Precious...

On Addictions...

For some reason, I have one of those personalities where I easily become singularly focused on one thing just shy of the point of obsession. I essentially get easily addicted. Right now, here are my top three addictions:

Law & Order: SVU

I don't know what it is about this show, but I have probably scene every episode and still whenever I flip the channel and land on a rerun or TNT marathon, I get sucked in and watch all over again. Half the time, I'll even be watching the show thinking, "I'm sure I've seen this..." but I still don't change the channel.

Bejeweled

I was never that kind of kid who played video games. Ever. What I know of video and computer games is next to nothing. (It was my boyfriend who supplied some of the Worlds of Warcraft references that are in Unraveling). But now that I have an iphone, I downloaded a few games to play on the subway. And the one that's sucked me in, is totally Bejeweled. I don't know what it is about those stupid gems but I'm always convinced that with one more game I can score better!

All things

and

Jane Austen

(as played by Anne Hathaway, here it Becoming Jane Austen)

This is one of those addictions that I've had ever since I read Pride & Prejudice, which I read late. I had my masters before I sat down with a copy of the book and started to read, mostly because I couldn't believe I hadn't read it yet. I didn't necessary expect to like it. (There are some classics that I just don't like very much). And I certainly didn't expect to love it, but I did. I promptly read all of her books and her letters and a bunch of Jane Austen inspired books. I watched all the movies and the miniseries and even started to dream "in British." At the time, Jane Austen took over about six months of my life. Then I moved on to a new obsession (I think it might have been Veronica Mars).

But now this obsession is back. It started with Downton Abbey which I watched in two weekends (one for each season). And then it continued with  For the Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund, which I read several weeks ago. It's a post-apocalyptic retelling of Jane Austen's Persausion which is probably my favorite. The romance is swoonworthy and as soon as I finished, I wanted to go back and read the original. Instead I started watch some new BBC shows that people had recommended like Luther and Sherlock and it's safe to say I am completely hooked.

 

False Memory Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a copy of False Memory by Dan Krokos. I went to his launch party last night and got a signed copy which will head out to the winner today.

And the winner is...

Ruby Replogle!!!

I love this

It totally reminds me of when I was swimming.

“I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency not only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascend to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism.”
 ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

August Must Read Giveaway

I've been giving away the must read books each month and this month is a big one for me. It's the release of False Memory by Dan Krokos. I simply love this book. Like I love it as much as I loved Hunger Games. I also think the author is pretty awesome too.

To win this awesome book, fill out the form below between now and midnight on August 10th (EST)!

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can't remember loving.

Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter...when there may not be a future.

“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore.” 
 ― Lady Gaga

Something Strange and Deadly Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the July Must Read Contest. The winner of Something Strange and Deadly is

Kayla Beck

Congrats to Kayla. Everyone else should grab a copy of the book at their local bookstore--it's out today, and it's awesome.

“Hope is the thing with feathers 
 That perches in the soul 
 And sings the tune without the words 
 And never stops at all.” 
 ― Emily Dickinson

Tonight!

I'm heading to see The Dark Knight Rises at midnight in Times Square. (Seems oddly appropriate, doesn't it?) Can't wait!