A Voracious Reader

Ever since I can remember — and my parents can attest to this — I’ve always been a voracious reader. As soon as I got a book in my hands I’d be off on a journey with the literary characters for hours upon hours. Before I knew it, I’d have the book finished in either one or two sittings. Some of my most vivid childhood memories involve books and the library.

Having library periods (am I the only one that always had a class period devoted solely to going to the library). Going to the library and relishing being able to check out, read, and understand young adult books as an elementary and middle-schooler (though some were too raunchy). Choosing library time as one of my (many, many, many) after-school activities. And, oh my, ordering all the books my little heart could desire from the Scholastic Book catalog (the fair itself never went abroad…).

Reading is a passion of mine. It always has been and I hope it always will be.

During college, unfortunately, I rarely read. For pleasure, anyway. The several hundreds of pages of reading I had to do each night (it’s what I get for being a double major, one of which took pride in giving the most reading) were for academia. Fortunately, with college done I’ve got more time in my hands.

I’m reading two books right now — yes, you read that right — but I’m already on a search for the next book. Here’s what I’ve got in mind. Sorry, I couldn’t pick just one; I’ll probably be reading these both together if and when I get my hands on these.

How to Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life

by Melissa Hellstern

Oh, Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of elegance and sensuality; her class and poise is timeless.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t look to her from time to time for inspiration. Especially since I often strive to be simply elegant with my style. You know, just… lovely. So, what better book to read than this?

I believe that there’s only one book left at Powell’s. So, if you’re in Portland, Ore., please don’t buy it.

Love Warps the Mind a Little

by Julia Glass

The title caught my eye; it’s clever and seems all too fitting. But, really: I’ve developed a fondness for dark humor novels and from the sounds of it this book is one. It’s also a ‘You Must Read This’ on NPR!

According to NPR, ”Love Warps the Mind a Little is a masterpiece of the genre that writers call the “funny-sad novel,” where humor both defies and gives shape to grief. It is rich entertainment, sheer lunacy, moonshine for the wounded heart. All the best novels are about one thing: how we go on. The characters must survive the fallout of their own cowardice, folly, denial or misguided passion. They squander what matters most, and still they pick up the pieces.“

It will probably be another week or two before I get around to buying these. I need to first finish the two books that I’m currently reading. I will keep you updated, and I’ll probably buy a book on home beer brewing too.

On a slightly different note, an author whom I really, really like is coming to Portland: Augusten Burroughs, probably most well-known for Running with Scissors. It’s next week but I can’t afford the ticket (I know, boo-hoo) even though it does come with a copy of his latest book, You Better Not Cry.

Wow. Okay. This entry has been all over the place; I hope you kept up with my rambles. Do let me know if you have any more books that I should consider reading though.

Cure It, Pickle It, Jam It

Now, I don’t ask for much (usually, anyway) but there’s this book that I’ve been eyeing for the longest time now.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

It’s ‘jam it, pickle it, cure it’ by Karen Solomon. A Portland native, I think?

I know. I’m awesome. And broke.

There’s a couple things in the book that I’ve made already (e.g., pickled cucumbers and lemon curd) but there’s still oh-so-many more things that I have yet to make. I won’t go as far as making my own bacon though–I’ll leave that to the “experts.”

I’m tempted to go back to Powell’s tomorrow to memorize (or sneakily copy down…) the recipe for banana cream popsicles. It’s going to be perfect for this ridiculous heatwave taking over Portland right now. Maybe a jam recipe, too. I’ve decided that on top of making cranberry-orange scones for the BF’s parents next week, I’m also going to make fresh jam. For myself–not his parents. Sorry. I’ve been meaning to go to the farmer’s market downtown forever so might as well kill two birds with one stone.

I’ll keep you updated on my kitchen adventures. Right now I’m thinking some pasta with roasted red peppers and kalamata olives.

Mango Scented Bubble Bath

Before my sleepiness (and my short attention span) gets the best of me I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed my bubble bath this evening.

+ Too much bubble bath solution is never a bad thing.
+ Red painted toenails against little white bubbles.
+ My favorite mellow station on Pandora.
+ Vanilla-scented candles.
+ ‘Six Easy Pieces.’

Yes, I was reading a book on physics and it’s why I ended up in the tub for over an hour. I just couldn’t put the book down; it’s been a while since I’ve found a book that had me so enthralled–a physics book no less. But, I was obsessed about the Twilight series way back in days so my taste in books is often times questionable.

Anyway, it was a nice, relaxing night.