When Hype is Just Hype

I read book reviews so that I can get a feel for what others are saying about certain books. Sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't. I recently read a book review published in a popular entertainment magazine and was captivated. The reviewer said she actually cried twice while reading the book--TWICE. Wow, if that isn't good praise, then what is? The reviewer waxed on and on about the writer and how perfect this debut author's writing evoked the setting, characters, and emotion. So, I said to myself, I have to read this book. I stopped by my favorite book store (hint, hint the initials are B & N), bought the book and read it.

I liked the book, it was good, the voice of the author was strong and you can tell, she wrote what she knew--which was the Appalachian Mountains. But I kept waiting for the brilliance. In my oh, so humble opinion, I felt the narrative choppy. The point of view switched from one character to another frequently and I had to re-read a few parts for clarification.

I don't mean to be harsh, but when I pay $24.99 for a book that is tagged as a brilliant debut, I expect a brilliant debut. Out of respect for the author, I won't state the title. However, has this happened to you? Let us know.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

New Year's Resolutions Anyone?

Okay, it's that time of year when everyone starts making New Year's Resolutions. I saw some postings on Facebook of people pre-planning their resolutions and I started thinking about what I would pledge this year.

There are the constants: lose weight (got rid of all the junk food), exercise more (I've joined the Y), etc. But I wanted to dig deeper, really think of things that not only matter to me, but to my family as well.

This year I really want to be more patient, less critical. I want to be more accepting and relaxed. I want to address laundry before it gets to the point no one has clean underwear. So I have taught the kids how to do laundry.

So those ideas have been added to my list and I'll add some more, less Facebook and more writing. Less surfing the net and more writing. Basically, more writing, writing, writing.

What are some of your resolutions? And what are you doing to make sure you stick to them?

Toodles for now~

Madelyn