Randomness

I haven't blogged in a while, but as I have no exciting news or thoughts to report, this will be a mish-mash I suppose.

1. Author website pet peeve: If authors have written or are writing a series of books, I really appreciate when their website states a clear reading order -- I could hunt and find that information myself, but I'm grateful when the author makes it easy for me.

2. I've been reading a lot recently, trying to catch up during this break in my life, of sorts. Some books I've read recently include:

The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever -- Funny and thoughtful parody of academia and Hollywood, and also how reading and caring about books can influence or change our lives.

The Sharing Knife: Beguilement (Vol. 1) by Lois McMaster Bujold -- Discovering author Catherine Asaro piqued my interest in romantic fantasy and fantasy, so I've been looking for some new authors to try. I found this book through the Avon editors blog, actually, as the second book in the duo recently came out and was recommended there. I'm thrilled I tried it, as Bujold created a vivid fantasy world with engaging and lovable characters, but I can't wait to get my hands on the second book (which unfortunately is currently in hardcover . . . guess I'll have to wait till next year).

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder -- LOVE this book and can't wait for the next one. Great concept and executed very well. The story was interesting and suspenseful throughout, and the characters were all so intriguing.

The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon -- I got more into this book as it went on and ended up really enjoying the whole oddness of the mystery. The characters and the relationships between them are wonderfully portrayed.

3. I've also been buying books faster than I can read them (I can't help myself when bookstores send me coupons, or when Borders has those 3 for 2 sales). Books I've recently purchased include:

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -- I know, I'm like the last person in the US who has not read it.

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot -- Cabot is so famous and her books so reputedly enjoyable for light reading that I thought give her a go.

Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston -- I loved Good Grief by the same author so I picked up this, her second book. However, the concept seems even more depressing to me than that of the first, so I'll see if she pulls it off with me again.

The Frog Prince by Jane Porter -- I saw this recommended on Julia Quinn's website, and a long long time ago I saw Quinn's recommendation of Gaelen Foley which was dead on the mark. Foley is awesome, go read her! Therefore I figured I'd give Porter a go.