The Poolboy has a thing for vampires.
It started in childhood with televison series like Dark Shadows, and Night Stalker where the Poolboy's early hero, Carl Kolchak, would fight off a variety of otherworldly beasts and beings.
He loved the series so much that in the late 80's when it was re-released on VHS, he bought the entire thing.
Around the same time he met me.
Girls, you know how it is.
You meet a cute guy, really like him, and suddenly find yourself watching the hockey playoffs, going to movies starring Sly Stallone, Clint, and Arnold, and watching marathon sessions of The Night Stalker with unbridaled enthusiasm.
Of course all that changes after marriage.
The Poolboy still looks at me with confusion when I lament the sports channel.
"But I thought you liked hockey..."
Ah the poor, poor man.
As an aside, he's currently reading this over my shoulder and wants you to know that if there was no Night Stalker with Darren McGavin there would never have been an X Files. It was Chris Carter's love of the show that helped him come up with Mulder and Sculley.
Thankyou Poolboy, now off you go. I have a blog to write.
Lucky man, being immortalized this way.
Anyways, the man loves his vamps, with his favourite of all being:
Kate Beckinsale.
If it wasn't for the bathing suit incident where I got trapped in a black speedo body suit looking like a giant bowling ball with legs, I'd wear a rubber suit too.
And pack weapons.
The latest, though, is that the Poolboy has taken to, not only reading his romantic suspense novels, he's now found a new genre: Romantic Fantasy.
But before you start suggesting he pick up the Twilight series, save your breath, because apparently Twilight is strictly for women.
As opposed to the book I just nabbed from his nightstand: A Rush of Wings, a story with a little more bite, if you'll pardon the pun:
"This book has it all... vampires and fallen angels and a slicing, dicing serial killer... it alternates romantic homages to gothdom and steamy blood drinking threesomes with enough terse, fast paced thriller scenes to satisfy even the most jaded fans."
Oh well, whatever floats ones boat.
Right?
Right.
Meanwhile, I've got a great stack of beach reads on the go.
Do any of you read Jennifer Weiner - and if not, why? People, she's FABULOUS!
Right now I'm at the tale end of her novel Little Earthquakes and loving it as much as I've loved some of the previous things she's written like In her Shoes and Good in Bed.
Next in my stack is Shopoholic gets Married by Sophie Kinsella, and then I'll round out my summer with a Nora Roberts trilogy about witches.
The PB may like his vampires, but I like my witches!
Books like Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, and my favourite trilogy of all time - The Three Sisters Islands books, again, by Nora Roberts.
To check any of them out, I installed a new widget on my right hand side bar called "Favourite Beach Reads."
Now, tell me...
What are you reading? What inds of books do you like to read? And do you have anything to recommend?
Why?
Because, as always, enquiring minds want to know!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Favourite Beach Reads and the PB's Love of Vampire Novels
Posted by Maven at 10:53 AM
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I'm still into my memoirs. Can that be beach reading? Have you read David Sedaris? I love all of his stuff and he keeps me giggling.
I don't know anything about vampires--other than Dracula in B&W that I saw as a kid. I'm so out of the loop and not one of the cool kids.
You've talked about David sdedaris before - I HAVE to read his stuff. I think I listened to an exerpt of something he wrote and it was hilarious. Doesn't he have a sister Amy?
ps... That is a gorgeous picture of you!
~MAVE~
THE TWO THINGS THAT KEPT ME ALIVE DURING MY
MANY YEARS OF ABUSE AND GROWING UP WITH SYBIL'S MOTHER, I KNEW I HAD TO FIND "SOMETHING" TO KEEP MY MIND OTHERWISE OCCUPIED OR HAVE A "SEVERE" ANEURYSM.
MY FAVES TURNED OUT TO B MUSIC AND BOOKS.
THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I READ RAVENOUSLY, AND ACTUALLY HAD PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL
IF I WAITED TOO LONG IN BETWEEN BOOKS.
I HAVE THREE FAVE WRITERS THAT HAVE STAYED
WITH ME FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS...
1) ERMA BOMBECK (WHO DOESN'T LOVE ADVICE ON EVERY DAY LIVING AND RAISING A FAMILY SHROUDED IN HUMOR?),
2) JULIE GARWOOD (THE MISTRESS <in my opinion>
OF THE TRASHY HISTORICAL ROMANCE GENRE),
AND JACKIE COLLINS (JOAN COLLINS SISTER WHO WRITES NON-FICTION BASED ON REAL PEEPS IN HOLLYWOOD).
ALL OF THESE GALS WROTE IN A LANGUAGE I REALLY UNDERSTOOD AND GOT INTO, AND HAVING THE MUCH ENVIED ABILITY AMONG ALL WRITERS TO WEAVE PLOT, CHARACTERS, LOCATIONS AND ERA'S IN SUCH A MANNER, THAT THERE WERE NEVER ENUFF HOURS IN THE DAY FOR ME TO SOAK UP THESE WOMEN'S TALENTS AND GIFTS FOR TAKING ME TO PLACES SO FAR AWAY FROM REALITY
THAT I HAD TIME FOR A MUCH NEEDED BREAK.
NOW I HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A 2 YEAR OLD
AND I GET SLEEPY BY THE 3RD PARAGRAPH AND MY
EYES START CLOSING AND THE WORDS R ALL RUNNING TOGETHER.
THIS MAKES ME QUITE SAD, BUT WE DON'T ALWAYS
GET TO KEEP THE THINGS WE LOVE FOR OUR ENTIRE LIVES.
UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME, IT WAS MY LOVE FOR READING.
HAVE A BLAST AT THE BEACH, AND YER WHOLE VACATION.
LOOKING FORWARD TO READING ALL U HAVE TO SHARE.
TOWANDA, BABY.
LUBZ, HUGZ, AND AN ICY COLD PEACH MARGARITA...
~IDGY~
I am liking Robert Parker's Jesse Stone series.
My mom wants me to read this Nora Roberts trilogy about witches, but I haven't yet because I'm not sure if it's scary or not. She says it's not, but she'd say anything to get me to read a book. And the last thing I need is to believe her and then find myself all alone in my bed at 230am clutching the blankets in fear and resentment, unable to fall asleep.
But there was this really good trilogy by Nora Roberts (I love her romance novels) about this family in Ireland that I absolutely LOVED. I should read that again.
Anyway, tell the PB we all love reading about him. :D He's one of my favorite of your blog topics! lolz
I love Night Stalker and have the VHS collection too...great minds!
In 1999, I saw an ad in a local paper for romance novels for sale. The garage was full of boxes. I asked, "How much for all of it?" and was told to name a price. I gave what I thought was a fair price. My brother and mom picked them up and there were 30 boxes in all. I still have 5 boxes left and always have a book with me. It especially helps while waiting for a Dr. appt.
Well I love to read Nora as well...I havent read the three sisters trilogy but I have read the key trilogy...Right now I have a Sandra Brown that I started months ago and cant seem to get the desire to pick it up again...I saw something interesting at Wallyworld today though, it was a book called Summer Affair...cant remember the author but I might just have to go back there tomorrow and pick it up...;)
I'm a book geek, and it was Stephen KIng's books that got me into reading. Salem's Lot is his vampire novel, and it's a pretty good read. The Twilight books can be girly at times, but not so much that I wouldn't recommend them to guys. There are scenes that frustrated me to no ends, but there's nothing wrong with a book causing any kind of emotion...although the Twilight series, is the first series that I have read that actually made me mad. haha
What I recommend...
The Harry Potter series. If you haven't read them, then what better time than now, when the 6th movie is coming out this week? The books aren't just for kids, or teens. It's a series that consistently stays good and gets better through all 7 books, and will make you smile, laugh, and cry. It's my absolute favorite series, and I stretched the 7th book out as much as I could, because I didn't want the story to end. The Harry Potter books are the only books that I have come back to year after year. Last year is the only year since I started the series that I haven't read any of the books. (I started the series 8 years ago.)
PB needs to stay far, far away from the Twilight series. About all it's good for is a door stop. If PB wants some suggestions on summer reads, I can keep him in books for months. Katie MacAlister. Her dragon sept books and her vamp books are awesome- funny in a way that should be all too familiar too. Sherrilyn Kenyon. She's huge in that genre. Yasmine Galenorn...seriously...I can keep him hooked up for ages.
As for my beach books? Anything the book gremlins don't walk off with. Right now I'm reading a book about the Influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 (some seriously scary shit there, man) and after that I'm going to sink into the latest Stephanie Plum novel. I've got Jennifer's books around here somewhere and they are in the queue...
Oh. And if either you or the PB like general fantasy...David Eddings The Belgariad and Mallorean series are an entertaining read...(see? now you went and got me started on books...I hope you're happy!!!)
I love Erma Bombeck and Jackie Collins too. Lucky is one of my all time favourite books of the past. I've never read historical romance but I have a sister in law who's addicted to it!
You did it!!
LOL!!
There was another book you recommended last year and I can't remember what it was. Something about a pioneer mom... does that ring a bell?
The trilogy she's talking about is probably the same one I'm talking about and it's not scary at all. The first book is called Dance on Air and I have to tell you, I just loved it. Lots of romance, friendship, and good cooking :-)
That's awesome! Any titles that stand out as really good?
There was a romance novel that I read years ago called The Promise by Danielle Steele. I think I read it in about grade seven or eight and it completely knocked my socks off. I've been meaning to read it again as an adult to see what I'll think. I did the same with rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon and it definitely wasn't the same.
You have to read the Three Sisters trilogy B - I know you'll love it. I think it's the key trilogy that I have tucked away. let me know what the book's called and if it turns out to be good.
Greg, I really appreciate this. I think I might buy PB the Twilight series because I do think he'd like them. I think I would too. One of my friends is reading with her daughter and is loving it.
I've never read Harry Potter yet I have all the books. What a treat for me to start - I hadn't even thought of that! Thanks and I'll keep people posted because it might be fun to write about.
I am going to pick up the Twilight series because I'm curious - but the PB is right now reading over my shoulder and says, thanks. He's an avid reader and will be on the lookout for these authors.
The Twilight series is good. Twilight and Breaking Dawn are my
favorites in the series. New Moon annoyed me, and Eclipse, the 3rd
book is the one that made me mad. lol
Harry Potter is a really good series. I was skeptical for a long time,
then when I picked the first book up, I was hooked instantly!
Oh my gosh Mave, I loved, loved, loved the Nora Roberts series of the Three Sisters! Read it years ago. I have the whole "In Death" series that she writes under the name JD Robb. It rocks!
I just read a shivery scary new book by Lisa Gardner and couldn't put it down (I made myself because I hate to finish a great book too soon) but can't think of the name right this moment. It's at home and I'm at work. It kept me guessing until the end and that's rare. I'll have to try Sophie Kinsella.
I had to laugh when you said the PB's favorite vampire is Kate Beckinsale because she happens to be Ted's favorite too. I can't count the number of times he's watched Underworld but only because "it's a good movie". Whatever. And I watch movies with Brad Pitt for the storylines. HA!
Have a great time at the beach! xoxo
The last book I read was called The Gargoyle, by a man called Andrew Davidson. It's an unlikely love story about a man who receives horrific burns in a car crash, and a woman who visits him in hospital who knew him in a past life. It interweaves their current lives and past life and was a great read. I've never read the Harry Potter books so I'm going to read those soon, and I also want a bit of regression to childhood so I intend to read the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton again.
Than I shall have to borrow it from her. I am in need of books to read.
I've been hooked on vamps lately myself. I just went through all the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) books and loved them. I read all kinds of books but my favorites are mystery series. I'm currently reading a geneology series by Rett Macpherson. It's nothing mind altering but they are enjoyable little books. For a great summer read I recommend Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. This is not a new book but it is one of her adult books and I love it so much I read it again every few years. Other good books I've read lately are Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Reader by Bernhard Schlink, and The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb.
Please let me know what you think. I think these are perfect summer reads.
I've decided to read Harry Potter next for something different. Will keep you posted.
Susana, if you could let me know the name of that book I'd realy appreciate it. Sophie Kinsella is lots of fun, but I really can't say enough about Jennifer Weiner. I literally can't put her books down as all of her characters are so relateable.
Good in Bed is a personal favourite. It's the story of a slightly overweight woman who's ex boyfriend decides to do an interveiw about her and their love life in a magazine like cosmo. It was hilarious, and poignant.
Miss Kate seems to be very popular among the men! It took my awhile to figure out why the PB was so interested in "chick flicks" like Serendipity and Click!
Now THAT sounds good! Right up my alley - thanks Sevvenn, I'm going to pick that one up.
I loved Enid Blyton as a child. If I could get my hands on the Mallory Towers series I'd read every bok again over the summer. I also loved all of the Famous Five and the Adventure series, especially The Circus of Adventure.
I always thought their caravan with the yellow walls and "crisp white curtains" sounded so pretty. And, of course, what child didn't love Kiki the parrot? Good memories...
Will do!
Every time I think of the Famous Five I can't help but think of the detailed descriptions of all the food and drink they used to consume! Makes me salivate even now. Another series I enjoyed as a kid was the series by James Herriot, a Yorkshire vet who told many a funny tale about his furry charges. (Books such as All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Wise and Wonderful etc) I also used to adore the Little House on the Prairie books. I shall definitely be off to the second-hand bookshop with my childhood in mind :)
I have a similiar problem as idgy with the reading. I was in love with it since a child. Our local library had a summer program that if you read a certain amount of books they would give you a coupon for an ice cream cone. I read tons of books but ended up never using one of the coupons because the reading kept me too busy. Now I am so stressed from life I feel like I can't put anything else in my head so reading has gone by the wayside. Well now I only get one tv channel so I am hopeing to get the reading bug back. I read one of the Ireland Nora Roberts book cuz my mom gave it to me and really loved it. I loved the james herriot books as well. Mom passed that one on as well. I never got into her other love, some type of female coroner detective. My faves right now though are all mind body how to relieve stress books but I love books about american history as well. I have to recommend "Founding Mother's" by Cokie Roberts. It is about the wifes roles in the American Revolution. It is amazing how inspirational those woman are. It made me fall in love with America all over again. I guess that is my favorite type of book, female power!
You and I obviously have similar taste in books. I loved the vet series and Little House. But, too funny about the Five - me too!! remember all the potted meats and sweets they would pack on picnics? I also loved the scenes in Mallory Towers where they would "tuck in" to a midnight feast or go to the sweet shop.
Sevvenn, have you read the Anne of Green Gables series? If you haven't I think you'd enjoy it, even as an adult.
Jewels, have you read The New Earth yet? I found it to be quite excellent.
I loved The Promise! I also read it as an adult and it still knocked my socks off! I'm just a sucker at heart, I guess. ; ) Most of the romances were Harlequin, Loveswept, etc. I don't try to struggle through a book. If it doesn't "grab me" I just grab another one. One perk is that I have over $500 in credit at the used book store. lol!
Speaking of vampires.... has PB discovered the True Blood series on HBO. We're loving it here. Its based on a series of books called the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris (also known as The Sookie Stackhouse Novels)
No I haven't, but I will now. I have also borowed the whole Tolkien LOTR series- I really better busy myself with a book!!
It's one of his favourite shows. I actually quite like it too. Anna Paquin's great in it.
No not yet. I have so many books on the to do list and not enough time I get lost sometimes because of that I don't buy books anymore because they seem to find me, exactly the books I need to read. Last week I found Ken Follett's "The Pillers of the Earth" at the laundry mat so that is next but I will add A New Earth to my list! Thanks!
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