book review!

Books I've read recently:

The Lovely Bones ::: Alice Sebold

Girl is murdered and the killer is not found. She watches her family/friends go through life without her, and tries to help them identify the killer. Definitely a good read. Her description of heaven seems a bit unrealistic, to say the least, but as the book is more about life than death, it's tolerable.

Rating: 4/5 stars!


Infidel ::: Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Saw this as recommended in Self magazine. Infidel is a biography of a Somali feminist, activist, and politician. She grew up very Muslim with a prominant Muslim father, and gradually formed her own belief about religion and other practices. Very culturally eye opening and especially fascinating because it all occurs within the past 30 years. I'll throw out a warning for some graphic imagery.

Rating: A-! Because the end got a little more tediously political than I enjoy.


The Secret Life of Bees ::: Sue Monk Kidd

I figured if they made  movie on this, it had to be kind of good. Story of  14 year old girl searching for the history of her deceased mother. I liked the setting of the Civil Rights era. Definitely a "heartwarming" book.

Rating: Two thumbs up!

Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics ::: Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

I read Freakonomics a long time ago and when I saw there was a sequel, I got both to read again. These authors have an amazing capability to analyze data, notice trends, and write it in an interesting, funny, and comprehensible way. Makes me want to be an economist.

Rating: 8/10 points! Some parts, especially in Superfreakonomics, get a little too wordy and I zoned out during the global warming talk.

the Hunger Games :: Suzanne Collins

So THIS is what all the hype is about. FANTASTIC. ADDICTIVE. I'm excited I started reading this right as the third and final book is coming out. So while everyone is frantically reading Mockingjay, I'm just waiting for Catching Fire to be available at the library.

Rating: GOLD STAR! And family friendly, too! Except for the parts when people die. That can be a little gruesome.

and currently reading:
the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society ::: Mary Ann Shaffer

 Not as much of a page-turner like the rest of these, but still very enjoyable. I'm having trouble keeping track of all the characters. Rating to be determined!

timpanogos, steve holt, and a new computer.

Another thing checked off our Utah to-do list: Hike Timp.

 You'd THINK the summit was actually the peak a little to the right, but depth perception gets little thrown off. Get out your binoculars and check. You'll see the little hut that marks the top.

Oh, hey Beau.

K I'm going to brag for a second. (Since that's what this whole blog thing is all about. Don't lie. You do it too.) For once, I was physically more capable than Beau. I believe these words came out of his mouth: "Do you ever get tired?" As the hours/miles went on it became clear my hours of cardio work actually pays off a little bit. Breaks are for wusses.

Mountain goats. These guys defy gravity.

Nice little climb closer to the summit.

Some genius was apparently an Arrested Development fan. STEVE HOLT!

Happy Valley. Someday I will leave you.

The aftermath. Little sunburned/wiped out Beau slept from 7pm to 9am. 

(Note the empty container of ice cream on the floor)


On an unrelated note, THIS is what $140 will get you on KSL.com:

Kids, never buy anything new ever again. Basically new computer with Microsoft and Anti Virus already installed on it. Anyone now of an easy way to get all your iTunes switched over to a new computer?

thought of the day

I realized that the reason why I favor cherry and grape flavored Jolly Ranchers is because they tend to be the ones left over. I remember feeling badly for these flavors in 6th grade and announcing grape was my favorite. I hope grape feels better now.