I loved Hunger Games, the first book by Suzanne Collins. I loved it a lot, we even went steady for a bit. It, for me, was the American version of Battle Royale by Koushun Takami- a incredible book and fantastic Japanese film, as well as a series of manga. Waiting for the sequel was like waiting for my name to be called at the Quarter Quell.
Whatever I had braced myself for in the second book wasn't enough. I thought I had a good imagination, but kudos to Collins for blowing my expectations out of the water without jumping the shark. I won't spoil the book for you, so I won't talk about the plot, but wow. Just wow, Ms. Collins.
Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Prim, and all your favorites are back (sadly no Rue, but she gets a fitting tribute). The triangle that was brewing in the first book is more fleshed out in Catching Fire, but it is never the focus, which is a relief. Unlike other love triangles (Edward/Bella/Jacob or Stefan/Elena/Damon) there's no clear front runner for me. I feel that Katniss belongs with Gale, but Peeta is one of my all time favorite characters that I can't see how Katniss doesn't love him madly. Only Katniss is not me, she's not interested in getting married and having babies. It occurs to me now that Katniss already has raised and taken care of a family, her mom and Prim, and I don't think she can ever truly give Peeta what he needs or deserves.
Something in Katniss is broken, but it's this very aspect that is her saving grace. The death of her father, her mother's inability to cope in the beginning, risking her life to feed and protect her sister, all these events have left a deep mark on Katniss. But they also prepared her to win the Hunger Games, to save Peeta. I don't know that I want Katniss healed, a Katniss that was eager to marry and raise children would be a tragic character departure. Still, I want a happy ending for Peeta....
My solution? Prim for Peeta! It'll be very Little Women, Jo and Laurie can't be together because Jo isn't right for Laurie, and then eventually he falls in love with Amy. Perfect solution for Prim and Peeta.
I know this hasn't been much of a review, but anything I say will be a spoiler, so if you even kinda, sorta liked Hunger Games, Catching Fire will blow your book loving mind. It's a better, richer, more complex novel. There's lots of Katniss, lots of Peeta. District 12 is wonderfully brought to life again, becoming another character in its own right. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hold your breath and almost pass out until you remember to breathe again.
Catching Fire gets a rating of: Midnight Read.
*Dear FCC, despite the fact that I am rigorously recommending this book to anyone that will stand still long enough to listen, I bought the copy of the book myself. Suzanne Collins and her publishers did not solicit my opinion, nor do they return my emails or calls. They do not acknowledge my fan collages or my repeated requests to have my apartment be mentioned as District 0. The two neighborhood children I sent them as tributes were promptly returned, and the proper authorities were called on me.
Here it is folks, my readathon book line up! Mostly spooky tales, and a mix of books that have lingered on my shelf, new books, and even a few "so nice, thought I'd read It twice" book. Okay, this is my 4th or 5th re-reading of It, but I love it more each time!
Starting at the top and working my way down:
Uncle Montague's Tales of Terrorby Chris Priestley- reading this for my book club October selection. It's a children's book so I expect to breeze through it.
Ripped From a Dream: The Nightmare on Elm Street Omnibusby David Bishop, Christa Faust and Tim Waggoner- I've had this awhile and I've read most of the first story, but it keeps getting lost in the shuffle when I move. Who better to read about then Freddy Krueger?
The Vampire Diaries, Vol 1by LJ Smith- again I've read these books before, but I'm re-reading them for the challenge. I bought this book over a year ago, and I still have the original books from my high school days, but they have been read so much that I don't trust them in a fast paced readathon.
Magic For Beginners by Kelly Link- a collection of short stories. I read and LOVED the first story, the second one not so much- which led to me putting it off in favor of other books, but I like reading short stories, and think it'll give me a sense of accomplishment when I finish it.
20th Century Ghostsby Joe Hill- I've heard good things about this short story collection and am currently enjoyingHill's Heart-Shaped Box.
The Best of John Bellairs: The House with a Clock in Its Walls; The Figure in the Shadows; The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring by John Bellairs- Again, I bought this last year in October, but didn't get around to reading it. THwaCiIW was one of my all time favorite books when I was a kid, and I'm looking forward to discovering some of that old magic. Plus, it'll be an easy read.
Generation Deadby Daniel Waters- one of my Bookswim rentals. It's a book I've been wanting to read since it came out, so I thought I'd add it to the readathon pile.
Shadow on the Dialby Anne Lindbergh- Another way back favorite that I bought recently from ebay. It's no longer in print, but Lindbergh's books pwned a whole summer for me. I plan on getting Worry Weekand theHunk-Dory Dairyas soon as I can swing it.
Serena: A Novel by Ron Rash- another Bookswim rental. This book might be a little heavy for the readathon, but ever since I read the inside flap at a bookstore when it first came out, I was intrigued. Since it's on my TBR ASAP pile, I'll try to get to it on the 24th.
Odd Hoursby Dean Koontz- for those of you that haven't figured it out yet, I LOVE Odd Thomas. When this book first came out I read it in a fever, so I think it deserves a re-read. If you are looking for a great, unputdownable book, I suggest the first book in the series, Odd Thomas. Easily one of my all time favorite books, and my all time favorite character (sorry, Mr. Darcy!).
The Mammoth Book of Best Horror Comics edited by Peter Normanton- I have been saving this beauty for an occasion such as this. When I first moved to PA in the 8th grade, one of the things that made it bearable was discovering Tales From the Crypt and The Vault of Horror comic books. I'm not all about the morbid, people, I also still buy the occasional Betty and Veronica Double Digest (except I won't buy them now because I'm super POed that they had Archie pick Veronica, so unless Betty redeems Reggie I will have nothing further to do with that series.).
And Finally!:
Itby Stephen King- I read It for the first time in 6th grade. I have loved it ever since. King just writes kids so freaking well. I am in awe of his talent and imagination. I started re-reading this book some months ago, but honestly put it off for cold, chilly season. Reading it in the summer doesn't have the same effect on me as reading it in the winter, despite the fact that the book takes place in the summer.
Over two days spent sipping peppermint hot chocolate and caramel frappachinos, I read Ellen Hopkin's book Identical. I had been vaguely aware of her work, but hadn't read anything of hers. Then I began a book blog and suddenly I was coming across her name frequently. Banned book week further introduced me to her works as her books are often challenged by parents who like to ban books. Naturally, that made me want to read her books, and then I found out that she writes her stories in a series of free verse poems. As it was a book buying banned week for me, I headed to Barnes and Noble and started reading Identical. The first day I read 2 hours straight, unable to find a stopping point until the Hubs called to remind me that I was suppose to be on my way to picking him up... oops.
Identical is the story of two sisters, identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne. Their parents marriage is falling apart, their mom away on the campaign trail and even further emotionally away when she is at home, and their father is a respected judge with a drinking problem. Years ago, while driving drunk, Kaeleigh and Raeanne's father caused an accident and lost the love of his wife. She began separating from the family, and feeling dejected by his wife, their father turned to Kaeleigh for affection.
Yes, the story contains incest, drug use and scores of other issues that are less than pleasant so it may not be for the squeamish. But more importantly it deals with real issues that face teens, and there is a kind of redemption at end. I really enjoy Hopkin's verse style of writing. I plan on reading the rest of her books simply because I love the style so much. Although this wasn't a happy, happy sunshine book, it was a compelling look at an often secretive and destructive family issue.
Identical gets a rating of : Midnight Read, for it's unputdownableness.
New Rating System: I will be rating books from 8pm Reads to Midnight Reads, Midnight being the best, and 8pm indicating a book you can probably skip in favor of a crappy re-run of a mind numbing reality show.
Here's the rules of the meme (copied word for word from wellreadreveiw):
Grab the book you are currently reading and open to the first page.
Write down the first sentence in the first paragraph.
Create a blog post with this information. (Make sure to include the title & author of the book you are using. Even an ISBN helps!)
Did this first sentence help draw you into the story? Why or why not?
It took me awhile to figure out what book I wanted to read next because of my desire to hoard books for the readathon. However, I've decided to start Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill. I am loving October and the excuse to read scary novels!
First sentence: Jude had a private collection.
My impression of the first sentence is favorable. First of all, I love the name Jude. It's an intriguing first sentence, because now I want to know what Jude collects. It's simple and clean, as a first sentence should be. I also have Joe Hill's short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts, but I am saving that for the Readathon.
I've been wanting to do a weekly themed post, so I thought I do a little meme on a book I've read in the past, long before blogging about books became part of my everyday life. So, here's what you do:
1. Grab a book of your shelf that you have not reviewed on your site (unless you've been blogging a super long time). Selection can either be random, or an oldie but goodie that you're dying to share with people. List title and author.
2. Give a 7 word description of the book.
3. If you can, post a picture of the book.
4. Open the book at random and type the 3rd full sentence found on the right hand page (or the left, if you're left handed- Midnight Book Girl does not discriminate- do both pages if you're ambidextrous).
5. Answer these questions:
1. Did you like the book?
2. How well do you remember it?
3. Would you recommend it?
4. Would you re-read it?
6. Post a link to your post in my comments box, or just answer there if you're not going to post the picture of the book cover.
Here's my Way Back Wednesday book:
1. Witchcraze: A New History of the European Witch Hunts by Anne Llewellyn Barstow.
2. Ways in which witches were woefully wronged.
4. "Likewise the Kent assize reported that Goodwife Swane "vehemently suspected by church authorities [as a witch]," boasted "that she can make a drink, which she saith if she give it to any young man that she liketh well of, he shall be in love with her.""
5. I really liked this book- picked it up my sophomore year in college at a book sale and witches have always intrigued me since I read Witches' Children by Patricia Clapp. I remember reading this book, although I have few memories of it. I would recommend this book to those interested in the history of persecution of women, or interested in anything to do with witches, although the book reads a bit like a text book. I might re-read this book in the future, I lugged it around 4 states, so it's made the shelf cut numerous times.
6. Does not apply to me since this is my blog.
As I have nothing earth shattering to blog about I figured I'd do a meme. It's just a generic one, but anything to fill up my Monday morning is worth it's weight in gold.
1. One book that changed your life?
There are actually two books that changed my life- Firestarter by Stephen King. My Dad, who was a prolific bathroom reader, left this gem for me to discover when I was still in grade school. I struggled through it, and probably didn't understand half of it at the time. But it was the first book I read that was intended for grown ups and it made me feel powerful. It also convinced me never to participate in medical studies as it left me with a deep fear that to do so would lead to me clawing my own eyes out. The other book that changed my life was JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Once I reached the vaulted age of 20 I pretty much stayed away from the Young Adult section of book stores. Occasionally I would dare a quick perusal if no one was around but if I dared buy one I felt ashamed. But then Harry Potter came along, and suddenly it occurred to me that I was only punishing myself by banning YA books from my life. And honestly, YA books have come a long way from when I was a teen. Back then the only author I didn't feel talked down to was Christopher Pike. RL Stine and others (I was lucky enough to be an active reader during the Teen Thriller years) seemed to be writing for a younger audience. Now, however, most YA authors aren't afraid to write how things really are. Any lingering shame was washed away by the Twilight series. My mom loves those books.
2. One book you have read more than once?
A Tangled Web by LM Montgomery. I was never a huge Anne of Green Gables fan, but for some reason this book was pure magic for me. I loved the story of the Darks and Penhallows, it was like reading some kind of soap opera (minus the sex). It's a book that begs to be read aloud, and those are always my favorite ones, because it's almost poetry. I've read this book many, many times. Sadly, I've lost my copy and it's out of print. But I plan on Hubs ordering it for me for Christmas.
3. One book you would want on a desert island?
Just one book? I guess it would have to be the unedited version of The Stand by Stephen King. There's so many layers of that story, and it's such a wonderfully long book, that it would never get boring.
4. One book that made you laugh?
My book club read I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle last year, and it was like a John Hughes film translated on to the page. It had me laughing out loud. One book I love to give as a gift is The Idiot Girl's Action-Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro, I love all of her books. Her life is wonderfully clumsy, just like mine!
5. One book that made you cry?
Books make me cry so easily, I get very attached to characters. A recent book that had me bawling is Jodi Picault's The Pact. I was a snotty mess when I finished that book. I usually try to stay away from books written by authors whom I suspect only write to make you cry (*cough* Nicholas Sparks, Lurlene McDaniel *cough*) but even I make mistakes.
6. One book you wish had been written?
Without a doubt, Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. I love to write, but I am very aware that will never create such a wonderful character and that makes me sad.
7. One book you wish had never had been written?
I have read some truly awful books, but I wish no book un-written, maybe just un-read.
8. One book you are currently reading?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova- actually listening to it on audio, but it's an incredible book. I meant to read this a long time ago, but I had no clue it would be this good. All the hype I'd heard about it is justified. And it's a perfect creepy Halloween read too.
9. One book you have been meaning to read?
I always mean to read more classics, but one book I know I need to read is Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. I really enjoyed the first book in the Outlander series, but the second book is just lingering on my book shelf- staring at me accusingly with it's tangerine orange cover.
10. Now tag five people.
Okay, I'm tagging you, you and you. Oh, and you over there, and you- the one on the laptop. Consider yourselves tagged.
Please bear with me, this is my very first blogger meme!
Here's the rules of the meme (copied word for word from wellreadreveiw):
Grab the book you are currently reading and open to the first page.
Write down the first sentence in the first paragraph.
Create a blog post with this information. (Make sure to include the title & author of the book you are using. Even an ISBN helps!)
Did this first sentence help draw you into the story? Why or why not?
My current read is Graceling by Kristin Cashore
First sentence: In these dungeons the darkness was complete, but Katsa had a map in her mind.
As far as first sentences goes this one is not particularly engaging. The first half is promising- ohh, dark dungeons, but the second half is less intriguing. This sentence is not what made me want to read the book, but it certainly didn't turn me off of it either. I started it after finishing Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, so I'm in the mood for teenagers and dystopias. So far the book reminds me a bit of Serenity (the movie) with a bit of Inkworld and Hunger Games thrown in. Not that it feels like a copy, I appreciate it as its own story apart from all the others. These are just my first impressions. I have high hopes that I'll like this book, as I've read many positive reviews of it. Hopefully I'll have it done by Sunday!
I don't always pay attention to first sentences, but occasionally one will really catch my eye. I normally try to give a book picked from the book shelves a page or two before I decide to read on or re-shelve. I'll have to do a little research and do a post on some of my more favorite opening sentences. Are there any particular ones that stick with you?
Last week I was lucky enough to spend my 7th anniversary with the Hubs on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The house was lovely, the price divine- the Hub's co-worker let us use it! Thanks, Pam!- and better yet it came with a fully stocked book shelf.
I love vacation rentals equipped with books. I've discovered some really great authors and stories quite by accident. Plus I love the idea of a non-reader picking up a book out of boredom and transforming into a book lover. I don't have the statistics on that, but let's pretend it happens at least every once and awhile. And I also love finding an old friend hidden amongst the dusty tomes.
Now I own a lot of Stephen King books, I love finding them in hardback at garage sales and on ebay, and a few of them I even have multiple copies (more on that at a later post). But there are a few I've lost to numerous moves and book loans or ones that I just never got around to purchasing. One of these books is Rose Madder. I remember reading it way back when I was still in high school, but all I remembered was that it was a story of an abused woman who gets an unusual painting at a pawn shop. How I can remember the basic plots of books I read 18+ years ago and yet can't remember more that a few sentences of Spanish that I took for 3 whole years remains a mystery.
There, on the shelves of our little house on the bay (which really needs a Vacation Home Name like The Crow's Nest, or Paradise Shades) was a copy of Rose Madder. The other two books I brought on the 3 day getaway were immediately pushed away. Since the house belonged to a friend of ours and I had no book to replace it, I had to finish Rose Madder while on vacation and leave it behind for the next lucky house guest.
I began reading it Monday, and by that evening a we had a storm blow through. Reading the book and hearing the wind beat against a strange, unknown house freaked me out. But in a good way.
Rose Madder is the story of a woman in a horribly abusive relationship, to make matters worse her husband is a cop. One day a drop of blood on the pillow wakes Rose out the fog of abuse and numbness she has been trapped in and gives her the incentive to run. She doesn't plan it, but just runs, taking nothing with her but her purse and her husband's bank card. She only uses the card once, to withdraw $300, then throws it away- not because she thinks he'll use it to track her but rather because she feels tremendous guilt over having taken it. Taking the bus to a large, strange city Rose is lucky enough to meet a man who points her in the direction of a woman's shelter called Daughters and Sisters. It's there she goes from being the abused Rose to the more independent Rosie. Of course psycho husband is most displeased with his wayward wife.
Rose works hard to heal both physically (years of abuse have hurt her back and injured her kidneys) and emotionally. She saves enough money to get her own apartment and in one day she not only meets a new guy, but buys a painting in his pawn shop that depicts a woman with her back turned and wearing a gown the color of Rose Madder. She also gets a job reading books for audio recordings. Rose is really, finally, living. But it's not long before she realizes that the painting is changing, coming to life. At the same time her husband is drawing nearer, no longer just an abusive husband but also a cold hearted killer. Caught in the paths of two crazy forces, Rose will either break completely or emerge triumphantly.
For me this book was an easy read, I was totally engrossed in Rose's story and I thought King did a good job of explaining not only why she stayed with her husband for so long, but also what finally made her leave. The reveal that her husband Norman was more than just a wife beater was gradual, and perhaps his final insanity was a bit over the top, but he was a man that had gotten away with so much for so long and no longer cared about anything but finding Rose and punishing her. The woman's shelter, Daughters & Sisters, and its inhabitants are also intriguing, and I hope that there are places just like it for abused women all over the world.
Rose Madder fits right up there with the Dark Tower series and Insomnia, and even features a little bit of Misery- Rose is reading one of Paul Sheldon's books during a particularly memorable beating from Norman. If you're already a Stephen King fan then you'll no doubt enjoy this book, for non King fans I'd start off with something lighter less dense like Misery or Carrie. If you hate Stephen King books then read his Eyes of the Dragon, it's a fairy tale for grownups (and yes, it will be featured in a later post)
Many Bloody Returns
Charlaine Harris, et al
Pages- 355
Overall Grade: B+
I am not good at summing things up. My internal edit button is missing. So, here's what the back of the books says:
You're invited...to a celebration of vampires by a baker's dozen of favorite authors. Sink your teeth into thirteen original stories, each one a fresh and unique take on what birthdays mean to the undead. From Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse attending a birthday party for Dracula to Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden battling bloodsucking party crashers, these suspenseful, surprising, sometimes dark, sometimes humorous stories will ensure you'll never think of vampires or birthdays quite the same again.
Now on to the fun part: My opinion! And I'm taking it story by story.
First up we have Dracula Night by Charlaine Harris, which is a Sookie Stackhouse short story. More importantly though, it features one Eric Northman- hottest vampire gracing the pages (and the tv screens because Alexander Skarsgard practically walked off the pages and onto the show). One thing I love about Sookie stories is that there's always a hint of humor even in the darkest of situations. Dracula Night is as lighthearted as Sookie's life gets, with Eric running around like a headless chicken, hoping that Dracula will honor Fangtasia with a visit. It's all very cute and It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, only with blood and yet another ruined dress for our poor Sookie. If you're a fan of the series, this story is worth the whole book- but Harris just came out with a book filled with Sookie short stories which is probably a better buy.
The Mournful Cry of Owls by Christopher Golden- To be honest I've never read any of the other authors involved with this short story collection and based on this story by Golden I don't feel that I've missed anything. First it was set in the 70's, which for some reason bugged me. Secondly, owl people are not vampires. There are no vampires. At all. What I do like about this story is the mythology behind it. However, if it had been 10 pages shorter I would have liked it more. And if it had had a vampire.
I Was a Teenage Vampire by Bill Crider- Never heard of Mr. Crider- but I really enjoyed the story of a young boy with a spoiled, older sister who inadvertently gets her brother turned into the undead just because she wants a vampire at her birthday party. The vampires in this story are not the shiny, sexy vamps of modern tales, being a vampire is actually kind of lame. And funny.
Twilight by Kelley Armstrong- now I have heard of her, but haven't read her books. This story is a bit more melancholy. In Twilight vampires do not live forever, they have an expiration date. And once a year, on their birthday- or is it death day?- they have to drink from and kill a human. This year Cassandra seems to have the birthday blues, she doesn't really have the appetite. So her former lover and creation tries to help her out, and theirs is a relationship I would have liked to explore more. However the ending, while not a total bummer, is definitely not a happy ending. Like the main character itself, the ending is a bit numb.
It's My Birthday, Too by Jim Butcher- I have often meant to start The Dresden Files books, but now I know I need to read them. Featuring wizard Harry Dresden and cast of quirky characters, this is one of my favorite stories from the lot. Butcher does a great job of describing Harry's world so you can catch up, but without it turning into a boring summary (God knows I LOVED Sweet Valley High Books- but I hated how the first chapter of every freaking book was a summary of the girls lives, with the same tired descriptions. Besides, I don't believe in books being read out of order. That is to say, I realize that some people do it, but none of them are named Kate Towery). Anyways, Harry is trying to deliver a birthday present to his hottie vampire brother (vampires in Harry's world seem like they're pretty complicated) but the party gets crashed by another birthday vampire who is seeking revenge. Loved it.
Grave-Robbed by P.N. Elrod- Now this story is also set in another time, the 1930's, but for some reason I love that. It's based on the series The Vampire Files which features undead detective Jack Fleming. His job is to help a young girl prove to her sister that her dead husband is not contacting her beyond the grave, but rather she is the victim of a money grubbing conman. I really liked Jack, and I liked the use of the song Gloomy Sunday- because that is one damn, depressing song. Will be adding The Vampire Files to my tbr piles soon.
The First Day of the Rest of Your Life by Rachel Caine. This short is based off the young adult series The Morganville Vampires. I did feel at a disadvantage with this story, because I've never read the series, but I still enjoyed it. Plus Michael Glass sounds hot. I can't really sum this up much, but young girl turns 18 has to decide if she should sign up for vampire protection (in a town run by vampires) or risk being a human cocktail if she goes it alone. Might have to cave and read this series too. Just wish the Hubs would see book reading right up there with doing laundry and fixing dinner...
The Witch and the Wicked by Jeanne C. Stein- I was inclined to like this story because the main character is a witch that caters. I love that. Anywho, Sophie uses the ashes of a dead vampire (his birthday candles were his undoing) into her proposed skin care line (she's had enough of the catering business, exploding clients get a girl down). And her cream works amazingly... until she begins to hear the vampire's voice in her head.
Blood Wrapped by Tanya Huff- Missing kid, rescuing vampire, gotta love it. Despite the fact that the whole birthday angle seemed a little forced. Interestingly enough the authors Vicki Nelson Blood books was made into the show Blood Ties, which I didn't watch. The story was intriguing enough that I probably won't say no to a Huff book. But who am I kidding, I'm an easy read.
The Wish by Carolyn Haines- not a bad short story but far from my favorite. Woman who lost her kids is seeking a way to cheat Death from taking her life since Death wouldn't take her in place of her children. I probably would have preferred the story more without the emphasis on the telling of how the kids died, because I really like the ending.
Fire and Ice and Linguini for Two by Tate Hallaway- another one of my favorites. I will be looking up her other books. Mostly because her vampire is called Sebastian, which is a great name for a vampire. Garnet- a human with the spirit of Lilith trapped inside her (yeah, that part could have used a bit more description, but that's why I want to read the books) forces Sebastian out in the cold on Christmas to celebrate his birthday despite his assurances that his birthday is cursed. And you know what? Sebastian is right. Not only do they find themselves stranded in a blizzard, but they are soon "rescued" by Fonn- a mysterious stranger. All in all, just a great story.
Vampire Hours by Elaine Viets- finally! A vampire tale for the middle aged woman! Okay, I'm not too far into my 30's but it gets annoying how perfect every heroine is these days ones that bemoan that they're really really a plain jane but suddenly becomesmagnet to every sexy supernatural being in the universe. Katherine, our heroine, is about to turn 45 and lose her cold, arrogant plastic surgeon husband to some overly plucked and stuffed twenty something. It's a story of what happens first wives, but with a great vampire twist. Loved it. Want to read more of Viets.
How Stella Got Her Grave Back by Toni L.P. Kelner- great title, okay short story. Vampires go back to hometown only to find their empty grave has been filled in with a Jane Doe. Mark and Stella do a little detective work to figure out who is laying in Stella's grave, along with who killed her. It was just alright with me. I think Vampire Hours would have been a better ending.
And that's it! Thirteen stories filled with vamps (except the one stuffed with owls). Lots of new authors for me to lust after and a good, solid October read.
I love audio books. I have since I was a kid. My dad and I didn't always have the smoothest relationship, and when forced to travel with each other to visit my mom while she was caring for my ailing grandmother we often lapsed into silence rather than arguing. My dad was a very intelligent, well-read man. Quite possibly he was a genius. Sadly he was not gifted with patience or subtlety and although he could have spoken in great length about thousands of subjects, his ability to deal with a sullen 12 year old pre-teen was non-existent.
Then a wonderful event occurred- Dad discovered audio books. Soon our trips were filled with Agatha Christie and Edgar Allen Poe tales, and on one particular rainy and haunted trip from Virginia to Pennsylvania we listened to Stephen King's The Mist. Not only did we both enjoy the stories but the audio books gave us something to talk about when we stopped for food. The narrator's voice filled the car and helped bridge the distance between father and daughter. They are some of the best memories I have of spending one on one time with my father. I didn't know then that he would be gone in less than 10 years.
I continued to listen to the occasional audio book long after the trips to PA were done with (we ended up joining my mom when it was clear that grandfather would need care as well), but it's only been in recent years that I've listened on a regular basis. This is partly my fault, I have a horrible habit of not returning books on time, so I'm on most libraries Most Wanted lists which makes it difficult to check audio books out. Then a few years ago Walmart began offering audio books at fairly reasonable prices, and my interest was newly sparked.
iTunes furthered my audio book love affair. Happy was the day when I finished my collection of Harry Potter audio books, Jim Dale is just fabulous as he narrates the story of the Boy Who Lived. As a somewhat fan of Dean Koontz, he totally won my forever adoration with his audio book series on Odd Thomas narrated by the wonderful David Aaron Baker. Of course there are some narrators who aren't capable of capturing the magic of a certain book, but I forgive them. I would love to get paid to read out loud. Sadly, no one's come knocking.
I would own thousand of audio books were it possible, but for some reason the prices of these audio goodies are completely out of balance. Audio books of recent bestsellers and new releases are often priced between $39.99 to $59.99. I don't mind paying for a good product, but I can't afford those prices. I believe if they would make the prices more reasonable then audio books would sell much better. How great would a family trip be if the whole car was filled with magical tales told in rich tones instead of whiny choruses of "Are we there yet?" or "Don't make me pull this car over!".
Thankfully there's a discount bin for audio books, both online and in book stores. Today I bought The Historian and The Almost Moon for less than ten bucks each. The Historian is now my October driving companion. I can't wait for a rainy day- I'll just drive and drive and drive... I listen to audio books on my iPod as well, but for whatever reason I prefer listening while driving.
How do you feel about audio books? Any favorites? If you could record one or two books yourself, what would they be? Personally I would love to read The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King or anything by Gail Carson Levine.
