Recently read (and listened to)

It's been awhile since I've mentioned what books I've been reading - and listening to since I now utilize a local library's online audio library.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman: I'm not sure how I missed reading this years ago. Creepy and fantastic, I would have adored this as a child (I've always liked dark and scary things!). The illustrations would have sent me reeling and now that I've seen what the film is looking like, I'm a little torn. The film previews look stunning, especially having worked in stop-motion myself, I have a good idea of just how dedicated these artists are. If you need 'keys' for the previews, go here.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken: Another classic author that I missed out on. Our library had an old edition, and I can't turn down anything with an Edward Gorey cover... sadly he did not illustrate the inside. A little tough to get into, but a rewarding story where the characters actually do suffer hard times and scary situations - very victorian, but far more action packed! I'll be reading more of Joan Aiken.

Big Little by Leslie Patricelli: Adorable board book, one of a series of really successful and simple (as they should be!) board books. Let's all remember that board books should NOT be a shrunken best-selling picture book, even though the big booksellers really want us to buy into that new notion.

Ba Ba Ha Ha by Zimm (aka Robert Zimmerman): Gloriously simple and engaging board book, reissued (and lovingly self published) by Zimm. I can't wait to hand this first book off to my baby - and to give this as a gift to other new mommies. I loved reading about how the book became a wanted item after it's initial publishing run, and how Zimm made all the efforts to reissue a safe-to-chew version.

Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer: Ok, so admit that I did read all 4 of these, along with every other teenage girl in the nation. And many of us a bit older... Sure, they were entertaining, and as a complete series I can't really complain. However, that first book had me cringing all the way through at the controlling, misogynostic vibe I got from the lead's 'true love'. What a let down girls will have if they expect this is what love is! I felt like Bella was just a broken horse by book 2 (which was probably my favorite, dark person that I am!) I don't want to spoil much for those few people who haven't yet read the books, but I will say that I think the author could have made the final book a bit more tragic - just to offset the syrupy sweetness of other moments.

Morningside Heights by Cheryl Mendelson: Back to some adult reading... Light but engaging novel about an area of Manhatten near Columbia University, and the families that settle there. Part of a series of 3 books (I started with the second book Love, Work, Children somehow, and am now on the last, Anything for Jane) Sometimes I truly miss living in an urban area and these books let me wish-fulfill without moving or losing the peace and quiet of rural/suburban life. She builds great characters that you want to follow across the generations.

Sofie Metropolis Series, 1 - 3: And here begins what I've been listening to while working. I like to listen to campy chick-lit/mystery - yup, that's right! If it's lively and theatrical in production, I can follow along. Otherwise, I drop off to sleep when I should be painting with vigor. There is such an art to the audio book. My biggest complaint is that they switched the reader by book 3. I was so attached to the first reader that it took me quite awhile to adjust. Fun private-eye mysteries, greek style. I wish that 4th book would come out on audio already!

Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot: Fun first book in a series by the author of Princess Diaries and many many other YA and Adult books. Well read, and enjoyable - if you like Nancy Drew and grew up with Tiffany and NKOTB - you'll dig.

Body Surfing by Anita Shreve: I adore Anita Shreve books, but I'm not sure how I feel about 'listening' to her. As a listen, this was not one of her best novels. She's had a few misses over the years, perhaps this was one of them. It was by no means terrible, perhaps just a little too sentimental and dreary for my tastes. I'm never a fan of 'weak' central female characters and this one headed that way for me - widow or not!

Comments

[NungNung]

We have a copy of Big Little. Our 18 month old girl has much more fun with it than she does with the Peter Rabbit board book, or the excerpted Curious George board book. So yes, I can confirm through experience that shrinking books for older kids doesn't make them successful baby books.

The most frustrating thing about the shrunken-book board books from a creative standpoint: If you look for an author credit on those book, you can't find one. Instead, they say "Based on Some Book, by So-and-so."

[Ellen Crimi-Trent]

wow I barely have time to read the paper!! I am jealous and I cannot see or read scary stuff, just not my thing, I have too much of an imagination and think Freddie is around the corner!

[Eric Wentworth]

Mmmmmm... Neil Gaiman... very cool stuff. I like his Sandman comic book series a lot. If you get a chance, see "Mirrormask" - came out a few years ago - really trippy animation. :)

[chickengirl]

oh! I've been meaning to list some sort of podcast/audio list on my blog for a while. Thanks for sharing. I always need a little backgroung noise when I work.

Love love love Neil Gaiman. Read all the sandman series and I also love Coraline. I'll have to check out the other stuff!

[Ann Marie]

I enjoy reading your reviews--books, restaurants, exhibits, etc. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[Mom]

Hello,
Nice cover page! Do you think that Julia would like the New Moon Magazine? Maybe she would be too young for it.
Your little neice used the Zoo book that you illustrated for her 1st grade book report! She was very proud to list your name as illustrator.
Love, Mom