I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've been really busy and a lot has been going on. I recently had two deaths in the family which kept me pretty preoccupied for a while. As well, my cockatiel, Gimli, passed away on December 31. All this, on top of the recent holidays, has kept me quite busy, so I haven't posted in just over a month. Let's get down to the goods:
Update on Fall On Your Knees:
I finished the book a couple weeks ago (took me a while because of how busy I have been), and it was awesome! Though it started out a little slowly, I trudged through the begining and found out just how amazing the story is! The book was set in eastern Canada the early 1900's and covered World War I, the depression, and World War II. Needless to say, because of the setting, the book covered a lot of Canadian history, despite it being a work of fiction. It also covered a lot of controversial topics, both relevant then and today. Some of these topics are: racism, sexism, incest, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and so many more. From what I've written, it probably sounds like a pessimistic book, but it is honestly one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. It really gives an insight into what life was like during such hard times from many different points of view. I would strongly urge anyone to read this book as, due to the diversity of topics in it, I'm positive that almost anyone can find something to relate to in it. I have no regrets after reading this book. It was one of the best I've read all year, and I read a lot!
Speaking of reading a lot, over the past year or so, I have discovered new authors that I love, and new genres that I am addicted to. Here are a select few books, authors, and sets that I am particularly drawn to:
Michael Palmer - There's a little place in Powasson, On called the Treasure Mill. This summer, I went with my mom to browse at all the interesting things they had. I found my way to their bookshelf and randomly pulled out a book. The book was called Critical Judgment by Michael Palmer. This was the first medical mystery book I had ever read, and after it, I went on to read another of his books, Natural Causes. These two books opened up the world of medical/forensic mystery to me and I discovered a few other authors that I really enjoyed. Another of my favourites in this genre is Tess Gerritsen. The first book of hers that I read is called The Sinner. This book has so many twists and turns that you just can't put the book down because you are too anxious to find out what happens next. After The Sinner, I went on to read Body Double and Vanish, both by Tess Gerritsen as well. All three books really met my expectations (based on the blurbs on the back) and I have no regrets after reading them.
Though, as I said earlier, I only started reading medical and forensic mystery in the summer of 2007, I have been reading true crime books for the past few years. The book that originally got me hooked on true crime is Deadly Medicine by Kelly Moore and Dan Reid. I started and finished reading this book about 2.5 years ago, yet I still find myself thinking about it often. The book is based on the true story of a murderer nurse named Genene Jones, a nurse who risked the lives of and killed anywhere between 11 and 47 babies and children under the age of 7. You might now wonder what would bring someone to read a book about this, but keep in mind that the book covers the psychological and legal aspects of the investigation and trial. It also contains interviews with some of the children's family members and other people associated with the crimes or with G. Jones. Anyway, from this book, I went on to read another 20 or more true crime novels and found a well known author named Ann Rule. The most recent of her books I've read is Small Sacrifices. I recommend her books to anyone who is interested in this genre.
The last author that I'd like to mention is Diane Chamberlain. Of her books, I have read Her Mother's Shadow; Kiss River; Keeper of the Light; The Courage Tree; Cypress Point; Summer's Child; and Breaking the Silence. Not one of her books has disappointed me yet, and I doubt they ever will. Her books, as far as I know, are all fiction, though they are very realistic stories. They are also quite inspiring and, again, I would recommend her books to anyone who loves a good, realistic story about life and love, hardships and triumphs.
As well as the authors and books I've listed above, here are a few others that I have enjoyed:
Harry Potter - Yes, I was one of those people who had the last book reserved for me so I could read it the first day it came out!
The Chronicles of Narnia - I enjoyed the entire series.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants - Awesome books for girls and women (and maybe a few boys and men) of all ages.
Chicken Soup books - I have read a variety of these.
Ruth Rendel - My fiance's family is welsh and his mother got me started on this British writer.
Stephen King - Nothing terrifies and entices me more than a good Stephen King Novel (they sometimes give me nightmares)!
So, this gives you a brief (or not so brief, ha ha) look into what I most enjoy reading.
Last thing to update you on: Wedding plans.
Yesterday, despite being sick and calling in sick to work, I tried on my first wedding dress! It was amazing and I found the dress I want! I'll be buying it in approximately 4 weeks! Here's a picture of the exact dress!
Hope everything is well with anyone reading this! I'll post again a bit sooner this time!
