Anastasia's comments (member since Jul 27, 2008)

Anastasia's comments from the Chicks On Lit group.

I'm reading Water for Elephants. It came highly recommended and so far it's kept me engaged.

I just want to say how brilliant this pen pal thing is! Nothing makes my day more than a letter in the mail and getting to know someone outside of everyday life. A refreshing hobby, no doubt. I've come to think of my pen pals as true friends, ones that I am actually closer to than some work acquantainces!
So thanks again ladies, for keeping this alive :)

It sits, curled and quiet as the gargoyles on the roof, as if waiting.
From: A Great and Terrible Beauty

I'm currently reading A Great and Terrible Beauty. I'm not that far into it yet (Chap 2), but I'm hoping it is as riveting as people have been saying it is. Before that I read A Thousand Splendid Suns and I find it more difficult to choose another book after having read such an amazing book right before.

Ha! me too! It's like nails on a chalkboard

1. Are you careful with the spines? Or do you crack your books open to make them lay flat?
I try to be really conscientious of the spines of my books, especially paperbacks. My boyfriend teases me about being so anal and purposefully bends my books when I get them. So mean! Lol, but I can't help the way I am :)

2. Do you use bookmarks? Or do you dog-ear the corners? If you do use bookmarks, do you use those fashionable metal ones? Or paper?
I use bookmarks. I was using bookmarks I got from our COL swap, but if those aren't within reach then a receipt or scrap sheet of paper will do.

3. Do you write in your books? Ever? If you do, do you make small marks, or write in as much blank space as you can find? Pen or pencil? Highlighter? Your name on the front page?
I usually don't write in my books, unless it's a text book, then I highlight. However, after a discussion on GR about remembering books, I may start making notes in the margins.

4. Do you toss your books on the floor? Into book bags? Or do you treat them tenderly, with respect?
I don't toss them on the floor, but I do put them in my purse for on-the-go. I make sure they're neatly in my purse, though. I treat books like babies :)

5. Do you ever lay your book face-down, to save your place?
Not really. I usually use paper to mark my place. Laying face down would mean creasing the spines.

6. Do you bathe with your books? Hold them with wet hands? Read out in the rain? Anything of that sort?
I have read in the tub before, but I'm always really careful about getting them wet. I never read with wet hands and if it's raining my books are usually covered in a safe place (i.e a purse)

7. Are your books lined up on a bookshelf? Or crammed in any which way? Stacked on the floor?
Most of my books are on a bookshelf, especially the recently-bought ones, but I do have some in boxes that I have no space for from long ago. They're lined up in a neat, yet haphazardous way so that they look inviting.

8. Do you make a distinction--in regards to book care--between hardcovers and paperbacks?
Hardcovers are usually easier to care for because of the fact that they're hard, but I prefer paperbacks (portability & price) so I make more of an effort to care for those.

9. Naturally, you love all of your books, but how, exactly? Are your books loved in the battered way of a well-loved teddy bear, or like a cherished photo album or item of clothing that's used, appreciated, but carefully cared for?
I would say half and half- I like to keep them clean and cared for, but books that I've read more than once definitely looked thumbed-through, but I think it gives them character :)

I'm all on board with that, Tera!

Take Nefertiti! It's one of my favorite books. Simple yet fascinating. You won't be disappointed. Plus, if you really like it, you can pick up the sequel when you get home (The Heretic Queen)

Such complex sentences- containing several layers of activity and information in a single frame- are made possible by wide-angle lenses.

- National Geographic Photography Field Guide
Doesn't really do much for the imagination, lol

I can't wait to see the movie, only because I'm eager to see what it translates to, visually. However, I agree with everyone else in that it seems as if they've made it into a sentimental chic flick and it is so much more than that.
Books are always better than movies, so with that being said I won't go into it with high expectations, just so that I can somewhat enjoy watching it.

Lol, I did love their "ride or die" relationship. Plus, she was extremely pretty

Public Enemies was good... It's one of those films that is okay when you see it, but grows on you afterward when you think about it. Loved the costumes, though! I loved fashion in the 'Bonnie & Clyde' era.

Even though Rachel wasn't my favorite character, I do agree with you, Gaijinmama, in that no matter what she remains true to herself and definitely has a perservering quality about her.
My personal favorite was Adah. I love how she seems to be the most observant and thoughtful one of them all. I also liked how she viewed things for what they were, espeically the Father. She wasn't at all fooled by his "head of the household" character and mocked him, sort of, with her witty, yet truthful observations about him.

I'm looking forward to Scarlett Fever, the sequel to Suite Scarlett. It's a YA book, but it's still really good!

this is one of my FAVORITE books! I love the different female relationships. I really find myself bonding with the characters, especially Snow Flower

We don't hate you! I type way faster than I write, too, and pretty paper (computer or stationary) is always a good thing! :)

I LOVED this book! The writing style was really unique and it really drew me in. I thought the characters were dynamic in their own way. My favorite was Ada and her backward reading. The father was cruel and intense in my opinion, and I liked how the author made him stick to his Evangelical guns and keep him extreme, even when his wife and kids decided to leave the jungle. His outcome was the perfect dose of karma.

My condolences, LinBee... take your time. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Oh goodie, you got my letter Jess :) Can't wait for yours!

Ugh! I could not get through Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood... BOOOOORING! I tried to give it a go, but just got pissed trying to read it so I (shamelessly)gave up