December Re-Cap

December Re-Cap:
Books Completed:
12/18: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
12/5: Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice
Books Received:
12/27: The Knitting Way: A Guide to Spiritual Self-Discovery by Linda Skolnik
12/25: Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
12/21: Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat: A Graphic Novel
12/21: The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
12/21: The Road to the Dark Tower: Exploring Stephen King's Magnum Opus by Bev Vincent
12/21: The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell Ph.D.
12/16: The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde
12/15: The Element of Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World by Judiks Illes
Books Awaiting:
None

The Knitting Way: A Guide to Spiritual Self-Discovery
by Linda Skolnik & Janice MacDaniels
I finally got to join Zooba today and decided this should be my first book. I'm planning to take a knitting class in January and I thought this would get me in the right frame of mind.
**Update**
The book came today! I like what I've seen, it's going to be great once I start my knitting class next month.
Received: December 27, 2005

Forever Odd
by Dean Koontz
This was a Christmas gift for Cindi from Jillian.
Received: December 25, 2005

Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat: A Graphic Novel
This was one of my Yule Gifts; something I've wanted since I learned of its existence. I'd gotten a notice that a used copy was available from Powells and had showed it to Cindi not knowing she was going to get it for me for Yule. I can't wait to read it. Though I haven't decided if I'm going to read the novel or the graphic novel first.
**Update**
I was going to wait to start reading this but I couldn't help it. The drawings are amazing. I can't wait to read the novel as well but it's been a really interesting way to read this book. It's different but I really like it.
Received: December 21, 2005

The Colorado Kid
by Stephen King
Yet another Yule gift for Cindi. This is a new Stephen King book that caught my eye because it's similar appearance to old-school pulp fiction. Plus I can't go wrong getting her a Stephen King book.
Received: December 21, 2005

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
by Patricia B. McConnell Ph.D.
Another Yule gift for Cindi. She's had this on her wish list for awhile and it looks like a good book for the both of us. It discusses ways in which we affect the behavior of our dog, which makes sense because unlike cats, they are very people oriented.
Received: December 21, 2005

The Road to the Dark Tower: Exploring Stephen King's Magnum Opus
by Bev Vincent
This was one of my Yule gift for Cindi. I got her the last Dark Tower book for her birthday and knew she wanted this book that ties all of his books together. I haven't read them, but plan to after my Anne Rice experiment.
Received: December 21, 2005

Interview with the Vampire *Completed*

Interview with the Vampire (1976)
by Anne Rice
I couldn't sleep Saturday night [12/10/05] so I pulled out my hardback copy of Interview with a Vampire and started reading. I've been toying with the idea of reading her books in chronological order as we have all of the later vampire books, most of which I haven't read, that tie into the Mayfair witch series. Plus I thought it would be interesting to read them as so wrote them to see if I find a progression or a pattern to her writing. I couldn't tell you how many times I've read Interview with a Vampire, but I know I've started it twice as many times as I've finished it. This copy I found in excellent condition at a thrift store in Utah with Liz. I miss great thrift store finds. My very first copy of this book came in a Vampire Series boxed set I purchases in 1995 or 1996 and misplaced in my many moves.
**Update**
Now I remember why I love this book so much and it's been long enough that there is a lot I'd forgotten. I love her descriptions and the way the vampires communicate and move; I'm remembering my fascination with vampires ;-)
**Update**
I finished it today on our way to tow our car to Winters. There was quite a bit that happened at the end that I forgot about, I love it when that happens. It's like reading a different book.
Received: Summer 2000
Completed: December 18, 2005

Best Lesbian Love Stories

Best Lesbian Love Stories 2005
I recently took a poll for Alyson Bookstore and chose this as my free book. I haven't received it yet, but I look forward to reading it. The front cover is beautiful and I hope the contents are just as impressive.
**Update**
This book finally came, I had totally written it off thinking it was just a hoax. Funny enough Cindi emailed them several times to see when her book was coming, I never did as I figured I would just wait and see if they sent her a reply. My book came and hers didn't. Hopefully hers will show up this week sometime too. [It did!]
**Update**
We are now taking turns reading this to each other before bed. We've read one story that was really cute by Claire McNab. I look forward to reading more of it-it's very sweet.
**Update**
Another book put on hold. We are way too tired when we hit the sack to do any reading to each other.
Received: September 6, 2005

Birthing From Within

Birthing From Within
by Pam England
[http://birthingfromwithin.com/]
I purchased this book not only because it looks really good, but I joined an on-line reading group and this is the current book being discussed. With our more serious talk of planning for a baby I thought it was a good a time as any to start reading up on birth and pregnancy. I'd really like our experience to be spiritual and empowering.
**Update**
I love this book. I think it should be required reading for all women - women who have given birth and women who have not. It is the first time I've found all my ideas and beliefs about birth in writing. She gives amazing ideas to honor mothers and how to connect with other women. I want to interview my grandma and write down her birth-stories, she had five children. I've heard bits and pieces but now I want to know more. I'd like to honor her for her sacrifice in giving birth. She gave birth in a time where it wasn't understood; father's were treated like kings as they waited in the waiting room all while women were strapped down to their beds and forced to birth the way the male doctor wanted [a true delivery as opposed to a birthing of the baby]. I imagine she still has emotional scars from her experience. I'd like to be part of the movement in reclaiming birth for women, their partners, and their babies.
**Update**
I've put this book on hold until we are actually trying to get pregnant, it's an amazing book but will have more meaning when we are pregnant.
Received: September 12, 2005

The Gospel of Thomas

The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated & Explained
by Stevan Davies
I figured I'd continue with my Christ theme and starting reading The Gospel of Thomas, a book I've had for awhile and have barely skimmed. I received in from One Spirit, probably one of my introductory books. I've only read the introduction. I feel I was just waiting for the right time to read it; Now.
**Update**
This book is wonderful but I need some fiction to take my mind off of reality so I'm putting this on the hold shelf.
Received: May 18, 2004

Co-op American Book Club

Here is a bloggin book club, a great place to find reading ideas. http://www.bookswelike.net/coopamerica?home

Christ the Lord *Completed*

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt
by Anne Rice
I decided to move this up on our Zooba list instead of The Well of Lost Plots, it'll have to wait until December.
**Update**
It came Friday just in time for me to take on our trip to Idaho. I have high hopes for this book and will give just about anything she writes a fair chance.
**Update**
I started reading this immediately after finishing The Time Quartet. It is really well written and something I probably would never consider reading if not written by Anne Rice. I think it will bring me to a greater understanding and a new acceptance of Christ.
**Update**
I completed this book last night and I really enjoyed it. I can't say too much, my partner will be reading it soon, but she doesn an amazing job showing what the child Christ may have been like, how his experience may have been. Again, Anne has done an amazing job, with much study and preparation before ever writing a single word.
Received: November 18, 2005
Completed: December 5, 2005

November Re-Cap

November Re-Cap:
Books Completed:
11/29: The Time Quartet by Madeleine L'Engle
11/9: The Bitch in the House by Cathi Hanauer
Books Received:
11/4: The Time Quartet by Madeleine L'Engle
11/17: Witch in the Kitchen: Magical Cooking for All Season by Cait Johnson
11/18: Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice
Books Awaiting:
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde

The Time Quartet *Completed*

The Time Quartet
by Madeleine L'Engle
I decided to get this set for my free One Spirit book. It contains four books in one: A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind on the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet & Many Waters. I've read A Wrinkle in Time more times than I can count and have never been able to get my hands on the others. I read it when I was a young girl and love it more every time I read it. Cindi recently read it much to my delight and enjoyed it! I wanted to hurry and get this while it was still available to order, I'm only going to have to pay around $4 for shipping, not bad. The list price is $69. I can't wait to read it. This is one of the must have sets of books for when we have children.
**Update**
This came today and is now in my to-read pile. I love reading children's books and am so happy I am with someone who indulges in children's books and good cartoons.
**Update**
I started reading this last night. I am so happy I got this book. I love A Wrinkle in Time and reading it makes me soooo happy. I'm planning to bring it along for our Thanksgiving trip though I know I'll be doing some homework as well.
**Update**
I'm on the third book, I'm reading it faster than I expected. I'm hoping to finish before we go. I'm really enjoying the other books, I don't know how I read A Wrinkle in Time all those times and not think there had to be others that followed. They are definitely fantasy books and have quite a few references to God, but I can overlook them.
**Update**
I finished this on our way home from Thanksgiving, only because we were delayed a day in a snow storm in Nevada. I really enjoyed them, they are a bit weird, but still good.
Received: November 4, 2005
Completed: November 29, 2005

Witch in the Kitchen: Magical Cooking for All Season
by Cait Johnson
Cindi's boss gave this book to us for Samhain, very sweet of her! It looks really good, it looks there are a lot of great ideas for celebrating all the different Sabbats.
Received: November 17, 2005

The Bitch in the House *Completed*

The Bitch in the House: 26 Women Tell the Truth About Sex, Solitude, Work, Motherhood, and Marriage
by Cathi Hanauer
I got this for Cindi for her birthday a few weeks ago and finally wrapped it on Friday. Saturday I had a bit of a melt-down and made it very obvious who the bitch in our house is. So to bring a bit of humor to the situation I gave her the book early. She was happy and started reading it right away. From the little bit I skimmed it looks great and I can't wait to read it!
**Update**
I started reading this book over the weekend. I'm enjoying it already. These are essays from a variety of women and their reflections on their life and their choices. I am really enjoying it, though I wish there was some inclusion of lesbian women. I'll just have to read the book we have all about lesbians.
**Update**
I finished it today and loved it! It makes me want to write more about my life experience, if anything to bring more awareness to what I'm feeling and why.
Received: September 17, 2005
Completed: November 9, 2005
Rated: ***** [5/5]

Dyke Drama: Your Guide to Getting Out Alive
Leslie Lange
Another free book with survey. It looks really funny. We hope it comes soon...
**Update**
This was originally posted on June 24th. It's been over four months. We are now officially giving up on this book ever coming and will now add it back to our amazon wish list.
Not yet received

October Re-Cap

October Re-Cap:
Books Completed:
10/30: Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman
10/18: Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde
Books Received:
10/19: Cross Stitch Fairies by Joan Elliott
10/15: Telling Moments: Autobiographical Lesbian Short Stories Edited by Lynda Hall
10/7: Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman
Books Awaiting:
The Time Quartet by Madeleine L'Engle
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde

Killing Yourself to Live *Completed*

Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story
by Chuck Klosterman
Jill gave this to Cindi for her birthday much to my excitement. We have his other book [Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs] which was awesome. I started reading this last night though I only got through two pages before my eyes wouldn't stay open [long night NOT a boring book!]
**Update**
I really enjoyed this book. The author took a road trip across the US to visit different sites where various musicians died. Though it's much more about him and his relationships, the music he listens to, and sometimes the drugs he does. I really like the way he writes though I have completely different taste in music and similar taste in drugs.
Received: October 7, 2005
Completed: October 30, 2005
Rated: ***** [5/5]

Cross Stitch Fairies
by Joan Elliott
I ordered this from One Spirit to get my eight bonus points. Once I have eight I get a free book. As soon as I get the free book I'm closing the account.
**Update**
I received this yesterday and am very happy with it. I know I'll easily be able to adapt these patterns to create some wonderful patterns of my own.
Received: October 19, 2005

Lost in a Good Book *Completed*

Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel
by Jasper Fforde
I purchased this book when I was still living in Seattle. I tried to read it once before but couldn't get into it. I picked it up last week and instantly got sucked in. I read his first book a few years ago and love this one as well. He is such a great writer! Reading this book reminds me of what good writing is. The characters are very well developed and the dialog is engaging.
**Update**
I finished this morning on my way to work. They even have a chapter or two of the next book as a sneak peak. This was probably one of the best book I've read this year. I love that time is circular and her father is able to jump from past to future and even sideways which they imply is where our world is. I love the way he plays with words and creates a world in which reading and literacy rules.
Received: January 2004
Completed: October 18, 2005
Rated: ****** [6/5]

Interview with the Vampire
by Anne Rice
I don't remember when I got his copy of Interview with the Vampire. I had one from a boxed set back in 1995 or so but it got lost or stolen in all my moving about. This copy came from my cousin Gail. She was purging some of her Anne Rice books and knew I'd want them. Pretty much all my current Anne Rice books were second hand copies from her [except for Cindi's]. I haven't read this in quite awhile and am only putting it on here because I'm lending it to my sister and don't want to forget. Even though we have two other copies; another paper back and a hardback. My dream would be to have a copy like this one.
Lent to Jillian 10/17/05

Telling Moments: Autobiographical Lesbian Short Stories
Edited by Lynda Hall
Cindi's Zooba pick for the month. This is a collection of short stories written by twenty-four different lesbians about their lives. I'd like to get more books on lesbian studies and this is a good start.
Received: October 15, 2005

September Re-Cap

September Re-Cap:
Books Completed:
9/18: What the L? by Kate Clinton
9/19: The Best of Friends by R.J. Stevens
Books Received:
9/6: Best Lesbian Love Stories 2005
9/12: Box Lunch: The Layperson's Guide to Cunnilingus by Diana Cage
9/12: Birthing From Within by Pam England
9/14: Eragon by Christopher Paolini
9/17: The Bitch in the House by Cathi Hanauer
9/23: Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions by G. Tyler and Jr. Miller
9/23: Living Religions by Mary Pat Fisher
9/30: Wild Ducks Flying Backward: The Short Writings by Tom Robbins
9/30: Music Lust: Recommended Listening for every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nic Harcourt
9/30: Tantric Sex for Women: A Guide For Lesbian, Bi, Hetero, and Solo Lovers by Christa Schulte
9/30: The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower by Stephen King
Books Awaiting:
Dyke Drama: Your Guide to Getting Out Alive by Leslie Lange [Cindi's Free Book]

The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower
by Stephen King
A birthday gift for Cindi, it wouldn't have been complete with out the last Dark Tower book. Now I need to go backwards and get the first four in hardback for her. We have plenty of birthdays and holidays to come for that.
Received: September 30, 2005

Tantric Sex for Women: A Guide For Lesbian, Bi, Hetero, and Solo Lovers
by Christa Schulte
A fun book for Cindi's birthday. I'm sure we'll be reading this one together. [wink wink]
Received: September 30, 2005