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It's not that far from true. I have almost that many books on shelves in my home.

Game of Thrones Inside Look

Now that THE WALKING DEAD is on break (for nearly a year!), I need something else to watch. HBO has an adaptation of the novel, A GAME OF THRONES by George R. R. Martin - book 1 in the series, A Song of Ice and Fire. It's epic fantasy. And I don't normally dig that kind of stuff, but this looks promising. It doesn't begin until April, but that's not as far away as October (damn you slow-moving zombies).

Here's an inside look:



And a teaser:

The Newest Amazon Package

This was my package from yesterday.


Very cool stuff.


Included in this shipment were:

THE WALKING DEAD vol. 10 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard
THE WALKING DEAD vol. 12 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard
DC COMICS: YEAR BY YEAR
SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE by J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis
SPY VS SPY: THE COMPLETE CASEBOOK vol. 1
FIND THE GIRL: POEMS by Lightsey Darst
JACK: SECRET HISTORIES by F. Paul Wilson
BATMAN & ROBIN: BATMAN VS ROBIN by Grant Morrison and Various
MODERN MASTERS vol. 21: CHRIS SPROUSE

Today's Amazon.com Package of Goodies.

Today's Amazon.com package of goodies. (On Twitpic.)

Yes, that's some good stuff:

AMERICAN VAMPIRE vol. 1 by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, and Stephen King.
THE COMPLETE ESSEX COUNTY by Jeff Lemire.
THE WALKING DEAD vol. 11 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard.
TELLING LIES FOR FUN & PROFIT by Lawrence Block.

AND...

ART & SKULDUGGERY: The Art of Tony Harris. (This is amazing!)

Day 17 - Books

I don’t know if it’s just that earlier in the year I wasn’t really reading books at the rate I have been this summer, but the last five books I read were amazing. So good that I’ve been reluctant to put them down unless I had to go to work or was too tired to continue reading. Those five books totaled over 3,000 pages, and I just tore through them.

Tonight I finished CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. The story ends with a good enough cliffhanger that I’ll be counting down the days until the final book hits stores (August 24th).

Books in a series seem to be my downfall this summer. Back-to-back I finished THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE and THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST. Back-to-back I just finished THE HUNGER GAMES and CATCHING FIRE. Before those was THE PASSAGE. I'm in some sort of luck here because the second book of this series has not yet been written yet.

I guess I need to make sure the next book I choose to read isn’t part of a series. Only, looking at my stack, I notice that I’ve already started HUNGER by Michael Grant, and if I finish it I have LIES waiting patiently on the bookshelf. Another series (books 2 and 3 of the Gone series), another chunk of the summer?

Day 15 - The Movies In My Mind

Good books, the ones that truly capture the imagination, play out like movies in my mind. I’m not entirely sure if this happens for everyone, or if it is simply my love for literature and film combined with an overactive imagination that create such wonderful shows in my head. But when it happens – and it doesn’t happen for every book, even though I can honestly say it will happen for at least part of every book, for there is usually some redeemable, imaginative spark in all stories – it is magical.

After finishing THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST, I told myself that I was done, for a short while, with any book that would so totally capture my attention. The books (yes, I read many books at a time) I was in the process of reading were good, but I was not to a point in any of them where they had become impossible to put down. I thought I’d finally have the time to get some things done this summer.

Yet for some reason I found myself with the urge to read THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. (The nice thing about having so many books on my shelves unread – easily a hundred, seriously – is that I have something for whatever mood strikes me.) I’d heard good things about it, critically and from my mother. Needless to say, I started the book this afternoon and could not put it down. I read it through non-stop, with the exception of a quick 45-minute break for supper. Even though the idea for the story isn’t exactly original – I remember watching a Japanese movie based on a book of the same name, BATTLE ROYALE, by Koushun Takami, that pitted school children against each other to the death on an isolated island – the characters, especially Katniss Everdeen, kept the story alive. And thrilling.

Knowing the sequel, CATCHING FIRE, is out in bookstores already, and that the third and final book in the series, MOCKINGJAY is due to arrive August 24th, means I can fully expect to find myself completely engaged in at least two more novels this summer.

I can’t wait.

Day 14 - The Girl Who Captured My Attention

After a marathon reading session today, I finished Stieg Larsson’s THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST. I actually had to run out and buy this book the instant I finished the second one in the Millennium trilogy, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE. The series is just that good. (And I’m glad for once that I was late to the series because then I didn’t have the wait between books to deal with.)

The series starts off with THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, which was a captivating mystery. Crusading journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, teams up with a strange and gifted researcher, Lisbeth Salander, to solve the mysterious disappearance of a young girl many years ago.

Picking up a short time later, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE and THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST, comprise a two-book, 1,300-page-plus, epic story of conspiracy, murder, and government corruption. There was not a day that went by that I could put these two books down. The two books are packed with suspense, action, and intrigue. I’d mention specifics – plot, characters, action – but wouldn’t want to spoil the shock and surprise for any reader.

What? Not a reader? Then by all means check out the movie versions of these stories. The Swedish versions of the films have already been released overseas, but are (slowly) being released over here. I’ve seen the first (out on DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday, July 6th) and am eagerly anticipating the second as soon as it opens wide enough to find a screen around home. American versions of the films are in the process of being made as I write, out in a few years.

So, there are many opportunities available to you to find enjoyment in these fantastic stories. Granted, they are dark, violent, and complex, and they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy a good mystery and love experiencing the good guys stomping down hard on the bad guys, then you can’t go wrong with these three thrillers from Sweden. It’s just a shame that the author is no longer alive to provide us with what happens next.

Day 6 - What I've Been Up To

This week I watched KNIGHT AND DAY, A PERFECT GETAWAY, JUDGE DREDD, and WHEN IN ROME.

I read the comics CLOSER, WITCHBLADE vol. 1, JUSTICE LEAGUE ELITE vol. 1 and vol. 2.

I finished the book THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN. I am still reading RAIN DOGS, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, and AWAIT YOUR REPLY.

I read the five most recent issues of ESQUIRE magazine.

I watched a multitude of television episodes, including WIPEOUT, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, THE LATE SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON, and THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR.

And there may been more than this, but on a night when I couldn’t even come up with something to write about, my mind is grasping at straws.

This week: bankruptcy stuff, biking, biking, THE LAST AIRBENDER, and more biking (hopefully).

Part-Time Indian Kills Wimpy Kid

So I just realized that Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is essentially a more literate (and god, I hate that word and it's snobby connotation) version of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Diary format with comic illustrations throughout. Troubles with family, school, friends. Same. Same. Check.

A quick search shows they were both published around the same time. It's funny how similar things often arrive at the same moment in time.

Sure, Wimpy Kid is easily more recognizable and popular, but Part-Time Indian is amazingly well-written. I'm happy I can enjoy both, each with its own strengths.

The Time Traveler's Wife Trailer

Here's the link to the trailer for The Time Traveler's Wife.

This was an amazing book.

(But then again, I am a sucker for time travel.)

The movie looks good. And any movie with Rachel McAdams...

Do I Read Too Much?

Today I read from the following books: Savage Season by Joe R. Lansdale, Blood Engines by T. A. Pratt, L.A. Outlaws by T. Jefferson Parker, Hunger by Michael Grant, The Good Guy by Dean Koontz, The Good Fairies of New York by Martin Miller, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, Just After Sunset by Stephen King, Walking Dead by Greg Rucka, and Monster by A. Lee Martinez.

Whew.

It would be even more impressive if I had read more than a chapter or two in any of those books. I have a difficult time picking just one book to read.

A Fables Novel

As broke as I am, it will be hard to pass up a novel set in the world of such a terrific comic book series. Coming out later this year, I may just have to save up some money.

(And what a pretty cover.)

Revisiting American Gods

I've been rereading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, loving every page. I remember feeling the same type of joy when I first read the story a few years ago. It is almost as though the world shifts a bit and I find myself on the same journey across America with Shadow and Mr. Wednesday. This book is a trip. It will take a real effort to not read more than just a handful of pages a night before bed.

It's more than reading; it's an experience.

Finished On Writing

Finally finished (after what could be close to two years) Stephen King's On Writing. The book, part memoir and part advice for writers, was more than I hoped it could be. I expected to find some helpful advice, and more importantly, inspiration, and I was not disappointed. What I didn't foresee were the autobiographical parts - the entire first half of the book - and the life that shaped the writer King has become. His postscript, "On Living," was particularly moving. In this section he described his accident while out walking - an event fictionalized, to some degree, in the final volume of his Dark Tower series. Just as it did before (the aforementioned Dark Tower telling), the accident struck home with me in all the wrong ways, making make me angry, and sad.

But I digress...

I was - am - impressed with this book. It is one I know I'll reread from time to time, when the inspiration falters, or the toolbox need dusted off.

New Novel From Niffenegger

I am a huge fan of Audrey Niffenegger's first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. It may just be my 2nd favorite novel of all time. (There's something about time travel that I thoroughly enjoy.)

I am pleased to read that she sold her second novel for a staggering sum. This is one book that I can't wait to read. (It sounds strange - probably as strange as a book about a man bouncing through time interacting with his wife at different points in her life, from childhood through eventual marriage - but wonderful.)

Week of Vacation - Mar. 16th - 22nd

Double the Fun

In an attempt to double the amount of fun had this vacation, I’m going to try workout twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Now, this might not work everyday, but it’s something to shoot for, especially after a week of nothing like last week (I know, I know; I said I’d not dwell on that - much.).

I will be able to read and review two short stories a day this entire week. There are quite a few collections I want to delve deeper into, and this is a great opportunity to do just that. I haven’t decided if I’ll focus on one specific author all week, or look at a theme. I’ll decide that this first day.

Goals

While on vacation from work I want to accomplish something. Many somethings, really. These are all the projects or goals I’ve set for this week:

• Create a budget – something that will involve a look at my finances, something I dread, but need to do.

• Read 100 plus pages a day in the many novels I have half-completed, or just started. It would be nice to clear these books off some of the many Shelves of the Unread.

• Get current with my weekly comics. There are more in this stack than you may believe.

• Along the same lines as the reading goal, I want to complete one comic collection (TPB or HC) a day.

• Clean my entire home – thoroughly. It is “spring cleaning” time.

• File my piles and piles of papers, two years worth and growing.

• Backup computer files on both computers. I say I’ll do this and I never do, and it has come back to bite me in the (you know) with the laptop.

• Start a Flickr account in the hopes of pursuing the whole photography thing. I think I’d enjoy it if I just knew a little more, and this might provide the motivation to learn.

Writing

While the blogging has kept me writing nearly every day, it is not the type of writing I wish to pursue as a future career. More creative writing is called for. To that end, I will write one short story this week. I’ll also work on developing a weekly comic strip that I can post up on the blog. The illustration may not be great (but it does provide me the opportunity to practice and become stronger), but hopefully I can create something worth checking out weekly.

Fitness

I’ve been doing the whole exercise and diet thing sort of willy nilly. I’d like to develop a workout plan that moves me toward a goal, but in a way that doesn’t seem too rigid, I honestly believe that the flexibility of a plan is the key to its success. I’ll also try and work on something of a diet plan that incorporates all I’ve learned so far (fruits and veggies, hydration, fiber), and that will easily allow for new learning as the year and challenges continue.

Sounds ambitious for a week, I know. Still, I need something, or I’m positive I’ll find myself sacked out in “the chair” in front of the TV all week long. That is not how I want to spend my vacation.

Multiple Invitations

I'm being asked to Twitter and to write at Helium. There are new challenges being thrown down. The idea of a Flickr account has been tempting me for a little while. The girl wants my attention.

Where do I find the time? (Trust me, I'll find it; I am loving the hell out of all this writing - sharing.)

The possibilities are endless and overwhelming and amazing.

Not the Normal Friday

I had a great Friday night. Made a new friend. Had a good meal. Stayed up too late. All things I very rarely do, and yet this just reminds me of what you can miss out on when you simply stay at home with a book and the TV (no matter how good the book or show or movie).

Free Day Tomorrow

Looks like I have tomorrow free from work.

I'm going to try take advantage of the extra hours available to me and work around home. I'll also do some writing for the blogs, read (I'm thinking of the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid, some Graveyard Book, and my stack of weekly comics), catch up on some TV (Top Chef, most definitely), and whatever else sounds like fun at that time. I'll just mix the work and entertainment together and have a rather relaxing day.

Not Cleaning

I find myself looking around my still unclean home and thinking: Crap. I have to clean tomorrow. Dishes are piled up on the kitchen counter, bookshelves are in disarray, laundry is scattered across the bedroom floor. The mess just continues to grow.

I did manage to - after months - watch two (The Wendell Baker Story and Human Nature, both so-so) of the three movies from Netflix sitting on my shelf, finish the series Undeclared on DVD, get within 5 episodes of finishing Pushing Daisies (great show cancelled before its time), finish this week's new comics (Superman #683 was exciting), and read some of this pretty intriguing new science fiction book I recently started (Hidden Empire by Kevin J. Anderson). And I'll end the night in a bit by catching up on some episodes of How I Met Your Mother from my DVR.

It hasn't been a wasted day, just not a productively clean one.