Austenland

I had to read it again. I finished it today. It is so great! What a nice treat after reading Don Quixote for school. Something easy and short and lovely.

Don Quixote

I finished it yesterday while driving to Tucson for class. It was very funny. Sancho Panza is hilarious. I think for Sancho Panza makes the book.

I found the story enjoyable and understand why it is considered a classic. Great characters and memorable stories. It's just really long, and I did read it again after I read it the first time because I had to write a paper about it. My teacher has a thing about "first readings" versus the rest of the readings. The first reading is supposed to be magical; after that, it should be a closer more analytical reading. Therefore, I had to read it again. I really wonder if there is anyone out there who has read Don Quixote twice in like two months. WOW.

Eclipse

I finished it this morning. I don't know what to say. There were things I liked about it, like some of the characters and story line, but once again annoyed at the unhealthy relationship between Bella and Edward. I know it is so romantic that Edward loves her so much that he won't rip her throat out - blah blah blah - I just find it disturbing how obsessed they are with each other. Edward is always there. Bella has no time alone unless she is in La Push and Alice can't see her. Someone is ALWAYS watching her. Edward is there every night with her while she sleeps. Creepy. These are not signs of a good relationship. I guess the comparison between their relationship and Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights should have clued me in. That relationship is disturbing on so many levels and should never be emulated. At least, it' not a love that I am interested in.
The only part of the book that intrigued me was the truce between the wolves and vampires and their anticipation of the newborns coming to Forks.
I am debating whether I should read the new book that just came out. Some people have told me that it is different from the other books. Maybe that's a good thing, but I have so many other books that I want to read.

Now laughing at - Don Quixote
On hold - Vanity Fair, Eragon, I Capture the Castle

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Finally, it's finished. We finished the last night at about 11 pm, the three of us lounging in Chris' and my bed. I can't believe how much I missed while reading it this second time. I think when I read it at first I was consumed with whether Harry was going to die or whether Snape was evil that I forgot the details. It was great to read again, especially with Ben. Every morning after his dad would go to work, he would say, "Mom, do you want to listen to Harry Potter?" Of course. I love that he would rather listen to a book than watch the Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana or Drake and Josh. He told me this morning that he wants to read the whole series again. I think we will finish Eragon, then he can read it again. To be honest, I was sad that it has ended.

Now enjoying: Don Quixote and Eclipse
Backburner: I Capture the Castle, Eragon, and Vanity Fair

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Ben and I listened to this book. It's so awesome to watch his face while we listen to the book learning about Dumbledore and Snape and how he can't wait to listen to it. We are listening to the last book in the HP series right now. Wish we were doing it right now!