I waited a long time to pick up this book, but I am SO SO SO glad I did. I have always loved Maggie’s writing and her stunning prose continues in The Scorpio Races. She has a talent for stringing words together in a musical way. I actually listened to this book as an audiobook which is harder for me to like generally. However, the writing was so lovely and the narrators’ voices so perfect for the characters, I refused to get out of my car because I needed to keep listening. Seriously, I sat there for an hour just to hear more. Steve West should make a recording of him reading the dictionary because I’d buy that just to listen to the soothing timbre of his voice. I don’t think I’ve been that relaxed in ages. Fiona Hardingham is amazing too.
But I digress, the story of The Scorpio Races is unique. The capaill uisce are dangerous sea horses who who run on blood lust and the siren call of the sea, and they are as lethal as they are beautiful. Sean and “Puck” are beyond endearing protagonists. They are both loyal, protective, fierce, passionate and stubborn. It’s a perfect match. I am head over heels for this story, for the Thisby island, for Kate Connolly and Sean Kendrick, and for the deadly Scorpio race that rules them all. I only wish I had entered their world sooner.
Overall: A
This book is out now from Scholastic. The audiobook is from Scholastic Audio. You can get your copy here.
I listened to Live Wire on audiobook. You know I have this love/hate relationship with audiobooks because I like listening to them when I drive; they make me feel productive. However, listening to a book is different than reading it, and I notice things much more as I hear them. For example, this book was reptitive in phrases, annoyingly so, which is something I don’t think I would have realized in print. Also, I hated these looks back into the past and this connection to the fiance who wasn’t present for any of the book. I just did not care. The plot was good though as far as mysteries are concerned; for the life of me I couldn’t figure out the connecting thread. I will say I appreciated the introduction of the nephew, Mickey, who now has his own YA mystery series with Shelter. In short, a mixed feeling on this one.
Have you ever hated a band so much that you want them to retire? Apparently, that’s the case with James Burns who hates Weezer enough he started an online campaign for their retirement. He is hoping to raise $10 million to send them into retirement. He’s at $12 now. Weird? Yep.
Burns claims that Weezer has not produced great music and this has greatly disappointed his friends who are fans….so clearly: “This isn’t about me. This is about Weezer fans…This is an abusive relationship, and it needs to stop now. I am tired of my friends being disappointed year after year.”
I think that’s a little crazy. Well, a lot crazy. I mean I hated Eric Clapton’s Me and Mr. Robinson but that doesn’t mean I think he should stop making music or that there aren’t people out there that probably liked that album.
What I do think is awesome is Weezer drummer Patrick Wilson’s response to Burns via twitter ”If they can make it to 20, we’ll do the ‘deluxe breakup!’”
Hat tip to Marginal Revolution for the story. Hit the title link for their post.
I’m loving the new Envy on the Coast album, Low County. It’s the perfect mix of southern rock, poetic lyrics and angry yelling. Check it out cause I Love love love it!
Finally the public library took all my suggestions and bought the books I’ve been recommending them to buy for the past six months! HOORAY! In this pile was The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg.
Penny Lane Bloom is the girl that represents every teen girl. She was a helpless romantic who conjured up an image of this boy in her head that was completely unrealistic and then got her heart broken when he acted like the selfish idiot he was all along. But Penny Bloom is also the girl who realizes that when your heart is broken the only thing you can do is focus on yourself and your friends. Thats exactly what she does and in doing so causes a revolution. I thoroughly enjoyed Penny, her quirky parents, the Beatles references, the boy who shows her not all men are evil.
Song: The Beatles “Penny Lane” OBVI.
Overall: A + for authenticity and an inspiring tale for all teen girls.
According to his ex-wife, Tupac Shakur was once offered the role of “Bubba” in “Forrest Gump.” Thankfully he turned down the role, claiming the script wasn’t his cup of cognac.
Although it would have made one hell of a soundtrack…
The Pope recently released his list of the top ten Rock Albums he’d listen to on a desert island. Topping the charts is the Beatles “Revolver”. All in all, the Pope’s got decent taste in music!
Finally a book that surprised me! It has been quite a while since a plot twist snuck up on me. That is why I give a resounding endorsement to Evernight by Claudia Gray.
Characters: Not only did I immediately connect with the protagonist, Bianca, but I stayed connected with her throughout the twists and turns of the entire novel. She isn’t whiney, she isn’t afraid of decisions although they may be difficult, she has both brains and heart. Additionally, I love both the male leads. Have I found book heaven or what?
Plot: As stated above, it surprised me and frankly that makes this one extraordinary book. There were two twists, one which I suspect and another that blindsided me.
Writing: Strong, but typical for age group and genre.
Overall: A + +
The Sequel: Stargazer
Characters: as lovable and fallible as ever
Plot: Not as clever as the first book’s plot twist, but still a great twist nonetheless.
Writing: same same.
Soundtrack Song: Addison Road, “All That Matters
Overall: A
Frankly, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! This hasn’t happened since Harry Potter/Twilight.
So I orginally was very anti-blog. I thought that the only people who blog fall into two categories, gossips or egocentrics. Considering I’d rather not partake in gossip in writing and I have no false belief that my life is so riveting that people want to hear every detail of my life (also the reason I don’t tweet). I have, however, over the past few months come to appreciate blogs as a medium for writing, disseminating ideas and discussing the world around us. I now even have 4 blogs in my Google Reader. That being said, I miss writing a lot more than I thought I could, and this little blog provides a good outlet for me to write.
Now that you know my motivation for beginning this blog, let me tell you what it will be about. Primarily, this site will be about books, food, and occasionally music, because those three things to me are the triumphs of civilization.
I read. And by read I mean currently on average 2 books a day. I read books only in a single sitting, unless it cannot be avoided. Once I begin a book, I have to finish it—even if it is the worst book I have ever read. I literally cannot sleep at night if I don’t know how the story ends; I need that completion to move on. Here, I will post my reviews and thoughts on the things I read, not only books but articles in print and online, signs, ads, and frankly, anything that tickles my fancy.
I listen. I like music, just about everyone does. But I like music when its unknown and new. I dislike it when little known artists that I love become big and famous (good for them! they deserve it! yay your dreams came true!). I like to think they are my secret; the knowledge of which is to be shared only with a few privileged people. I’m an elitist in this sense (and it applies to books too, as well as almost everything else in my life). Sharing music here or at least letting you know what I am listening to may help cure me
