Overcoming initial reactions

This isn't the cover of the book but I really like this picture. I didn't think I'd like this book. My first reaction was "Older white guy writing about an African woman starting a detective agency? Okay, Internets." I cringe every time I think about James Patterson describing Alex Cross (Young Muhammad Ali), I mean really. I hear the rest of that series is pretty though. However, I kept collecting the books at used book sales. Eventually, I collected his other books as well. This can be partial explained by my impulsive behavior at used book sales. I mean, where am I'm going to find these books in good condition for a dollar ever again? I know. I'm working on it. Anyway, I finally read the first book in the series and I enjoyed it. The book reads like a series of short stories (I heart short stories) that are connected. There were some bits that made me roll my eyes but I can't tell if it's from my ignorance regarding Africa and how it is referenced. This only happened a few times so for the most part, I enjoyed it.

Questionable Purchase

I bought this at a used booksale today. The reviews aren't good. I have a bad feeling about this. I am pretty much going to read it like fiction and if I feel bad or scandalized then I won't finish it.

Yes.

That's a good plan.

I probably shouldn't have bought this book. I really don't like the "outing" folks. Welp. We'll see.

Stepford Wives

I loved this book. Perfect weekend creepy. It's short and fast paced. I was afraid it would be dry and boring.

Agatha Christie-My weekend love

Doctor Who is the reason I gave Agatha Christie another shot and I love her!

Chew!

In less than a week, I have devoured (pun!) four volumes of the graphic novel series Chew. Reading this gives me the same feeling a good Guy Richie (see Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) movie gives me. I feel like I've been given a lot in short amount of time. I felt like everything was done in a very good balance. The story centers around Tony Chu who is a cibopath. He can tell the history of anything he eats except for beets. He is apart of the FDA in a world where millions were killed by a bird flu. This event led to a ban of poultry. In this world, the FDA is pretty bad ass.

At first, I was afraid the series would be mostly "Hey, is gonna eat that guy? Wonder if he'll eat that poo? Ew! Dead body! Eat it!" I would not have marathon'ed that series. Chew goes the extra mile to develop characters, as well as jokes. I loved it. So pretty much, if you like strange, action, adventure and a lovable hero that continually gets beat up by life then this is for you!

Side note: I am now including graphic novels in my book reading goal. I wasn't going to at first because they are sooo much fun for me to read. Only trade paperbacks though.

A Clash of Kings

I was up until after 1 am reading this epic fantasy novel. It's the second in the series about honor, deceit politics, family, power, love, dragons and direwolves. Magic because more of a player in this book and its more pronounced presence is a welcomed addition. However, I was doubtful that I'd be able to get through the second book. I am unclear how I made it through the first book. I just remember the feeling of excitement when I was done. There were a lot of feasts and family lines to get through. The second book has the same except the tone is more battle prone than feasting. There are some light parts mixed in with the dark and gore. Honestly, if this were just Tyrion or Arya's story, I'd probably love it more. This feeling isn't a slam on the series, it's a testament to my love of those two characters. I don't know that I could have read this series before watching the HBO program and I'm sure that doesn't matter now.

Books that surprised me

I was surprised that these books interested me the way they did. I was still (okay am still) pretty committed to strictly fiction. Autobiographies and biographies stirred some interest in me but not enough to get me through an entire book. Or so I thought. I read these books with great interest. I even laughed at parts of the Thurgood Marshall book. I need to get back to doing this.