free hit counter

My Life in…

Books, Libraries, TV Shows, Movies, Life, Thoughts

Archive for January, 2009

QuickReview: Stop Me If You’ve Heard this One Before by David Yoo

Jan-27-2009 By Keri
Stop Me If You've Heard this One Before by David Yoo
Book #7 of 2009
Title: Stop Me If You’ve Heard this One Before
Author: David Yoo
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub Date: 1/30/2008
Grade: B+
Comments: I loved Girls for Breakfast so I made a point to read this one even before I knew what it was about. Although this novel had some faults (some of the characterization is flat and the character is weak-willed beyond believability at times), David Yoo is a master at creating humorous, smart romantic comedies for boys. When I say romantic comedies, I don’t mean there are cheesy, sappy love scenes, but the book is about a boy who likes a girl and their relationship or lack thereof is the main focus of the book. We need lots more of these. I didn’t love the ending but I’ll be sure to put Yoo’s next book on my To Be Read List.
Posted in: Books
ADD COMMENTS

QuickReview: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

Jan-26-2009 By Keri
3 Willows by Ann Brashares
Book #6 of 2009
Title: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Delacorte
Pub Date: 1/13/2009
Grade: A-
Comments: It took me a while to get into this one because of the opening section. The letters between the girls about how they became friends were clunky exposition and the whole section screamed too much backstory. I was a little worried but as soon as the girls started their own journeys I felt completely satisfied with the rest of the book. Ann Brashares has lots of lovely phrases tucked neatly into her work and like usual, her characters are top notch. I did like the small cameos by people from the world of the first sisterhood but was glad that these characters stood well on their own.
Posted in: Books
ADD COMMENTS

Krist Novoselic can’t play In Bloom on Rock Band…

Jan-16-2009 By Keri

but is extremely good-natured about it.

Just makes me feel extra proud to play this monthly with my 12-year-olds at the library. It’s fun listening to them sing the songs I was singing at their age.

Posted in: Music, Video Games
ADD COMMENTS

QuickReview: Princess Forever by Meg Cabot

Jan-15-2009 By Keri
Forever Princess by Meg Cabot
Book #5 of 2009
Title: Princess Forever
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub Date: 1/9/2009
Grade: A-
Comments: I almost feel like I can’t review this book without spoilers, but I will say that after a few books that didn’t live up the previous ones, the final Princess Diaries really ties up the series well. The characters were back to their usual quirky selves and Mia was especially a joy - she’s finally grown up. I think the timespan of this book worked really well; I wish there had been fewer books but that each one spanned a longer timeline in order to flesh out the storylines and characters more and avoid the books were nothing really happens but Mia complains a lot.
Posted in: Books
1 COMMENT

Friday Night Lights is Back!

Jan-15-2009 By Keri

One of the best shows on television is back on Friday, January 16 on NBC for those of us who’ve missed out on Season Three’s run on Direct TV.

If you haven’t seen this show yet, watch it now. Seasons One and Two are up on Hulu and are available in most stores that sell DVDs for like $20. It’s worth every penny.

Even if you’re not a football fan, give this show a try. I hate football. It is my second least favorite sport. The show isn’t about football; it’s about people.

I know I sound like a commercial, but seriously, I do not make any money off this show, and I just love it so much that I hope it gets a fourth season. I hear the third season is awesome (please, no spoilers) and can’t wait to see it.

Posted in: TV
ADD COMMENTS

QuickReview: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Jan-13-2009 By Keri
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Book #4 of 2009
Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness
Publisher:Candlewick
Pub Date: 9/9/2008
Grade: A-
Comments:I didn’t expect to like this adventure book nearly as much as I did. It had a great premise, great villains, great protagonists, great book design. Even the talking animals weren’t annoying. There was even humor despite the dangerous and desperate situations the characters faced. The only thing I didn’t like was the cliffhanger ending! Boo! I want to know what happens next and don’t want to wait until September 2009 to find out.
Posted in: Books
ADD COMMENTS

My Favorite Book Covers - January 2009

Jan-11-2009 By Keri
Envy by Anna Godbersen The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey Far from You by Lisa Schroeder
Posted in: Book Covers
2 COMMENTS

QuickReview: Nation by Terry Pratchett

Jan-7-2009 By Keri
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Book #3 of 2009
Title: Nation
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub Date: 2008
Grade: A-
Comments: This book won the BCCLS Mock Printz award, and while it was my second choice, I think it is extremely deserving. I loved the subtle humor, the loving human relationships, the tearing down and building of a society. I hate to agree with the kids in the epilogue about the ending, but I understand why it had to end the way it did.
Posted in: Books
ADD COMMENTS

QuickReview: Your First Home by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox

Jan-5-2009 By Keri
Your First Home by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox
Book #2 of 2009
Title: Your First Home
Author: Lynnette Khalfani-Cox
Publisher: Advantage World Press
Pub Date: 2008
Grade: B
Comments: Overall this book was great at breaking down all of the things you need to know about buying a house. I’m a little farther in the process than the target of this book, but starting from scratch this would be really helpful. I do wonder if some of the advice given in this book might get people into some trouble in light of today’s housing crisis, but I think as long as you know what you’re getting into, this would be a good book to help you.
Posted in: Books
ADD COMMENTS

I love McSweeney’s

Jan-4-2009 By Keri

No Son of Mine Plays Oregon Trail Like That

Posted in: Video Games
ADD COMMENTS
« Previous Entries