My Wish List...

My amazing husband got me a beautiful blue wingback chair that is PERFECT for snuggling up with a book in, and I am beyond ecstatic. Yes, be jealous.

But here's the thing... I need something else now.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64545695/no-102-key-to-the-secrets-leather-mini

It's a book necklace! And my fav one has a key- a KEY! Do you know how much I love keys?

So, there you go. Enjoy. Thanks Elena for the link!

Confession # 4!

Forgive me, forgive me- I have digressed. I intended for this to be a blog with hilarious/true/deep/fascinating confessions, with random book reviews and commentary. In turn, it's become less about the confessions, which I intend to remedy. So here goes, confession 4...

I HATE The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

I loathe it, with every fiber of my being. I don't even think it's necessary to explain why. I mean, who WASN'T traumatized by this book? IT. IS. MEAN.

Now, don't get me wrong- I don't think kid's books need to be sugary or fake or anything like that. I'm a huge advocate for subversive children's literature- like The Gashleycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey. I mean it- I'm a little strange. The point being that I don't care that this book isn't a typical children's book- normally, I would applaud good ol' Shel for that. But this book was like a punishment to children everywhere- a big old punch in the face for being, you know, KIDS. Guess what, Shel? KIDS ARE NEEDY! They should NOT be punished for taking from their parents or asking for things. Instead, he makes you feel like a heel for needing a provider, like parents. Urg.

Before everyone jumps down my throat, I recognize that the book is about the consistent taking from people who love you too much to say no. I also know that this is a person (the boy) that continues to take long into adulthood, and he begins to only come around when he need things, and all that jazz. I understand this, and I still think it's stupid.

Here's the irony. I was at Borders waiting for my PF Changs order to be ready, and I decided that my next confession would be this one. Literally minutes after, I was walking by the humor section and saw The Taking Tree: A Selfish Parody (http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Tree-Selfish-Parody/dp/1442407638/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1297742535&sr=1-1) by Shrill Travesty (?). IT IS HILARIOUS! It's basically the awesome version of Silverstein's torturous "classic", but the tree's angry and sarcastic and eventually falls down and crushes the (now old) boy. HA!

So here's what I want to ask- am I the only one? Do you think I'm crazy? Also, what other kid's "classics" do you think are awful?

Anyways, Happy Reading!

The Weight of Books

Sorry it's been a while, but we've been moving. GAHHH!

Thank you to everyone for well wishes, prayers, and HELP. It was a huge blessing. It was wonderful to see everyone join us in our new home and now we're in the "fun" process of unpacking, which brings me to my topic...

Do you Kindle? (Or Nook? Or whatever?)

I'm firmly encamped in the REAL books trenches- I contend that nothing will ever, ever replace the smell, feel, or perfection of a paper bound book. You can't have a first edition signed KINDLE copy of a book. You can't smell the pages of a Nook. You can't even use a fancy bookmark! So what the heck is the deal? I get that books can be cumbersome at times, but it's a delightful weight because it's a commitment, it's solid, and it's so indisputably there. A paper book won't run out of batteries or shut off. You can read them while the airplane is taking off, or fold the cover back. These simple joys of book reading are stolen when you use a Kindle!

So, now, let the comments begin. Please, someone, explain this to me! I would love to hear what you love about your Kindle or Nook or whatever so you can try to persuade me. I really and truly want to understand. If you agree with me, lemme know that too! Is anyone out there playing both sides and willing to open up a few points on either side?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts- Happy Reading!