Do I Not Look Intelligent?

Okay so I've finally been convinced that I should start blogging the books I read. I have always loved to read and mostly read for fun but usually I'm the type of person who will read a book in the "here and now" and once I'm done then that's it for me. I don't usually remember details, quotes, etc. . .I just enjoy the book for what it is and usually my philosophy is a review is just an opinion and what's right for one person may not be the same for another. But over the years I have found many books that I truly Love and just can't wait to share with friends & family or the unsuspecting stranger, (did you ever do that? Great conversation starter! Jus sayin!) So hopefully this blog will help me to be more accountable on many levels: reaching my goal of one book per week, paying more attention to details of the book and actually forming an opinion, be it good or bad, and being able to share my obsession. Hence the name BookNerd!

I'm not really sure why, but most people seem very surprised when they find out that I read a lot. Why has this been my experience my whole life? Do I not look the part? Whatever that my be. I've actually had to prove it, by naming books - not that they would know anything I mentioned and once I had to physically close someone's jaw when it dropped to the floor. Is it because of pre-existing images/ideas society has formed of people who read? Do I not appear to be intelligent? (okay, don't answer that!) Because we all know ONLY intelligent people read. Or the ever popular "You mean You READ for FUN? Those who know me know I almost ALWAYS have a book and/or my kindle with me or in my car and I have a running list of Books To Read and YES I do go to the library for FUN! (Ever been to the Seattle Public Library? It's a MUST SEE!)
http://www.pvldfriends.org/a-visit-to-the-spectacular-seattle-public-library/

With that being said; this blog is my opinion and my opinion only. I feel that if you think you want to read a certain book then you should and then form your own opinion. A good friend just yesterday said that "Timing" is everything. . . and I feel like the timing of reading certain books makes a difference on whether or not you will find enjoyment in the story. Maybe you haven't had certain experiences in your life, maybe you're going through a difficult time or maybe you are really happy and can't identify with the trials and tribulation of a character. Or maybe you can't identify with the time frame of the story - cough, cough "Wurthering Heights" - don't go there Brandy. So while the story could be great maybe it's just not the right time for you . . . so I guess that mean that I have to re-read The Catcher in The Rye because I sure didn't enjoy it in high school.

Okay, now to the heart of the blog: I want to start by giving a "shout-out" to my favorite books for 2013:

The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster 1961
The Stinky Cheese man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales- Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith 1992

Honorable Mention:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney 2007
Thirteen Reasons Why -Jay Asher 2007

I can't believe that I never read The Phantom Tollbooth before - after reading this I purchased a collectors edition for my "soon-to-be growing collection". I LOVE it because of the creativity of the story and the play on words, phrases & characters. Not since the Harry Potter series (and The Lord of The Rings - I'm a true Tolekien-ite - don't get me started on this) have I read such a creative story and I think the author is a genius for his writing. This book is geared as a children's book but I really think it should be more for the the high-school or college age. And as my cousin Krisha mentioned (follow her book blog at http://atreegrowsindelano@blogspot.com ) - it would be a GREAT graduation gift We even talked about having a Phantom Tollbooth Theme Party - where the guest would be in each land and have games accordingly (you have to read the book to know what I'm talking about.)

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales -
This book is listed as one of the 50 books you every parent should read to their children. http://flavorwire.com/416006/50-books-every-parent-should-read-to-their-child/. When I see certain lists I feel like I should be aware of the books mentioned and because they are children's books I figured I could read them fairly quickly (no, that's not cheating, according to Krisha). I'm actually looking for a collectors edition of this book too because I thoroughly enjoyed it! I read it in the library and bursted out laughing!- it was loud enough to warrant a surprised look from my daughter who told me to be quite! (Teen translation: Be Quite Mom, you're embarrassing me!) She later asked me why I laughed out loud and I told her that this book is sooo funny and creative how could someone not laugh. Once again, I feel that children will not understand the play on the classic fairy tales as it's the clever little twists and turns that make it enjoyable.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian & Thirteen Reasons Why are on the Banned Book List and because I'm such a rebel I have to read books off that list and am so glad I did. I encourage everyone to read any book from this list! I can't quite figure out why The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is on the list other than the person is of mixed race. What are we still in the 60's or something? Anyway, this book is written in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which my daughter Loves and Yes I read one of them too just to know what she likes. It's funny, creative and gives a very slight insight to being of mixed race (really in this day and age, who isn't mixed race?) Thirteen Reasons Why is a story about a teen who committed suicide and left a tape recording for those who they claim played a part in the decision to do so. Again, a creative story line and a little tense. I mean think about it, what if you received a tape from someone who committed suicide and said you played a part in that decision? How this would impact your life? I do believe this is GREAT book for teens as it shows them that everyone has problems or perceived problems that we must learn to deal with and it's our choices that make us who we are.

So there you have it, my first blog - lengthy as it is and I've now noticed a trend. . . I tend to favor books that have lots of creativity. I love the "unpredictability" of a story. This is why I love a good murder mystery and will usually be impressed if the "killer(s)" are creative in their process/style. If I can figure out who the killer is within the first few chapters then I'm a bit disappointed but I will still finish the book. Sometimes the author wants it this way so it does depend on the tone of the story. And this is why I dislike the "traditional love-story-type" books. You know the ones. . .Beautiful, troubled heroine meets Handsome-Man but is currently with equally handsome man but LOVES the other Handsome Man more. . .etc. . .etc.

N...E...WAY. . .  Please share your thoughts, ideas, any good recipes and this blog and don't be afraid to tell me why you are surprised that I read - I really want to know.