Taken by Edward Bloor

I was very cautious when reading this story. I was worried that the ending might leave me hanging, I was pleased to find my worries were unfounded. So let's go over the story a bit. Basically in the future people will horde currency, ANY and all currency in big vaults in their homes. The gap between rich and poor is at an extreme. This leads to kidnapping children of the wealthy becoming big business. The story is told in first person by Charity as she deals with her kidnapping. I'm not sure how much I enjoyed the overall story, it was different. I think this will be a very interesting book to interpret once I start the "research" process. I'm actually looking forward to reading this again to see how things are "different" now that I know the whole story.

One down 15 more to go!

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld.
This book was NOT what I was expecting. I thought that when I chose the topic for my research I had chosen one that would steer clear of the current vampire craze. It's not that I am not a fan of vampire books, I actually enjoy them. But there is so much fantasy out right now, I was having a hard time seeing any science fiction titles when I went to the book store. So I decided on a topic that would focus solely on science fiction and leave fantasy topics, like vampires and werewolves to another researcher! What a shock to find a scientific take on vampires. And it is a very detailed and researched scientific take on vampires. Although, the "big bad" that is named at the end of the book started sounding like a fantasy. I mean, after all the trouble of hitting "the vampires are science" theme you would think the author would give you a little more science to go on with the "big bad." But I believe that will be addressed more fully in the next book. As far as I know there are only two books in this series, and that is how it will stay. But I'll hold judgment on that until I've finished the second book. Because, yes, I will HAVE to read the second book. Not for my research, just for myself.

I have found lately that series books, especially for young adults are not holding my interest like they once did. I read Shiver, but haven't felt the need to even touch the second book Linger...and now there is a third book set to come out in July. Maybe I'll get back to the series eventually, but right now...meh...I can take it or leave it. The same thing happened with the book Hush, Hush, read it and liked it. When I looked at the second book called Crescendo, I read the "blub" on the cover and passed. That however seems not to be the case with this series! I need to know what that "big bad" worm thing is and if Westerfeld has a reasonable scientific explanation for it! Or else there will hell to pay! I'm so glad I have this blog to just go crazy with because I wasn't ready to really "interpret" what I had read and apply it to my research project...but I think I am now. I'm excited to finally be starting this process!

Next Up:
Taken by Edward Bloor

Blogging for a grade...

I hate blogging for a grade. My first post got 5 out of 10 points, because I didn't put the right detail into my post. I'm sorry I thought it looked pretty awesome. And isn't this class about VISUAL LITERACY! Okay, I know it has to be more than something that LOOKS nice, but I am just so frustrated! I like short and sweet and there is of course a word count. ARGGG...I didn't like it when I was required to post on this blog for a grade any better. But when I started this blog it was my first. So even though I hated the format it wasn't too difficult to conform, because I had never done anything else! Now that I have started blogging in my own, admittedly poor way, I am having a difficult time conforming to the new guidelines. I also don't think the guidelines were very specific and needed to be more structured if she's actually going to cut so many points off my grade. It's one thing to miss an element that was required and take a couple points off, but she cut me to 50% of the total...that's a failing grade! So now I am second guessing myself for all the posts after that. I've already added a couple sentences to two other posts, and I'll probably add more to at least one more. I HATE blogging for a grade, and I feel like it can become redundant when having to post discussions AND blog about similar or even the exact same topic(s). I'm just a little frustrated right now and had to blow off some steam...thanks! Better...I feel better...I WILL DO better next time...sigh...I needed that.

February...I hate February

Yes, that's right I hate the whole month! There is nothing good about February! I don't care about Valentine's Day, and I'd like to believe I'd feel the same with or without a Valentine. By now I am DONE with Winter, but apparently Winter isn't done with me. This year was worse than normal, first with the Blizzard right away and now the COLD is setting in. We might have some decent temps over the weekend, but rest assured that by the time we all have to go back to work/school it'll be frigid and cold again. I'm just sick and tired of Winter, I'm ready for SPRING! Ahhh...now there is a happy thought! SPRING!!!!