Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Bookworm Report, October 2006

It's a day earlier than normal, but tomorrow starts NaNo and the insanity of posting word counts begins. It will be better this year than last year. If you recall the horror of the long tables, they won't be making a return appearance.

Bookworm Review
Year Pages Books
2001 5,880 15
2002 3,073 9
2003 2,129 5
2004 2,862 8
2005 4,064 11
2006 3,777 9

For the year, I’ve read 111 books, or 42,138 pages, which averages to 11 books a month, or 4,214 pages per month, and an average book length of 380 pages.

Hmmm...this appears to have been Mindy Klasky month, occupying 1/3 of the list. Should tell you something about her writing and story telling abilities. In case it doesn't, I'll have reviews of her titles posted soon.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Lost Kids

Saturday was hugely busy for us. Soccer in the morning. A birthday party in the afternoon that meant an hour drive one way. A NaNo kick-off meeting that night. Inbetween the birthday party and the NaNo meeting, the kids were passed to Grandma.

I thought my husband was picking them up.

He thought I was.

Instead they had an impromptu slumber party.

Thank god for reliable babysitters, especially when the parents aren't so.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Dress Rehearsal by Jennifer L. O'Connell

Title: Dress Rehearsal

Author: Jennifer L. O'Connell

Genre: Chick Lit

Summary: Lauren, owner of Lauren's Lucious Licks, has a theory: if a couple can choose a cake with minimum arguements, their marriage will be good. Only the couple picking the cake is her best friend and the decision isn't an easy one.

The Take-Away: It amazes me what women will go through to help a friend. Even though the title is fiction, I know several women who would do just what Lauren did, including lie, confront and protect.

Lauren is a bit self absorbed through the process, however. While she thinks she is acting in her friend's best interest, she in turn ignores the advice she is given. I admired the strength she had in starting her own bakery boutique, but it was a stretch to believe she went from an office worker without a complete set of measuring cups to a $4,000 per cake boutique owner.

Recommendation: Sweet, just like the frosting described in the book.

August Titles

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Thursday, October 26, 2006

Freedom of Speech Protected Again

From CBSNews.com

Alabama Bill Targets Gay Authors

A college production tells the story of Matthew Sheppard, a student beaten to death because he was gay.

And soon, it could be banned in Alabama.

Republican Alabama lawmaker Gerald Allen says homosexuality is an unacceptable lifestyle. As CBS News Correspondent Mark Strassmann reports, under his bill, public school libraries could no longer buy new copies of plays or books by gay authors, or about gay characters.

"I don't look at it as censorship," says State Representative Gerald Allen. "I look at it as protecting the hearts and souls and minds of our children."

Books by any gay author would have to go: Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Gore Vidal. Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple" has lesbian characters.

Allen originally wanted to ban even some Shakespeare. After criticism, he narrowed his bill to exempt the classics, although he still can't define what a classic is. Also exempted now Alabama's public and college libraries.

Librarian Donna Schremser fears the "thought police," would be patrolling her shelves.

"And so the idea that we would have a pristine collection that represents one political view, one religioius view, that's not a library,'' says Schremser.

"I think it's an absolutely absurd bill," says Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

First Amendment advocates say the ban clearly does amount to censorship.

"It's a Nazi book burning," says Potok. "You know, it's a remarkable piece of work."

But in book after book, Allen reads what he calls the "homosexual agenda," and he's alarmed.

"It's not healthy for America, it doesn't fit what we stand for," says Allen. "And they will do whatever it takes to reach their goal."

He says he sees this as a line in the sand.

In Alabama's legislature, the reviews of Allen's bill are still out on whether to lower this curtain for good.

Editor's Note: When the time for the vote in the legislature came there were not enough state legislators present for the vote, so the measure died automatically.

I believe controversy means defending what you believe. In order to defend, you have to know what you stand for and not have it spoon fed to you.

I don't think that anyone should be able to tell me what to read or not to read. I don't want peole telling my kids it either. I want them to read things that challenge their way of thinking so their minds can expand.

Thankfully, state legislature was lazy that day. I'd hate to know where this might have gone.

Yes, I realize that this is an old article. I'm outraged that something like this almost happened. And it makes me wonder whatelse is going on out there.

via Miss Snark, because she rocks

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

OMG, I've Been Tagged

Stacy Brazalovich, of Welcome to the Confessional, tagged me with one of the coolest memes I've seen going around -- Five Things I wouldn't Say at a Cocktail Party.

1. We feed our dog boogers. Yes, it's true and it started as an accident. I have kids, small kids. They pick their noses. Elle stared intently at Ollie one day while he did it. I couldn't figure out why until he held out his finger and she scarfed that booger like it was Godiva chocolate.

2. I went to a parochial high school. No, I'm not Catholic. For some reason, people assume that "parochial school" is synonymous with "wild and crazy things with tequila." It's not. That happened on breaks away from school.

3. We were going through at least a roll of toliet paper a day until we switched to Scotts Tissue. I doubt that the pooping habits of the men in my life mean anything to anyone other than myself.

4. I've been meaning to try some weed. Do you have any? I've never smoked pot, something that is becoming less believable over time, since so many people have. Even my husband didn't believe me right away. This one could be really interesting though. Finding out the closet pot smokers could be fun.

5. Oh my god, I'm so sorry. He's never done that before. When you aren't the host. And you mean your husband. Sorry, honey, you'd be on your own since you always give the car keys to me.

Trisha Ryan post hers here.

I'll tag my normal suspects. If you do it, I'll link to you and we can have inappropriate conversations together.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

I'm sort of behind today

So I'm suggesting this post by Lynne Viehl -- FAQs.

Or this one by Holly Lisle -- Evolution of a Knitter, aka a writing allegory.

Otherwise the NaNo Forums are a great place to get sucked into, er, spend some time.

I promise to not forget about you tomorrow.

Monday, October 23, 2006

NaNoWriMo '06

NaNo starts in 10 short days. YIKES!

Normally by now I have an outline, usually by chapter, of major events and funny details. This year, I have a paper sketch and a mental train.

I'm hosting a kick-off party in Appleton next weekend (See the WI: Elsewhere forum for details. I need to get the goody bags together, but I have everything for them, except the NaNo swag. I'm not sure that is going to make it in time.

We are encouraged by the Office of Letters and Light, the headquarters for the event, to be active MLs. In fact, they published a handy list. I'm good on all of them (checking in at least once a day, writing a novel, answering questions, etc.) except the scheduled write-ins.

I'm sure that they want to make sure that the MLs are dedicated individuals doing good deeds, and not some bottom feeders just in it for the recognition and the swag. However, my region is WI: Elsewhere. Elsewhere as in NOT Madison or Milwaukee.

And that's a helluva lota ground to cover.

Last year I tried online write-ins. It might have worked, but my personal schedule changed and it bombed. I'm not too keen on setting something up at a coffee shop, since the two or three that are in Oshkosh or Appleton don't have much by the way of tables or plug-ins. Plus I don't want people to feel obligated to buy something or not come because they can't afford it. I know that I could ask the local libraries for space, but run into another problem -- not many people have laptops.

Any ideas? Either for meeting space or machines?

Friday, October 20, 2006

Lack of Enthusiasm

I've had a severe lack of enthusiasm for any sort of writing lately. Blogging, shorts, novels, book reviews, emails for work, etc. Nothing is interesting to me.

Part of it stems from change. I'm frozen, forced into inaction, because things keep changing and I can't do a damn thing about it. I barely know what the next 15 minutes will bring, let alone the next day.

I'm a hunting widow this weekend as my husband has departed for the state of my birth, to bond with my brother and the various male members of my sister-in-law's family. He does it every year, no big deal, partially drawn by the hunting, partially drawn by the snorting and grunting that will take place.

It helps quite a bit that Cabela's releases a $1 million pheasant. Shoot that sucker and some things will change drastically for us.

Last night as Pickle-Boy and I bonded over the computer, something we rarely do when Dad's around, we watched a favorite of theirs -- The Wonder Pets. I was pleasantly pleased to find that Nick Jr. had nine episodes online. Pickle-Boy always is asking for The Wonder Pets and now I can oblige.

As I listened to their tiny voices singing, "What's gonna work? Te-eam Work," I thought to myself, that's more applicable than the creators of the show realize.

My work and home life may be going through lots of changes, but I have a good team to share the work.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Drums of Autumn

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Historical

Summary: Jaime and Claire make their home in colonial America, standing up for what they believe is right while Brianna and Roger travel from Scotland, both present and past, to find them.

The Take-Away: Being reunited after twenty plus years of separation mean that Jamie and Claire have catching up to do. They also are staking out their claim in America, growing their home into a self-sufficent village, and taking a political stance as the political scene grows into the American revolution.

And yet, even in the midst of these major historical events, life goes on. Winter needs to be prepared for. People are sick or hurt and need tending. Even the unexpected, when Brianna finds them and Roger shortly after, is handled with care and cunning to enhance the plot and keep it moving forward.

The writing is rich with details, both of 'people history' and political history. While the story could be told faster, it would lose the charm for speed.

Recommendation: A story that never ends and keeps getting better. Invest some time in the series.

September Titles

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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

Title: Morrigan's Cross

Author: Nora Roberts

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: A time traveller must find five others like himself. Together, they must defeat Lilith's vampire army, an army she has been recruiting for centuries.

The Take-Away: As always, a great story combined with strong characters who have room to grow and change. I'd expect little else from Nora Roberts. What I do expect, is better execution.

Because this is the first title in a trilogy, suspense has been combined with romance, I know that their will be three pairs of lovers introduced. Easier still, the three pairs are also the circle of six that will ultimately defeat the bad guys. It's a tough crowd that Nora writes for. Any reader of hers will have high expectations and know key elements such as these.

It was disappointing, then that her transitions between sections were so rough. Often a new section would begin, and I wouldn't know which character I was reading for several paragraphs. While it might have been on purpose, so the reader would realize how closely each individual character compared to the others, it was distracting.

The second title, Dance of the Gods was released in October and the final title, Valley of Silence in November. Even with the ambiguity of character, it was still the great story that I know I can count on in a Nora Roberts trilogy.

Recommendation: Buy it, but wait until you have all three and a weekend alone to indulge in reading them together.

September Titles

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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Dooce was Sued

Last Thursday, Heather B Armstrong of Dooce was sued.

At the beginning of July I was served court papers. The case is a matter of public record, and I’m sure anyone who wanted to do a little research could read every sordid detail, or at least the plaintiff’s one-sided account of the details, but I’m not going to get into any of the specifics here other than to say that I chose not to sign a contract and was sued because of that decision.

While she never says what contract wasn't signed or refuses to allude the company, I wasn't the only curious person. This was posted at Yahoo Answers:

Who filed lawsuit against heather armstrong / dooce in July 2006?

The answer pointed to three different sources -- MediaBistro (aka Galley Cat), the Salt Lake Tribune, and The Zero Boss.

Any one of the accounts will tell you that she had troubles with a publishing contract with Kensington. Her troubles set a precendent that scares the pants off of me -- Heather was sued because she didn't sign a contract, based on a binding oral argeement.

WTF

I've been reading Dooce for quite some time and have that sense of over-familiarity that one gets from personal blogs. I'm outraged that a company would do this. I am going to keep watching the story and hope that someone with publishing experience puts in their two cents.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Truck: A Love Story by Michael Perry

Title: Truck: A Love Story

Author: Michael Perry

Genre: Non-Fiction

Summary: Over the course of a year, Michael Perry twines his life around the rebuilding of an International.

The Take-Away: Mike's previous books have been about the people and things he has observed in life. This title reflects what's going on within himself, primarily explaining how his love for a time represented by a International. The International -- once a hard-working farm truck, now a lawn ornament -- has been moved to his brother's shed. In their spare time, between jobs, writing assignments and family, Mike acquieses to his brother's superior knowledge of trucks. Unless, it involves left hand lug nuts with left threads. Then Mike's collection of odd knowledge wins out.

The International isn't the only love in Mike's life, but also a time that only exists in peoples memories. Mike longs for a simplier time, when a fictional woman named Irma Harding graced the marketing material for variance home appliances and cookbooks. The world seemed simplier, a world that a man could be a man and trucks were used as work vehicles, not a means of transportation. Mike paints the world he misses in broad strokes, but with careful attention to the detail that truly makes it special.

Perhaps most importantly, Mike regales his readers with the stories of people falling in love, his brothers and himself. Each bacholer's in their own right, each married to strong women who complement them.

Mike's book isn't one to race through in an evening. Each section is meant to be savored, with a bit of reflection on what life really means, and how I'm going to make my life mean that as well. The lessons I drew from the pages probably weren't his intent in writing them. Often, though, that's were I find life's best lessons to be located -- where no one means them to be.

Recommendation: Buy a copy for yourselve and for the readers on your Christmas list.

September Titles

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Friday, October 13, 2006

The Buried Pyramid by Jane M Lindskold

Title: The Buried Pyramid

Author: Jane M. Lindskold

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: The discovery of a new Egyptian king leads the explorers on a fantastical journey that the Protectors of the Tomb do their best to prevent.

The Take-Away: I love books about Egyptology, such as Elizabeth Peter's series featuring Amelia Emerson. This book is of a similar quality and excellent story.

One of the attractions of novels of this sort has always been the culture conflict. While the British were touring, exploring and uncovering in an attempt to not only learn about the Egyptians, but also perserve the knowledge, their Egyptian counterparts were willing to sell their national antiquities to the highest bidder of the moment.

The other attraction of this is the voice of the novelist. Combined with the style reminiscient of novels from the early 1900s, Linskold narration is moves forward, but at a pace slower than most modern novels. The difference was refreshing.

Recommendation: Dig in, but expect a different sort of writing style.

September Titles

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

NaNoWriMo '06

I've found two really cool NaNo-ing things.

From Will Write for Chocolate, a weekly comic published every Wednesday:

If the comic's too small to read, double click to get a larger version.

A counter to add to website that automatically updates word count as recorded with NaNo.This baby's going in my template.

I have a title for the year and the start of my outline, a requirement if I'm going to have anything worthwhile at the end of the month. Are you going to NaNo?

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Wives and Sisters by Natalie Collins

Title: Wives and Sisters

Author: Natalie Collins

Genre: Women Lit

Summary: A renounced Mormon struggles to find closure to the horrific crimes she has been subject to and the Mormon Church could have prevented.

The Take-Away: Many of the rumors about the Mormon church make it into this novel and are always balanced with the someone saying "that's not the church, that's just the person." While it seems like a contradiction, having experienced that same phenomenon in the church of my youth, I understood how people think that way.

The main character, Allison Jensen, is six when she first realizes that God will not always protect her. She fears her baptism, which will occur at age 8, because she will be held accountable for all of her sins. A huge responsibility for anyone, but especially for one whose father believes in punishing his children with a belt across their rear. Her mother intercedes, but only to receive the punishment herself.

When her best friend is kidnapped before her eyes, Allison begins to doubt what is being taught in her Mormon home. Her questions deepen as she grows older, but she never truly breaks free of the church. Instead she stays close by and tries to find the truth about what happened when she was six. While filling in the missing memories, she is raped. Allison correctly believes that it is connected to her searching and resolves to uncover what the church has been protecting.

The narrative is so engaging and so involving, that I really had difficulty remembering that it was fiction and not a quasi-autobiography. I cared so deeply about the character that each set-back brought pain to me, and occasionally, tears to my eyes. When the mystery is solved, I felt the same since of emptiness that Allison must have felt realizing that she could move on.

Recommendation: It's a dark, gloomy, but eye-opening reading. Well worth the time.

September Titles

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Nataliewrites@aol.com

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

New Math

This is the sort of Math I could get into -- Indexed.

Step One: Identify your favorite social, economic, or cultural phenomenon.

Step Two: Combine with charting technique learned during Math class (ie. Venn Diagram, bar charts, etc.)

Step Three: Submit to Indexed for a good laugh.

I've been reading this one ever since J-Walk posted about it. I've died laughing several times. Since then I've learned that it is seriously hard to perform CPR on your self.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen

Title: Wizard's Hall

Author: Jane Yolen

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: The last new student for the term is the most important -- Number 113.

The Take-Away: Henry is recognized by his teachers as the most important student to pass through their doors, but none of them know why. Only that he is, even though he doesn't show any magical inclination unless some provides a guiding hand.

Even the most basic of magical elements -- singing -- proves impossible for him. But he promises to try and do his best, which really, is all that is needed.

Recommendation: A short title that would be a great introduction for any child considering fantasy or wants a taste of what Harry Potter is all about.

September Titles

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Friday, October 06, 2006

The Time-Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Title: The Time-Traveler's Wife

Author: Audrey Niffenegger

Genre: Literary

Summary: The intwined lifes of Henry and Claire transcend the way we assume time works.

The Take-Away: I love this story as much the second time around as I did the first time. The title confused me, during the first reading, as it seems that it should be Henry, as the time travel, that is important. By the end of the first reading, I realized that Claire truly was the important character, but wasn't able to say why.

Hence the re-reading.

I waited. I was a bit fearful that it wouldn't read as well the second time and I loved this book. I didn't want anything to ruin it. But I found myself without titles from the library and a Saturday afternoon free, so I grabbed it from my shelf.

The book challenges freewill. When Henry first visits Claire, he knows her to be the child version of his wife. Claire grows up, her life marked by her waiting for Henry to return until as an adult they are married. Are either of their choices their own?

Niffenegger challenges this as well by forcing Henry to visit, over and over, certain times and scenes in his life. He can't ever change them.

And while he travels, Claire waits. She is his constant. She knows bits of his future, based on the visits he currently makes and she already has had.

The whole novel has a very circular effect that is quite fascinating and, if I think about it for too long, it might my head explode. The wonder of the story isn't just in the reading of it, but also in the thinking about the possibilities.

Recommendation: Buy it and keep in on your shelf. Another great title for gift giving.

September Titles

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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Video Games

Recently, as a reward for good behavior, Ollie was given a Star Wars video game. It's the Lego one, the first triology (when Anakin was little and not yet controlled by the Dark Side of the Force) and it's freaking awesome to play.

First, because everyone is made of Legos, when you heart containers are empty (we try not to say die) you fall apart and the pieces scatter for a few seconds before magically reforming. And, if you were so inclined to mistreat your C3PO or any of the other droids who look like a C3PO but go by a different alphanumeric configuration, he hops around without an arm or a leg until he is completely done it and is scattered Lego pieces across the battleground.

Second, it's a good length for Ollie to play. One adventure takes 10 to 20 minutes, if he doesn't scoop up every nickel, dime, and quarter he sees or solve all of the mini-games. The time is well-within the video game boundaries we've established. But because of those mini-games and various moneys just lying there (which collecting "enough" is a mini-game on it's own) it's fun for me to play too.

Third, and the very best reason, is the two player feature. Player One can play and play until he gets stuck. Player Two can hop in, save the day, and hop back out. The characture temporarily controlled goes back to its protective, but relatively nonactive role.. So when Ollie gets impossibly stuck, he can have help to get him over the hurdle, but still gets to play the game himself.

Interestingly enough, Collision Detection posted about the challenge of developing games for both the casual and hard-core players -- The Myth of the 40-Hour Gamer. Even though Star Wars Legos is meant for kids, it accomplishes bridging the gap between the novice and the pro.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Writing Practice

Writer Judy Reeves has article on the importance of writing practice.

Her guidelines for practice are summarized below; I added my compared my practices to them. When I started, it seemed like a good idea.

1. Keep writing. Don't stop to edit, to rephrase, to think. Don't go back and read what you've written. If you keep your writing hand moving, you'll bypass the censor, the editor, the critic, and if you're lucky, maybe even the ego.

Sounds like NaNoWriMo to me. Who has time to think when you are trying to finish 50,000 works in 30 days (or less).

2. Trust your pen. Go with the first image that appears. "First thought, best thought," reminds us that the first image comes from your intuitive mind, where the creative process finds its foothold.

So when I'm off on a tangent, it's a good thing? I can live with that.

3. Don't judge your writing. Don't compare, analyze, criticize. Remember that what gets written in writing practice is the roughest of rough drafts - writing that is pouring directly from intuition, too fragile and raw for judgments. Remember to be your own best friend - nonjudgmental, accepting, tolerant, loving, kind, and patient. And remember to laugh sometimes. At yourself and your writing.

Afterall, I have a crit group to help me out with that aspect.

4. Let your writing find its own form. Form will come organically out of what you write. You don't have to have a beginning, a middle, and an end for what your write in practice sessions. Nor does it have to fit into some container labeled story or essay or poem.

I love freewrites, but they always feel like a waste of time.

5. Don't worry about the rules. It doesn't matter if your grammar is incorrect, your spelling wrong, your syntax garbled, or your punctuation off. The time to edit, correct, and polish is during rewrites, not during practice.

So how can I turn off that internal editor when I spell "the" as "hte"?

6. Let go of any expectations. Expectations set you up so you're always ahead of yourself rather than being present in the moment. This is why it's good to dive right into the writing topic with no time to think of what you'll write or how best to shape your writing around a subject.

I write romance. Do I have expectations?

7. Kiss your frogs. First-draft writing doesn't have to be good, it won't always be good, and even when it is good, among the good will be some not so good. Remember, this is just practice. You write what you write.

Crap, I need to start re-reading my blog posts.

8. Tell the truth. Every time you write you have an opportunity to tell the truth. And sometimes it's only through writing that you can know the truth. Be willing to go to the scary places that make your hand tremble and your handwriting get a little out of control. Be willing to tell your secrets. It's risky, but if you don't write the truth, you chance writing that is glib, shallow, or bland.

I have, but no one believes me.

9. Write specific details. Your writing doesn't have to be factual, but the specificity of detail brings it alive. It does not matter if the tree you sat beneath was a sycamore or a eucalyptus, but naming it one or the other will paint a clearer picture. The truth isn't in the facts; it's in the detail.

I had a crit partner tell me that I had too many details in my manuscript.

10. Write what matters. If you don't care about what you're writing, neither will your readers. Write about what interests you, what bothers you, what you don't understand, what you want to learn more about.

What if I cared when I started and now I don't? Oh, wait...now I remember why I liked my characters.

11. Read your writing aloud after you've completed your practice session. You'll find out what you've written, what you care about, and when the writing is "working." Reading aloud lets you know when the writing is repetitious or trite. Reading aloud tells you when you're writing with authenticity and when you've found your writer's voice.

You'll also find out when your brain processes what you meant rather than what you've said.

12. Date your page and write the topic at the top. This will keep you grounded in the present and help you reference pieces you might want to use in something else. A review of the dates in your practice notebook can provide insights about your writing self.

I'm organized, but I never would be able to do this.

In all the advice is great. I have a sarcastic streak about a quarter mile wide. There should be a html tag for that.

via OAWC

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

The Camel Club by David Baldacci

Title: The Camel Club

Author: David Baldacci

Genre: Thriller

Summary: A man without a past and no history unravels a conspiracy theory so impossible that the president's life depends on him being right.

The Take-Away: While the book and plot were good, with a believeable build up, enjoyed it more for the social issues it raises than the plot it uncovered.

The president isn't, of course, identied as any of the current or recent administration, but the political situation remains the same. Set no later than ten years after the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers, the Middle East continues to be divided by national and religious factions while the US leads the efforts to put the country back together. Only past foreign policy has created some of the troubles and no one wants to recognize it.

Also, while we try to put a democratic government in place, we don't understand the national division or the religious principles that guide them. Instead, the solution is a "one size fits all" without any comprehension or understanding.

It made me wonder about how history, events unable to be altered, are changed to fit the story teller. Has the US caused the bulk of the problems faced by the characters in the novel? Or is it merely the author's telling of the story? How consistent, really, is the US in its foreign policy?

I don't have any answers. I don't even have opinions at this point because I have no knowledge of the subject, other than the conjecture of the author and various hyped election campaign blurbs. Is it something I should pay attention to? Probably. But given that much of what is found in the media has been careful sculpted, by staffers of various specialties, that I still don't feel that I have the truth of what is happening. The local media does what it can with the information that they are provide, but is it enough? Shouldn't they be questioning their sources? Is investigative journalism still alive today?

I'm not sure where our country is going, but this title raises interesting points about the why we are getting there.

Recommendation: Read it with an open mind.

September Titles

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Monday, October 02, 2006

Bookworm Report, September 2006

October 1st always means two exciting things for me: Autumn is underway and NaNoWriMo.org is just around the corner.

Bookworm Review
Year Pages Books
2001 1,507 4
2002 3,228 8
2003 0 0
2004 4,146 11
2005 3,408 8
2006 5,858 15

For the year, I’ve read 102 books, or 38,361 pages, which averages to 11 books a month, or 4,262 pages per month, and an average book length of 374 pages.

This will be my third year of NaNo. I'm really looking forward to exploring the idea that I have formed in my head. It seems really fun, unlike how last year's turned out. I'm also the Municiple Liason for the Fox Valley region. Last year we were challenged by a group from California to a weekend write-off. I'm going to have to see if they are up for it again this year. It was a blast. Plus, I have a secret weapon in Green Bay, if I can twist her arm into competiting again.