I have been woefully remiss in keeping track of what I've read this year, so I will try to download things out of my head in a meaningful manner. This is not the order I read things in; half of my books are still traveling from Japan to me, and may or may not ever get here. Thank you, customs in Osaka.

Anyway, here we go!

23. THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE by Shannon Hale

I really liked this book; in general, Shannon Hale is an author that I always like. And I found this story amusing and heart-warming and sweet. But it was very, very Mormon to me; the main character had viewpoints and actions that I simply didn't comprehend. It was, at times, like watching an alien creature who acted like a modern woman... but didn't. I disagreed vehemently with many of the character's choices, which perhaps says more about my liberal East Coast upbringing than it does about Mormons themselves. I should clarify that one of my good friends is Mormon, and I know many, many other wonderful people who are that religion. I have nothing against them. I just really disliked the character of Becky in many ways, yet I couldn't stop from reading the book. And that's a mixed review, if there ever was one. =)

24. THE PRINCESS OF THE MIDNIGHT BALL by Jessica Day George

Jodi Meadows said this book was about knitting--it totally was! I really enjoyed it, and now I'm seeking out more of Ms. George's work.

25. MARRIED IN THE MORNING by Lisa Kleypas

It had a good premise, but it didn't feel like a well-realized book to me.

26. LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON by Lisa Kleypas

This was a much better book than the previous one, although not a blow-me-out-of-the-water romance by any means. I do want to try writing an epistolary novel or story now though...

27. TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU by Julia Quinn

This romance novel, on the other hand, was a wonderful romance. Julia Quinn is back, people! I adored this one! Every detail was spot-on--bravo! I do think this has now earned itself a place as one of my favorite Julia Quinn romance novels. =)

28. A SECRET AFFAIR by Mary Balogh

I have a hard time articulating why I didn't fall head over heels in love with this book. The only thing I can think of was that I didn't fall head over heels in love with the characters. Yet, I liked Hannah, the main character, and I did read the book in one four hour sitting. It's a strange quandary--if anyone else has opinions on this one, please share.

29. A MATTER OF CLASS by Mary Balogh

In contrast to the other book, this one was a shining example of a romance novel (novella) done completely and totally right. I can't say much about it for fear of spoilers, but I will say that you should run, not walk, to read it.

30. THE SHADOW QUEEN by Anne Bishop
31. SHALADOR'S LADY by Anne Bishop

More on these later, in a different venue.

32. MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins

ADORED this.

33. SERVANTS OF THE UNDERWORLD by Aliette de Bodard

I liked this, but didn't love it with an undying passion.

34. WHEN THE KING COMES HOME by Caroline Stevermer

This was merely ok.

35. A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Eloisa James

This was wonderful and witty and a true fairy tale. Highly recommended for anyone who likes romantic comedy.

36. LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL by Loretta Chase

Also wonderful and witty. I love her books so much. I already want the next one!

37. IMADOKI, Volume 2 by Yuu Watase

Fluff manga, but I like it.

38. DRAGON SLIPPERS by Jessica Day George

This was good, but I preferred her YA book more than this juvenile one. I think I was too old for its charms, sadly.

39. MURDER IN ZANZIBAR by M. M. Kaye

If you've never read THE FAR PAVILLIONS by the same author, you're greatly missing out. This was a good, period-set, mystery. It was definitely interesting seeing how things have changed in forty years.

40. BLACK SHIPS by Jo Graham
41. HANDS OF ISIS by Jo Graham
42. STEALING FIRE by Jo Graham

I adored BLACK SHIPS, merely liked HANDS OF ISIS, and absolutely loved STEALING FIRE. I would definitely pick this series up, posthaste.

43. GROTESQUE by Natsuo Kirino

I did not like this one as much as OUT, sadly.

44. THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER by Leanne Renee Hieber
45. THE DARKLY LUMINOUS FIGHT FOR PERSEPHONE PARKER by Leanna Renee Hieber

The first volume is definitely worth picking up, but the second was significantly weaker in terms of story and writing. I was disappointed in it.

46. BITTER SEEDS by Ian Tregillis

This was a great book. Extremely male-centered, but that's ok. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and am awaiting the sequel. I'm cool with evil women. =)

I'm sure I've read other things this summer, but this is what I remember right now. I'll think some more and add some more.

I'm so happy that I'm married to my husband, Chris! We've been together for almost nine years and married for three. Life is very, very good. =) Happy Wedding Anniversary to me!

Have a picture of him!

Keith Olbermann at his very best about what it means to be an American. It is sincerely worth watching all the way through.

(Look, I'm being political--fancy that!)

I have tried to figure out why I haven't been blogging as much lately, and besides the obvious no-no of typing with tendinitis (shh, don't tell my doctor right now!).... I just haven't felt like babbling lately. I've come to the conclusion that I don't know what sort of voice I want this blog to have, which I think is holding me back. I'm not an agent--and although I am a writer--I don't need to speak about publishing and be all professional anymore. Not that I was very professional all the time, but I had STANDARDS. Now I don't need those standards, and I'm not sure where to go.

Do I be all personal and blabby about my feelings?

Do I tell you what's going on in my life?

Do I say nothing?

Do I only do publishing news?

Do I do something new?

I have been contemplating wanting to write an epistolary story; I wonder if that would be an interesting thing to post on the blog? Would people stick around through it all?

I go back to school in the fall, and I'm not sure you want to read about me attempting college for a second time. Well, I'd like to note that I'm not attempting it; I have a perfectly good BA from Carnegie Mellon University, so I like to think I managed to conquer college the first time around. But I am trying to learn more Japanese, which requires going where the Japanese teachers are, and short of moving to Japan full-time (I'm still lobbying the husband, albeit unsuccessfully)... that's college. See, and here I am, babbling, and typing far more than I'm sure my doctor would like me to be doing. Do they make soft, slightly squishier keyboards?

I should be dictating, but my husband is asleep with a cold, and I don't want to wake him. Plus, Dragon drives me up a wall, and I need more RAM. I did manage to finish revising a story by speaking slowly, which is good. And now, I must stop typing because I'm starting to twinge in pain. Leave a comment, do.