Bee Season

I finally finished a book after reading Harry Potter. "Swapping Lives" was fun, yet very predictible. It could have been the inspiration for that TV show Wife Swap. Except one of the girls wasn't married so maybe not. I still think my favorite chick-lit books are Bridget Jones and "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner.

I started reading "Animal, Vegetable Miracle: A Year in the Life of Food" by Barbara Kingsolver earlier this summer. I didn't finish it because it was due at the library. I finally got it back this weekend so I think I might read some more of that in between the Book Club book. It makes me want to eat fresh vegetables. You all can quote me on that as I'm not known for eating much of anything that's green besides lettuce and green beans.

I'm listening to "Bee Season" by Myla Goldberg. It's narrarated by the author--she kind of has a mousy squeeky voice, but now that I'm 5 CDs in, I'm used to it! The story is very interesting. It's about a girl, Eliza who wins the school school spelling bee much to her own surprise. She goes on to win the district bee too. As she heads to the National spelling bee her family starts to fall apart. Mom is a little out there and starts stealing, and brother is trying to find his religion. Dad is wrapped up in Eliza's success and ignoring son and wife. It's intriguing and because I'm listening to it I keep trying to spell some of the harder words she gets like gegenschein. Don't ask me for the origin or a definition!

Swapping Lives

Yea, I have finally made a book stick! I'm reading "Swapping Lives" by Jane Green. It's a chick-lit book, but lately that's what I've been into since it's summertime. A British singleton in London who works for a magazine is going to trade places with a stay-at-home mom who lives in Connecticut. Sounds like a reality show, huh? It's keeping my attention for now. I was on such a roll right before I started this blog..hmm maybe that's why!

I read the first few chapters of our book club book "The World Without Us". This one might take awhile so I might have to read that one next.

Why is it that when one has a stack of books to read, they can't seem to find any of them interesting??? That's why I had to cut back on buying them--my stack keeps growing and I don't have any interest in plowing through it.

I'm looking forward to September--I love this time of year when it finally cools off a bit and the smell of fall is in the air. I'll be heading to Chicago at the end of the month for my friend Katie's wedding. So excited for that.

I told Nancy I'd update our book club blog and so far I haven't done it. Better get it done this weekend. I think that might be her thing more than it is mine or anyone else in our group for that matter! :)

Becoming Jane

I went to see "Becoming Jane" with a bunch of gals from book club and work. It was really a great movie. Anne Hathaway does a great job and the guy in it is cute! It has made me want to read more of her works. All in time... Julie Walters, the actress who plays Mrs. Weasley in the HP films was Jane Austen's mother. And Maggie Smith (Mcgonagall) was in it as well--her nephew was Mr. Wisley--so it was pretty funny. If you are a Jane Austen fan, this movie is a must-see. You'll cry so bring tissues! If only we did know about Jane's romances in her life.

Next Book Club Book

Yea we have a new book for book club. It's called "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman. (I think that's the author's name.) Karen picked this non-fiction book. It sounds like it will be very interesting--it's a what-if scenario that goes something like this: What if people ceased to exist and the earth kept on turning? What would happen to all of the buildings/plastic/bronze/plants/animals? It sounds fascinating--I hope it is.

The discussion on Jane Austen's P&P was fun. We talked about class differences, marrying within your own class, marrying for convenience or love, Jane Austen...it was a great time. As usual. We changed up how we decide what book to read--the hostess gets to pick and really she should have the only say. Although both Angela and I were trying to convince Karen to pick the one she did pick. She had a Michael Crichton book on her list too. :) Emily was telling Angela that she didn't get to vote anymore. It was funny. I wonder when the next love story will be--it seems we're all pretty set on reading some non-fiction novels.

Work is already better. I had a major score with my home office today that made me look like the hero. So I was feeling much better by the end of today. I have to remember that work does not rule my life--I am working to live not living to work. I have let the stress get to me too much the past couple of weeks. Of course not having a boss does not help the situation, but oh well. It's the situation I'm in.

Ron and I are going camping this weekend. I can't wait!!!

I haven't been able to make a book stick this week and I think it's because I'm stressed with work and working longer hours. I have been thumbing through a Jane Austen biography since my book club meets on Sunday to talk about "Pride & Prejudice."

I'm listening to "Deep South" by Nevada Barr and narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. This book takes place in Mississippi along the Natchez Trace. It's another one in the Anna Pigeon series.

I'm off to my high school reunion this weekend. I'm anxious to see some of my friends that I haven't seen for almost 10 years. Some were at my wedding 5 years ago. I'm bummed that Jennie and Katie and Sara won't make it. I don't know if my friend Kim will be there or not. But I will get to see Kate, Kevin and Kisa, Meghann, Nancy, and Michelle, and Alex. :) Yea!

Book Club is on Sunday this weekend too. Cynthia's hosting and making quiche. It sounds delicious. I'm anxious to see everyone and am really interested to see what book the next hostess picks.