Day 355 - Before I Go To Sleep

"Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love--all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may be telling you only half the story. Welcome to Christine's life."

I just completed the read above as part of a book club requirement and while it's not my typical genre, I did enjoy the fictional thriller. I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing the only copy on the book store shelf. I always wonder if being the only copy left means that it was such a good book that it flew off the shelf quickly. Or just the opposite, was it so horrible that the bookstore only ordered one copy praying some unsuspecting customer would feel sorry for it and take it home with them?  Would I be that customer?

Nope! As I pushed through the 358 pages, I found myself reading faster and faster to get to the end of the mystery. While I won't say much about the novel here, I will state it's a mixture of the movie, "Groundhog Day" and a "who-dunnit" story that will keep you guessing where the main character ends up. It is a bit of a cliffhanger, which, as you may already know I don't care for, but in this case I find it appropriate as the wonderment of the ending only helps you realize what it's like to be in Christine's shoes. I'd recommend this novel and if you read it, tell me what ya think!

Day 230 - Reading

"The lessons of love come in many different forms. Fascinated by the affection [her horse, Lay Me Down,] accords a stranger, Richards notes the mare's courage and slowly begins to emulate it in her own life, opening up to a love affair and its aftermath and proving to herself that she will not run when life pushes hard against her heart." - Pamela Crossland for Booklist from the American Library Association

I just completed reading the book, "Chosen By A Horse" by Susan Richards. While "Chosen By A Horse" wasn't a bad novel (by any means), I felt that the story ended flatly. While there were lessons learned by the main character, I felt there was little development or examples of putting those lessons to use. Me personally, I have to be proverbially "beaten over the head" sometimes in order to learn a lesson, so I recognize my own bias of the outcome of this novel. In addition, I think what I missed most was a happy, fairy tale ending. Perhaps I still want to read how the changed heroine ends up with her Prince Charming, and that's just not quite how this story ends. While the ending leaves it's reader with hope, I can't say it left me with that "warm fuzzy" feeling I had expected. Call me a hopeless romantic, and call Susan Richards a great author, despite me feeling that the story ended a bit soft! If you love or have any interest in horses, Susan Richards is the author for you! Next read in progress is "A Dog's Purpose". I'll keep you posted!

Day 209 - Betty

I am a closet Golden Girls fan. Okay, well maybe it's not that much of a secret at this point in my life, but I'm sharing it at risk of being ridiculed for liking a "bunch of old farts". The funny thing is, the Golden Girls really have a young sense of humor, and due to syndication, the show's fan base continues to grow and boasts that the average viewer is in their mid twenties! With that statistic, it stands to say that these old broads, or very talented writers, or both, sure know how to give a timeless performance. You don't have to be old to enjoy the show!

I personally don't watch that much TV as I'm not home often (other then maybe Sundays), but when I am home in the late evening, you can bet my TV is set to the Lifetime channel, watching the much repeated (and memorized) episodes of my favorite gals. In addition, I not only own the complete series on DVD, but I "watch" the DVD's at night in order to unwind and fall asleep. It's hard these days to fall asleep without my girls on the TV/DVD player timer.

I can't say I have one favorite Golden Girl, because I feel like I identify with all of the characters at one time or another, but if I had to pick an individual actress that I admire most from the show, it'd be Betty White. Her zest for life, and convictions and passion to stand by what she believes in is awe-inspiring. Even more so, I hope I'm as active and effective at the age of 83 as she is!

I am currently reading Betty's most recent book, "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)" and it's awesome! The quick reading book allows you a glimpse into the authentic Betty White (with tons of great photos!), and offers some great life advice. It's an enjoyable read and comes highly recommended, by me of course!