Currently Reading
Before I go on about my current reads I have to mention the upcoming Texas Book Blogger gathering. I’m so excited. I’ve been blogging for six years and have yet to meet a book blog friend so this is super cool for me. As we have the Texas Book Festival coming up it’s a perfect way to meet bookish friends. For more details visit Amanda at The Zen Leaf. I live in Austin so if anyone needs any suggestions on restaurants, places to visit (after the Festival), etc. just let me know.
Alright and now about the books I’m reading. First up is Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I am loving this book. I’m finding it strange, sad and scary. The words make the imagery come alive. Take this example: “Books bombarded his shoulders, his arms, his upturned face. A book lit, almost obediently, like a white pigeon, in his hands, wings fluttering.” Definitely a perfect read for Banned Book Week.
The other book I’m greatly enjoying is The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green. She is credited with introducing the first American detective to readers. In this story a wealthy New York man is murdered in his home and signs strongly point to one of his nieces as being the culprit. It will be up to Detective Gryce to figure out whodunit and while this is very readable and makes you wonder how it will end I’m finding it interesting that the detective seems to be in the background. I feel as if I know every other character but him. Interesting.
For something a bit different I’m dipping into Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh. How do we connect to the peace that is available in each moment even when you think you’ll lose your cool with a co-worker, a driver who cuts you off, etc. The meditations and observations may seem simple but the key is to put them into practice. I feel like I should be sipping tea and listening to some soft music when I’m reading this book. It makes you feel all cozy.
Finally, I’m not sure what to think about Writing Jane Austen by Elizabeth Aston. The premise is clever, a writer who has writer’s block gets the opportunity of a lifetime – to complete an unfinished Austen manuscript, but my problem is that one character is really annoying me. Not the main character which is a good thing but her publisher is driving me crazy. I started this book before I went on vacation and haven’t picked it back up so maybe my reaction will be a bit different now. I don’t know. Who’s read it and what do you think, should I continue with it?
So that’s it for now. Tomorrow I’m hoping to stop off at the library as I’ve got some books on hold. Yippee.
Coffee and a Book Chick http://coffeeandabookchick.blogspot.com
September 29th, 2010 at 4:39 amWhy does it seem like almost every book blogger I follow lives in Texas and is going to this?? Argh! Wish I could be there and meet up with you all!
Melody http://www.mel-reading-corner.blogspot.com/
September 29th, 2010 at 4:43 amIt’s so great to be able to meet up with fellow bookbloggers! I know I’d want to meet you if given a chance!
Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net
September 29th, 2010 at 5:11 amCoffee & a Book Chick – I feel like I’ve been living in a bubble as I didn’t realize there are so many of us out here in Texas. I guess it is kinda of a big state
Melody – I’m going to be so excited, I hope I don’t scare anyone with my enthusiasm! haha… I’d love to meet you too Melody
Amanda http://zenleaf.amandagignac.com
September 29th, 2010 at 5:37 amWow, it’s weird to hear someone say that everyone they follow is a Texas blogger, because I know almost none of us! I think I know four at most, perhaps five? Crazy! So far there aren’t a lot of us signed up so thank you for spreading the word!
jenn http://pickygirlfoodfilmfiction.wordpress.com
September 29th, 2010 at 7:01 amI am so excited!!!
I’ll actually be coming up Friday night and going salsa dancing with a friend. Cannot wait to meet everyone.
Veens http://nidhiveens-loveforbooks.blogspot.com
September 29th, 2010 at 10:26 amWow, I wish there were some book festivals here as well. I would love to meet up fellow bloggers. I have not read any of the books, hope u enjoy them all
I really don’t know where though 
My brother-in-law and his family is in Austin too
Joanna http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/
September 29th, 2010 at 10:48 amI’m glad you’re enjoying Fanhrenheit 451, it’s fantastic. I heard good things about one of his other books too, but haven’t gotten around to reading anything else of his yet.
Stephanie http://www.reviewsbylola.wordpress.com
September 29th, 2010 at 3:02 pmI am so jealous I won’t get to meet up with you guys. Unfortunately, ohio isn’t anywhere close to Texas! I reviewed Fahrenheit 451 today–I loved it!
Stefanie http://somanybooksblog.com
September 29th, 2010 at 4:20 pmFarenheit 451 is one of my favorite books! And how cool that you get to meet up with other Texas book bloggers. I’ve not met any other blogging friends in all these years either so I am jealous!
Tiffany http://tiffanynorris.blogspot.com
September 29th, 2010 at 4:25 pmLove Fahrenheit 451! Good choice! Unfortunately for me, school reading is eating up all of my fun reading time. :s
Andi http://estellasrevenge.blogspot.com
September 29th, 2010 at 6:53 pmFahrenheit 451 is an all-time favorite of mine, so I’m glad you’re enjoying it so!
Danielle http://www.danitorres.typepad.com
September 29th, 2010 at 10:37 pmHave fun at your blogger meet up–and a book festival too, you can’t miss. I love Fahrenheit 451, too and have also seen the movie and listened to the audio version! And I have that Anna Katherine Green book on my pile so I look forward to hearing what you think of it!
Vasilly http://classicvasilly.wordpress.com
September 30th, 2010 at 1:49 amYour books sound great! I hope you have so much fun at the book festival.
bee http://prairiejournals.wordpress.com/
September 30th, 2010 at 2:54 amThe Texas Book Blogger gathering will be interesting! How exciting and yet potentially bizarre to meet people that you’ve become friends with through blogging. I wonder if they will be how you imagined them to be.
Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net
September 30th, 2010 at 4:48 amAmanda – I didn’t think there were that many either! Haha… I hope we’ll get a great turnout. I’m already looking forward to it!
jenn – oh how fun. I’ve heard that Gloria’s is great for Salsa dancing. Sadly, I haven’t been dancing in a while so I can’t say but you’ll have to let me know if you liked the place. Maybe I can drag my husband one day
Veens – I think it’s time for you to visit your brother-in-law and then we could meet!
Joanna – I’ve been reading little excerpts from it to my husband and mom. I’m so impressed with it!
Stephanie – We are just so far away! I did see in my blog feeds that you reviewed the book. I can’t wait to read your thoughts on it!
Stefanie – Too bad Minnesota is so far away too! I keep hearing of so many book bloggers meeting up and I’m thinking how can I not know anyone. ha. Can’t wait.
Tiffany – Ah that’s a bummer. But, hey are you going to be able to sneak down for the festival or are you pretty swamped with school?
Andi – It’s amazing!
Danielle – I definitely want to see the movie after I finish the book. I can’t imagine what it must be like. And, I think I’ll definitely have to make a point of reading more by Bradbury!
Vasilly – It’s still a bit more than a month away but I’m already counting down to it!
bee – I know, I wonder about that too. It’s a bit intimidating especially as I don’t consider myself very outgoing but well at least I can imagine that we can always talk about books and won’t run out of things to say. haha…
Les in NE http://lesleysbooknook.blogspot.com
September 30th, 2010 at 12:56 pmI wish I could fly down for the festival! I’d love the chance to hang out with you and Andi, but we will have just returned from a trip out to California and I won’t be able to squeeze another trip in so soon after.
Bummer! Maybe next year?
Dorothy W. http://ofbooksandbikes.wordpress.com
October 1st, 2010 at 2:00 amI’ve never read Thich Nhat Hanh, but I think I should one day. I do like to read spiritual books now and then, and he’s an obvious author to go to. I’m glad you are enjoying his book!
Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net
October 1st, 2010 at 3:51 amLes in NE – Oh we’d have a blast! What a bummer that you can’t make it but there’s always next year
We promise not to try to make you too jealous with our bookish tales – haha…
Dorothy W. – It’s really wonderful. It’s sort of reminding me of The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama.
bookgirl’s nightstand | Blog Archive | Still Reading http://www.bookgirl.net/?p=2669
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