Blog: Forgotten Bookmarks

I probably found this blog through Twitter but I don't remember who posted the link that I followed originally. But I am so glad I found Forgotten Bookmarks.

As the site explains the material comes from things found in used books. It is interesting, and sometimes hilarious, to see what people use for bookmarks. And sometimes it can be really beautiful.

The posts are simple and short, but contain so much more for thought. The entries usually consist of a picture or two showing the book and the item found inside and then a short caption that quotes any text found on the 'forgotten bookmark.'

This is a great blog to keep track of if you love books, reading, or bookmarks.

Reading Foundation

I went through a short stint where I wasn't reading anything other than blogs, twitter, and Facebook updates for a few weeks. I very quickly missed the regular time I spent reading novels and took a trip to the library as soon as I could. Occasionally I go through these phases when I read a lot all at once and then take a break and then jump right back in again.

I grew up reading the Bible with my family and my parents instilled a love of reading in me early on. My mom thinks that any leisure reading is a waste of time so I lean toward the belief that I got my love of reading from my Grandmother's genes. I enjoyed the assigned reading I had in Middle School and High School. I learned to love some of the classics, although I didn't read nearly as many as I would have liked. I also made time outside of school to read things that interested me.

I have found that this variety of reading has helped me with my writing. I have a more extensive vocabulary and more examples of different kinds of characters floating around in my mind. You learn something different from everything you read whether it is about characters, plot, relationships, or action sequences.

Juliet Marillier over at Writer Unboxed wrote a post about the importance of reading to enhance your writing back in July. "A writer’s language, vocabulary and storytelling style are loosely formed from childhood reading, then broaden and deepen with exposure to new and varied reading material as an adult."

She points out that you can find all sorts of material from the things you read. I am not one to keep up with the news generally, but Juliet points out that reading articles and news can give you great ideas. I'm seriously considering this advice.

Another point she made has got me thinking - foreign works. I think I'm pretty well versed in American and English classics, but I haven't a clue where to start in venturing into the classics of the other great cultures of our world. I'd gladly welcome any suggestions...

There sure are a lot of books out there, huh? Better get reading!!

Twitter as a Resource

So I now have about 80 followers on Twitter and I'm following about 70 people. Among these, I get updates from several publishers, book fanatics, authors, and other readers. It is really a fun way to connect with other readers and book lovers because everyone shares so much information. I've been collecting links I found interesting or intriguing and figured I would start sharing them here as well. (I'll admit that I snagged this idea from Neil Gaiman's blog - he does posts like this all the time and I think they're fun). I don't want overwhelm you with all of them at once so we'll start with 5:

A fun blog post at Strictly Writing that had me nodding my head and laughing at the things only writers could understand.

An entertaining blog by writer/comic - fun to read. I like her tone and the flow of her posts.

Some tips from the new site I found (WEbook.com) on how to become an effective writer. I'm sure a lot of these will work - I just have to start doing them!

I've been trying to write every day the last couple of weeks. It's not going very well, but I've noticed some things about myself. One of these things is that when I get going I seem to latch on to a word or two and use them a little too much. This site caught my eye - tells you how often you use words.

I'm always looking for good lists of book recommendations. With so many books in the world I'd hate to miss out on some of the best. This line of thinking has also helped me justify not finishing any book that I don't enjoy. Here's two lists (board's and reader's) of the 100 Best Novels (thanks, Random House!).

So, a little for writers and a little for readers. Enjoy!

Brandon Sanderson: Mistborn Trilogy

I absolutely devoured this trilogy. I was going to do a review on each of the books individually but after finishing the third this last weekend I thought it would be better to do one for all three.

I didn't even realize this was a trilogy when I started reading the first one. I was glad to learn there was more to the story once I finished The Final Empire because I was excited to read more of these characters and this world. I was immediately impressed with the magic system Sanderson created and I think it's one of the more original and unique ones I've come across.

Vin is the main character through all three books and she is a great character that I just love. She's strong, feisty, and fun to read. It was a pleasure to see her grow and change through the series.

I've been thinking about villains recently, probably because I have such a difficult time writing them myself, so I wanted to comment on the ones in this series. They are really good in the sense that they jerk your emotions around and keep you guessing. I like how Sanderson handled the opposition to his protagonists.

The story is basically about a rebellion and then search for leadership in a people lost in all the change. Sanderson does a great job with intrigue but doesn't let it overwhelm the story as in some other books I've read. It was a nice balance and flowed well with the overall plot and character development.

Probably my favorite part of the series is the magic system and the way Sanderson handles the action sequences using this magic. It isn't really magic so much of a strange science in which the chosen can 'burn' metals which give them specific powers. Some can only use one power and others can use all of them. This allows those with power to fly through the air, see long distances, and gain added strength, among other things. This makes for some very entertaining scenes.

Sanderson also introduces a couple new creatures: the koloss, big mindless brutes full of violence, and kandra, who can take any shape and serve humans almost as slaves. I love the kandra and one of my favorite characters is of this species.

I read the first two books in the series in a couple of weeks and then had to wait to read the third until it was available at the library (one of these days I will have enough money to just buy books I'm dying to read). It was well worth the wait, though, and it only took be 5 days to read it. The ending was perfectly satisfying and the next day my mind kept coming back to the story and characters - that's the sign of a great book to me. This is definitely a series I will be recommending to all my friends and I hope to add it to my personal library soon.

When I finish a series like this I always breathe a sigh of content with just the smallest amount of sadness that the magic of the story has ended. I guess that's what prompted fan-fiction. I love that feeling, though. What was the last thing you read that left you feeling that way?

Inkheart

I will be the first to admit that Brendan Fraser isn't the best actor out there, but I also think he's fun to watch on screen. I knew I wasn't going to get to see this movie for a while after it came out due to my husband's tastes, but he took me to see it when it went to the cheaper theater. He was not impressed, no surprise there, but I enjoyed it enough that I will probably watch it again.

This is the first time I have felt that I liked a movie on principle. Inkheart is about the power of the written word, books, and reading. How could I not like it? It really is a lovely story and if I can ever find a copy of the original book by Cornelia Funke at the library I will definitely pick it up. I wish they would have done more with the movie, though, because I think it could have been better.

Brendan Fraser is just who he is and usually plays very similar characters, so I'll just brush over that part. Paul Bettany plays a wonderful character that was probably my favorite, and he is an actor I always enjoy watching. Andy Serkis plays the villain and he is an awesome opponent so no complaints there.

I loved the story and some of the characters were great, too. And while I enjoyed the movie, I left it feeling like there should have been more. Maybe it was the ending; the climax was a big fight at the end, as expected, and the good guys won, but it wasn't satisfying enough. Also, most of the movie took place in one setting. They started out there, moved on, but then went back and I think this gave me a feeling that the characters weren't progressing so much as running in circles.

So, in the end, I would advise you to see this movie only if you love stories as much as I do and can tolerate Fraser (which I can). But I would love to hear your opinion of the movie, so rent it and then let me know what you think.

No Excuses

I know I promised more posts on amazing and interesting topics, but things are just crazy right now. My husband has ordered me a new laptop (thanks hunny!) but it won't arrive for a few more weeks. Meanwhile, work has been insane. We had a huge event this last weekend that I helped plan, organize, and carry out. It turned out great but I'm a little short on sleep. And I have two more big events in the next 5 days. It'll be a while before I can write anything intelligent about the fantastic books I've been reading.

I finished Mistborn and read the second one in the series, The Well of Ascension. It was also completely enthralling. Now I come to find out that my library doesn't carry the third one, so I'm left hanging. It's probably for the better though since I've been seriously neglecting my husband in the evenings while my nose is in a book. What can I say, he knew this about me before he married me, so he can't complain. Too much, at least...

So I'm taking a break from Sanderson and reading Stardust by Gaiman again. The first time I listened to it and absolutely loved it - Gaiman is a master at audio. Now I've chosen it for my book club since April is my month and my group needs some serious education in good fantasy. After that it's a choice between Dickens and Le Guin. We'll see what sort of mood I'm in.

So what are you reading? Have you stayed up to the wee hours of the morning because you can't put a book down? I love those books, but they sure do take their toll!

The Beauty of Punctuation

One of my favorite gifts I received for Christmas this year is an illustrated copy of Eats, Shoots & Leaves. Sadly, I have never read this book and I am now coming to realize that it is one that everyone who loves the English language, words, reading, and writing should have conquered. I'm still on the first chapter and I absolutely love it so far. I will be sure and write a complete review when I finish the last page but I just had to post about it right now because I am just bursting with enthusiasm over the wit and tone of this book.

Read it now. I mean, seriously, go get it right this instant!

GoodReads.com

So I finally feel settled enough in my new apartment to spend a little leisure time online and I decided to really take a look at this website. A friend of mine invited me to sign up on GoodReads.com because she knows how much I like to read but I've been so busy moving and everything that I haven't really figured out what it's all about until now.

I have to say that I like this site a lot and can see myself wasting a lot of time browsing. After you create an account you can add books to your 'shelves' like ones that you've already read and some that you want to read in the future. I started going in and finding some of the books I've had on my 'to be read' list and I was pleased to find that they list member reviews/comments about the books as well as summaries of plot. This is really helpful for me because I have had to put down a couple of books in the last few months that I didn't want to finish. Now I have more opinions and reviews to look at before I even pick a book up so maybe I won't put so many down unfinished.

One that I'm really looking forward to is Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. It's been on my list for a while and everyone gave it good reviews. Mostly, I'm just happy that I will have time to read again now that I'm moved and nearly settled.

So go sign up with GoodReads.com and let me know what you think!

Banned Books

I came across this site through the Book and Reader Forums (see link on left). I glanced through it and was surprised by my reaction. Some of them I can understand the reasons, some of them I suddenly have the desire to read just because they're on the list, and some are ridiculous. I couldn't ignore the irony of this one especially considering I read it so recently:

Fahrenheit 451by Ray Bradbury
This book is about censorship and those who ban books for fear of creating too much individualism and independent thought. In late 1998, this book was removed from the required reading list of the West Marion High School in Foxworth, Mississippi. A parent complained of the use of the words "God damn" in the book. Subsequently, the superintendent instructed the the teacher to remove the book from the required reading list.

Your thoughts on this list? What do you think about banning books? Are there any that should be banned and which ones?

Should Reading be a Priority?

I've been thinking about this recently because I've been really busy the last couple of weeks and haven't been reading as much as I did at this same time last year. Should reading be a priority in one's life?

Now, I realize that for some people reading is their life because of their jobs. But I'm talking about outside of obligatory reading - should leisure reading be a priority?

I guess it really comes down to whether or not leisure in general should occupy an important place in your daily activities. I think that recreation is an important part of keeping our lives balanced and, at least for me, reading is a form of recreation. As much as I enjoy reading, though, it is sometimes the first thing to go when my schedule fills up. I'm wondering if this is a mistake, if I am adding more stress to my load if I exclude my personal reading time.

What do you think?

The Best Fiction of the 20th Century

Stanford's list of the Best Fiction of the 20th Century is quite extensive. I'm sad to note that there are quite a few on here that I haven't read... yet. Some I know I read but remember nothing about (Invisible Man and The Good Earth) and some I remember and love (Fahrenheit 451 and Watership Down).

Which ones have you read? Are there any you think should have been included but weren't?

Background Music

Maybe it's because I'm home alone most of the day, but I always like to have some music on in the background. I discovered Pandora.com a little while ago and I usually have it on when I'm at the computer. It lets you create your own stations based on music you like - very cool.

When I'm writing it always helps me to have a little mood music on. I really like instrumental jazz because it's fun and energizing. But I also love movie soundtracks because they have so much intensity. My favorite composer is John Williams because he did all the classics - Star Wars, Superman, Hook, and Harry Potter. I know the music well enough to tune it out while I'm thinking but it gets me in the mood to be creative.

I also like having music on when I'm reading, but I find it easier to concentrate on my book so it doesn't have to be just instrumental. So I pretty much have the music going all day!

What do you listen to when you read or write?

Agreed: Potter Really is Hotter

A little while ago I wrote a post about how the world seemed to have gone wild for Harry Potter. Then Juberry posted a response about why Potter has been such a raging success. Now having actually read the final installment, I have to agree that Rowling has accomplished some pretty amazing things here.

The seventh and final volume of Harry Potter neatly wraps up all the mysteries and answers all the questions readers have been asking over the years. As I finished the book I felt satisfied with the ending, which is not something I can say for the conclusion of all novels, especially ones that close a long drawn out series.

I was surprised that Rowling started the action off so soon, but I was immediately hooked. She really has demonstrated the power of the literary hook, as Juberry pointed out. I found it difficult to put the book down, which made for a fun read. I would love to write a book like that where the reader just can't wait to find out what happens next. Readers are so involved in the book because they are so involved and attached to the characters. After 6 books, I was anxious to see how Harry would finally conquer Voldemort, curious to find out the details of Dumbledore's death, and excited to know what happened in the end. Rowling delivered on all fronts.

Many argue that Rowling's success is a result of marketing and hype created by her publishers. My argument - even with all the publicity, Harry Potter wouldn't be such a success if the books weren't written well.

Potter is Hotter - I might as well just accept it and stop being jealous.

Robert Jordan 1948-2007

Some of you may recall that Robert Jordan is one of my favorite authors. I frequently recommend his Wheel of Time series to people interested in fantasy. For some time he has been struggling with illness and yesterday he passed away.

His work will always be dear to my heart and I mourn his passing. But I, as well as other fans, are grateful for the time he was given and the full life he lived.

C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity

People have been recommending I read this book for years and I finally got my hands on a copy. I was a little hesitant at first, because I sometimes shy away from the more theological works, but I loved this right from the start. C.S. Lewis sure knows how to read his reader - I should have know.

Mere Christianity is a compilation of three radio talks Lewis gave on what he calls 'mere' Christianity, or the basics of the Christian religion. Whether you're already a believer or just walking the line, Lewis will speak to your heart, spirit, and logical mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Lewis speaks simply and directly. I never felt like he was talking over my head or I was missing something. Although, my beliefs don't totally coincide with his, I still agreed with most of his views. He gives great analogies to illustrate his ideas and he follows a logical train of thought through the whole book.

This a beautiful and uplifting book and I highly recommend you pick it up.

A Good Villain

I've had trouble creating good villains in the past and now that I'm working on a new one, I've been thinking about what makes a good villain. Should he or she be the calm logical type or the crazy violent type? Is a villain more effective when the reader cannot relate or when the reader understands their motivation? Do readers like a really evil villain or just an opposing character that isn't necessarily bad?

So I started thinking about the villains and bad guys in the books I really like. I seem to like the manipulative ones who are out for revenge. Although the whole world domination and ultimate power motive is sufficiently scary, it just seems so unrealistic to me. And it's definitely been done. I much prefer the scheming snake to the power-hungry bear.

When writing my villains I tend to make them more like what I like to read. What I struggle with is the background. Why is this person so angry? Who did what to make them this way? I think the most agonizing situation is when a villain harbors rage because of an incorrect assumption. They think they know what happened and who is to blame, but the reader knows the truth. An example of this would be Harry in the most recent Spiderman movies.

So what do you think? What kind of villains to you prefer? What characteristics do you like to see in a villain? Who is your favorite and why?

Why Potter is Hotter

Nice title, eh? Unfortunately I don't have the answer to why Harry Potter is such a raging success. You can be sure of that because if I did have the answer I would be making the best of it, writing wildly successful books, and giving J.K. a run for her money. (I know, cheeky of me to think that I could, right?) I can, like Rasberry, only give my musing thoughts on the subject.

The first lesson I would want to take from Rowling is how to get my writing to appeal to both children and adults. I suppose part of the success could stem from her use of such universal themes and identifiable characters and situations. Good vs. evil, the importance of friendship, the qualities of courage, the list goes on. I know that I love Harry Potter because it tells the stories we never get sick of hearing, even after we've grown up.

And creativity! The books are bursting at the seams with a unique and colorful world where everything is a new discovery, not just for the main character, but for the reader as well.

I also believe that Rowling has mastered the art of literary hooks. Each book is driven forward by a sequence of mysteries and often the solving of one is the discovery of another. I think Rowling has also found value in people's love of speculation. Readers like to make guesses about plot lines, they love to be proven right, and they are down right ecstatic when they are proven wrong by some brilliant plot twist they never saw coming. They key, then, is to lead them to speculate. Unfortunately the key to that key, writing a "speculatable" novel, is beyond me.

I could prattle on about different aspects of the books that draw me in, the heroes I love to love, the villains I love to hate, the interactions with their huge build ups and awesome payoffs, and of course my love of all things British, but those are all the little things that appeal to my particular tastes. So maybe it is as Rasberry says, the books simply have enough little things to appeal to a large audience.

Harry Potter Fever

What is it about Harry Potter that has got the world in such a fever? I' sure all sorts of analysts and journalists have looked into this over the years and I haven't done any research on what they found - I'm just musing here.

The final book in Rowling's series was released last month and everyone I've talked to has had their nose buried in it since. I like Harry Potter and I've read all six in the series, but I didn't run out to buy the book the first day. I'm sure I'll get around to reading it, but I'm in no rush. Juberry finished it as the sun was rising on Saturday and she says it was really good. Maybe she'll have some insightful comments.

Back to my original question: what has got the world all in a tizzy? The books are good, I know - I'm not saying they're not. The characters are engaging, the villain is classic, and the story well told. But there have been millions of novels that fit those requirements. So is it the marketing? Is it Rowling's background? Is it simply Harry's character? And how is it that both adults and children are so entertained and drawn into these novels?

I can think a of a huge list of things I like about the Harry Potter books and characters. Maybe that's the answer - many little things that appeal to a large audience. Or maybe it's because of Rowling's unique take on a classic hero.

As I said, I'm just musing. What do you think? Do you like Harry Potter? Why?

You Know You're Addicted to Reading When...

This is a thread on the Book & Reader forum that I found really entertaining. So I've posted some of the responses below for your enjoyment.

You buy your winter coat for the size of the inside pocket.

You have maxed out your library card.

You have a book stashed in every room in your house including the bathroom.

Everytime you're going away for the weekend you pack more books than clothes.

Your heart rate accelerates upon closing in on a library or book store.

You read in front of others because you just have to finish the book.

Your first response to being asked about any movie is: "No, I haven't seen it, but I've read the book."

You will refuse to answer to phone because you are right at the climax of the book.

The only hurricane supplies you can think of getting are a bottle of water, a flashlight, and a book.

You see a perfect stranger reading a book in a public place, and you make a fool out of yourself trying to see what it is.

You have read by the light from your digital watch.

You take baths now instead of showers so you can sit down while reading.

You know the best method to keep the pages in your book from wrinkling after you drop it in the bath.

Caught without a book, you read the ingrediants list on your twinkie.

You get huge crushes on fictional characters.

You bring a book to a movie theatre and aren't disuaded by the lack of available reading light to read.

You spend your grocery money on books: you'd rather read than eat decent food.

You come back home from your day, you lie down and grab a book rather than the TV remote.

You salivate when entering your local bookstore.

The first thing you do upon visiting someone's house for the first time is walk straight to their bookshelf.

You end up having to work your library fines into your budget because you now owe the library your first born child but not borrowing isn't an option.

You own custom made bookmarks with your name embroidered on them.

Your birthday list and Christmas list are comprised entirely of books.

You own so many books that you cannot find the one you want and end up with multiple copies of the same book.

You buy a new book and your spouse kisses you goodbye

You don't mind eating dinner alone in a restaurant as long as you have a book.

You rather like it when your friends are late so you can keep reading while waiting for them.

Any of these sound familiar? Hope you had a good laugh and feel free to add your own.

You've Got Mail

Many of you have probably seen this film, but I wanted to write about it because it's one of my favorites. And because it has to do with books, too. Watching Meg Ryan's character Makes me want to have my own bookstore. It also makes me want to move to New York to experience all the cute corners and parks in the city. But I really don't think I could live there for very long.

Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors and I think he gives a fantastic performance as Joe Fox. he is endearingly obnoxious at the beginning and his character's transition is so fun to watch.

Meg Ryan is just adorable in this movie. Her character's unwavering optimism makes the film a graet lesson in perserverance. This character's witty and quirky aspects make her fun to watch and her moments of sadness lend her a beautiful depth.

Conclusion: charming and entertaining - love it!