I realized that I have a category entitled, “What I’m Reading,” but I think I’ve only posted under that category once. I’ve read since then, but apparently nothing worth writing about. I don’t know. Here’s what I’ve read recently (or am in the middle of reading, I usually am consecutively reading about 4 books):
Toss the Bride by Jennifer Manske Fenske. It was a cute story about a wedding planner who is waiting for her boyfriend to propose to her so that she can enjoy all of the wedding delights that her snobby brides take for granted. Then she becomes afraid, once she’s engaged, that she will become one of those selfish brides as well. Cute story, and I liked the fact that there were little stories about each bride within the main character’s story. It kept things interesting. Good book to keep me disctracted while I was exercising by stepping up and down the stair. Quite boring. So, there you go.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is one that I’m currently in the middle of reading. I first became aware of it while listening to James Blunt’s song, Tears and Rain from his Back to Bedlam album. He mentions Dorian Gray, and so I had to ask my mother in law about it (figuring it was a literary reference, and knowing that she would know who he was….and she did). Once she said it was a book, I knew I’d have to read it. So far, so good. Love the writing (from the 1890′s, I think), but requires a little more of my focus when reading it than a lot of the fluff I like to read (meaning, not when any kids are around, which is a rare occasion, which is why I’m still reading it). I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Finally, at least for today, is Jodi Picoult‘s My Sister’s Keeper. Wow. This one really is keeping my attention. A teenager, who was conceived to be a perfect genetic match for her sister who has a very specialized leukemia, fights for her right to choose her donor status. The author uses the perspectives of 7 or 8 characters to tell the story. It was a little confusing at first, because she also jumps around in time, but it doesn’t take long to figure it out. Not so much focus required that I can’t read it with the kids around, but definitely keeps me thinking long after I’ve put the book down. I can appreciate that type of story. Haven’t finished it yet, but it won’t be long.
Cool to see what you are reading. Always good to hear about what other people read so I have some ideas for what I want to read next. My que is almost always full, but that’s because I have a weakness for books (I think you might have seen that in my library).
Here’s what I’ve been reading the last couple of years minus some of the books I read for work (Mostly kids books). http://www.geocities.com/rantz_grotto/booksread.html
I’ll have to update that sometime soon with my most recent books.
Okay, I listened to My Sister’s Keeper on CD last school year. I had it in my car, and while it was in, I couldn’t WAIT to go places! It is definitely one of those stories that you get into and keep thinking about and thinking about… and since I listened to that one, I’ve purchased and read a bunch of her other books. They’re all like that. I personally think Jodi Picoult is a great writer. Her style keeps me interested. I feel a vested interest in all of the characters, so I’m never sure who is supposed to be the good guy – she makes it so you can understand why they’re all feeling and acting the way they do. And I love that she writes about issues that make you think. I typically read for escape rather than for the deep intellectual stimulation. Jodi Picoult is cool because she keeps me entertained enough to escape while still stimulating my intellectualness (and doesn’t the use of “intellectualness” make me sound extremely intellectual?). I recommend all of her books.
Rantz: I’ll have to head over and see what you’re reading. The only genre I don’t hit is science fiction/fantasy (unless that’s two genres. Then I don’t hit either.). One of my favorites is historical fiction, though I haven’t read much of it lately. Let me know if you know of good authors there.
Carrie: Don’t you hate it when you get a good book on audio, and then you HAVE to be in the car or somewhere where you can listen to it? I used to listen to tons of audio books when I worked data entry, and then when I used to quilt during naptimes. Haven’t been able to do that in ages! I finished My Sister’s Keeper last night. Ugh. Hits you at the end, aye? My friend recommended this and another J. Picoult book to me, and I saw her listed as one of your favorite authors on your site. My next one up of hers is Plain Truth. Looked interesting. Gotta love the library!
Carrie: Ooh, and love “intellectualness.” Gotta love made up words!
I mean, someone had to make up all of the “real” ones in the first place, right? Why not add to the current vocabulary? 
Oscar Wilde (and The Picture of Dorian Gray) has always been a favorite of the greatest singer in the world….Morrissey……..and hence, is a favorite of mine. In fact Oscar has been mentioned in a few Smiths/Morrissey songs.
Hmmm…didn’t know that. And hear I thought you’d educated me on all things Morrissey…
Thanks for the mention in your blog! I am always thrilled to hear that people read, and when they read my book, it’s just icing on the (wedding)cake.
Cheers,
Jennifer
Jennifer: It’s so exciting to have your comment here. Thanks! It was a fun read. Looking forward to reading more from you.