Well, have finished reading the Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer, all three. They’re not Harry Potter but pretty darned good. And those of you who laugh at me for my penchant for reading ‘kids’ books can just bite me because I like ‘kids’ books. (I say that humorously! Please don’t e-mail me with comments about my rudeness, I WAS KIDDING!) The books are fun and funny and imaginative and gross in spots. I think that Danielle G. might like them as would Emily and Peter B. Just a suggestion. Oh, did I ever mention I’d read Eragon by Christopher Paolini? That’s another ‘Young Adult’ book that those three kids might like. I’d be interested to hear what Peter had to say about it. Some people say it’s a LOTR rip off. I found some similarities, but I like the premise and am waiting for the next installment. Let me know Peter what you think if you get a chance to read it.
Also finally finished Cry The Beloved Country by Alan Paton, it’s a sad story and though it discusses a policy that is no longer in effect, recent conversations with our South African friends have highlighted to me the fact that much work is still needing to be done. It’s a vile legacy that will, unfortunately, take much longer to correct than it did to create. Definitely worth reading but be persistent, it’s tough in places. Also, don’t let the fact that it was an Oprah Book Club selection turn you off; it’s not like her usual selections.
Finished Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. I loved it and I usually can’t read his stuff. I’m a Stephen King fan but Dean Kuntz’s stuff just really creeps me out sometimes. I think it’s just too real or possible for comfort. This book was just as strange but I like the story narrator – Odd Thomas. The story is about a man named Odd Thomas, told in his words. Odd sees dead people and they’re trying to tell him something. Ooohhh, yummy! Definitely not for kids, it gave me a few nightmares, well more like ‘Odd’ dreams. (heh)
My other reading is of my Newsweek International – Europe edition. I have to say that there are stories and points of view expressed in there that you wouldn’t likely see in the US. It’s amazing that even with freedom of speech our country doesn’t always get the whole story or maybe just not exposure to other points of view. I find it fascinating! I’m like a kid waiting for the postman on Monday to get my hands on the next issue. Of course this could just be that I’m starved for any sort of media in English,
Hey, can tea go bad? Does it lose potency with time. I’m trying to have a hot cup of tea, but I can’t get it strong enough no matter how long I steep it. Have had to add a couple more tea bags. Is it the tea or have I just grown so accustomed to the thick syrupy coffee of the area that the tea can’t compete?
We’re on day three of sunshine today. The wind-chill is currently at 27° so it’s not exactly warm, but hey one step at a time. Close inspection of the trees and rose bushes however, points to the arrival of spring. Buds on everything. I think maybe another week or two and we’ll have new leaves. Crocus are up, not flowering but up, and the tulips and hyacinth are peeking out too. Highs are in the mid 40’s during the day but warming slowly.
Well, that’s all for now from this ‘neck of the woods’.
