My year in books - 2/21

This week I read Ravenous by Dayna Macy.  This book chronicles the author's quest to identify the source of her food issues, and find a healthy link to the act of eating.  It is well written and engaging.  It lead me to examine my own connection to food, and rethink old patterns.

My year in books

A personal goal this year is to read a book a week, in addition to the rest of my projects.    I'll try to remember to post the books I read here, along with a bit of a review of the book.

Jan 1 - Divergent by Veronica Roth

           Sometimes you choose, sometimes you are chosen.  Being able to tell the difference makes all the difference.  This book was fast paced and well written.  The world it is in is revealed gradually, as it is discovered by the main character. 

Jan 7 - Insurgent by Veronica Roth

           The second book in the series, this one kept up the pace.  Good subplots and excellent use of POV.  I was surprised by the direction it took.  I can hardly wait for the next installation.

Jan 14 - Hammered by Kevin Hearne

             I re-read this one to refresh my memory before setting off on the newest edition.  Kevin incorporates humor in a manner that is unexpected and refreshing. 

Jan 21 - Tricked by Kevin Hearne

              Again a re-read.  I just can't put a good book down.  This novella bridges the first series to the second, and provides context for Trapped.  It sets up the next book beautifully.

Jan 28 - Trapped by Kevin Hearne

              A wonderful romp with the gods of old.  Kevin brings them to life and lets them run pell-mell through your brain.

Feb 7 - Crewel by Gennifer Albin

            As a needleworker, this book appealed to me in a unique way.  Her imagery of the world as a tapestry presented an interesting approach to story telling.  This is the first in a series, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

Feb 14 - Outlining your Novel: Map Your Way To Success by KM Weiland

              This book presents outlining in a casual, yet structured manner, that should help any writer improve their work.  The author presents justification for taking the time to work an outline, and the rewards that come with persevering through the process. 

I am also working on the next sock knitting book.  This will be a book of men's sock patterns.  The working title is Ribbed for His Pleasure.  It will take a while, so be patient with me.  Thanks to NaNoWriMo the writing bug has also bitten.  There are several novels in planning stages, all racing toward the starting line.  I hope to participate in Camp NaNo in April.  If I survive that, we'll look at doing August.  I will not be doing November this year, because that is our anniversary  time and my guy wants to spend time with me.  Go figure.

So far, so good.  I have enjoyed all of these books. Back to the stacks...

To Whom It May Concern:

Dear Oh-so-talented writing guru,
Once again I have shelled out hard-earned cash for your book of fabulous wisdom about the craft of writing.  Please I beg you, choose a different story to use as your example.  We are sick and tired of reading the outline/hero's journey/plot exposition of Star Wars.  It's been done.  Try a different movie.  May I humbly suggest Vanity Fair, Harry Potter, Shawshank Redemption, or even Family Stone?  The point is, you could use this opportunity to encourage your reader to expand their reading and movie watching base by utilizing other pieces of the art as your example.  While Star Wars is easy, well known, and essentially ubiquitous, there are other works of fiction upon which to draw. 

Sincerely,
your frustrated reader