Between the Bookends

The Scarpetta Factor was Patricia Cornwell's best attempt to bring back the passion and suspense that she has in the first books in the Scarpetta series. I loved that she referenced story lines from previous books and focused on the forensics of the case. However, the climax of the book was very weak. It literally last about four sentences. I am encouraged by this book and hope that Cornwell has tapped into a new reserve of suspense and mystery writing greatness.

As for what I am reading now... the semester is in full swing so I am reading articles and journals for class and don't see another pleasure book in sight. If you have a suggestion, please let me know. I am always on the hunt for the next great novel.

Between the Bookends

So I finished Between, Georgia. It was a easy read that I enjoyed spending a sunny, summer day engulfed in. I also re-read the Twilight Saga: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. It is the most engrossing set of books I have ever read. They immediately sweep you into the story and don't let go until the last page of Breaking Dawn. DO NOT just see the movies because the movies are extremely disappointing. It is amazing that such a wildly successful book series has produced one horrible movie (Twilight) and one mediocre movie (New Moon).

Now I am reading The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. I have been a huge fan of her books since high school. Cornwell's Scarpetta series is amazingly enjoyable if you like mysteries and crime novels. Scarpetta Factor has brought back the suspense that Cornwell had at the beginning of the series. Her past few books have been rough to read, but Scarpetta Factor reaches back and makes me think of those days when Scarpetta was kicking butt in Richmond.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Last weekend, our amazing friends from Mississippi spent the weekend with us in the Smoky Mountains. It was days and nights filled with laughs, memories, and more laughs. The "hot bath" was a favorite hangout and introduced most of us to the new game, "Ah So". A major highlight was introducing Rain Man and Firefly to the hilarious frivolity of The Hangover. As always, the crowd favorite was the Miracle House (otherwise known as WonderWorks).

Our time in Mississippi will always have a very special place in my heart. It is where Chris and I began our marriage, where we bought our first house, and where we made friends that we will have for life. We now begin the wait for Market Street Festival in early May.

Between the Bookends: What am I reading now?

I am reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson. I read her first novel, gods in Alabama, and loved her humor and southern characters. Between, Georgia has been entertaining so far, but I only 100 pages into the book.

Between the Bookends: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

This summer I have made an effort to read more, watch TV less. So, as a by-product, I have a number of book reviews I can do. Let me start with my summer reading blockbuster: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.

To say I was reluctant to start the series is an understatement. I did not think a novel with romance, vampires, werewolves, and teenagers would appeal to me. I was wrong! Twilight grabs your attention from page one. You are instantly drawn to Bella and her awkward, shy nature. As she stumbles through the spring semester of her junior year of high school, you begin to champion her quest to be with Edward, the vampire. The struggle that Edward feels throughout the book is magnified by the exceptional storytelling that Meyer weaves together. This novel leaves you "thirsty" for the next book in the series, New Moon. Be warned, once you start the series, you will not want to stop until you are done.

-Side note- The movie is not even in the ballpark compared to the novel. Once you have read the book and then see the movie, it is like a 2 hour trailer for the novel. They skip some of the best parts of the book so it just leaves the Twilight fan wanting to re-read the book so they can get the story right in their head.

Birthday Thank You

This past Sunday was my (Lauren) birthday. I have to say that this year was a great birthday. This is not to say that I did not have quality birthdays as a child. Some of my most memorable parties were at the Knoxville Zoo, Showbiz, the Tennessee School of Beauty, and my surprise 17th birthday. However, now to have a good birthday does not require a big party or elaborate gifts. This year I just wanted a good meal with my family and friends and a relaxing hike in the Smoky Mountains. I lucked out and got both.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me.

Now is the time to be an American

As a moderate independent, this election has been one for the books. Some are really excited today because Obama won and others are upset that McCain lost, but either way you feel, today we must come together as a nation.

Our political leader does not control our life so do not get down on this great country or the presidency because your man did not win. Instead, find ways to make a difference in your life and your community. We are not going to get out of this recession by sitting back and waiting for the government to bail us out. It is on our shoulders to take care of our personal finances. As Obama said last night, "if you ever thought you could not do something, this election is your proof." Quit blaming the other side for the missed opportunities in your life. Stand up for yourself and do not let anyone stop you from working hard to provide for yourself and your family.

My wish for the next four years, is that we put our political affiliation away and focus on getting back to basics. Our government is to big to operate successful and is giving out to many "freebies" to our citizens (and non-citizens). As the bible says, we need to teach folks to fish instead of continually throwing them a fish to eat. I hope that you will stay in touch with the politically environment and not wait until the next election to tune in. We, the people, lead this nation and our government representation will follow.

God bless America!