And here I thought I was doing so well...

I promised myself last year I would try to read 100 books and I succeeded, but in reading other bloggers who read 200 plus, I feel inadequate again! I guess 100 is pretty good, but I need to strive for more, or smaller books.

The last book I read in 2009 was "Elsewhere" by Gabrielle Zevin, and I found it to be one of the most charming reads of the year! Where do we go when we die? I loved the story in this YA book.

When 15 year old Liz is hit by a taxi while riding her bike, and dies, she finds herself on a ship bound for Elsewhere, where you grow younger each year until you become a baby and are placed in a river back to Earth to be born.

As she laments the things she will miss, she meets her Grandmother, who died before she was born. The story unfolds beautifully, add in talking dogs, and I am in love!

Although I shed a tear or two, I found this book to be uplifting, and just wonderful!

If you get the chance to read this one, let me know what you think.

I got this book from my Library.

Sunday Salon

Since a trip to the Library on Friday to pick up books that I have been waiting for, I read 2 of them.

"The Uncommon Reader" by Alan Bennett was so charming and terrific, I read it in one sitting (it is a novella after all). When the Queen's corgis run into a bookmobile, the Queen feels obligated to check out a book. One of the cooks helpers is reading and they become, if not friends, book buddies, with Norman suggesting books, the Queen discovers a true love of reading, something that does not sit well with her staff. She seems to change in her thinking, and her dress, and worried staffers try to discourage her. It is, of course, a fantasy, but it made the Queen seem more human, like the rest of us. I loved this book!!!!

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins did not disappoint! The sequel to "The Hunger Games" was so good, full of drama, excitement, nail biting scenes, that kept me reading long into the night. I cannot wait for the third book in this wonderful series!!

Dancing with Ana-by Nicole Barker

A guest post from my Granddaughter, Vamp~Child (11)

A book of love and an anorexic teen, that teaches that we shouldn’t be ashamed of our bodies. It started out with four friends wanting to drop a few pounds, but turns chaotic when it makes them weak and unhealthy, which results in everyone but Beth to quit on their diet, while at the same time making Beth anorexic, because it seemed that it was the only thing she could control after her parents get divorced. But the care and love of her friends and family saves her. I would recommend this book to anyone who is uncomfortable about their body or has an eating disorder.

Vamp~Child

Adding my two cents worth-

I whole heartedly agree with Vamp~Child's review. I would like to add just a couple of thoughts. The voices in the book were so authentic, I felt like I was eavesdropping on real conversations. This is a terrific YA novel! I would recommend it for any tween or teen, facing an eating disorder or not. It is the love and friendship that saves us all.

Vamp~Child is going to use this for a class project.( I think the most telling thing is that she asked me if she could keep the book! )

We received this book from the author. Thanks Nicole!