To Audio.. or Not to Audio.....

I consider myself a old fashioned girl... with that being said, let me go ahead and contradict myself... I purchased an audio book.

In starting a new commute, I was forced to take a busy, noisy train in and out of work daily. I attempted to read my book several times in the first couple days, when I realized it was way to difficult to read. I am not the kind of person who can just read the words on a page, I need to experience the words and all the emotions that come with them. And with the noise that came from the train, I decided it was time to try something a bit different, enter iTunes Audiobooks.

For my first shot at it, I wanted to get something light and easy to follow, so I opted for Nights In Rodanthe by Nicolas Sparks (see below for full review!). And it truly was the perfect type of book for my virgin reading ears. It was easy to follow, and light enough for me to just sit back and enjoy without having to put too much thought into it.

My first and most important suggestion for purchasing an Audiobook- is to make Sure you preview the audiobook first. You have to be able to find the reader's voice enjoyable, if not you'll find it quite difficult to really get into.

One thing that I really disliked about the audio book is that the reader would often use different voices for various characters within the novel. Being as she was a female, when she read the male voices (all in an "acted" Southern accent) I found myself concentrating more on how bad the accent was then to what was being said in the book. This was a Major drawback for my enjoyment of the book

The one thing that has plagued me since I began listening to this audio"book" is- can it really be considered a BOOK if it is being read TO you. I know, its a book written by an author. But by listening to someone read it out loud to you- does that then make it just a story?

Would I do it again? The answer to this is yes. But taking all of the precautions of "viewing" it before buying it to ensure I like the readers voice. And would really only do it if I was traveling somewhere, where focusing on a book may be difficult.

Books have been written since the dawn of time, and I am a firm believer that Nothing could ever replace the feeling of opening up a new book, the smell of the freshly printed paper, the intensity when at 2 am you think yourself.. "Okay just one more chapter". Those feelings, and attachments can only come from a real book.

So verdict on the audiobook... times are a changin', I can't always be Old Fashioned... and neither can you, so my book loving followers- give it a try... but I guarantee you... if you are as die hard as I am.... it will be a Try- not a life long change :)

Nights In Rodanthe

For this book I stepped slightly out of my comfort zone and attempted an audiobook. I know, I know I have ranted and raved about new technology and books, but when I changed up my commute to the train and realized how noisy it is, I thought- what the hell?

This particular blog post will be solely to review the "book" I will discuss my thoughts on the audiobook experience in another spot.

Nights in Rodanthe by Nicolas Sparks, sings the same tune as most of his novels. A strong love story of two individuals, ripped apart by the reality of life. Sparks does a remarkable job in almost all of his novels at writing and re-writing different versions of the original love story of Romeo and Juliet. Nights in Rodanthe is no different. Adrianne, a devoted and loving, divorced mother of three, who loses her self identity in her divorce, falls unexpectedly and deeply in love with the man a she has a chance encounter with over a weekend watching her friends inn.

Sparks does wonderful job through descriptions of setting the scene to really make you feel the emotions of the moment. The way he describes the impending storm, the wind in their hair, the cool breeze on their face, and the electric emotions between them makes you feel connected with the characters.

This marks my 3rd Sparks novel I have reviewed and read within the past few months (I guess I've been feelin' a little sappy, romantic lately..) His novels are a pure joy to read light and fun- with great emotions and really never disappointing. The man is nothing else but consistant in his work!

I would absolutely pick Nights In Rodanthe up, if you are looking for something to pass the warm summer nights with a cool glass of wine and want to be taken away to a romantic story of love and loss.

Invisible Darkness

i am going to have a difficult time critiquing this one.

the book "Invisible Darkness" by Stephen Williams, is the story of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka. all of the disgusting and sordid details of the kidnap, rape and torture of 3 girls (one being her sister, whom she aided Bernardo in raping (by drugging her) and sexually assaulted while her sister was in a comatose state) i found it very difficult to get through this book, based on the fact of how descriptive Williams actually was. this book certainly isn't for the faint at heart.

Bernardo and Homolka's sick and twisted sexual fantasies made them desire female, teenage sex slaves. as we all know after the media firestorm that in return for all details on the case, Homolka was granted a 'blanket immunity', which set her free after only 12 years. (Bernardo is serving a life sentence, a shame us Canadian don't believe in the death penalty in cases such as these).

this book describes all of the mistakes and mix-ups on behalf of the police and fbi, things like granting Homolka this immunity before evening knowing half of what happened, to Bernardo's attorney withholding the "smoking gun" of videotapes of their horrendous crimes.

the end of the book was what made it enthralling, once you get past the parts of step by step detail of the rapes and murders, William's goes on to discuss all of the court proceedings. this if found interesting, how someone so blatantly guilty, was given such minimal punishment. (sound like another high profile case? ahem.. O.. J?).

after reading and understanding the facts of the case and all that surrounds it, it leads me to one burning question- IF it had been two men (Bernardo and a male NOT female Homolka) would he have gotten off as easily? OR were all involved so blind as to think a WOMAN could never commit such crimes, without a MAN'S influence?

for crime junkies, and biographical junkies "Invisible Darkness" is a definite read- but i will caution any and all interested that it truly isn't a book for all- you have to have a strong stomach to be able to relive the horrendous acts that were committed to these young girls.

FYI: Homolka was released July 4, 2005 after serving her 12 year sentence. She is said to be living in Antilles with her new born son and boyfriend.... how wonderful for her......

In My Sister's Shoes

after reading such a spiritual book as Eat Pray Love, i needed to move onto something fun and light, and that is exactly what i found in "In My Sister's Shoes" by Sinead Mortiarty. this book was very well written chick lit. a story about a girl who moves away from her hometown to make it as a newscaster in the big city. all is great until she gets a call from back home that her sister is ill and she has to go back and help raise her 5 year old nephews. she realizes that sometimes the grass really isnt greener on the other side, you just need to experience both in order to figure it all out.

this book is very predictable, but it makes for great, light reading. i finished the book in about 24 hours, and enjoyed every second of it.

for some easy reading chick lit, i would absolutely reccommend "In My Sister's Shoes" for anyone who is looking for mindless reading.

Eat Pray Love

so this book got me thinking, reflecting on how many internal struggles women go through on a daily basis. hence the reason for my previous blog post- it was just one of the things that plagues my mind on the realization that most women are the same way.

the book "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, has received a ton of publicity- and the movie is slated to be out soon, starring non other then THE Julia Roberts. so i figured i would give it a shot. let me say that these kinds of books (spiritual, self help type) are not my cup of tea. and Eat Pray Love is no exception to this. i found Gilbert to be a whiner, she has complete breakdowns about things that in the grand scope of things is minor, considering there are people in this world dying from cancer, and poverty. yet she can't see around her divorce as being the most devastating thing to happen in this world.

the book is divided into three parts- Italy (Eat), India (Pray), Indonesia (Love). it took everything in me to get through the middle part, she spoke of this major shifting in her life, her becoming a more relaxed person, understanding and accepting person. yet as she goes through you can tell this is just a facade. she is still an insecure girl, who falls in love with a man who basically treats her like he owns her, so much for life changing spiritual solace.

i am certainly going to see the movie (just because Miss Roberts is in it), not because of the story, there isn't enough substance to find the story anything significant. but i don't recommend reading Eat Pray Love.

The Over Examined Life Is Not Worth Living- (Suck it, Socrates!)

So I know that all of my blogs are based on the books that I read- but sometimes a girl just needs to vent... this is my vent on my Over Examined Life...

It is amazing the plethora of emotions that women go through on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. It seems that so many of us can't just be. We are always making excuses for how we feel- looking for deeper meaning- assuming somehow, somewhere, we must be unbalanced. But the reality is we are all the same, we all deal with the same insecurities, guilt, regret and fear of what MAY be.

But what about men? Do they go through emotional rollercoasters the same way that we do, but are just much better at hiding their feelings? Or are they just hard-wired differently from their estrogen filled counterparts?

In recently beginning a new, high powered job... let me rephrase- high powered CAREER (job = temporary, career = forever), I have been unable to get excited and celebrate my future and where it could take me. Why you ask? Easy.. instead of looking at my new job.. ahem.. Career as this fantastic opportunity, that will take me places and increase my bank account significantly- my mind drifts to not my current situation- but to my future, as a wife, as a mother.

Unlike men, who look at their CAREER as something to aspire to- to get as far ahead as fast as possible, women have this nagging voice in the back of thier heads. The voice is that of their children... unborn children that is. The guilt sets in LONG before the pink cross appears on the urine stained stick. How can I choose a career that will take me so far away from my children, how can I expect to make my way up the ladder, make a Real name for myself in this world- when I know I want to have children in the future.

So many unknowns lead women to a place in their minds where they over think even the most minute details of their lives. Is it not enough to just be happy and healthy and enjoy success as it comes- instead of clogging your mind up with the "What-Ifs" of the near or distant future?

It's not something that can be easily controlled- the mind does what it wants to do. Over thinking everything is a woman's way of trying to make sense of what is going on in her life.

Socrates said "The unexamined life is not worth living" (clearly a male speaking) because as it is good to understand and examine your life- I truly believe that The Over-examined life is not worth living at all- as the only place you will be alive is in your mind- and really what fun is that?

The Last Song

forgive me book geeks, for i have sinned... it has been 2 weeks since my last confession.

i just finished the book "The Last Song" by Nicolas Sparks. and a Nicolas Sparks book it absolutely is. if you have ever read a book by Sparks you'll know to expect a deep, intense love story between two young people that happens over a summer. to me this book felt slightly young for my reading palate. i can see how the role was perfect for an actress like Miley Cyrus, Ronnie- an adolescent delinquent turned model child who falls in love with the "boy next door" over a summer at her fathers beach house.

Sparks doesn't disappoint for a good tear-jerking, heart- wrenching romance that has all the twists and turns of a true to life first time romance. at various points in the novel- i found myself thinking back to my first love- the ease of summer romance, free of adult pressure and over powering, blissful, naive- love.

again, this is just easy reading. the story is very surface- there really isn't much depth to it. i found it extremely predictable in the first couple chapters it was easy to summize how the story would end, but i did enjoy the lightness of this book. and the tear-jerking ending proved that this book certainly wasn't without emotion.

a terrific light summer reader. i would not suggest reading it after seeing the movie- the literature isn't deep enough to capture you after you know how it is all going to end.

please leave you own comments or pose any questions you have regarding The Last Song- i'd love to see what you thought of the book.

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

so i just finished a quick and hysterical read of Are You There, Vodka? It's Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler. this book is made up of short essays and anecdotes from Chelsea's life and experiences. if you are offended easily, definitely not the book for you- however i found it incredibly entertaining. it has been a long time since i've read a book that has actually made me giggle out loud. one of my favourite quotes from the book is:

"Are you there, vodka? It's me Chelsea. Please get me out of jail and I promise I will never drink again. Drink and Drive. I will never drink and drive again. I may even start my own group fashioned after MADD..., but I will call it AWLTDASH, Alcoholics Who Like to Drink and Stay Home."

Handler talks about everything from what it's like to date a redhead, to her fathers crazy antics to which she lovingly refers to him as Bitch Tits, and how utterly obsessed she is with little people, which again she lovingly refers to as Nuggets.

for some light, fun summer reading i definitely recommend this book to any female who needs a good laugh.

The Lovely Bones

so last night i just finished reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. i started it around 5pm yesterday afternoon and hammered through it around 3am this morning. i know a little overboard- sometimes sleep needs to be put on the back-burner for this incredible addiction.

this was my 2nd attempt at this specific book. the 1st time i tried to read it, i was a point in my life where i needed something fun and light as my work and life were nothing short of crazy, when the first few chapters discusses this young girls brutal demise, i had to close the book and leave it for another day.

when i started the book yesterday i knew what to expect Susie Salmon discussing her view of her horrendous rape and murder from her seat in heaven. as i continued reading the book i became fascinated by Sebolds direction with it. from the beginning to about half way through the story of finding this girl's killer is at the forefront, but other things are slowly brewing under the surface. Sebolds depiction of suburbia homes and trials and tribulations of marriage and love is so honest and deep. it makes the novel seem so real, as even without describing certain points in the novel, the reader clearly understand where the issues lie.

from the naive yet mature eyes of a 15 year old recounting the lives she watches over daily, her love and compassion for each person comes with the understanding of how the death of 1 person can touch, change and completely transform the individuals left behind. these stories are real, they are happening all over the world: 1 lost child = 100+ broken people left to pick up the pieces and make some understanding of who, what, where, when and why. it is a naivety we all live with- 'that wouldn't happen to me' - but it does and it can, and when something like that happens, there is no way to stop the ripples from turning into tidal waves on the fabrics of the 'ones that are left' lives.

great read- fascinating story of real life, relationships and the unknown.

The First Step Is Admitting You Have A Problem.

i have spent most of my life with my nose in the books. it started way back when as a child i could easily forgo a trip to the park or a few hours of sunday morning cartoons to curling up in my bed with a book.

i of course wasn't some incredible savant, i wasn't reading war and peace at the age of 4- i started out with the entire collection of The Babysitters Club, at 6 and 7 years old. it was this fascination that books could take on a life of their own, far surpassing a half hour children's show and opening up my mind into different worlds and places.

my insatiable appetite for literature continued to grow, i became enveloped in books on the holocaust, i am not jewish so this fascination for a young girl of 10 and 11 seemed strange for many people around me- but my curiosity and tenacity to read and learn about things that happened well before i existed made me want to learn more. at 13 i attempted Wuthering Heights, a book whose language was a little advance for me, that did not stop me- i walked around everywhere with my copy of the book and my Websters. reading the book became a little cumbersome when i was forced to look up every 3rd word and write the meaning in the margin. to this day- i still have not been able to finish that one, on the to do list it goes!

as the years passed my interest in books went in and out depending on what was happening in my life. during high-school, university and college- i strayed away from my fairy-tale land of books and literature- mainly because my middle name just so happened to be Procrastination- and i had tremendous guilt reading for pleasure when i knew i had homework to do.

fast forward to my first job and 3 hours a day on public transportation. i had 2 options- stare aimlessly at the lost souls on the subway and make up stories about what i suspected their lives were about. or follow my moms rules of 'staring is rude' and get out another book.

since then i live and breathe reading. i don't watch much television, and would prefer to curl up with a book and get carried away by the words. i find that reading is like watching a really good movie- except it isn't over in an hour and 45 minutes- it can go on for as long or as short as you wish. the movie plays out in your mind scene for scene and can envelope you so deeply into the story that you actually feel as though you are living it.

this blog will be a therapeutic place for me to share my thoughts and ideas on the books i am reading. no one else really fully understands my fascination with books so i am taking to cyberspace to share my deepest darkest thoughts, as the Confessions Of A Closet Bookworm.