The Other Boleyn Girl

As I mentioned previously, I was really interested to see what I thought of this book after hearing such mixed things from my book club friends and after reading such mixed reviews from my online friends. I kind of feel like Simon Cowell after Randy and Paula have had their say: "I actually agree with...Paula."

'Tis true. I liked it. I told myself I had to read 100 pages a day if I was going to get done before book club this Wednesday and I liked it so much that was no trouble at all. There are two things that may have influenced me:

1. I love historical fiction, period.
2. Historical fiction, set in England where I've spent 6 years of my life, is just icing on the cake.

Having said that, it has been awhile since I've thought of the Tudors, so a lot of the story was "new" to me. I made myself stay away from Wikipedia for the first 500 pages so I didn't ruin too much for myself. I did have "Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived" running around in my head though, so I knew how things were ultimately going to end up.

The story is told from Mary Boleyn's perspective, and her character definitely grew on me. I thought the story of Henry VIII's court was well-crafted and researched. It is a story of ambition and sex, and how the women in the family were used to further the family's power and influence. So, based on the main thematic elements, I understand where it may not interest some people at all. It was a touch overdone for me, and I kind of think that Gregory put all of the most scandalous theories out there and rolled them into one book. My only other gripe is that it all ended quite abruptly, but I think that may have been the author's intention. I just wanted a little more closure.

I'm really quite excited to see what book club is like this week. This may be the first book we have strong opposing opinions about, so it should make for a good discussion. Anyway, I will definitely be checking out more of Gregory's works in the future.

What Leaders Need to Know and Do

I am so not suggesting you need to run out and read this book. But, I did--so I'm blogging it, dang it.

One thing I find hilarious about this book, is that while Amazon itself won't sell you the book, an Amazon seller will for the measly price of $159.95 (+$3.99 shipping).

K, this book is 80 pages long--that's $2 PER PAGE!

I had to read this for my management of library and information centers class. And, I have to say that if you are really into business management theory and leadership, it is a really good summary of what makes a good leader (35 competencies to be exact). There is also a scorecard and matching DVD so you can keep track of what areas you need to develop as a leader. I could see using this if I managed a small group of people. I think it is a useful exercise to see what strengths and weaknesses people have and also, probably most importantly, to be fair about where you can improve yourself.

Anyway, if you would like to check out Dr. Ruben's book I would suggest purchasing from the publisher directly for $32. I'm off to undercut that Amazon seller. I think I'll list it for $158. ;)

The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters

Yay! I finally finished a book. Dan and I read all but the last 100 pages or so out loud to each other on the drive back home. You bet I finished it today before he could! I've never read a book before by someone I knew...and the strange part was that I could hear the author's voice while I was reading it. It definitely has James' humor infused throughout. My six year old was laughing from the back seat when he heard a reference to underwear.

You know you've read a good book when you are MAD that it is a trilogy and you have to wait to find out what is going to happen next. The bulk of the story follows Atticus Higgenbottom as he receives a series of 12 clues that he glues into his Journal of Curious Letters. He has to solve the clues and prove himself worthy of something that will happen in the future...he just doesn't know what that is!

The action definitely takes place in the last quarter of the book, but I enjoyed the setting and character development. One of my favorite things about the book is that parents are actually involved, and are alive and well. No dead moms, evil stepfathers, or hiding from unsupportive parents (OK, so he hides from the mom, but not the dad). It is refreshing to see a supportive and loving parental role model put faith in his son.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.

Appropriate for ages 9+.

National Library Week

Over My Head

I've over-committed myself reading-wise this month. I'm in the middle of three books, and I really need to get started on a fourth.

I'm about 1/4 the way through Emma. I became a total Jane Austen slacker. I haven't even watched the new Sense and Sensibility on PBS yet!

I'm nearly 1/2 way through The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters. Dan and I read it out loud to each other in the car on the way to Florida last Saturday. A classmate of ours from the BYU accounting program wrote it (talk about a career change!) and we are really enjoying it.

I've also started The Book Thief for this online book group I just joined. I am finding this book quite fascinating, and I'm so excited about the book group. It's just that it isn't exactly light Spring Break fare.

Finally, I need to get a move on The Other Boleyn Girl for my in person book club this month. I have heard totally mixed reviews about this book, and I'm a little apprehensive as to what I'm going to think.

In the meantime, I just came across this list and decided I've got even more reading ahead of me if I want to create the "perfect library".

Perfection may have to wait.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

From the book description:

A hero with an incredible talent...for breaking things. A life-or-death mission...to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from a powerful secret network...the evil Librarians.

Alcatraz Smedry doesn't seem destined for anything but disaster. On his 13th birthday he receives a bag of sand, which is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians plotting to take over the world. The sand will give the Librarians the edge they need to achieve world domination. Alcatraz must stop them!...by infiltrating the local library, armed with nothing but eyeglasses and a talent for klutziness.

I had to read this book once I saw the title. (This soon-to-be librarian does not want to be lumped into the evil category, thankyouverymuch.)

I think I had perma-grin the entire 300 pages.

Brandon Sanderson, author of the Mistborn series (which my husband is loving), has written this hilariously witty children's book, appropriate for kids starting at about age 9. Some of the humor will be appreciated more by older kids and adults (I'm sure there's stuff I missed!), but it's definitely a book for all ages. I'm also excited to see Alcatraz's adventures continue. Sanderson has five books slated for the series in all.

And yay, this means I completed The Journey for the Once Upon a Time Challenge! On to Quest the First...

The Long Tail

This is a book I had to read for my social software class, but I actually quite enjoyed. Chris Anderson, editor of Wired magazine, shares the defining economic theory of our day--that of the "long tail". Basically, the internet has made virtually every book, movie, and song available to us through Amazon, NetFlicks, and iTunes. Of course there are still those items that are "hits" but so many of us now take advantage of things further down the "tail" based on our individual niche interests. The creation of the niche marketplace has had a significant impact on where we shop, how we shop, and what we shop for.

I found the basic premise of the book to be a little beaten over my head numerous times. However, I did enjoy the many stories, case studies, and anecdotes of how these new economics impact our lives and the companies we patronize.

If you liked Freakonomics, this may be a book you well enjoy. Anyone who is interested in the future of business and culture and how it is impacted by our technological advances should definitely read this book.

A Funny

A classmate of mine posted this today. I think any book lover can appreciate the humor.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, by Winifred Watson, was first published in 1938. The recently released film starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams has again brought the novel back into the public eye. Listed as one of the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, the review states:

Over the course of the day, in a series of deft interventions, witty misunderstandings and brilliant repartee, Miss Pettigrew is revealed as a lifesaver. A delightful, intelligent and naughty novel which reminds us that it is never too late to live.

The novel was a bestseller when it was released in 1938, but I can imagine how some would have considered it quite scandalous. Miss Pettigrew is a middle-aged governess and the daughter of a curate who comes in contact with Miss LaFosse, whom I'll describe as a woman of "riotous living". Each woman has an impact on the other that will change them forever.

The book is a bit naughty, but is also a pure delight. The recent edition released by Persephone Classics includes the original typeset and illustrations which I found perfectly charming. The book is fast-paced and reads like a play, with a lot of dialog. I was hoping that the movie would stay true to the book, but it appears from the trailer that it does take quite a few liberties. Nevertheless, I'm excited to see it.

Once Upon a Time Challenge

After reading the rave reviews of others, I've decided to join Carl's Once Upon a Time book challenge. There are four different levels in which to participate in this challenge, but because I know myself, I'm going to opt for the easiest (ahem, wimpiest) one. Basically, I only have to read one qualifying book in the Fantasy, Folklore, Fairy Tale, and Mythology genres between now and June 20th. Just one. If I happen to read, say 5, then I get to the next level.

There are lots of books I want to read that qualify though! I'm surprised at the number of series that I'm part way through. Participating in the challenge will give me a good excuse to get back to them.

Book Possibilities:

Queen of Camelot
The Princess Bride
Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix (5th in the series)
To Say Nothing of the Dog
The Subtle Knife (2nd in the series)
Lirael (2nd in the series)
Something Rotten (4th in the series)
The Big Over Easy
Enna Burning (2nd in the series)
Stardust
Beauty
The Magic Circle