Summer Reading

When I look for a good fiction book I think I am like everyone else and I look for something that will grab my attention right away, someone who tells a good story, characters with many emotional layers, at least decent writing, and the list can go on and on. However, I believe that books, like food, coats, and bathing suits have seasons where they fit best. Certain books fit comfortably into specific seasons with ease and grace. Since we are in the midst of the summer holiday from school, and the season when most people take vacations, I think I have two books that are perfect for summer reading.

Something to keep in mind about me is that I don't usually care for books that others would label 'beach reads'. This is especially true about the summer. Hypothetically speaking, if I were going to read a 'beach read', I would read one during the winter when my brain gets bogged down and I have too much to do for my classes. Anyway, getting back to what I believe makes a good 'summer read' . . .

During the summer, after my senior year in high school I read one of my very favorite books. This book changed my perspective on entertaining fiction. Maybe this is due to the fact that I felt that I was at a crossroads in my life and I needed something that would take me from one stage of my life to the next. That summer I read The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This book is a great piece of feminist fiction that tells the story of King Arthur from the point of view of the important women in his life. Bradley changed literary history by re-writing one of the greatest legends ever told. It is a moving piece about the roles that women embody in a world dominated by patriarchy. However, it is so much more than the words on the page. To me, this is what makes up a good summer read. Good summer reading should be something that makes you think that you have just read the epitome of perfect fiction.

It has been five and a half years since I graduated from high school. I am now getting ready to start my last semester of my bachelors degree. I am also in the process of applying to library science school for my masters degree. This summer is also a crossroads in my life. At the beginning of my summer hiatus I was struggling to find something that I could completely fall into just as I did with The Mists of Avalon. When I started looking for a book to read I did not know I was looking for something similar to Mists. However, when I finished Outlander by Diana Gabaldon I realized it was exactly what I was looking for. Outlander has much in common with Mists. It is written from the feminine perspective, with emphasis on the independence of women. It balances the perfect historical novel with the perfect fantasy novel. It was exactly what I was looking for and so much more.

For me, The Mists of Avalon and Outlander are perfect summer reads. They are written well and are just plain entertaining. In my life these novels represent so much more than just good fiction. These books are seasons in my life that I will always remember. I am proud to carry them as part of my reading history and would recommend them to anyone.

If you are interested in purchasing either of these books at your local, independently owned bookstore, or borrowing them from the local library here are the ISBN numbers:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, ISBN: 9780440212560

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, ISBN: 9780345350497

Happy Summer Reading! - Greth

French Milk and the works!

Recently I discovered the travel book French Milk by Lucy Knisley. One of my now top favorites! I couldn't put it down! Mostly because it is "written" in comic form, but that isn't the point. :) It is a delightful story about a young woman and her mother who take a vacation to Paris. Lucy is 21 years old and spends her 22nd birthday there. How great would that be?!? I am 23 and I have only been to the four-corner states, no further! I wanna go...Anyway, the story is wonderfully hilarious and fun. You follow her as she describes the delectable breads, wines, cheeses, her struggle being away from her boyfriend, the interesting people she meets, and the art and culture that surrounds her every step. This book, regardless of the illustration presentation that might possibly be a turn off, inspires you to poor you a glass of wine, set the mood with Paris-like instrumental music and enjoy an hour of humorous cartoons and a real-life adventure from the eyes (and hands) of a young lady growing from the young lady to a woman. (And in Paris! Okay, I am done. :D )

P.S.
I highly recommend this books for those days when you are alone and want to feel like you have a good friend near OR those nights when you want to rest your head and inspire your dreams. Enjoy!!!

How many booksellers does it take to put in a light bulb?

Imagine it...one lady holding the light screen, two other ladies moving a metal books display and yet another lady picking up all the books that fall from that display. Now imagine this happening three times within a 10 minute period! A normal situation at Anthology Book Company. It is a good thing light bulbs don't burn out everyday! :) We are so lucky to have a team of great girls who have different talents (and heights)! Without even one of us, especially Greth (the tallest of us all), the job would have never been as sufficient nor hilarious. And we are so blessed to have a boss that isn't above helping put in a light bulb! Thanks Steph!

A day working behind the book counters is never boring. There will always be at LEAST one customer that will make (or break) your day, a book or 3 you find that you never knew you were looking for, but KNOW that you were meant to read it, and then of course, there is always the chai at the Coffee Tree. I never tire of that. :) You can't beat being a bookseller. But it would be nice if the light bulb would quit going out ( and if other light bulbs wouldn't follow the example).

hehehe

Blood and Chocolate

Provocative. Full of angst and desire. Loving what you are and hating yourself at the same time. This darkness we humans can relate to but could never truly understand from a werewolves perspective.


I give you:

Blood and Chocolate

by Annette Curtis Klause

Vivian Gandillon, the princess of her pack. She seeks normalcy and peace from the chaos the pack is in after her father, their leader, has died. But even a teenage werewolf's life can't be that simple nor that easy to fix.

One thing begins to give her that peace, though. A boy named Aiden. Enchanted by magic and completely overtaken by Vivian, he can't resist. And neither can Vivian! Knowing full well her place is needed in the pack and that Aiden is more welcome on her pack's food chain than in their family, Vivian rebels.

Not only does her longing for freedom and independence push her, but so does one of the nominees for the new leader of the pack.

Name: Gabriel

Motive: No one knows

He seems to want to prove himself to those against him and, especially, to Vivian.

So what does the future hold for the pack? Especially now that there are even more complications than merely a testosterone contest for the lead position. Now there has been a murder that could reveal the member's secret as werewolves to there home town!

Does Vivian reveal her true self to Aiden or be banished from the pack? Does Gabriel become leader or is he blamed for the mysterious brutal murder? Does Vivian choose to stay with Aiden and hide the beast within her or does she accept her place in the pack and become who she was born to be? Find out!

And don't forget to have the piece of chocolate handy...

Bohemian Manifesto

"Don't call me before noon, man."

-Cody

Just as much stereotyped as Goths, Cowboys, and people who wear glasses, Bohemians have been expected to be dirty, hoboish and especially weird. Much to some surprise and entertainment, there are many types and all are very distinct in their actions, dress, literature, and even hygiene. Again another glorious book written by the one and only Loren Stover:

Bohemian Manifesto

A Field Guide To Living On The Edge

Again, another book I couldn't put down! From wine-drunk senses, gypsy skirts, snapping applause and the poetic soul, bohemians have been the navigator's of my imagination. I have always adored the mystery and smoke rings that seem to follow there very existence.

In this book you will find that not all bohemians are the same nor are they even alike. But to be honest, a TRUE bohemian is Always a mix, a "mutt" if you will. The author breaks them down into five specific general types: Nouveau, Gypsy, Beat, Zen and Dandy.

Nouveau is the rich bohemian. These dress and decorate with no conscience and no apology with their elaborate lamps and rugs, top hats and the top-of-the-line mulch. Their ideals are what make them bohemian. Earth-help funds, inspiration to and of spirits, FREEDOM.

Gypsy Bohemians have no money and take the time to enjoy what nature and the Earth gives them. Broke down on the side of the road because the car has a tendency to over-heat? Relax and enjoy the sun rays, maybe even get a tan while you walk to the near-by orchard and grab some lunch. With eccentric styles and not the best hygiene, these bohemians are the most laid back if not the laziest.

Now for the Beats. Created in the late 1950's with rebellion and poetry embedded in their blood, they wear all black, smoke cigarettes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and drink wine. Utopia-seekers with uncensored, unpublished manuscripts who have no problem taking off their clothes. What can I say but that they are free spirits with a reckless track history.

Yoga. Incense. Meditation. Completely engulfed in Indian, Japanese and Tibetan cultures and religions. Definitely the most "spiritual" of all bohemians, they rely on and crave "The Higher Plain" of life. Completely organic based and health nuts, they are also the most healthy of the bohemians. Whether it is metaphysical, environmental or both, you can bet that these bohemians are behind anything to better life for the Earth and for all.

Last but not least, the Dandy. Most polished of the bohemians, they resemble the Nouveaus but without any cash. Dressing as though they live in the Victorian era, thy thrive on thriftiness and antiques. Closets with fur coats from the Dumpster and make-up in all sample sizes, the Dandy has no interest in the "natural" look. Fond of the drink, the Dandy would mostly possess more unpopular drinks, they wouldn't dream of denying a beer if you offered.

With a fun quiz in the back and really cute art, The Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide To Living On The Edge is definitely a must-read for those who are wild and free at heart with a touch of poetic soul and a Utopian ideals! Enjoy.

"Create your own universe."
-Atlas

Beauty, Smiles, Style!

"I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."

-Marilyn Monroe

Forever goddesses and forever young. These ladies have been here ever since we can remember. And we never want to forget them. Sex-appeal, confidence and the curves and hi-heels to match. Bombshells have enchanted the dreams and lives of people all around the world. By what about THEIR world?


Knowing a bombshell's latest movie or greatest quote only gives you a mere scent of their passion and lifestyle. Behold:

The Bombshell's

Manual

of Style

By Laren Stover

I have discovered this fascinating and completely entertaining book from the help of my lovely co-worker, Diane. I literally couldn't put it down. Laren Stover has out done herself with the insight, fun trivia and inner passion of the bombshell. These ladies are captivating! From their library (Yes, they read.) to shoes, perfume to how they chose their names.

Glamour, their preference. Pink silk, black satin and hi-heels worn especially in the nude. They never have food in their own refrigerator nor their own money because they are always taken care of, always protected, always adored.

The home of the bombshell is never neglected, however. Fur carpets in pink. Furniture of tiger, leopard and zebra print also sometimes mixed in with pink. Always ready for company with champagne on the side. These girls are never unprepared unless they are prepared for it! As for their lounging wardrobe, their birthday suits are the only thing they are the most comfortable in with the exception of lingerie or sheet, so don't be too surprised if that is your welcoming committee at the door.

Perfumes are just as important, if not more so, as their entire wardrobe. From Chanel to Femme, these ladies have brought to our attention that, as the french poet Paul Valery said, "There is no future for a woman who does not use perfume properly."

There is no stopping the eternal beauties and there influences on the way society rates Sexiness. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as Diane and I have. A page-turner from beginning to end, you will not be unsatisfied!

"Why don't you come over and see me sometime?"

-Mae West

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Before I begin, I would like to apologize to all the avid science fiction readers; especially Claire, Greth, & Jessica (my co-workers). I hate science fiction, no I loathe science fiction with my entire being. (Sorry ladies :) I just find that with all the wonderful things that do exist, why must there be books that delve into other planets, ray-guns, made up creatures, etc. Now I can hear some of you yelling, what about imagination? Have you ever heard of it? Yes, I love imagination and I would like to think that my imagination is very well developed; but for some unknown reason I just cannot bring myself to read, let alone enjoy, a science fiction novel.....until this point.
When I learned that Stephenie Meyer was going to be writing an adult novel, I was thrilled. (I must admit I was a little disappointed that it would be coming out before she finished her Twilight series, but I won't get into that, it is a whole other blog :) When I learned her first foray into the adult section of the bookstore was to be in science fiction, I think I actually cringed. Being a Meyer fanatic, I began to look into this new book with biased eyes. But after much deliberation and several times changing my mind, I thought what the heck, it can't be all that bad, can it? As the day of its release got closer, I got more and more excited, almost like a child with the upcoming holiday season. When it finally got into my anxious little hands, I as psyched! I know not to judge a book by it's cover, but this cover was amazing and it was a book by Stephenie Meyer.
I went straight home from work, and I settled in with the goal to read this book by the end of the evening. This is where some of my excitement died down. Like her other books, she grabs you right away, but unlike the Twilight series, I could put this one down pretty easy. What is going on, I thought, where is the hook that won't let you go? (In my eyes, this book was up against some pretty stiff competition, please keep that in mind :) After some re-reading, and taking some breaks to surf the TV, I decided that it was now or never. After the first 100 pages, I was hooked!! Only stopping to get something to drink, and to move so my legs didn't fall asleep, at 3:30am I had finished the newest book by Stephenie Meyer. After finishing the last paragraph, I was giddy! A huge smile lit up my face, and I was wide awake; so in love with this book I re-read the last 2 chapters, just to savor that wonderful feeling of finishing a book that you love, and to remember the characters that have captured a part of your heart.
Like I said earlier, I hate science fiction; but I think what I loved so much about this particular book was that she was able to make the non-human characters so humane. For the first time, I was excited to read and learn about an alien. In this book, time is not identified, so it could be present day or years in the future; but our human bodies have been taken over by "souls". Using our bodies as a host, hence the title, they have taken over Earth, along with numerous other planets. Yet, there are a group of humans who do not want to lose themselves to the "souls", and have set up rebellion camps all over. Meet Melanie, a rebel human, who has got caught and has a "soul", named Wanderer, put into her body. But Melanie does not die out, and Wanderer is caught sharing a body with this strong, independent person who knows where a camp of rebel humans are. Not only does Wanderer start to like Melanie, she is bombarded by the feelings Melanie has for another human named Jared. Meyer deftly weaves a very PG romance plot, into all the action, but unlike her previous novels this love story involves 3 souls and 2 bodies.
The Host is considered an adult novel but I truly believe that any person, young or old, will enjoy this wonderfully written tale of love, survival, but most of all finding out who you are in any type of skin.