I didn't think it would happen but an e-reader has come into my life. But not just any e-reader - the NOOKColor. And I never thought I would say this...but I love it. I really, honestly do.
Why Barnes and Noble's NOOK and not Amazon's Kindle or Apple's IPad, you ask? The IPad is just too pricey to be used simply as an e-reader and I just recently got a new MacBook Pro so that didn't make sense. And the Kindle...just isn't awesome enough. It's flimsy, which I realize is why some people buy it. But let's be honest, I'm a clumsy person. And the Kindle doesn't exactly feel sturdy. I really think I could snap that thing in half if I wanted to.
Barnes and Noble's NOOK offers everything I love about reading - a great book, the "bookstore" experience and cool gadget functions. Plus, I can lend books to my other bibliophile friends who have NOOKs. It's win-win.
Now, if only Barnes and Noble, or the book publishers, would just cut the price of e-books, I would stop buying real books.
Probably.
Almost definitely.
Well...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Friday, April 9, 2010
The temptation of an e-reader
I have been tempted by the seduction of a technological mistress - the e-reader.
I'm and old-fashioned kind of girl. I love my books. And I'm talking about the physical, hold in your hand, flip the pages, try not to bend the cover, books. I love nothing more than to sit in a cozy chair and read a book for hours on end. But the e-reader is trying to take over with its WiFi and easily downloadable books - that are cheaper than regular, old books.
And I have, at last, been tempted.
On Easter my mother gave my husband her first edition Kindle. She bought it when they first came out but has never actually used it. She claims she won't be able to figure out the technology.
I watched him playing with the Kindle, trying to figure out all its nuances. And I was tempted. Would I like an e-reader? They are better for storage. It's easier to move, no heavy boxes full of books. And they're cheaper. Maybe I could get more books if I had an e-reader?
But then I thought, what if I brought this e-reader on vacation and it froze or simply stopped working for no reason. I'd be without a book to read. A regular book could never let me down like that.
Still, the e-reader is new and shiny. It does all sorts of interesting things and it's yet another material product I can add to the list of "Gee, I really need one of those because..."
I promised my husband I would "try it out" when he downloads his first book to the Kindle. But I am wary. I can't exactly fill that library I want in my house someday with a Kindle full of electronic books, can I?
I'm and old-fashioned kind of girl. I love my books. And I'm talking about the physical, hold in your hand, flip the pages, try not to bend the cover, books. I love nothing more than to sit in a cozy chair and read a book for hours on end. But the e-reader is trying to take over with its WiFi and easily downloadable books - that are cheaper than regular, old books.
And I have, at last, been tempted.
On Easter my mother gave my husband her first edition Kindle. She bought it when they first came out but has never actually used it. She claims she won't be able to figure out the technology.
I watched him playing with the Kindle, trying to figure out all its nuances. And I was tempted. Would I like an e-reader? They are better for storage. It's easier to move, no heavy boxes full of books. And they're cheaper. Maybe I could get more books if I had an e-reader?
But then I thought, what if I brought this e-reader on vacation and it froze or simply stopped working for no reason. I'd be without a book to read. A regular book could never let me down like that.
Still, the e-reader is new and shiny. It does all sorts of interesting things and it's yet another material product I can add to the list of "Gee, I really need one of those because..."
I promised my husband I would "try it out" when he downloads his first book to the Kindle. But I am wary. I can't exactly fill that library I want in my house someday with a Kindle full of electronic books, can I?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Let's review...'Handle with Care' by Jodi Picoult
I'm a huge fan of Jodi Picoult. One of my favorite books is "My Sister's Keeper." I once covered an event she was reading at and stood a foot away from her - don't ask me why I didn't go and introduce myself...I suppose I was a little shy.
I have, however, been disappointed by some of her most recent books including "Nineteen Minutes" and "Change of Heart." Sometimes, specifically in "Change of Heart," Picoult delves into a particular issue or moral dilemma a little too deeply - leaving her characters and the readers on the sidelines.
"Handle with Care" reminded me of "My Sister's Keeper" in many ways - only infinitely more sad. Like "My Sister's Keeper" the story was very character driven, while including a medical problem and a moral quest.
The moral question in this book was centered around a "wrongful birth" law suit. The plantiff, Charlotte O'Keefe, sued her OBGYN, who also happened to be her best friend, for not diagnosing her daughter Willow's "brittle bone" disease at her 18 week sonogram. The crux of the lawsuit being if she had known about the genetic defect early on, she may have chosen to abort the fetus.
What I liked about this book was that it was character driven - and not only about the moral issue. I didn't want to put the book down, even when I found myself getting into a funk because it is really the saddest story.
And with all that sadness, you'd think there may be a happy ending coming. And you'd be wrong. I won't tell you what happens - I'll just tell you to be prepared with a box of tissues or something to throw at the wall when you're done.
I don't know where this book rates on my scale...I'm still mulling it over. I know many people were unhappy with the ending of "My Sister's Keeper." I, however, wasn't one of them. I thought that the way "My Sister's Keeper" ended was the only way it could end. I don't know if I feel the same way about "Handle with Care." I guess I'll get back to you.
On to the next book...
I have, however, been disappointed by some of her most recent books including "Nineteen Minutes" and "Change of Heart." Sometimes, specifically in "Change of Heart," Picoult delves into a particular issue or moral dilemma a little too deeply - leaving her characters and the readers on the sidelines.
"Handle with Care" reminded me of "My Sister's Keeper" in many ways - only infinitely more sad. Like "My Sister's Keeper" the story was very character driven, while including a medical problem and a moral quest.
The moral question in this book was centered around a "wrongful birth" law suit. The plantiff, Charlotte O'Keefe, sued her OBGYN, who also happened to be her best friend, for not diagnosing her daughter Willow's "brittle bone" disease at her 18 week sonogram. The crux of the lawsuit being if she had known about the genetic defect early on, she may have chosen to abort the fetus.
What I liked about this book was that it was character driven - and not only about the moral issue. I didn't want to put the book down, even when I found myself getting into a funk because it is really the saddest story.
And with all that sadness, you'd think there may be a happy ending coming. And you'd be wrong. I won't tell you what happens - I'll just tell you to be prepared with a box of tissues or something to throw at the wall when you're done.
I don't know where this book rates on my scale...I'm still mulling it over. I know many people were unhappy with the ending of "My Sister's Keeper." I, however, wasn't one of them. I thought that the way "My Sister's Keeper" ended was the only way it could end. I don't know if I feel the same way about "Handle with Care." I guess I'll get back to you.
On to the next book...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Let's review...three books to cap off my summer of reading
Having gone back to work recently, I haven't had time to update the blog with the new books I've read...but don't you worry, I haven't stopped reading.
Recently, I finished Sophie Kinsella's new novel, "Twenties Girl." Kinsella is probably best known for her Shopaholic series. Being a shopaholic myself, those are some of my most favorite books. Kinsella has a unique voice that carries through all her novels. I have read every book she's published under this pen name (her real name is Madeline Wickham - but the books published under that name aren't nearly as good) and I have enjoyed them all.
"Twenties Girl" is a sort of ghost story. Main character Lara Lington finds herself at the funeral of a great aunt she's never met...only she can see the dead aunt who appears to her as a girl in her 20s. The dead great aunt is searching for a necklace that she can't rest in piece without. What follows is a funny tale about the search for the necklace and Lington's search for herself. I highly recommend it.
I also read recently "The Third Angel" by Alice Hoffman. I know I've mentioned Hoffman before. She's an author whose books I always look forward to reading. This novel was also a bit of a ghost story. A lot of it centers on an old hotel in London that has a ghost who comes back every night at 10:30 p.m. and relives some horrible experience. This ghost and all the characters are connected in a six degrees of separation kind of way.
From a writing perspective, it's pretty amazing she was able to tie all the characters together in such interesting ways and most of the ties are not revealed until near the end of the book. From a reading perspective, you'll be wondering what's going on and what the "horrible" incident was with the ghost. It turns out to not really be THAT horrible...but it's interesting nonetheless.
Earlier this week I finished "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. This is a book that was published in 2007. Every time I was at the bookstore, I would find myself picking it up but never purchasing it. It was only after my friend Amanda read the book and recommended it to me, that I finally bought a copy.
I have to say it wasn't what I expected. First, it was sad...Steel Magnolia's sad. Second, it was good but I found myself skimming through a lot of it, looking to get to the meatier parts of the story. The writing wasn't really tight and I found that she waxed poetic A LOT prompting the skimming. She has since written a sequel to the book, "Knit Two." But I don't think I'll be reading that one. I just wasn't captivated enough with the first one to follow these characters on.
I started the new Nora Roberts book "Black Hills" the other night. Nora Roberts is my guilty pleasure. I'm not a huge fan of romance novels anymore but Roberts' writing is always tight, fresh and captivating. She is the first author who made me laugh out loud at something she had written.
Then it's on to Jane Green's new novel, "Dune Road." After that, who knows what the bookstore will bring me? Well, actually I have a list...it's posted on the left. Take a look at the books I'm looking forward to this year.
Recently, I finished Sophie Kinsella's new novel, "Twenties Girl." Kinsella is probably best known for her Shopaholic series. Being a shopaholic myself, those are some of my most favorite books. Kinsella has a unique voice that carries through all her novels. I have read every book she's published under this pen name (her real name is Madeline Wickham - but the books published under that name aren't nearly as good) and I have enjoyed them all.
"Twenties Girl" is a sort of ghost story. Main character Lara Lington finds herself at the funeral of a great aunt she's never met...only she can see the dead aunt who appears to her as a girl in her 20s. The dead great aunt is searching for a necklace that she can't rest in piece without. What follows is a funny tale about the search for the necklace and Lington's search for herself. I highly recommend it.
I also read recently "The Third Angel" by Alice Hoffman. I know I've mentioned Hoffman before. She's an author whose books I always look forward to reading. This novel was also a bit of a ghost story. A lot of it centers on an old hotel in London that has a ghost who comes back every night at 10:30 p.m. and relives some horrible experience. This ghost and all the characters are connected in a six degrees of separation kind of way.
From a writing perspective, it's pretty amazing she was able to tie all the characters together in such interesting ways and most of the ties are not revealed until near the end of the book. From a reading perspective, you'll be wondering what's going on and what the "horrible" incident was with the ghost. It turns out to not really be THAT horrible...but it's interesting nonetheless.
Earlier this week I finished "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. This is a book that was published in 2007. Every time I was at the bookstore, I would find myself picking it up but never purchasing it. It was only after my friend Amanda read the book and recommended it to me, that I finally bought a copy.
I have to say it wasn't what I expected. First, it was sad...Steel Magnolia's sad. Second, it was good but I found myself skimming through a lot of it, looking to get to the meatier parts of the story. The writing wasn't really tight and I found that she waxed poetic A LOT prompting the skimming. She has since written a sequel to the book, "Knit Two." But I don't think I'll be reading that one. I just wasn't captivated enough with the first one to follow these characters on.
I started the new Nora Roberts book "Black Hills" the other night. Nora Roberts is my guilty pleasure. I'm not a huge fan of romance novels anymore but Roberts' writing is always tight, fresh and captivating. She is the first author who made me laugh out loud at something she had written.
Then it's on to Jane Green's new novel, "Dune Road." After that, who knows what the bookstore will bring me? Well, actually I have a list...it's posted on the left. Take a look at the books I'm looking forward to this year.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Let's review...'Best Friends Forever' by Jennifer Weiner
Being laid off has its perks. I've had plenty of pool time this summer...and plenty of reading time. Of course, my husband is growing more concerned by the day. I've already read most of my new books and I think he's concerned I'm going to send us to the poor house with weekly trips to the bookstore. I haven't yet joined the library. I like to own the books, stare at them in my bookcase and imagine them in my own "library" someday. My husband likes to imagine them in the trash, I'm sure.
I think all told I have read at least 10 books in the past month and a half. Last night I finished "Best Friends Forever" by Jennifer Weiner. I am a big fan of hers. I have read almost every book she's written. Being that there are only seven of them, it hasn't been a hard feat. I like her writing style and find her books entertaining.
"Best Friends Forever" was cute and had its moments but I found the plot a little outlandish. And I have a very large imagination. I usually don't have a problem with outlandish plots. But even this plot got on my nerves. I just kept asking myself, "Why? Why? Why?"
The book centers on Addie Downs and her best friend Valerie Adler. The two friends have a falling out in high school but reconnect after a high school reunion when Adler appears at her friend's door for help. What follows is the part I find unrealistic.
Adler thinks she has "killed" a fellow high school classmate, who she is angry with because of a past event, when she struck him with her car. Only she didn't hit him that hard and when she and Downs go back to the scene of the "crime," he isn't there. Do dead bodies walk away, I ask you? Only in "Weekend at Bernie's."
So of course the two would decide to hightail it out of town because they think they might be found out. It's just logic, don’t you know.
I found myself getting angry at the book and the characters...asking them, "Why? why? why?" are they being so stupid! It annoyed me to no end. As did the incessant whining from Downs about her being VERY overweight in high school (she claims at one point to have tipped the scales over 350 pounds). Perhaps she shouldn't have binge ate in the middle of the night, every night! I hate whining characters.
This is definitely something you can wait to read until it comes out in paperback...or check it out from the library. A place I plan to visit one day...maybe...we'll see...not sure I'll have time...
I think all told I have read at least 10 books in the past month and a half. Last night I finished "Best Friends Forever" by Jennifer Weiner. I am a big fan of hers. I have read almost every book she's written. Being that there are only seven of them, it hasn't been a hard feat. I like her writing style and find her books entertaining.
"Best Friends Forever" was cute and had its moments but I found the plot a little outlandish. And I have a very large imagination. I usually don't have a problem with outlandish plots. But even this plot got on my nerves. I just kept asking myself, "Why? Why? Why?"
The book centers on Addie Downs and her best friend Valerie Adler. The two friends have a falling out in high school but reconnect after a high school reunion when Adler appears at her friend's door for help. What follows is the part I find unrealistic.
Adler thinks she has "killed" a fellow high school classmate, who she is angry with because of a past event, when she struck him with her car. Only she didn't hit him that hard and when she and Downs go back to the scene of the "crime," he isn't there. Do dead bodies walk away, I ask you? Only in "Weekend at Bernie's."
So of course the two would decide to hightail it out of town because they think they might be found out. It's just logic, don’t you know.
I found myself getting angry at the book and the characters...asking them, "Why? why? why?" are they being so stupid! It annoyed me to no end. As did the incessant whining from Downs about her being VERY overweight in high school (she claims at one point to have tipped the scales over 350 pounds). Perhaps she shouldn't have binge ate in the middle of the night, every night! I hate whining characters.
This is definitely something you can wait to read until it comes out in paperback...or check it out from the library. A place I plan to visit one day...maybe...we'll see...not sure I'll have time...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Let's review...'The Girl Who Played With Fire' by Stieg Larsson
I stayed up late last night to finish "The Girl Who Played With Fire" by Stieg Larsson. I couldn't wait to find out the ending...there had been so many unexpected twists and turns...I was riveted.
And then just as I reached page 503 at midnight, I was greeted with a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger!!!!! I can't say for sure but there may have been swear words involved as I walked around the apartment getting ready for bed.
"The Girl Who Played With Fire" is the second in a three part series. The first book, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," was released last year. Amazon states that the third and last book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," will be released on Oct. 31. However, the official Web site of Stieg Larsson has a date of January 2010. Oh, please let it be Oct. 31. I don't think I can wait until January to find out what happens.
If you're unfamiliar with Stieg Larsson and his series...allow me to introduce you. Stieg Larsson was a Swedish author who died unexpectedly shortly after delivering these three manuscripts. It's very sad that these are the only three works we'll ever see from him. Larsson was a great writer who had a gift for storytelling.
The books follow journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is part owner of a magazine called Millennium. In both books he becomes involved in criminal investigations. Trouble definitely seems to follow him. His sidekick in the first book, Lisbeth Salander, is one of the main characters in the second book. She is feisty, aloof, smart, interesting...she is unlike any character I have read before. And she has a history... a mysterious history that keeps you guessing until the end of the second book.
These books are definitely a bit racey with its content. A LOT of discussion about sex crimes, sex trading, prostitution, incest...etc. So if these subjects make you uncomfortable, you might want to pick up something else to read.
But if you're game, check them out.
And then just as I reached page 503 at midnight, I was greeted with a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger!!!!! I can't say for sure but there may have been swear words involved as I walked around the apartment getting ready for bed.
"The Girl Who Played With Fire" is the second in a three part series. The first book, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," was released last year. Amazon states that the third and last book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," will be released on Oct. 31. However, the official Web site of Stieg Larsson has a date of January 2010. Oh, please let it be Oct. 31. I don't think I can wait until January to find out what happens.
If you're unfamiliar with Stieg Larsson and his series...allow me to introduce you. Stieg Larsson was a Swedish author who died unexpectedly shortly after delivering these three manuscripts. It's very sad that these are the only three works we'll ever see from him. Larsson was a great writer who had a gift for storytelling.
The books follow journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is part owner of a magazine called Millennium. In both books he becomes involved in criminal investigations. Trouble definitely seems to follow him. His sidekick in the first book, Lisbeth Salander, is one of the main characters in the second book. She is feisty, aloof, smart, interesting...she is unlike any character I have read before. And she has a history... a mysterious history that keeps you guessing until the end of the second book.
These books are definitely a bit racey with its content. A LOT of discussion about sex crimes, sex trading, prostitution, incest...etc. So if these subjects make you uncomfortable, you might want to pick up something else to read.
But if you're game, check them out.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Let's review...'The Sugar Queen' by Sarah Addison Allen
One of my favorite things to do is to spend a couple hours at the bookstore and just browse. Usually, I'm not looking for a specific book. I'm searching for a something I've never heard of, by an author I've never heard of - a diamond in the rough.
I love discovering new writers. I have no patience whatsoever so I can't exactly be expected to wait until my favorite authors release their next books. Instead I fill the in between time with little known writers and their books, hoping that they will join my favorites list.
This is precisely why I love Barnes and Noble. If you weren't already aware, B&N has a Discover New Writers section. I have found many a good book and great author there. I highly recommend you peruse the section the next time you find yourself in B&N.
In addition to the DNW section, B&N also has a number of tables set up with different genres of books that stand out among the rest. There's so much to stop and look at...it's like being in a candy store. And you know how I love chocolate!
On a table display in B&N is where I found "The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen. I had never heard of her or her book before. But the cover spoke to me. Yes, I'm serious.
Peppermint patties run across the top of the cover and in the center is a girl sitting (in the snow maybe?) holding a peppermint patty. Sold!
This sweet little book follows main character Josey Cirrini, a Southern belle, who feels she needs to hide her love of sweets and only do her mother's bidding. Until she finds a fairy godmother of sorts in her closet. And then everything changes.
In the vein of Alice Hoffman, Allen interweaves magic and reality in this cute story about finding yourself and embracing who you are. If you're a Hoffman fan, you'll love this book. And, incidentally if you haven't read an Alice Hoffman book, you really should pick one up. I recommend "The Probable Future." It's one of my favorites.
Speaking of favorites, many authors on my list have come out with new books this summer...but the hard part is choosing which one to read first. eeney, meeney, miney, moe...
I love discovering new writers. I have no patience whatsoever so I can't exactly be expected to wait until my favorite authors release their next books. Instead I fill the in between time with little known writers and their books, hoping that they will join my favorites list.
This is precisely why I love Barnes and Noble. If you weren't already aware, B&N has a Discover New Writers section. I have found many a good book and great author there. I highly recommend you peruse the section the next time you find yourself in B&N.
In addition to the DNW section, B&N also has a number of tables set up with different genres of books that stand out among the rest. There's so much to stop and look at...it's like being in a candy store. And you know how I love chocolate!
On a table display in B&N is where I found "The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen. I had never heard of her or her book before. But the cover spoke to me. Yes, I'm serious.
Peppermint patties run across the top of the cover and in the center is a girl sitting (in the snow maybe?) holding a peppermint patty. Sold!
This sweet little book follows main character Josey Cirrini, a Southern belle, who feels she needs to hide her love of sweets and only do her mother's bidding. Until she finds a fairy godmother of sorts in her closet. And then everything changes.
In the vein of Alice Hoffman, Allen interweaves magic and reality in this cute story about finding yourself and embracing who you are. If you're a Hoffman fan, you'll love this book. And, incidentally if you haven't read an Alice Hoffman book, you really should pick one up. I recommend "The Probable Future." It's one of my favorites.
Speaking of favorites, many authors on my list have come out with new books this summer...but the hard part is choosing which one to read first. eeney, meeney, miney, moe...
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