50/50 Challenge: Back to Books

Addicted? Just a wee bit.

I'm not too off pace for my 50 books in 2014 goal. I've been reading a little bit of everything lately, mostly that which has been suggested for my book clubs. 

The Preservationist by Justin Kramon is a suspense novel, not too gory, and some pretty interesting characters. The cool thing is that I met this author because he paid a visit to our book club, which I think is just too, too great. What a great way to really get to know your readers (audience) and connect with them. He did this for his first book and he's done this with his new one. 

Side note: this must be the year of the author for me because I've been able to meet one, and hear two others speak last month (Jeannette Walls and Anne Lamott), and will be attending yet another book reading from another author. Check with your local bookstores or just visit your favorite author's website for appearances. I've been able to meet several of my favorites.

I also read a book about taxes, which sounds boring, and part of it kind of was. But it was helpful. I mean how fascinating can taxes be? There is a good section in Outsmarting the System written by former IRS agent Anthony Campidonica that is particularly of interest to me regarding self-employment and taxes. To win a free copy of the book, click here.

And, just recently I read Golden State by Michelle Richmond, whom I will hear speak at Warwick's in La Jolla next week. This book was fantastically written and was truly just a good story. It spans over the course of one day but takes on really heavy situations told in a way that makes it seem like the story is of someone you know. 

So, there you go. Three new books to add to my goal. Starting The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes next. I have picked up the Large Print version by accident. Although, I am not that bummed about this mistake. 

Happy reading!

Book #8: The Preservationist by Justin Kramon

Book #9: Outsmarting the System by Anthony Campidonica

Book #10: Golden State by Michelle Richmond 

50/50 Challenge Update: Movies

Neither of these actors are in the "sequel"

Slowly, there are more movies coming out that I want to see. I think that after the Oscars, it will make way for some of the movies I've been waiting to see. 

Most of my reviews can be found on my Examiner.com profile, but the short blurbs for the last three I added to my challenge list go something like this: 

• Kevin Hart is so great. "About Last Night" is a fun movie, but he really just brings that something extra to the screen. After seeing it, I went out and bought "Think Like a Man" for $7.50 to continue the humor.

• "3 Days to Kill" was not awful. But it wasn't good. There really is nothing more to say about it. Kevin Costner is still kind of attractive.

• I watched "Titanic 2" not even knowing they had made a "sequel" to the original. It is not a sequel. The only sequel part of it is that there is another ship it in that goes down. Sorry for the spoiler. It is so awful, it is comedic. That is why I watched it. I was at an ArtLab event where comedians played the movie and commented on its so-bad-it's-funny aspect. Mainly, the movie was bad bad not funny bad.

Currently, I have five books on my nightstand so hopefully I'll be giving another update soon.

Movie #4: About Last Night
Movie #5: 3 Days to Kill
Movie #6: Titanic 2

50/50 Challenge: Lucky #7

life is but a dream

I'm right on pace with my challenge, at least book-wise. I don't worry too much about the movie part, just waiting for some good movies to actually come out.

For my seventh book, I read Blue Plate Special by Kate Christensen. The title makes me think in my head of that song "Red Light District" by TLC but for no other reason than for number of syllables, I guess.

Anyway, loved the book. More, loved the writing. I truly enjoy reading about writer's experiences writing. The author mixes her life experiences with writing ones with cooking ones, all of my favorite things rolled into one book with excellent description and equal parts of melancholy and optimism. 

She went to the Iowa Writers' Workshop and traveled a lot, ate a lot, and wrote. My idea of a good time. She was 37 when she had her first book published. So, I still have time! 

My list of books to read is finally starting to dwindle. I'm getting caught up. Any recommendations for me?

Book #7: Blue Plate Special by Kate Christensen