The Handmaid's Tale was actually a book I had to read for class out of a list of several banned books. I am shocked that this book never found my hands before. But then again, I would probably be shocked at all the books that will never meet me but probably should.

This was written but Margaret Attwood, an author my instructor has been sure to SEVERAL times let us know is Canadian. I think this is because my instructor is Canadian and hell, she gets a kick out of being Canadianically related. Yes, I just made up that word.

The story follows a handmaid, a woman that is forced to serve under a Commander who is the man of the household. She is only to be someone that is fertile for an infertile couple. They have weekly ceremounious intercourse that involves the wife of the commander laying behing the handmaid.

This book is a sort of woman's 1984. It was banned for the sexual content but mainly for it's portrayal of the Catholic religion. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you are a woman. I don't think it is a "male" book. But man, all you need to do is read the first chapter and I won't even have to persuade you. IT-IS-GOLD!!!

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

I frequent headaches lately inbetween my eyes. This could be the fact that my eyes have changed again and I am waiting for my new glasses. OR it could be that there are so many things in the air right now.

Because I can't really disclose what it is that will be changing (very soon) I will relate how I feel. It is as if I was standing in the dark and threw 16 knifes into the air and I was waiting to see if they all stuck to the ceiling or if one was coming back down to murder me. That is to say both Aaron and I are very stressed. Very.

Monterey

Aaron and I had the opportunity to go to Monterey this summer with Courtney and Jared. Some of my favorite parts were finally getting my feet in the cold, wet sand and having the best lunch of my life at a French cottage in Carmel. We can't wait to go back!

Invisible Monsters

Palahniuk made me relate to a character I would never relate to realistically in this book. And perhaps that is disturbing. He made me laugh at inappropriate things on Christmas morning and smile to see a bride's dress torched. Ah. I loved it! If it ever becomes a movie I just ask that Christopher Walken play the father.

This story follows a former fashion model after a car accident that leaves her disfigured and mute. Brandy Alexander as her guide in her new body, heaven help us. Suspense to follow, everything tying together to a brilliant end I never saw coming. Palahniuk fans, read it!

Lullaby

So I love Chuck Palahniuk. I would only meet him in a very public place and at least 5 yards between us but, I love him.

Lullaby is about a man who is seeking out a culling song to be destroyed from ever being used. A culling song being something originally sung to people who were dying to ease them into their next life. This song, misused, is responsible for the death of hundreds of children as it is printed in a book found in any given library.

I read Lullaby hoping for a good fix. I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed. Maybe I wasn't that into it because I have been more in the mood for a rather *ahem* delayed Half Blood Price...but it seems there was too much repetition. It follows a definite formula and I have grown to love that his books do NOT follow a formula. I kind of felt every chapter was the same chapter. Eh.

An "OMG" Moment

Yesterday night I received an email that I have been waiting for since I was 13. My favorite childhood author and writing mentor, Bruce Coville, sent me an email that simply said "It's out, it's early. They are shipped and already on the shelves." Book three of the Unicorn Chronicles was about a decade in the making. It was set to be out August 1st but I received my beautiful detailed copy yesterday!


So for any fellow fans out there, happy reading. And to dear Bruce, happy writing on the 4th one!