Confessions of a Shopoholic - Sophie Kinsella

I have recently read the first two books of the Confessions of a Shopoholic series and I have to say that I really enjoyed them as summer reads. They are light, fun, bubbly and full of English humor, using words like sloshed, mum and quid. The main character, Rebecca Bloomwood, is adorable. A complete shopping addict that writes advice columns for a financial magazine. Her character is enduring and even though a little ridiculous, still believable and reminds of people I actually know. I just recently started book number 3 and hope the good writing continues.

As for the movie, I didn't really care for it at all. The books are much, much better.

A Game of Thrones - George RR Martin and HBO

HBO has agreed to do a television show on George RR Martins bestselling fantasy series A Song of Fire and Ice. The show will be titled A Game of Thrones, named after the first novel in the series. Martin has planned seven books in the series, and the plan is to turn each book into a full season of television. I loved his first 2 books in this series. Absolutely loved them. The 3rd book kept me hanging in there. The 4th book TICKED ME OFF beyond all belief. I was under the impression, I think because I read it on his website, that Mr. Martin had written such a large book that it had to be split in two. However, what he had written was the first half of an ridiculously, long and tedious book that has absolutely no end. He introduced new characters and story lines, and then left out old favorites that were to be brought up in the later book. However, he is still writting the next book. I guess just casually, in his spare time. While I slaved over pages and pages of new information not relevant to any previous story line. I loyally read each new character with strong attention to detail, just sure that this was going to be important at some point. What a waste. And, I will not read his last book strictly on the principle that I spent so much dang time on the first one. However, I can't wait for the television series. And, if you have never read any of his books...go right now and get the first one. You will love it!!!

Blood Noir - Laurell K Hamelton

Let me just say...I have never, ever thrown a book in the trash before. Until today. I have read all of her Anita Blake books, and they seem to just go down hill in each new book. This woman writes like she has not had sex in years, or maybe she is getting too much and is confused about her real life and that of her character's. I was really hoping this would be more like her original stories, less sex, less focus on having sex, less focus on how sexy everyone looks, less focus on who is doing who or in bed with who or how many who's. It sounds like I am describing a Dr. Seuss book. I am definitely not.

Chapter one starts of with Anita having a conversation and then sex with two of the men in her life. Does it really matter which two? She has so many it is too much work to actually clarify who she is with. Chapter two continues the sex, as does chapter 3. They finish up the sex and discuss it in chapter 4. Seeing as this book has absolutely no story line any intelligent person would be interested in, I chunked the book in the recycle bin. I am having guilt over this. Yes, I should sell it, donate it, something. I just don't want it in my house and don't think it is worthy to give to someone else.