Life After Twilight

I never really liked to read, especially the books my teachers wanted me to when I was in school. I just didn't have time for it. I could think of a million other things I would rather be doing. I did find time to sneak in a V.C. Andrews book every now and then. I loved them but I must admit they were not the best books for a teenage girl to be reading (sorry mom! Nothing bad, just kind of heavy subject matter). I also have to confess that I did fake a few book reports back in the day (don't even think about it, Douglas!). You know, read the beginning, read the end and try to fake your way through the middle. The only times I really was grounded was when I had 2 weeks left in the term and no reading pages done. That just gives you a little history on my relationship with books.

Even in my adulthood I haven't really picked up the hobby. I go through spurts. The first books I remember reading after I was married were the Work and the Glory series. I LOVED those. There were 4-5 of them out before I started, which was nice, and then I waited eagerly for Halloween when each book would come out. I would sit on my stairs and wait for the trick-or-treaters, hoping none would come and interrupt my reading. Since I enjoyed those so much I read The Kingdom and the Crown series. Only three books in that one but also good. Next was The Children of the Promise series (are you seeing a pattern here? Factional books by LDS authors). I decided to pick up the Harry Potter books and read them once Douglas was old enough to. Isn't that what good moms do? Read books before their kids to make sure the content is appropriate? (Okay, great idea when I started but I am over that now!) I fully expected to not get into them but REALLY enjoyed those. I even awaited the last few books in that series. I knew, after book 7, I would never have anything to read again, EVER, until...Twilight. I am not one to follow the crowd. I was sure they had evil things in them and shouldn't be touched. After hearing from more than one person how great they were I picked them up and never turned back. That is my problem. I like series. Once I get into a book I want it to go on and on forever. I could read about Bella and Edward's everyday life everyday of my life. Do they have a blog? You get my point. Once I finished that series I knew there would never be another book I would love again.

For some reason I have had the craving to read lately. I have mastered the art of walking on the treadmill and reading the Ensign at the same time. A book works just as well as long as it is not too bulky. So, I picked up a book I had laying around my house, Bound on Earth which was written by one of my best childhood friends. It was just what I needed to satisfy my craving and get me some extra minutes on the treadmill. I was at the library last week and saw a display of books that caught my attention. The Lucky One was written by the same guy that wrote The Notebook. I really liked that movie so I thought maybe I would like this book. It was great, and once again, some quality treadmill time. I scavenged my kids rooms this morning only to find Holes. That will last me a few days but I am afraid I have started something that I won't be able to stop anytime soon.

Russell and I are leaving for Puerto Vallarta in 2 weeks and I am SO looking forward to laying on my beach chair, sipping a pina colada, my nose in a can't-put-down kind of book. I have saved The Host for this special occasion but I am afraid I will tear through that in no time. I need a back up plan. I like a fun, romantic, not too suspenseful, not too intellectual read. I liked Da Vinci Code but Angels and Demons was a little too creepy for me. Any suggestions? Russell loved the latter two books and really likes a good intense read. What about for him?