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