a little taste. Maybe you'll find something that interests you. Go to the library, check it out and enjoy it out in this beautiful weather (well, maybe not today).

The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall

This book club pick is a page turner. Don't let the length and Russian theme deter you, its a great read. Read more here.

Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl

A must read for any royal watcher! Kate is such an interesting person and she her and William are adding a whole new light to the royal family. Read more here.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Interesting young adult read! Fans of Eleanor and Park will enjoy the latest by the same author. Read more here.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to post more about my other reads, so this is just going to be Part 1. More to follow this week!

Happy Reading!

Three Year Runner of Steel Veteran

On Sunday, I ran for the hills with all of my heart. This year's half marathon was much different then my previous two runs. It had its up and downs but ultimately I finished. It doesn't matter that I was slow. It doesn't matter that my time was worse than last year. I finished.

It wasn't bad considering that I was still weak and recovering from the stomach virus I had the weekend prior. My training wasn't a complete loss either considering I kept my pace throughout the entire race and I ran more of the mileage than previous years.

The last few days I have had a lot of time to think about the race and what I want to do next. On Sunday, I thought I was crazy and that it was just runner's high but I really wanted to run a marathon. The more I thought about the more I wanted to try.

My plan is to go out strong with a major time improvement in the next half marathon I run. I'm working with a better training plan and will build a better foundation for my running. If my time improves, I maintain my pace and I finish...I'm going to consider running a marathon. Probably not in Pittsburgh...I need flat.

Well, that's my thoughts. I'm proud of myself for finishing and eager for the next race. I'm giving my body time to recover before running again hard core. Until next time, this runner of steel is signing off.