1/13/12: Matched, Waiting for Forever, Harry's War, and Super 8

So, I don't know how regular I'm going to be at this blog. I am surprised and excited that somebody's reading and commenting--thanks! I just kind of want to say, don't expect much, but that's why I called it "ramblings".

So I've finished the first book of the year. Took two weeks, and with only 52 weeks in the year, that means I really need to up my reading if I'm going to make it to 50 by the end of the year. I finished Matched by Ally Condie tonight, half read, half listened via audiobook. We read it for my local book group and we met last night. It's a great book for discussion. Reminded me very much of The Giver and a little of Hunger Games, though not so dark. Makes you question free agency and choice and opposition and control in life, what's good and not so good about all of them. I did really enjoy it, particularly the end as she starts thinking and making decisions and things start to be put in motion. I would like to read the second book, Crossed. I'm only 41st on the hold list at the library :). I have plenty of other things to read, I think I'll wait for it.

Watched two dumb movies this week: Waiting for Forever (It was ok, but I'm glad I was doing something else while watching it so I wasn't wasting time just watching; I wouldn't recommend it), and Harry's War (I'd heard of this one and thought it was a classic of sorts, but as I watched it I was really not sure whether it was supposed to be a comedy or a drama. It's supposed to be against the government, namely the IRS, and its ability to seize property, and I didn't think that message was really well told in the show at all).

I just finished watching Super 8. Good movie. Too scary and too much swearing to share with my kids (ages 11-1; maybe my 11 yo could see it if it weren't for the swearing. I may seem like a prude, but I know it would really bother him.) It was different than what I expected, but then I didn't really know what to expect, and I did enjoy it. Not much to discuss about it, just a fun thrill to watch.

Next book I'll read is Buyology by Martin Lindstrom, a book about an extensive study of marketing and branding and how it works on customers (or something like that). I told my husband that I will read some of these business books he wants to read to understand strategy, branding, etc., so we can use them in our business and I can relay the information and discuss with him.

50/50 me Challenge

So, my sister in law suggested I join this 50/50 challenge where I read 50 books and 50 movies I have never read or seen in 2012. I love the idea. I've though about making a goal of books to read, and I love book and movie discussion. Also, since I've recently gotten a new phone (Samsung Galaxy SII) and discovered the Netflix app, I set it up while I'm doing dishes and dinner and am able to watch a movie in about three settings. So I'm not worried about getting the movies watched. But books, well ...I love to read, but, I also have four kids and work as bookkeeper and catering manager for our business as well as for our home. I am in two book clubs, so I typically read two books/month. I would need to read at least four per month to make 50 for the year. I think I may use children's books for some of them. I know it's supposed to be at my reading level, but with so many new and neat children's books out there, and with kids I can share them with, I think the challenge to read two new books per month with my kids as well is a good goal!

I have already watched Atlas Shrugged the movie and From Prada to Nada, so 2 already down with movies. Books--I've got to read Matched for book group this month, I've started Buy-ology, and I want to read the Little House series with my daughter this year, which I haven't read either yet, so we'll see what happens.