Before I talk about my moving to a new apartment, I thought I’d fill you all in on what I’ve been reading lately. While I was home for Christmas I read the first 5 books of the Black Jewell Trilogy by Anne Bishop. I had read so much about the series online that I wanted to try it out for myself. It is defenitly a series that grabs your attention right from the start and doesn’t let go. Though its also a series that I’m not waiting with bated breath for the next installment. Parts of it are very dark and violent (sometimes a little too much for me) and I needed a break from that — but the characters are engaging and Janelle is simply amazing; watching her grow and change was interesting. I would give all of the books a B-. Mainly because for me they aren’t books that I’d re-read, but would certainly recommend them.
While I was home my sister turned 23. For her birthday I bought her the first 2 books of the Twilight series (she’s read them but wanted to own them) and the I also bought her Wicked Lovely By Melissa Marr. After racing through the Black Jewell books, I was in need of something else to read and borrowed Wicked Lovely. Reading that book convinced me that I’m not reading enough young adult books. The world building was interesting and different. Basically the book is about a teenager who grew up with the ability to see fairies. The fairies that she can see aren’t pretty Disney fairies like Tinkerbell and the ability had always scared her. This book introduces us to the world that Melissa Marr has created and allows us to see how an average teenager (well average in every way other then her ability to see fairies) takes ownership of her ability and comes to terms with what it means for her life. Grade: B+
After reading and enjoying Wicked Lovely, I had my mom bring home the next book in the series, Ink Exchange. I also enjoyed this book, but had a few issues with it. This is one of those series where there is a different main character each book and that annoys me. Ink Exchange’s main character is a friend that was introduced in Wicked Lovely. Melissa Marr creates an interesting charchter that the reader feels for, but for me, there was something missing in this book. I do plan on reading the next book in the series Fragile Eternity that comes out in April, but I’m not really sure if I’ll read anymore after that. If she can draw me in a againg like she did with the first book, then great — otherwise, I’ll move on. Grade: C
Now, onto news of my move…I’ve moving to this little town called Laytonsville, Maryland. Few people have heard of it (I hadn’t heard of it before I found the apartment.:) My commute to work will be the same distance, though from the other side of the red line (for those famliar with the DC metro system). I’m totally psyched about moving. I’ll have access to a yard and 2 bedrooms instead of the one I have now. Yesterday a couple of friends measured out the apartment and are going to help me figure out where to put my furniture. Its a basement apartment, so in some places the ceilings are low — causing issues for my entertainment center.
This weekend was designated for packing and I’ve been working on packing books. I currently have 10 boxes of books packed and I’m going to have one more. While packing I weeded out some books that I know I won’t read again and don’t really need to keep anymore. (2 garbage bags full!!!) I plan on dropping them by the library, so they can be passed on to some other reader with the space on their bookshelves.
So, a week from this Thursday I’ll move into my new place. First though, I’m off to Denver for the ALA Midwinter conference.
I had heard about this book a while ago from Amy’s blog and once it was availablt to order, I jumped at the chance. This is a book about a young couple who after learning that they can’t have children, find themselves drawn to Africa to adopt a child. Both Josh and Amy are incredibly honest in their story and I found myself smiling at parts and tearing up at others. If you are intersted in reading a book that will open your eyes to the situation in Ethiopia and one Christian couple’s journey to Africa to bring their child home, please give this book a try — you won’t regret it.
I am basically writing this post to give me an excuse to show you all the totally cute picture. 
