Just Another Twilight Fan

I, too, have succumbed to the lure of the “Twilight Series” written by Stephanie Meyer. Three friends recommended the books to me saying they were really romantic fiction, not so much about vampires. I picked up Twilight while waiting for a prescription at the drug store; started reading it; and had to buy it to finish reading. At first, the scene and dialog seemed kind of juvenile, but I found peering into the life of a teenager who has moved to a small town kind of compelling. I could relate and I probably would have fallen for Edward myself. I was bitten by the first book and had to have more. The second book, New Moon, turned out to be a monotonous continuation of the story with the introduction of a pack of werewolves. Now, I’m reading Eclipse and intrigued by the story of a teenage girl in love with a vampire while friends with a werewolf. The young love relationship brings up several analogies for abstinence, but I keep wondering if she’s going to become a vampire or not?! It’s all very implausible, but a great escape. I have to find out what’s going to happen so I’ll have to read the final book called Breaking Dawn. Then I'll have to see the movies.

What A Story!

What a story! Sex, murder and secrets dominate the plot over seven days. "Lovers & Players" by Jackie Collins starts with a meeting being called by controlling billionaire Red Diamond, whose manipulative behavior has determined the fate of his sons’ lives as well as any others who cross his path. His character is easy to hate while his sons' crazy lives are sometimes easy to identify with. The story intertwines the lives of an aspiring singer and an heiress. I couldn’t put this book down even though the ending was somewhat predictable. I can imagine three sequels based upon the lives of those touched by Red.

A Mother's Love and Principles

I just finished reading an amazing love story: Trudy's Promise by Marcia Preston. This tender story begins with strong-willed and principled Rolf defecting from East Berlin and leaving behind his wife and child in hopes that they’ll join him later. His wife, Trudy’s determination to move her family to West Berlin drives the rest of the story with emotional insights. As the reader, I found her fearless determination courageous and admirable, yet scary at the same time. Author Marcia Preston does a good job helping the reader to identify with Trudy and her actions. When she describes Trudy’s trek through the tunnel to West Berlin, I could well imagine the humility of having someone tuck my skirt into my underwear to keep it out of the way. I could almost feel the sting of scraped knees from crawling through the dirty, rocky passage. She continues with pictorial descriptions of Trudy’s shabby clothes and meager living arrangements on the west side. Not only are her descriptions vivid, but she brings to life the real history of communist Germany in the early ‘60s. The real focus of the story shows how strong a mother’s love is and how far she’ll go to be reunited with her son without compromising her principles. This was a wonderful story that I will not forget.

I Love To Read!

Lately, I’d rather read my book than watch what’s on TV. I’m usually a sucker for the competitive reality shows until now. At first, I was hooked on Survivor, but it became too cut-throat and often, predictable. Then there was The Amazing Race, but the network kept moving the time around and I’m ready for bed at 9 PM. I’m most loyal to American Idol, but rarely watch the vote-off show because it’s a waste of time with a dragged out recap of the night before in between long commercial breaks. My husband watches Judge Judy, another predictable reality show. I just don’t want to hear a screaming witch for entertainment, even if she’s usually right about the losers in her courtroom. He also loves to watch science fiction and old (before 1970) movies, which I loathe. So, when he has those on our big-screen TV in the living room, I disappear into our bedroom with the 30-inch plasma TV and read a book.
I just finished Lifeguard by James Patterson. It was really good. I love his short chapters, because I keep saying, oh, just one more chapter, and before I know it, I’ve read through 60 pages. I plan to pass this book onto my mother who gives me hers when she’s done reading them. Before that I read Atonement, because I wanted to read it before seeing the movie (if I ever do). I know the movie will not be as good as the book, but it’s interesting to know the characters and the story first.
Next, I am looking forward to reading a friend’s historical romance manuscript even though I have a stack of books in the basket next to my nightstand. So many books and so little time.