New Moon

Last night, I finished the second book in the Twilight series. I am intrigued by the werewolves and Bella's relationship with Jacob. The werewolves are different from what we traditionally think of as werewolves.
I am annoyed with Bella's brooding obsession with Edward. I like the Cullens. They are unique characters, but Bella's attitude after Edward leaves to save her life is irritating. Their relationship is a horrible example of what a true relationship based on love is like. I think with all the comparisons to Romeo and Juliet clinched it for me. I hate that story, and though it has some beautifully written phrases, it one of my least favorite Shakespearean plays. I don't really like the tragedies, and I hate how the story is bandied about as an example of true love. What a load! And people fall for it, especially teenage girls. Ugh!
I like Jacob. He saved her from her depression though she used him so she could hear Edward's voice when she did something crazy. Annoying! I am going to finish the series because I felt like it was left in the middle of the story. There were different aspects that were unresolved that I want to have resolved.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

We listened to this book while driving to Washington and back home to Arizona. It was perfect because it was something all of us could listen to and enjoy, and it's long. Perfect for the 26+ hour trip. Ben had never finished it and wanted to read it badly. It was enjoyable. I think it's one of my favorite HP books and reading it made me want to read the series again. It reminded me of the great characters that I love -- the Weasleys, Dumbledore, Lupin and others.

Currently reading - Don Quixote; New Moon
Books put on hold because I am reading Don Quixote for school - Vanity Fair, Eragon, I Capture the Castle. I will finish them soon.

Twilight

People have been recommending this book to me for some time. My sisters love it! The were both down this past weekend and finally convinced me. I have intended on reading it for some time, but there were other books that I found to be more pressing - Whatever that means - Books that appealed to me at the moment because I am a selfish reader.
I do have to say I am not used to reading any modern day romance stories. I read Austen and the Brontes but there is a different feel with modern romance. I love the setting of the story. It's a place I am not too familiar with but love to imagine while drying up in the Arizona heat. Bella is the perfect example of a teenage girl in love. She's completely devoted. I have always been creeped out by vampires, but I really like the characters of Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle is so sacrificing of his own desire and cravings to help others, and Esme is a lovely counterpart to him. I have been intrigued by Team Edward and Team Jacob, but until I read all the books, I cannot truly have an opinion.

Till We Have Faces

I finished this book last night. It is a wonderful (I say wonderful a lot) rendition of the story of Psyche and Cupid. I have always loved mythology, and I am sad that I had never read this before. In high school, my AP English teacher gave us a list of books to read for the upcoming year. I read one: The Edith Hamilton version of Greek and Roman Mythology. I still have it, and it's trashed. There were times when I forgot that this story was written by CS Lewis. It had some beautiful and imaginative sections. There were moments that I felt it went slowly because I was listening to it, but overall I liked the story, and I think it is so far my favorite book that I have read my CS Lewis.