Better Late than Never!

Sorry, folks!  What are my excuses for not posting in such a long time?  Well, September was a blur with work and my son's golf activities.  October barely started and it was time for a break!  Whew!  A much needed break.  My family and I just returned from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  If you haven't visited the mountains in eastern Tennessee, you're missing one of God's greatest creations.  I usually try to read an Appalachian tale while I'm there, but unfortunately I carried with me a book I'd already read, Clay's Quilt by Silas House.  Although I am a big fan of rereading your favorites, I just couldn't resist finishing a series I'd started and reading a book that came highly recommended by LT and LJ (LT's beautiful daughter).

One quick note on reading Silas House while in the mountains:  If you have the opportunity to read a novel set in the exact place you're visiting, do it.  The experience is a surreal one.  (Students, surreal means "having an oddly dreamlike quality", according to Answers.com.) Not only are you able to "see the movie in your mind", but you can almost feel as if you've been transported into the story.  Good authors do this anyway, but you can take the experience to the next level by connecting with your environment. 

Because it's been such a long time since I've posted anything, how about a list of books I've recently read and enjoyed?

      1.  The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins  (5 books in this series for young adults.  I loved each one.  This is the author of The Hunger Games Trilogy, the newest craze in young adult literature.  I give it 5 stars!)

     2.  Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz (debut novel, chosen for Oprah's Book Club several years ago, I recommend this for high school students or adults only.  I give it 4 stars.  This would make an excellent book club selection if you're looking for one.  Lots to discuss.  I have questions for LT and LJ!)

     3.  Mr. Monster by Dan Wells (Sequel to I Am Not a Serial Killer.  Adults only.  Better than the first book, so I give it 5 stars.  This is a trilogy and I can't wait for the final chapter in this unique story.  If you like a thriller, then you'll love this author.)
     4.  Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins  (The final chapter in The Hunger Games Trilogy.  If you haven't read this yet, my advice is to choose either Peeta or Gale and stick to your choice.  I didn't, and when I arrived at the end of the story, it didn't matter that much to me who ends up with Katniss.  Take my advice and you'll give it 5 stars.  I have to give it 4 stars because I was an inactive reader.)  :(
   
That's all I have time for now...I want to report that our Eclipse Book Event was a success and the upcoming book event for teachers and students is quickly approaching.  Wednesday, October 27th will be an exciting day for readers at MNMS.

Now to start a book just for me...Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn.   She's become my favorite author and facebook friend.  Just like it sounds, this is an adult novel.  Historical romance.  But it's not a raunchy novel...I love the history and relationships Quinn builds among her characters.  Still, I can't recommend it to kiddos!  Sorry students!

Happy Reading!
RC