Living Dead in Dallas

I was very concerned about how this book would be after reading the first book in the series. My expectations were exceeded in that the book was actually great. I enjoyed reading it and didn't feel bored. I was excited to see who was doing what and it was great that the characters all got a bit more personality, lost that static quality that they all seemed to have when the series started.

I am really excited to start the next book. I have all the books on a shelf by my bed. Today, I was stranded at McDonald's and I wished I had this book with me. I do recommend that you take the time to read these books. You will have to wade through the first one, but the second book will flow much easier. I hope you enjoy the book!

Dead Until Dark

I watched True Blood religiously, but am behind on the second season. Thankfully, my good friend DVR is attempting to get me caught up. I love the show, love the supernatural, especially when there is a bit of a love story mixed in with it.

I had not planned on reading the books that inspired the television series, but my friend J had the entire series, so she loaned all the books to me. I just finished this first book and I was not impressed. I think I enjoyed the television show more, though I was not impressed with the vulgarities they felt that had to include in order to sell the show.

I want to read the second book, simply because I have started the series. I want to know what happens to Sookie and Bill. The funny part is that a lady in a meeting saw me with this book and asked me who my favorite vampire was. I had been introduced only to Bill and Eric at that point, so I didn't know who my favorite might have been. Now that I have finished the book, my favorite is most definitely Bubba.

The book is okay, but I recommend reading it before you watch the first season of True Blood. I hope the next book will be better. I think the author may simply be lacking some maturity. She writes as if she were in a college composition class at times. She lets Sookie describe herself as big breasted with a small waist, without letting someone else talk. Maybe Ms. Harris will get this sorted out as the series progresses. Here's hoping!

Dear Mr. Henshaw

I remember how much I loved Dear Mr. Henshaw when I was little, but I couldn't remember just what the book was about, so a couple weeks ago, I decided I would spend a couple hours rereading it.

When I started reading the book, I was amused by the subtle humor of the letters the main character wrote to Mr. Henshaw, the author of a book he had read. He keeps writing Mr. Henshaw letters as he reads the book year after year. The main character then begins processing the issues that are happening around him - the divorce of his parents, his grief over a dog his dad took and then lost, and the absence of his father.

I think the book can still speak to children and adults alike. There is this quality of innocence and relatability that I think is missing in many current books. I have to recommend this for children and adults. Read it to your children, reread it for yourself, but don't forget this book.