Pride and Prejudice frenzy

Recently I discovered that I love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. So I decided to re-read it. Then I found out that there are contemporary sequels. Here are those that I could get my hands on:

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

(LOVE THIS BOOK!!)

This book took my breath away. It did exactly what I expected. It continued with Darcy and Elizabeth and how they lived happily at Pemberley. Berdoll keeps the characters true to how Austen had originally written them. I was pleasantly surprised to see some very passionate scenes that I know Austen would have not approved of, but thankfully those of us who wished for it, were granted this. I could not put it down. In addition to Darcy and Elizabeth's lives at Pemberley, the world around them changes and all of our favorite characters as well as a few new ones are included. I highly recommend you pick this book up if you would like to read more about these great characters.

Darcy and Elizabeth: Nights and Days at Pemberley by Linda Berdoll

This was a continuation of the first novel but was not very good. It did little to add any good information about their lives and referred too much to the first novel. I guess if you can't get enough of Berdoll's interpretation of these characters you should pick this book up, but I would have done fine without it.

Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

This is written as a daily account of Darcy's life beginning with his sister Giorgiana's almost elopement with Mr. Wickham. I was excited to read a book about Mr. Darcy's account of the events that took place but was not too happy as to how he was portrayed. He seemed to emotional and needy. The book is a written as a diary, but at the same time was giving direct quotes as a narrative. Mr. Darcy was too composed as a gentleman that he would not record in his daily diary with conversations verbatim. He would merely refer to them in passing (I assume). So it did not capture the essence that is Darcy. I didn't much like how the book didn't really explore Darcy's life and what he was doing when he was not at Longborn, Netherfield or Pemberley. It did not give more insight of what I already knew from the original novel. The ending was a bit too plain and not exciting at all. So I would pass over this book. It's not worth the read.

Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer

This book also covers what Mr. Darcy thought and did during the events mentioned in P&P. What I liked about this one is that he was not the narrator. It explained more about the events that took place and how he came to the conclusions he did. His relationship with his sister is more thoroughly explored which adds to the mystery of how he spoke of Elizabeth to his relations of Giorgiana and his cousin Fitzwilliam, which is alluded to in P&P.

Pemberley by Emma Tennant

I did not care for this book at all. I couldn't get past the 2nd chapter. I was so bored with it because it took forever to get the story going. It concentrated more on other characters like Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Hursts and not so much on Mr. & Mrs. Darcy.

I've been seduced.

I am a big movie fan and watch classic movies till the cows come home. Mainly I watch TCM and all those listed on AFI top 100 lists. So in the process I've been meaning to watch The Graduate(1967) with Dustin Hoffman and finally got a chance to do it last week. It was pretty funny. You can feel the uselessness that Ben felt after graduating college.

What I could not handle was the endless music by Simon and Garfunkel. What the hell?! I like the song Mrs. Robinson but after watching this film I don't think I can ever listen to it again. Every time the film didn't have any dialogue Simon and Garfunkel chimed in. It was so annoying!! Stop it with your semi-hippie wanna be dreamlike songs. I couldn't handle it and fast-forwarded all those scenes. I knew when Ben was either lying about, walking or driving, those damned S&G songs will come on. So I suggest you watch it with your finger on the fast forward button. Other than that, the movie was good. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I loved Anne Bankcroft in that role. She owned Mrs. Robinson.

Gone with the Wind continues

Book Review

Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig was somewhat disappointing but helped remove the bad taste in my mouth from Alexandra Ripley's Scarlett. This book deals with Rhett Butler's life prior to coming to Georgia and meeting his Scarlett O'Hara. It covers his life in Charleston and the infamous dual that takes place which results in his being shunned from Charleston society and by his father. It's interesting to read about the back story but what I did not like was how McCaig concentrated too much on Rhett's sister Rosemary. Her character was too much like Scarlett in that she had a forbidden love while married and caused scandals by acting upon it. I'm sorry but antebellum Charleston society was way more strict with their ladies and Rosemary's actions were way out of character. I know he was trying to introduce more characters to make the book interesting but missing from the book was more historic detail. I did not like how he glazed over the scenes we are all too familiar with. For example, when Scarlett and Rhett first meet. We all know what happened from Scarlett's point of view but I was looking forward to more from Rhett's head other than, "Wow, she is like no one I have ever met". (no that is not a direct quote, but that was the gist of it.)

What I did love was the interactions between Rhett and Scarlett that he did cover in detail. Loved them! After getting bored with Rosemary and her endeavours I skipped over them right to where Rhett and Scarlett were mentioned. The conclusion of the book was most satisfying in that McCaig ignored Ripley's writings and made up his own conclusion as to how the love crossed pair of Rhett and Scarlett end up. So if you love this story of Gone with the Wind you must pick this book up. But I must warn you, you need to read the actual book of Gone with the Wind. If you only saw the movie then you will be confused.

Big Read

I'm so excited! After some hard work and a hectic schedule our library's Big Read, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts is going to happen. This weekend is our big kick off. So go here if you want to read up on it.

Book Review

Bless me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya is great coming of age story. It's full of folklore and magical realism that takes place in the Southwest.

I have to admit I only read it because of our Big Read, but it kinda grew on me. Pick it up and take a look for yourself.

The Lovely Bones;

By Alice Sebold is a very creepy book. I wasn't able to read it physically, so I listened to it. Sebold's writing is very descriptive and draws you in.


Susie Salmon, 14 year old girl, is murdered and we as readers experience her journey through heaven and viewing how her family copes with her death. It is very endearing how she describes her family and the life she lead in her small town. It makes you realize that this can happen anywhere. This creeps me out. I recommend this book because it expresses the human emotions that a family goes through during this tragedy.

Best job ever!! (one of)

Read this article from U.S. News. Turns out "Librarian" is a great career to get into in 2008. Take that, you non-believers! I knew I picked the right one. :)

Ebooks

I have found Ebooks to be very annoying. What is the point of having to read the text on a screen and then maybe even print it out to read it. I prefer the real thing or audio books. But here is a guy that really describes the evilness of Ebooks.
The Top 9 Reasons Ebooks are Evil lists good points about Ebooks. Like did you know the "E" stands for Evil? True story. ;)

My reading evolution

While going over our collection and having to "weed" the fiction, I had a conversation with our lead reference librarian about authors we love and hold closely to our hearts. They make us re-read our favorite titles over and over. Judy Blume is definitely credited with getting me hooked on reading at the age of 11. The first book I read (I think) by her was Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing which led me to Superfudge which begat, Then again, Maybe I Won't. My reading progressed from there to the more daring Are you there God? It's me Margaret. My evolution of the reading taste moved onto V.C. Andrews. I don't remember how I got to reading her books, but after My Sweet Audrina I was hooked. I went on to Flowers in the Attic, Dawn, If there Be Thorns, and on and on until I read everything she had ever written at that time.

My library shelved V.C. Andrews books in the adult section so I was exposed to more sophisticated authors. Enter Danielle Steele. But before her I had a short stint into the Romance novel genre which I try to forget, but I admit it. I read them. But after I read one you read them all. So after I devoured all of Danielle Steele I found my favorite author of all time. Sidney Sheldon. I was awestruck with Master of the Game. If you have not read this book, go out and get it. NOW! Trust me. You wont' be able to put it down. Sheldon exposed me to openness of fiction and the lives of others, to the complexity of life and the cruelty that is man. I was able to engross myself in a world I had never known and was willing to read more.

From that point I knew I was a READER. I couldn't stop and I didn't want to. I found new authors and my tastes continued to grow. So I would like to credit Judy Blume for helping me find my reading gene. I still have fond memories of reading new books and finding a new author and reading everything they have ever written. My most recent author that I have fallen in love with is Nancy Martin's Blackbird Sister's murder mysteries.

So excuse me while I go pick up My Sweet Audrina I am craving some V.C. Andrews. Feel free and tell me what inspired you to read.

Fequently asked questions.

Q: How do I get a computer?
A: Well, what you do is, you go to the store and buy one.
(Actual question should have been: How can I reserve a computer? or; Can I reserve a computer here?)

Q: Do you work here?
A: No.
(Correct question should have been: Can you help me with...?)

Q: Computer?
A: Yes. Yes, it is. Thank you for asking.
(The question we were looking for: Can I reserve a computer? see above question.)

Q: The computer is asking for a code.
A: Yes, computers tend to do that. Good luck deciphering it.
(How about: Can you sign me into the computer so that I can use it please?)

Sounds like...?

Library Patron Etiquette:
"The" and "fiction" alone, are not useful tools in helping me, help you, find your book. This is sometimes less useful than you describing the actual physical appearance of the book. Don't get frustrated with me when you don't remember a title.

My worst day ever.

My day consisted of subordinates calling in sick, librarians switching shifts at the last minute, librarians coming in 2 hours late after their off-site meeting was over, scheduled tours that no one knew about, neighboring library asking for "coverage" from our staff, a power hungry colleague, a frantic assistant that makes things worse rather than assist, and to tie it all up a mysterious package arriving in a sealed box with no explanation for its arrival and possible threat.

Yup that was my day in a nutshell.

-_-...ARGH!!!!

May I pick it up for you as well?

Patron Stories:
(Conversation over the phone)
Patron: Hi I would like to find out if you have movies.
Me: Yes we do. Which movie are you looking for?
P: That one movie with Johnny Depp, I need to know if you have it for me to check out. Do you have it at this library over here?
M: I can check. Do you know the title?
P: Yes, "Blow". B-l-o-w, with Johnny Depp. Do you have it over here at this library? Which branch are you?
M: We are located on 3rd and Atlantic. Which branch do you want it from?
P: The one over here at 3rd and Fairfax. Can you tell me if they have it?
M: I'm sorry but that's another system, let me check if they have it on their online catalog.
P: Do they have it?
M:I'm still searching. Do you know the name of the library? or the zip code where it's located?
P: No.
M: Ok, I found it. Yes, they have it. Would you like their phone number?
P:No. Can't you put it on hold for me?
M: I'm sorry I can't. They are on a different system. I can give you their number and they can put it on hold for you.
P: But you said you found it! Why can't you put it on hold.
M: I found it on their online catalog which you can access as well from your home computer or you can call them.
P: Whatever! click

You're WELCOME!!! -_-...

Stupid question of the day.

One patron asks another patron waiting in line, who clearly has ash on his forehead, "Is it ash Wednesday?"

(insert canned laughter here)

Pet Peeve #9

Flip Flops in Winter:
It's cold, rainy and windy outside and you want to look cool by wearing flip flops. I can't stand it when people where flip flops in winter. Especially to a library where they squeak their way down the hall with their wet flip flops, showing their ashy skin. Put some lotion on for Christ's sake! Oh and please don't put on socks with your flip flops. Get some real shoes. What's wrong with you?! Jeesh!

Working off some steam

Yesterday was a very hectic day and was very wound up on my way home. To help me relax I put on my favorites CD's and sing at the top of my lungs. I have a 45min - 1 hour commute so I usually go through most of the CD. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Shakira Unplugged.
2. Out of Exile, Audioslave
3. The Dutchess, Fergie
4. Skin and Bones, Foo Fighters Live at the Pantages
5. Mezmerize, System of a Down.

What are your favorite albums/songs to let out some steam?

Excuse me. Do you work here?

Library Patron stories:
(Me at the reference desk at 3:30pm)
Patron: Can I put my name down for the study room at 4pm.
Me: No, I'm sorry it's first come first serve. So you will have to come back at 4pm.
P: But I asked the girl and she said she will be done at 4pm.
M: You'll have to come back then to get it. You can't reserve it in advanced.
P: But she said I could.
M: Who did?
P: The girl in the room.
M: She doesn't work here. I do, and I'm telling you you can't.
P: Oh ok.

Good ole, library. Full of laughs.

Interesting Book Titles:
Because our books are bought through our central purchasing at headquarters, they send us lists of book we will be receiving. Reading the titles without really knowing what they are about is really funny. Join me won't you? Keep in mind these are non-fiction:

• Shag A to Z: A Blab! Storybook
  
• What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage
  
• Batter Up Wombat
  
• Who Will Iron Out My Wrinklers

What a great summer!!

Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart is a great book. It's a true story about two young girls from Iowa who spend one summer in New York and land the job of their dreams at Tiffany. I love these real life stories and learning how people really lived in 1945 which include stories of their daily living, of what they wore, how they spent their money and war time rations. During that summer they were able to be part of some historical moments in American history. They attended the Eisenhower hero parade, accidental crashing of a war plane into the Empire State building and celebrated VJ DAy in Times Square. Not to mention dealing with important and famous customers who shopped at Tiffany.

What I enjoyed the most of this book is the naievete of the girls and how the author didn't try to hide it. Their upbringing was very vital in how they survived in the big city. This is something people don't undestand today.

Hey that's mine!

Library Patron etiquette:
Please don't take paper from other printers. Come and ask me for it. The other computer user will get upset with you. Just come up and ask for it, I don't bite. Thank you. ( I have had patrons walk an extra 2 feet to another computer and take their paper rather than walk to the reference desk and ask me for it.)

Guilty pleasures

Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate by Kyra Davis is another great example of fun, witty mystery writing. This is the third in a series of books about Sophie Katz, novice sleuth. Through no fault of her own she gets mixed up in murders and has to solve them. With the help of her on again, off again love interest Anatoly, they are able to work together to solve mysteries.

The premise of the series is cutesy, but Davis' writing is very witty and entertaining. She made me laugh out loud on several occasions. But her storylines are getting a bit boring and are nicely knit at the end and you are left with a piece of the storyline for the upcoming book. Which is nice, but at the same time, she could stop making it seem like Sophie is accidental drawn into solving murders. After three consecutive murders happening to a close friend or family member, she should just team up with Anatoly already and start a private detective team. That way Davis doesn't have to think of new ways in which Sophie inadvertently finds herself solving a crime. Just a thought. But I love these books and can't wait for the next one.