Friday, July 1, 2011

Confessions of a bookworm

My name is Julie, and I'm a total bookworm. I love, love, LOVE to read. Love it. I've always been a big reader. I have very fond memories of weekly summertime trips to the public library. My mom would take my brother and me while my dad was at work, and we'd leave with stacks and stacks of books. We had a family "reading time" fairly often, where we'd all pile onto my parents' big bed and read...something. Anything. I guess you could say I come by it honest.

I still visit the public library fairly often, weekly in the summertime. I have no interest in buying an e-reader, because I love holding a real book in my hands. I'm too frugal (read: cheap) to buy books very often, so the library it is. I'm a large fan of the library, and judging by the perpetually full parking lot, I'm not the only one.

This week, I've been reading Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld.


I'd seen this book brough up several times recently, so I decided to check it out. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I worried that, since the characters are teenagers, the book would be written for teenagers. Thankfully, that's not the case. The plot centers around a middle class, Midwestern girl beginning her freshman year on scholarship at a Northeastern boarding school. The story follows her through her painfully awkward first year, all the way to the end of her senior year. I didn't need to worry about not liking it; it only took a few chapters until I was riveted by the story. I literally couldn't wait to "follow" Lee through her years at Ault, to see if she was ever going to find a way to fit in.

I identified so much with Lee's feelings as she very first started at Ault. I spent most of my senior year of high school fantasizing about my new life at Auburn. I spent all of the summer after graduation preparing to move away and start college. I finally arrived in August and...instantly wanted to go home. I knew 5 people out of 20,000+. I missed my family. I didn't know my way around town. I didn't know yet what was "cool" and what wasn't. I assumed that all freshmen would be as green to the ways of college as I was, and I quickly learned that was not the case. It took a few weeks, but I found my place at Auburn and ended up having the time of my life. Reading Prep made me feel a bit wistful, but mostly it made me smile, glad that I was able to get things figured out with a lot less turmoil than Lee.

I started The Help by Kathryn Stockett this evening, and I've read 112 pages so far. I already don't want it to end.


It's incredible and I really don't want to stop, but my droopy eyelids are forcing me. I've heard oodles of great reviews, and I'm excited to be able to add mine when I finish it.

What about you? Are you a reader?

It's nearly midnight on a Friday night, and I stayed in reading a book. And I'm okay with that.

11 comments:

  1. I'm reading blogs... does that make me a reader ;)

    once I finish my Anne of Green Gables movies... i'm going to start reading them!

    And then I'm going to read Twilight all over again.

    Have a good 4th!!! :)

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  2. I do like to read and I do like the real book but I read my iPad. It's so easy. I can download a book in minutes.
    I just finished a book by Jeffrey Archer, Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less. It was a good, fast read.
    I want to lay around and read today but I have to get ready for Monday! I will try to hurry through my chores!
    Enjoy your day, sweet friend.
    ~a

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  3. Molly, I think blogs absolutely count! Woohoo, you're a reader :) I've never read any of the Twilight books, but I have friends who are just obsessed. I'm telling you, you'll love Anne of Green Gables. If you read it, let me know what you think!

    Happy weekend!

    *Julie

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  4. Annesta, I'm glad to know you're a reader, too. I may look into the book you recommended; I'm always looking for my next read! I hope your chores get done quickly today. Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for dropping in!

    *Julie

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  5. Julie,
    I saw The Help at Target last night and thought about you. I read the cover and with what you wrote I think I will download it to my iPad. I did do a lot of cleaning yesterday but I am paying for it now. I'm just resting this morning.
    Have a wonderful, restful Sabbath.
    ~a

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  6. Oh Annesta, you MUST download The Help. I'm about halfway through now and have forced myself to slow down because I absolutely can't wait to see how it all turns out. The book really is incredible! Plus, a movie has been made and is coming out next month (I think). If you've read the book, you can go see the movie :) Let me know what you think if you read it!

    Enjoy your week off...sop it up!

    *Julie

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  7. I am a major, major bookworm! (you might already know that). I just finished The Huger Games series and LOVED them! I have looked at The Help many times but never read it, maybe it will be my next book. :) I have to say, I love my Nook. I have spent more money then I ever would normally on books, BUT I have also read some really great ones because of it too.

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  8. Leesha, I'm glad you're a member of Team Bookworm, too :) I haven't read any of The Hunger Games books, but I've heard so much about them I may just have to. I'm nearly finished with The Help, and I can't wait to blog about it. You really, really, REALLY need to download it on your Nook. It's one of those books that keeps me up until 2:00 in the morning because I just have to read a little bit more :) You won't regret reading it!

    Enjoy your week, friend, and thanks for stopping by!

    *Julie

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  9. i really need to get on that!
    i am reading Bitter is the new Black by Jen Lancaster. I wasn't really all that into it, but the more i read (church folk loaned it to me, so i am kinda obligated to read it) it's pretty good.
    that, and Yes Lord I have sinned but I have several excellent excuses. Now, that is a great read!! It's more like a bible study but still!!

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  10. Suz, you should absolutely read The Help. I can't say enough wonderful things about it! Thanks for your recommendations. I'm adding them to my list!

    Thanks for stopping by, friend, and I hope yall have a lovely weekend :)

    *Julie

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  11. Okay Jules, Since Thanksgiving I have read 24 books (crazy, I know!) but they have been in the Karen Kingsbury series (The Baxter series) they are AMAZING!! I have been wanting to read The Help, let me know what you think about it! - Rachel

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