Leota's Garden

Ever pick up a book thinking it's going to be one thing and when you read it, you realize it's not at all what what you thought it was going to be??  Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I downloaded Leota's Garden.  I thought  I was getting a free romance novel instead it's christian themed novel regarding a families relationship with each other.  Heavy emphasis on the christian part.  While I enjoyed the book I lent it to someone else who hated it.  Ok, maybe hate is a strong word, but found they could have done something more pleasing with the time they took to read this book!  The other reviews I've read seem to support this same either love it or hate it trend.

Books to Movies

With the recent release of the Hunger Games movie, yet another popular and well loved book comes to life.  Hollywood has long turned to books for their inspiration.  (Another blog I found had some interesting numbers on this.) However, there are millions of other beloved books, that for whatever reason, have never made it to the big screen.  Which book would you just LOVE to see made into a movie?  One that I would be interested in seeing is actually a sci-fi book.  Surprised?  I do read other genres besides romance!   Kindred by Octavia E. Butler is one of those stories you don't soon forget.  I could easily go on forever about the book.  It was very simply not what I expected and when I first picked it up.  It grabs you from the very first page.   I would love what hollywood  would do with it.

dependable authors

I can now safely say that while fan fictions are nice for a quick read there is nothing like the original!  I read Darcy's Voyage which was cute (that's about the only adjective I can really give it), however, it was predictable  and lacking the emotion of the original.  I dare say this was more for the writers amusement than the readers.

After being disappointed with such a book,  I decided to assuage my romantic reader's soul by picking up an author who rarely disappoints.  Stephanie Laurens books are always good for a good quick read.   Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue is the first book in her newest trilogy.  Yes, while the ending is  very predictable the difference between this one and the a fore mentioned one, is that the joy in these is the journey to the end.   I would love to know which author is your "old faithful".  Which author do you reach for when you want to read something that you know will not disappoint.

Fan fiction: artistry or cheap pandering?

So, I've recently started reading a remake of a classic.  I haven't finished it yet, so I'll refrain from mentioning the title yet.  However, I'm noticing that there are quite a few classic remakes out on the market.  I'm wondering how everyone feels about this though.  Should the classics be considered untouchable?  On the one hand,  I feel a good story line has the right to be told regardless of the whether or not the characters or theme is one that was created by someone else (as long as you give credit, where credit is due!).  Such as the Sherlock Holmes stories, which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle "borrowed"  (for lack of another term) from Edgar Alan Poe.  On the other hand it can be said that this an example of a "lazy" author, not taking the time to create a completely original piece?  I guess it can be summed up like this:  Fan fiction, is it artistry or cheap pandering?  For me personally, the jury is still out.  But, I would love to hear anyone else's view.

A New Year , New Opportunities

    With a new year, comes new opportunities.  A chance to read new books and to rediscover old favorites.   This year, try picking up a book you wouldn't ordinarily read and you may discover a gem in an unlikely place. Then again,  you could try finally picking up that classic you used to love and rediscovery it's genius. 
    I recently came across a book, that admittedly, is not a usual read for me.  However, it's been enlightening and troubling (then again, the really good ones usually are).  The book for those interested was The Light horseman's daughter, by David Crookes.  I will admit that I picked this up quite by accident and figured I might as well read it now that I had it.  I was surprised to say the least. 
    Whether it's this book or any other, may 2012 find you in the company of some unforgettable characters, and thought provoking stories.

Christmas books

There is a plethora of Christmas books out there much like the Christmas movies.  However, I find that most of us are drawn to a few that often become traditional to reread during this time of year.  One of my favorite is a book by Barbara Robinson titled "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."   While it's not considered a Christmas classic by most, it has become a Christmas tradition for me.  I'm wondering if there are any other lesser known Christmas books that have become household favorites.  Feel free to share them.

Joining the Blog-o-spere

While I'm not sure what this blog will eventually morph into, for now it's a collection of all the little parts that make me who I am.  Please feel free to provide CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, but I mean it about the constructive part.  If all you're going to do is gripe, then get your own blog!  I will endeavor not to embarrass anyone or to name names, however, part of what make me who I am are the people in my life.  I apologize in advance if anything I say here is taken offensively.  Lastly, I'm going to try to post at least twice a month but no promises! :)