Thursday

I used to read all of the time.  Mostly required reading while at my University but still.

The last few years I haven't read more than a couple of books in total.  I've wanted to read more of course, but it has been tricky with all that has gone on in my life.  I regret not making it more of a priority.  I thought perhaps I was no longer the "reading type" and that maybe it was a lost art, something I wasn't really into anymore.

But just lately, I have taken a few things out from the library and found my enjoyment for cracking open a good book is still very much alive and well.  On nights when Violet is away, it has been a real comfort to open a book and get lost inside the pages.

I was actually most inspired to start reading again due to influence by my beautiful friend Michelle.  We worked together for years at the library and she has her own special blog seen HERE.  I certainly won't be able to review like she does, but I aspire to read a fraction of what she does, it is inspiring to me.

The first book I read, The Hottest State by Ethan Hawke was a quick, emotional read.  I don't know how highly I recommend it because I didn't feel like it was exceptional or anything.  It was hollow and at times, contrived.  But then at other times, endearing.

It is about a young man named William who up until meeting the quirky yet beautiful Sarah, doesn't have a care in the world.  He gets along with his actor good looks and promiscuous ways but is stopped dead in his tracks when he uninhibitedly falls in love.  Sarah does not return the affection, she is not ready for such a love, leaving William to fall apart when she ends the affair.  His journey into the expiration of the relationship is what holds the juiciest and most interesting part of this book.  Anyone that has suffered a broken heart will commiserate with William and feel relief as he moves beyond the pain.

The book I am currently reading, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, is a book I have read previously.  It is very good.  I don't normally read supernatural fiction like this but in this particular instance, I recommend it highly.  The writing is fantastic, I find myself hanging on Rice's every word.  I've tried to read other series like this one, including the Twilight or Potter series, but I find them juvenile.  I cannot remain interested.  Either the subject matter or the writing (or both) make me feel like I should be watching the movie instead of reading the book.

I am anxious to read the next in the series, Lasher!.  The Witching Hour and Lasher are about WITCHES! and scandal and deep family secrets! Oh yes.  And I love every page slathered in that naughty stuff.  The vampire series by Rice, are also very good and worth the time to read.  I think Anne Rice is a wonderful storyteller.