Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Same Old, Same Old

So apparently* life isn't much different when I switch countries. This morning I went for a run, got chased by a dog, had my coffee, then hopped online. Granted, the dog belonged to someone and just wanted company - he wasn't nipping at my heels in the hopes a bit of flesh might come loose for breakfast - but he was blond and there aren't many blond dogs in Zihua. It was nice to have company on the run; I've gotten used to having Ibis by my side, and since he doesn't talk while we're out there anyway, there wasn't much difference.

My grandma is on her way here for a couple days, and tomorrow we'll gorge ourselves at my aunt & uncle's house. Friday my best friend will be here, then I'll spend the weekend with my sister & her family.

It occured to me someone (yes, you) might be interested to know which books I bought, so I'll share:

On Writing, Stephen King
The Elements of Style (4th Ed), Strunk & White
Telling True Stories, lots of contributors
Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers
Sudoku On-The-Go! Advanced 2
Wht I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, Geralyn Lucas
Look Me In the Eye, John Elder Robinson

I forced myself to put Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs back on the shelf & added it to my wish list.

I've read reviews of all the writing books, which is why I bought them, but I'd love to hear if you've read any of these & what you thought!

Gramma just pulled up so I better run!

*my mother pointed out that I cannot spell the word apparently. A Parent was the tip she gave so I will never make this mistake again. Thanks mom. :)

4 comments:

Jenna said...

Loved Bird by Bird...I checked it out from the library and it is on my MUST OWN list. One of those books that helps in fighting those writing demons.

I read several chapters of Running with Scissors and was so disturbed I had to stop reading...but from what I could stomach reading I do think he is a great writer.

I definitely want your review of On Writing...I haven't got to that one but hear it is great.

Oh and interested in your take on the Dave Eggers book.

Get to reading...I'm waiting :)!

Kate Boddie said...

I actually just recently bought On Writing but I haven't gotten to read it yet. Let's make a deal--if you read it first, you tell me what it's like and if I read it first, I'll tell you what it's like. Capische?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Jenna, I got Bird by Bird mainly on your recommendation. :)

I will let you both know as soon as I read On Writing. I'll plan to read that first.

I'm taking close to 20 of my mom's books back with me so I will need to try to get through those before they come to visit in February. I'm so overwhelmed with all these books I don't know what to do with myself!

jennifer said...

I'll send you my running with scissors once I read it.... who knows when that will be. :) I lent out my On Writing and I'm dying to read it ... I got a few pages in and I was laughing out loud at the things he says. He really is a fabulous writer. A great story teller. I miss you!