Ode to Joy

Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister
After beating breast cancer Kate invites 5 of her closest friends over for a celebratory dinner. While there they discover that Kate's daughter wants the two of them to go white-water rafting together. All of her friends insist that she must do it, and she agrees with the caveat the each must do something that scares them. Not only that, but since they chose rafting for Kate, she gets to choose each of their adventures.

In a way the book reads like a short story collection, each chapter is one of the women conquering their goals. In a way each could stand on their own, but taken together the overall journey makes a greater impact. It's so interesting to discover what each one must do, but even more intriguing are the reasons behind each one. Some of them seem an obvious choice like getting a tattoo, but others like baking bread, are a bit unexpected.

Each tale starts from the beginning of the storytellers journey, which means we live through the same time frame over and over again. Because it doesn't jump back and forth between stories, I was never sure how to match the stories up together. In some ways it might have been nice to have a clearer master timeline in my mind so there would be less confusion, but I think the emotional impact of each character meeting her goal throughout the book means more than if all 6 were completed in the books last few pages.

It is a quick read, and while I wouldn't call it light, and I do think it's a great summer book to read by the side of the pool.

4/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review. Nor was a review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Argument Against E-Readers

Yes, it's a strong title to start with, and don't get me wrong I understand the appeal of e-readers; I know how much of a pain it is to drag a huge book around with you. I understand the convenience of going on a vacation and only needing to pack your reading instead of pounds of books. I can't even say I'll never buy one, because I understand that someday it's going to become impossible to not have one. But even so they make me sad because of what I know they're going to do to the book industry.
Just look at what's already happened to the music industry with digital music. No it hasn't gone away, but it's definitely changed. Yes, you can still choose to not buy digital music, but stores dedicated to cds are gone. You can still buy them at places like Wal-Mart, Target, or even bookstores, but there's not enough money there to support an entire store. And it's gotten to the point where some cds (like the new Nick Carter one I want) are only released electronically instead of an actual hard copy.

These changes are already starting to happen in the book industry. Borders has gone bankrupt, and how long do you think it will really be before dedicated bookstores actually disapear? As it is the bookstores have huge sections for board games and toys. There will probably still be smaller more indie stores (like Ameoba Records is in L.A.), but giant stores like Borders and Barnes & Nobles will probably disappear in the next decade or so.

I can see the advances that e-books will bring. Imagine going to school without an actual textbook. You're required to read on your reader (and teachers will actually know if you've gone through each digital page). Not only that but homework and tests can be completed on your reader as well. I would have to guess this is the experience my future children will have.

Then there's the fact that with an e-reader (and wifi) you can download any book you want instantaneously. Not to mention it's cheaper for the publishers not to have to print, and it's cheaper for the reader as well.

But with the positives, I love books too much to happily make the change. I love reading a book, love looking at the cover, having it in my own hands, being able to display it on a shelf to show it off to the world, and the smell even. I love that I can go back and read a book whenever I want (assuming I don't lose it), instead of having to worry it my e-reader will fail and lose my entire collection or if a publisher recalls all copies of an electronic book.

As I started out saying, I know e-readers are the future and I know that someday I will own one. But that doesn't mean I can't drag my feet on the way.

Do you have an e-reader? Why or why not? And what are your thoughts on the future of actual books?

The Other Mitzvah

I know I'm in the middle of planning my wedding, but I haven't actually been to many weddings. (Only 6 if I'm counting right.) But what I have been to are tons of B'nai Mitzvahs. How many you ask? Well there were about 30 members of my Hebrew School class and we we required to invite everyone. Plus I had several friends at different temples whose celebrations I went to. Not to mentions those for family members. If I had to guess it's at least around 50, but I wouldn't be surprised if the number is actually closer to 100.

With my maid of honor at her younger brother's bar mitzvahWith that said is it really any surprise so much of my inspiration is coming from B'nai Mitzvahs instead of actual weddings. To start with I loved my Bat Mitzvah. Of course I know the real reason it occurred for for the ceremony (same with the wedding) but the parts that stand out in my memory is the actual reception.

From my Bat Mitzvah
Scan of a photo taken by Jessie Butler PhotographyI remember slow dancing on the dance floor with my crush at the time, dance with my one of my now bridesmaids and screaming out the lyrics to "MmmBob" by Hanson. I remember feeling the need to divide my time and going from group to group of friends so I had time to say hi to everyone. I know we had a pasta buffet, but is it really a surprise that I don't remember eating that night? I'm sure I did, but as I'm sure we've heard how much do you really eat at your own reception.

Again with my maid of honor at my brother's bar mitzvahI do realize that not all aspects of my bat mitzvah are going to translate into a wedding. But over the next few weeks I hope to go over some aspects that will definitely make another appearance, and others that might not quite work at a wedding.

Are you taking any inspiration for your wedding from somewhere most people wouldn't consider to be traditional?

X Marks the Spot

X-Men: First Class
Besides Wolervine, which doesn't really count, I haven't seen any of the X-Men movies. So I didn't know the characters or what to expect. Which in someways made it better for me, since for example I didn't know what side Mistique fights on her decision at the end was a surprise to me.

Overall I really liked the movies, and it makes me want to go back and see the original trilogy. The boy did enjoy them as well, but his biggest complaints were that the didn't stat completely true to the original comics and some of the plot holes when you match this up the the original movies. With his complaints, my lack of knowledge is almost a good thing.

I believe it's a fairly long movie, but I was so engrossed into I didn't notice. I definitely enjoyed the movie, and think it's one worth seeing.

In My Mailbox (11)

I'm so excited to share this week's In My Mailbox (hosted by The Story Siren)! This past week our Borders had a tent sale. It looked like books left over from closing sales that hadn't sold so they had been sent to our store (which thankfully isn't closing) to finish them off. The prices were slashed and not only that they were buy 1, get one free. I definitely made the most of this deal! And without any more chatter, here are the books!
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Amber recently read this one and made note of it on her goodreads account. I haven't heard a lot about it, but knowing Amber enjoyed it I'm excited to read it.

Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
This was another one I've seen reviewed on a blog recently. (I don't remember whose, so if you have reviewed it recently let me know and I'll give you a shout out!) It sounded cute, I love the title, and considering the cost it was well worth the cost.

Someday my Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine
I keep seeing the memoir in bookstores and think about picking it up. The subtitle is True Adventures of a Wannabe Princess, and is about how she moves to London in hopes of rubbing shoulders with royalty. I have a mild royalty obsession myself, so I'm sure I'll be identifying with this one.

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross
Speaking of royalty... this was not a tent sale buy, but I've been wanting to read it since I saw The King's Speech and finally picked it up. It's a huge book and I know it'll take sometime to get through it, but I can't wait to dive into it!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Also not a tent sale buy, but I wanted to make sure I saw it before the movie comes out. I've actually already finished it (and loved it!). Review will b e coming soon on the blog!

That Summer by Sarah Dessen
I've never read anything by Sarah Dessen, but I've heard so many great things about her and her books I can't wait to give them a try.

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
I read the back of this book seeing it was a retelling of Romeo & Juliet and immediately picked it up. It wasn't till after I noticed the author, and realized I've read most of Robin Maxwell's books and loved them all. I'm sure I'll be loving this one too!

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Another book I keep wanting to pick up. It's a novel about Cleopatra's and Marc Anthony's daughter. I'm not completely sure the plot line, but being that's it's historical fiction how could I not wind up loving it.

It was definitely an epic week for me, and I dying to read all of these! If only there was more time in the day... So tell me, what's in your mailbox this week?

Roses are Red

Roses by Leila Meacham
Before I started the book all I really knew about the story was that it was like a Texas version of Gone With the Wind. But since I love that so much, I was definitely willing try this one out. While yes, there are similarities mainly that in both the heroine raises cotton and is almost in love with the land where it's cultivated, Roses is different enough, and even more so good enough, that it can stand on its own merit.

The story begins on the eve of World War I in the East Texas town of Howbutker with the descendants of the towns 3 founded families. There's the French DuMont's who the town's general store, the Warwick's descended from England's House of York who are in the lumber trade, and the Tolivers from the House of Lancaster who raise cotton. All three families have a son, but yet only one has a daughter that being Mary Toliver.

Within the first few pages the stage is set for a bittersweet ending. But even though you know what to expect the journey to get there more than makes up for it. I was expecting to cry at the close of the book, but never saw how many times I would cry throughout the book.

Overall it is a love story that spans generations. There is a love triangle or two, but so much of the novel is seeing the story unfold and realizing how what seems to be fate can be misinterpreted and how such small coincidences can change a life. I loved reading this book. I couldn't put it down, but no looking back I wish I had read it slower because part of me is disappointed not to still be with these characters.

5/5

The When

We've talked about the what (We're getting married!), the who (Umm... me of course! And the boy too!), the where (Houmas House!), and the how is a work in progress. But that leaves us with the when.

First knowing I was going to ask people to go halfway across the country for this wedding I wanted it to be on a holiday weekend. Yes, it has some drawbacks (there's more people traveling, which means more expensive flights and less open hotel rooms), but I liked that if it was a 3-day weekend people would have more time to spend. Of course there's a lot of 3-day weekends in the year. We could easily do something around MLK Jr. day or Presidents Day, but I also wanted a wedding in the warmer months. Which left us with Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend.

At first we were of the mindset that 2012 was too soon and started looking at 2013. But Labor Day 2013 would mean we'd be married on the boy's sister anniversary. First I made sure this wouldn't be an issue with her or her husband. It wasn't an issue to them, which meant the day could still be considered. Except I still wanted to have my own special day.

Part of this stems from the fact our dating anniversary is on the boy's mother's birthday. Once I made this discovery I vowed that when we chose our wedding date we would make sure it was unique. But really did it matter if we shared an anniversary? It isn't like we'd be forced to celebrate together because we were celebrating the same day, and years down the line who else would really remember?

What seemed to help make the decision was in fact religion. I don't mean I prayed for the answer, but more that the Jewish religion frowns upon having a wedding on the date of something that's already there to celebrate. The thought is if you have 2 things to celebrate you need to celebrate them both. By having to things share a celebration it's almost lessening the event. Jews in general are about a good celebration, after all drinking wine is almost central to most of our holidays, so this really shouldn't come as a surprise.

So Memorial Day 2013 was out, which brought us to Labor Day 2013. Except then we'd be sharing our wedding date with the boy's best man's birthday. So basically I had to pick another holiday weekend, or look at 2014, or 2012. Except I didn't want another holiday weekend, and 2014 would mean almost a 3 year long engagement, so 2012 it was!

Except Memorial Day 2012, that's less than a year from now! I wasn't sure I was ready to plan a wedding in that amount of time. But adding on 3 extra months was the comfort factor I needed. Which means, gets ready Labor Day 2012, because that's when we're getting married!

How did you decide on your wedding date? Did you have any difficulty choosing?