An Announcement

People.

I finally - finally - have internet in my apartment.

With less than three months left at this lovely abode, I'm finally wired up and can actually blog. From my bed. Or my desk. Or from wherever the spirit leads. Prepare to see an increase in blog posts in the near future.

Stage Note: Drastic subject change.

Lately I've been chomping my way through a lot of books. Just in case you want some recommendations, here's what I have to say about what I've read.

1. Memoirs of a Geisha: ok, ok, I'm way behind the bandwagon on this one. Seriously...I think it's probably required reading for some high school somewhere, and I originally picked it up because I saw it on a list of "100 Books that Every Person Should Have Read" and I was convicted. I hadn't read it! I should have read it! I needed to read it right then!

 But honestly, I was mesmerized the whole way through. The writing was so good that I was almost convinced that it was non-fiction. While I can't say that I was totally in love with the main character (I though her motive through the entire story was a little silly), I can say that it was a very compelling plot, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I'd give it 4 stars.

2. Doomsday Book: I wouldn't consider myself a sci-fi fan, so even though this book is technically considered sci-fi, I don't think I'd put it in that camp. Yes, there was time travel involved. But that wasn't the point. The point was that the story showed how people cope in the face of massive suffering and death, and how regardless of time period, people all struggle. Obviously, it was a really happy book (insert sarcasm here). If you feel like reading about that, I'd tell you to pick up this book. Although be forewarned - I finished the book and couldn't sleep until I'd done Wikipedia research on the bubonic plague to remind myself that it was something that happened in history, and wasn't happening to people that are my nearest and dearest friends. I'd give this one 4.5 stars.

3. I Am Malala: I thought this book was fascinating. Since it's non-fiction, it's a little different than my usual fictional fare. But it was well worth the departure from the norm! I got to the last page and felt like I'd learned a ton about Pakistani culture. I think this is an important book - it helped open my eyes to the fact that the American perspective is certainly not the only one, and if we're going to try to help people, it's best to really understand them. What a concept, right? Atticus Finch really had something going on when he mentioned walking a mile in another person's shoes...4 stars.

4. Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire, and Heir of Novron: These books are just pure fun. I haven't read anything quite that good in a long time, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. There are two smaller books in each book (in the style of Lord of the Rings), so reading all of it is definitely a commitment. Technically it's in the fantasy genre, but I think the beauty of it is that it's just a good story. How often does adult literature aim to just tell a good story? I won't give you a synopsis. Just go read it and enjoy. 5 stars, no question.

This certainly hasn't been my most interesting post as of late. But I think it's probably better than nothing, and who knows! Maybe you'll now go pick up a book. What should I read next? Throw me your best suggestions!