Book Review: The Hobbit

The first time I read The Hobbit, I was in sixth grade. I finished it, thinking it was a good book but a real snoozer, and didn't touch it again. Until, of course, this past weekend, when I decided to give it another go-round. I've read the Lord of the Rings trilogy several times through and love them all, so to me this is 'light reading.' This was my second time through it, and I was pleasantly surprised. While I remembered the basic story, I found that I'd forgotten several details. It is a lot lighter than The Lord of the Rings, and is good for when I want a taste of LOTR but don't have the time or inclination to go through them all again. The Hobbit chronicles the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and a band of dwarves as Bilbo helps them reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. It doesn't have a lot of action in it (compared to the trilogy), as it's simply the beginning of the later adventures, but it's well worth reading. (Of course it is; it's a classic.) I am glad that I gave it a second chance.

my favorite mug.

Book Review: Missing Abby

I first picked this book up because I really liked the cover... sort of 'summertime Goth' (or something like that). I went on to read it because the title was rather intriguing. Abby is a girl who has gone missing, and the story is narrated by her once-best-friend Emma. But as the story progresses, it's also about Emma missing Abby and their old friendship. The story takes place in Britain. [Note: The American-born-turned-Brit author, Lee Weatherly, thoroughly confused me at first with her writing style, because there's a lot of British slang all through it, and it felt forced as well. But maybe Emma's expressions are simply how a thirteen-year-old British girl of today would actually talk.] It's sad at the end, but positive.

into the woods...

just a couple of shots from the afternoon's hike.

Music Review: Muse- Black Holes and Revelations

Featuring the song "Supermassive Black Hole," this album has some really good, make-you-move tracks as well as some slower ones. All Muse, and all British rock, though. Again, this is something you may not hear much on the radio in the US, but it's fun. Not everyone who hears their sound will like it (granted), but I'd recommend at least a listen. Favorite songs of mine on this disc include "Starlight," "Take a Bow," "Map of the Problematique," and "Knights of Cydonia."

Book Review: Freak the Mighty

I first heard of this book after I watched the movie The Mighty at a church camp several years ago. Both the book and the movie are excellent. It's the story of two boys, Max and "Freak," who form an unlikely friendship. The book is aimed at grade schoolers (and if you're looking for materials for that age group, it teaches some great lessons, like the power of friendship and believing in yourself), and it made an impact on me then just as it does now. Read it, and if you get the chance, watch the movie, too. It's worth it!

hello goodbye

Goodbye, old Verizon Wireless phone.
December 5, 2006 - March 13, 2009



Hello, new US Cellular phone.