A few weeks ago, Jen interviewed Matthew Cory about his book Like Glass, and I had the privilege to be the first (between Jen and I) to read the book.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Well that's seems kind of harsh because I wasn't expecting the book to fail or anything. I guess I just didn't know what to expect, but I really enjoyed the book.

This is Matthew Cory's synopsis of the book:

That's what Like Glass starts off with -- Rob Jackson gets a phone call from his brother's wife, Janet, letting him know that his brother is dead. Rob had been hoping for that call for a long time, because a few years ago, he and Janet had been briefly (but fiercely) in love, and he never forgave his brother for stealing her from him. He goes up to Washington state (where Janet lives) for the funeral, and things just kinda go downhill from there. It's really a great story; I just hope I did it justice in being the one to write it.

My thoughts:
What I loved most about this book was how unpredictable it was. I would read some and think... Ok, I know where this is going, but I was always wrong. It reminds me of an M. Night Shyamalan movie (Sixth Sense or Signs) minus the aliens. I don't want to really add more details than Cory himself mentioned for fear that I will give too much of the story away. Just check it out for yourself! I would really love to hear what other readers have to say about this book.

Like Glass... check it out!

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I've posted pictures of my white water rafting trip (and of the tattoo experience) on my Myspace and Facebook pages. So, swing on by MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/dukefn99 and check out the pictures (Hopefully this is the exact link to the photo albums). And while you're there, if you're a member, feel free to add me as a friend.

Here's a teaser of the Salmon River in Idaho...

And perhaps I might get some sort of slideshow going here if I can figure out widgets or whatever I need... and I have more time on my hands.

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I was totally excited when I heard that Sherrilyn Kenyon was going to be signing copies of her new book in Seattle. I've been anxiously awaiting this book. So, I took time off work, convinced my sisters to take a road trip with me and we set out to drive across the state of Washington for a girls weekend.

After a 5 hour car drive, we arrive to the booksigning and discover a huge crowd... and that there is going to be a talk before the signing begins. Now, I like these books a lot, but I really didn't care that there was going to be a discussion (and some question and answer time). I just wanted my book signed. 45 minutes or so later (about 7:30ish) the signing began. And it moved soooo very slow. When we got to the bookstore, we were given cards for our place in line (I was 125). By 9:00 they were only up to number 80 and I was fading fast seeing as I was up with the sun. So, I totally gave up and went back to the hotel because there was no way that I could sit (on the floor) around for at least another hour for them to get to me.

I totally understand that Sherrilyn was taking the time to talk to her fans, but it was making for a really long evening by not speeding up the signing process. I'm bummed that I didn't get a chance to say hi and get my book signed. I'm upset that I feel like I wasted several hours of my life waiting around a bookstore for a signature that never happened. I'm just thankful that while the booksigning was the original reason for the trip... it's not the sole reason and the weekend won't be a total loss.

On the plus side... as soon as I can pry the book out of my sister's hands, I'll be reading the book and I can't wait to finally read Acheron's story!

Edited on 8-10-08 to add that the trip was fun. I met a friend who I'd met online and spent some time with him. Did a lot of shopping with my sisters (and managed not to break the bank)... and I got a tattoo (*gasp*). The symbols stand for "older sister". Both of my sisters got tats that have other sister symbols. Mines more elaborate since I figured I was going to get my one and only tattoo, it'd better be pretty. So, I added my favorite flower and color (purple tulip) to the design. Oh and Sharon finished the 700 page book on the car ride home and she's loved it.

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I have a lot of books. My bookshelf is overflowing. I have boxes upon boxes of books stored away for the day that I have enough living space to have them all unpacked.

But as I read books, I realize that I can't keep every book I buy. In fact, I don't want to. I'm very much a series reader and I'm coming to the realization that my library needs to be weeded out and I'm going to focus on series.

Which comes to my latest favorite internet site-- Paperback Swap. It's a site that allows people to post books that they want to get rid of and create a wish list of books they want to receive. You have to post books in order to receive books. You pay the shipping costs of the books you send. Membership at the site doesn't cost you anything outside of shipping. I invite you to check out my profile and bookshelf at http://dukefn99.paperbackswap.com. I'm planning on adding more books in the near future. And if you join, be sure to mention me (dukefn99) as your referral and add me as a buddy.

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I've been a reading fool lately, but just haven't wanted to spend the time on the computer to write out reviews for the books (which for the most part are making a huge pile on the floor next to my desk). I work an eight hour day staring at a computer screen and there are many days when I don't even want to think about sitting down at my computer at home. So, my reviews (and e-mails... oy!) pile up until I have to deal with them. I'd write one or two now... but I have to run out the door in a couple minutes for choir practice. I promise to tackle a few reviews as I'm watching American Idol and Dancing with the Stars tonight.

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Hi readers! In case you've been wondering why we haven't posted any new reviews in a week or so, I though I should update you on where I've been. I've actually just started a month long house sitting adventure with very (and I mean very) spotty internet connection. My laptop has to be in just the right place to pick up an unsecure and weak wireless network. Then on top of that, this week was Holy Week and I've been busy with church commitments (that's what I get for joining the choir).

At any rate, I've been sneaking a little reading in but haven't had the time to sit down and write any reviews. I also need to get to the library and get a Louis L'Amour book for my challenge read.

At any rate, if there is a book that you'd like Jessica or I to read and review, post here and we'll consider it (mostly providing we can get our hands on a copy). We'd also like to hear from y'all on any of our reviews. Have you read any of the books we've read and agree or disagree with our thoughts? Let us know.

And while I'm posting, let me just say that I spent a good chunk of the day watching basketball and most of my picks lost. This does not bode well for my annual challenge with my dad. At least UNC is still in the running (but they play tomorrow) or else I'd be screwed as half of my final has already been eliminated (Thanks a lot Pitt. I took a chance on you and you let me down!).

And with that, I'm going to go read...

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