Kelli’s Comments (group member since Jun 29, 2011)

Kelli’s comments from the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library group.

I had to take a break from Stephanie Bond's Body Movers. It wasn't holding my attention. Instead, I started SPQR I: The King's Gambit by John Maddox Roberts, a historical mystery that looks like it might offer some political intrigue as well. So far it has been a quick read.

The one thing I did not like about the movie was that I thought they breezed over the whole idea of how the districts loathed the capital and the games. They had a quick propaganda film about the uprising and a conversation between Gale and Katniss, but overall I didn't feel like there was much of a dystopian society portrayed.

I really enjoyed reading Carl Hiaasen's Scat. It's a childrens book, not his usual crime novels. The class goes on a field trip to the Everglades and a teacher goes missing. Like his adult books, a lot of mayhem and funny stuff occurs.

I'm a little behind on the times... I saw the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice and have read Pride and Prejudice with Zombies. But I want to know what versions have you enjoyed the most?

I just heard some good things about the TV show Vampire Diaries. Has anyone read this series and watched the show? What are your recommendations?

In the 3rd season this fall the Governor is making his appearance. Does anyone think this is too soon? Are you as terrified as I am? :)

Okay folks, the Hunger Games DVD just came out. Who's seen it and what did you think? Did it live up to the book?

How is everyone's challenge going? We're more than halfway through the year!

Alba wrote: "I am reading The Help and really like it so far, but it is making me nervous because I know that the plot is thickening and things are about to turn ugly."

That is the one thing about that story that stuck with me. When the characters were terrified of the possible consequences for their actions, I couldn't help but be terrified for them too. Great book!

I'm reading In the Company of Ogres. I know the title sounds a bit silly and the cover is horrible in my opinion but I really love reading A. Lee Martinez's books. He reminds me so much of Christopher Moore.

I also think I'm going to read Stephanie Bond's Body Movers. It looks like it should be a light, funny read.

It's on my to-read list. :)

I just finished reading Unholy Night by Seth Grahame-Smith. It was a violent, dark, strange retelling of the birth of Christ. I enjoyed it but I had a hard time reading through all the gore. I think I enjoyed his Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter book better.

I have moved on to the third book in the Alexia Tarabotti series, Blameless . I'm enjoying the third book so much more than the second book in the series.

I'm also reading the 4th book in the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows. I'm trying to not get too far ahead in the series since it takes years for new ones to be published. I think I have to rank this series as my all-time favorite.

I am reading the second book of the Alexia Tarabotti series called Changeless. This book takes place in the Victorian era but with a paranormal/steampunk/espionage twist.

I am also reading Evanovich's Wicked Business for my US roadtrip challenge.

Ugh... I think I took a vacation from reading this whole month. I have been slowly listening to the second Amelia Peabody book, The Curse of the Pharoah. Hopefully, I get back on track for July!!!

Melanie, Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent series and was just released. Hopefully my link works so you can put yourself on hold for it if you want. I can't wait to read it!

I am revisiting the Ethan Gage series by William Dietrich and am currently reading the third book, The Dakota Cipher. Ethan Gage is not a redeeming character at all. He loves gambling, women, but ultimately himself and will do what he needs to in order to stay alive. The previous two books in the series take place in Egypt and have him flip-flopping alliances between France and Britain as a spy even though he is an American. The third book actually brings him back home to America and he gets caught up in another Masonic adventure. But it seems that his old enemies from Europe and Egypt are still out to get him and may have followed him to his new home.
Overall, I really enjoy this series. It has a lot of history jammed into it as well as some cheeky humor.

I am currently reading Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer which offers some history on the Morman faith and explores the fundamentalist sects that have broken away from the church. Ultimately, he tries to understand how fundamentalism occurs, it dangers, and discusses its reach across all faiths.

I enjoy Krakauer's writing. His books are informative, thought-provoking, and yet easy to absorb.

I just visited the WWI museum in Kansas City. I guess it is the only one in the country and if you haven't seen it go visit it. Like you I was shocked at what seemed the folly of the war and the total upheaval and destruction that came from it. I think I should read your recomendation. :)

I don't read a lot in this genre which is strange because I enjoy it. Loved Bridget Jones' Diary. I would classify Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series as sort of chic-lit too. You have a singleton trying to get a handle on her career,family, and love life. Also very humorous.

As for a more paranormal twist, I recommend trying You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister; Undead & Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson; and Wicked Appettite by Janet Evanovich.

I have finally started reading Divergent by Veronica Roth. It's another dystopian young adult read. I am only about 80 pages in and the characters have selected their factions to live out the rest of their lives with. I'm waiting for the action to pick up but overall its seems to be a pretty quick read.