I haven’t done one of these in a while — I haven’t done much of anything around here in awhile. Except hit you up for donations (get on that, will you?). (Just kidding.)
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Gregory is a new author for me, and I may check out some of her other books. I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl — it’s not a new favorite or anything, but it was an entertaining, compelling read. I never gave much thought to the whole “behind the scenes” of the reign of Henry VIII, and this was an interesting glimpse. I had no idea of the intrigue (as portrayed in this novel, anyway) or how long it took for Henry to decide to set aside his first wife and marry Anne Boleyn. And, you know, there was a reason her head was chopped off — I guess when I learned about this in history (?), I just figured he was the king; he felt like it. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Plus, I liked the voice of the protagonist, Mary Boleyn. All-in-all, an entertaining book that I would recommend.
The Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris
I have been devouring these, about one a month, for a while now. I have gone so far to buy the paperbacks — usually one per trip to Target. Buying books, especially paperbacks, is extremely out of character for me, but I certainly do not regret it. I am currently on Book 8, From Dead to Worse. I am enjoying the hell out of the series. Smartly paced, smartly written mind candy, with a truly likable, tough protagonist. I am usually all about all things vampire, but Twilight made me extremely cautious (because, frankly, I thought it sucked). Harris easily brings vampires out of the closet (so to speak) in the 21st century without breaking the ‘rules’. And no sparkling! It may be time to pick up the True Blood DVDs. I can only hope they are as good as the source material.
I have checked this book out of the library twice, and twice had to return it without finishing it. I am going to have to buy this one, too. It’s a scary look at the way marketers attempt to channel girls into two distinct roles: “you’re either for the boys or with the boys”. As a mom who has struggled with the messaging on clothing for my 5-year-old, this book was eye-opening. I’ve only gotten about one-third of the way through, and I have to buy it and finish it, and start talking to my girls. We can’t just tell our daughters they can be anything they can be because the message from the media is vastly different. This book gives parents the tools to discuss the messages their daughters see and dissect them. It’s practical and non-confrontational — and rather exhaustive in its examination of girl-targeted marketing. I’m looking forward to getting through it, and starting constructive conversations with my smart, feisty daughters!
Red Pen Mama 
Haven’t read any of the Twilight stuff and don’t generally go for vampire books, but with a lead character named Sookie Stackhouse, that series definitely sounds worth a try. Also, the marketing book sounds intriguing. I’ll be interested on your thoughts (and your daighters’) once you finish it up.
The Sookie Stackhouse novels are also murder mysteries, just with a supernatural twist. There’s a lot more than just vampires in them, too.
I watched some True Blood. It was good. I fell behind a few episodes and stopped watching, but that has to do with my schedule, not the show.
Something I love (and haven’t Netflixed Season 3 of because I know it will take over my life once I start it) is The Tudors. Pretty much all I knew about Henry VIII was “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived,” so I found The Tudors fascinating. It’s a great series (at least seasons 1 and 2 were). Season 3 is out on DVD and Season 4 is currently running (but I don’t have Showtime). If you’re interested in the intrigue behind Henry VIII’s life I highly recommend it, if only for Jonathan Rhys Meyers who is yummy to look at. Of course, you don’t have to mention that last part to your husband, although in the spirit of fairness there are many boobies shown as well.
The other things I was surprised about in my reading was that Henry VIII wasn’t that good at making the babies. I think he only had four children who lived to adulthood — three of whom were girls.
If the show is to be believed it was NOT for lack of trying.
Yes, he’s quite lusty in the book, too.
I own all the Sookie Stackhouse books and have loved every single last one of them. And I am an Eric fan (although Bill does right by Sookie by Book 9). The next Sookie book comes out next week (May 4) and I have already reserved it on Amazon. Once I have one book in a series, and if I like the series, I want all of them. HBO’s True Blood is a very happy guilty pleasure for me and I cannot wait until the next season starts (June 13 if you are interested).
Miss you, friend!
Oh, I am firmly on team Eric.
I am also a Sookie Stackhouse fan. I borrowed season 1 of True Blood from the Library…Loved it! I am watching season 2 of true blood now on HBO but won’t be able to watch season 3 (free hbo runs out just before it starts). it did take me a few episodes to love the TV show but I think it was more wrapping my head around the characters “come to life” than the show.
I am glad Bill does right by book 9. I just read 7.
I’m on team Bill…but mostly because I love his accent on the TV show 🙂
The show is going on my to-view list!
Did you see that the one book-one Twitter (#1b1t) selection is American Gods by Neil Gaiman? I’ve read that one, but it was a few years back. This will probably prompt a re-read if I can find the time. If you’re interested follow @crowdsourcing or @1B1T2010. Reading starts Wednesday.
I did see that. American Gods was the first Gaiman book I read, and I really liked it. I probably won’t read along, but I may reread Anasi’s Boys. I’ve only read that once.