Long time no see!!

Hi everyone!  Hope you are all doing great!  I'm sorry I've been away for so long - I'll try to remedy that.  I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas and am trying to make the change over to electronic reading.  Actually, to be honest, so far I love my Kindle.  I can get so many more books than I could when buying hard copies, but I sort of miss browsing through my books and flipping pages.  Just a creature of habit, I guess.  Anyway, let's catch up.  I recently picked up 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green.  Let me preface this review by saying that it is another one of my teen books, but this was an absolute joy to read.  The main character, Hazel, has terminal cancer (although her most recent treatment did buy her some time).  While at a cancer support group, she meets a boy, Augustus, who had cancer, but is effectively cured.  Now, I admit, this sounds like kind of a downer, but it was such a joy to read.  The dialogue is smart and funny - and I am a sucker for smart writing - Hazel and Augustus are eminently likeable.  The story will draw you in and before you know it, you've finished the book.  It didn't end the way I thought it might, but I liked it and it really tugged at my heartstrings.  Of all the books I've picked up lately, this is the one I would tell you to read. 

Now.  There's another book that I am currently reading (haven't finished it yet) that has been getting some press.  The title is 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.  Apparently it is very popular among ladies who lunch.  Now, I don't think anyone would ever mistake me for a lady that lunches, but I'm nosy as heck.  So I downloaded it.

Girls, it is crazy good.  BUT, you sould be warned that it is about a couple that plays Dom/Sub.  I guess that's why it has been in the news - it is a bit controversial.  The main character, Christian Grey, is a young, wealthy businessman who has entered into a relationship with a young woman, Ana, who has just graduated from college.  Christian introduces her to the Dom/Sub lifestyle.  (There are lots of rules and stuff.  Who knew?)  Anyway, it is not just the juicy stuff - Christian is a bit of a mystery and Ana is a bit hardheaded - all of it together makes for a great read.  I can understand some of the uproar surrounding the book (a lot of commenters were saying that it is bad for women, etc.) but I don't really find it degrading to Ana or to women in general.  Just a good, juicy, interesting read.  Be warned, though, I think it is...(wait for it)...a TRILOGY.  So be prepared.

Okay, I'm going to run for now - Ghost Adventures is on.  I'll be back soon - promise!!  Write and let me know what you've been reading, or if you have any new recommendations for me!!