Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Good Reads


Just finished a couple of books I would like to recommend. While I won't really get into the story details (you can google the books and read about them on your own), I would like to offer my opinion them.

First - One Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Hosseini also wrote The Kite Runner, a book I enjoyed tremendously. This takes place in Afghanistan, starting in the 1970s through around 2004. It is the story of 2 women, a generation apart, who come together and become each other's life lines.

I have to say this book is one of the most powerful books I have ever read (well, I listened to it on CD). It is well-written, spares no details on what live was like in the city of Kabul during this time period of communist rule, its downfall and the rise and fall (? if it really has) of the Taliban and of what life was like for women these time periods.

If you love to read, this book is a must for anyone. I would love to discuss it further.


Next is Body Surfing by Anita Shreve. I've read several of her books and enjoy them. It was a good read and a good examination of families and the interactive active relationships within them and the sometimes risk it takes to love again. Shreve is not for everyone and I will admit there was one of her books I didn't finish, but Body Surfing is pretty good.

And, finally, I FINISHED Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. What can I say? It wasn't one of my all time favoritesm it was interesting and had a very good story line. I'd recommend it if you have a long time to read it! Great history of medival England, the Church and all of the politics, written around several love stories and the story of a monk who dreamed of building a catherdral.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Voting


I was 174th at my voting precinct today when I walked in at 3:50 pm.

I have to admit, I was undecided as to who I would vote for. For me, there were two great choices. I've done my reading, mulled over the issues, even discussed the candidates with others (which I NEVER do as I really hate politics) and I still wasn't sure.

So, there I stood, ballot in front of me, still debating. What to do? Who to vote for?

I made a decision and drew the line to complete the voting arrow.

This was the first time in all the years that I have been voting that the decision was so difficult for me to make.

For me, it was the right decision. However, I have faith in the other candidate.

What a mess.

One other note: Why is Hillary Clinton always referred to as "Hillary" and Barack Obama always referred to as "Obama?" Has anyone else noticed this?