Ramblings

I came to realization that commenting was often like small talk. I don't have anything against small talk. In fact, it is probably one of society's biggest lubricants. (Now don't blame me if that brought any questionable references to your mind!) The problem is that I have never been good at small talk. I tend to keep my thoughts to myself, even when they are positive thoughts. I can remember many a time that while sitting next to someone I wanted to know better, my mind and mouth froze - I could think of nothing to say. I have noticed a similar problem with commenting and commenting on comments. Geez. Small talk. A work in progress.

I have been reading and reviewing A LOT of fairy tale retellings lately. This is partly due to my love of the genre, and partly due to a recent book club for which I read 4 retellings. It is happenstance that my return to blogging coincided with this fairy tale binge. I really do read much more widely than this. But I am loving my current obsession.

Fablehaven 5 by Brandon Mull (a local Utah author) is coming soon. March 23. How freaking exciting is that!! There is a launch party which sounds really cool...but I don't know that my hoard of noisy children would mix well with lines. I'm still thinking about it though. Regardless, we'll be out on the 23rd grabbing our copy!

The next Sisters Grimm is coming out in May. Book 8: The Inside Story by Michael Buckley. Way excited for this one too!

I wanted to mention that I loved loved loved this new version of Emma. It was longer than your average movie (4 episodes) so it had time to get through more than just the twists and turns of the storyline. This version focused more on the relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightly. They fought. Over and over. And it was glorious. There was sarcasm and teeth grinding. {Swoon} There was all the other stuff too - the soap opera confusion and the necessary humbling of the over confident Emma. The experience was even better because I watched it with two newbies. One was my teenage friend who was properly involved and stressed and asking questions (which I wouldn't answer) and making predictions. The other was my brother who was exasperated because he couldn't tell one male character from another, but who thought it was surprisingly entertaining. He was concerned most for Jane Fairfax and Harriett, wanting to watch the movie through to make sure they got happy endings as well. Good stuff.

Review: Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford

Jane Bites Back
by Michael Thomas Ford
Paranormal
299 pages
published: 2010
For: the halibut
4 of 5 stars

Here is another example of me being swayed by book blogger I recently started reading. I really have no idea why this appealed to me. Perhaps my sense of humor? Irreverence? My love of Austen? Because it sure isn't my love or experience with vampires. Other than Twilight, I have read not a single vampire story. One Literature Nut was just persuasive!

About?

Jane Austen didn't die. She ran off for a romantic interlude and found herself changed into a vampire instead. She was forced to fake her death and eventually to remove to America. In the present day, Jane "Fairfax" runs a bookstore and keeps lots of secrets. She has the pesky vampire problems of needing blood and keeping her distance and she has to watch her work exploited and adored while she gets no royalties! To make matters worse, much worse, she can't get her latest book published. Suck. Throw in the bad guy who betrayed her in the first place, a couple of love interests, and someone with a vendetta and you have quite a story.

Reaction?

I was hooked in the first chapter, though I was also horrified. I was soon grateful that the vampires in this world and not as dark as I think vampires often are. Once I was okay with that (this strikes me as funny at the moment...) I sat back for the ride and I had a great time.

What I loved:

• The plausible characterization of present day, much more experienced, Jane Austen.
• The fun and confusion of today's publishing world.
• The literary references.
• The quick moving, simple to access writing.
• The unexpected twists.
• The resolutions of relationships.
• The humor. Come on! Jane Austen a vampire! That is just funny.

I do wish Walter had been more fleshed out. I think he could have added more to the adventure and depth. And there appears to be a sequel, though I not sure what more of this story could be interesting....but then, given the creativity of the author so far, it could be more great fun. 

Recommended for?
??? These are pretty mild vampires and the story quick and approachable so I keep thinking YA, but then I remember that there is a fair amount of sex. Definitely a parent preview required at least.