Not so good

I'm not doing so good with the blog posts this month. It's been very busy. Next month I'll do better. I fell short by 2 blog posts this month in getting in my bare minimum. But September is just 3 hours away. I will do better.

Better training for my 1/2 marathon.
Better writing -- what's that book I'm working on again?
Better blogging.

Until September!

Waiting on Wednesday

What I'm Reading: Just finishing up My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Piccoult

What I'm Working On: Keeping one nostril above water -- not always successfully.

What I'm Waiting on: HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick

October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Synopsis: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Why: Do I really need a reason?

Waiting On Wednesday

What I'm Reading: Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living by Doug Fine

What I'm Working On: Nothing today. I spent the day with a brave soul from Darfur. I'm taking a break and giving thanks for the life I have and praying for those who see know end to suffering.

Waiting on: STRENGTH IN WHAT REMAINS by Tracy Kidder

August 25th 2009 by Random House

Synopsis:

The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the modern classics Mountains Beyond Mountains and The Soul of a New Machine returns with the extraordinary true story of a young man and his will to survive.

In this remarkable book, New York Times bestselling author Tracy Kidder once again delivers the masterful story of a hero for these modern times.

Deo grew up in the mountains of Burundi, and survived a civil war and genocide before seeking a new life in America. In New York City he lived homeless in Central Park before finding his way to Columbia University. But Deo’s story really begins with his will to turn his life into something truly remarkable; he returns to his native country to help people there, as well as people in the United States.

An extraordinary writer, Kidder has the remarkable ability to show us what it means to be fully human, and to tell the unadorned story of a life based on hope. Riveting and inspiring, this may be his most magnificent work to date. Strength in What Remains is a testament to the power of will and friendship, and of the endurance of the soul.

Why:

I loved Tracy Kidder's biography of Dr. Paul Farmer (Mountains Beyond Mountains). I admire Dr. Paul Farmer immensely, and Tracy's book told a beautiful story. I hope his new book is just as good.

Waiting on Wednesday

What I’m Reading: The Places in Between by Rory Stewart

What I’m Working On: Keeping a nostril above water

WAITING ON: FALLEN by Lauren Kate
December 8, 2009 from Delacorte Books for Young Readers


Synopsis:
Seventeen-Year-Old Luce is a new student at Sword & Cross, an unwelcoming boarding/reform school in Savannah, Georgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over his death with her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at Sword & Cross, where every student seems to have an unpleasant—even evil—history.It’s only when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, that Luce feels there’s a reason to be here—though she doesn’t know what it is. And Daniel’s frosty cold demeanor toward her? It’s really a protective device that he’s used again . . . and again. For Daniel is a fallen angel, doomed to fall in love with the same girl every 17 years . . . and watch her die. And Luce is a fellow immortal, cursed to be reincarnated again and again as a mortal girl who has no idea of who she really is.

Why:
I’m too tired from working and ½ marathon training to do more than list 3 reasons.
1) The cover. Very, very nice. I often buy books just for the cover.
2) Very interesting premise. I like to read books that make me say, “Gee, I wish I’d come up with that idea.”
3) Seriously, could this possibly end happily? I want to read to find out.

Booking Through Thursday

What I'm Reading: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey

What I'm Working On: Not passing out from all the work at the bill-paying job.

Via Jill at Breaking the Spine, I found Booking Through Thursday. Very cool. Check it out. It's self-explanatory.

Here's this Thursday's question:
What’s the most serious book you’ve read recently?(I figure it’s easier than asking your most serious boook ever, because, well, it’s recent!)

Probably The Translator by Daoud Hari. I read it several months ago, but stories of Darfur have a way of staying with you. Everyone should read it.

Waiting on Wednesday

What I’m Reading: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey

What I’m Working On: The bill-paying job.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY:
GOING BOVINE by Libba Bray
September 22nd 2009 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Synopsis:
Can Cameron find what he’s looking for?

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Why:
A Great and Terrible Beauty and the rest of the Gemma Doyle series are among my favorite books. I love Libba’s voice. Reason enough.