Check It Out

So. I love to read. It runs in my family...if you know me or have read my blog, you most likely know this. We love to read so much that my brother has a a little indie bookstore. It's awesome really! They are great at finding what you need and they ship. They're updating their site so check it out.

Words

I saw a prompt on a friend's blog that asked what your favorite poem is. Here's mine:

The Thousandth Man
by Rudyard Kipling

One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it's worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine nundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you.

'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for 'ee.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go
By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him.
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk
Than he uses yours for his spendings,
And laugh and meet in your daily walk
As though there had been no lendings.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man h's worth 'em all,
Because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right,
In season or out of season.
Stand up and back it in all men's sight --
With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide
The shame or mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the gallows-foot -- and after!

I first saw this poem referenced in a story I was reading. One of the characters quoted the last few lines in description of his relationship with another of the characters. I remember feeling so touched that I had to look it up, and it made me cry. I think it says a lot that I have remembered these words for years and years but have long forgotten the book I first read them in. I think it affected me so much because I wanted that-a person in my life to have that with. In fact, I think the only thing I've ever wanted more was children.

A Brief Review (The Name of the Wind)

You might not know it if you missed the few posts I've written regarding books or reading, but reading is a passion of mine. It runs in the family, so much so that my brother owns a bookstore. Lol you already know that if you've read this. On top of owning a bookstore my brother also writes book reviews for the local paper. So, yes, he reads...A LOT. He recently recommended a book, The Name of the Wind, to me. I wasn't sure about it but he was persistant and I finally gave in. I didn't regret it! He reviewed it on his review blog The author, Patrick Rothfuss, has garnered copious amounts of praise for it, his first book, and it's been likened to the Lord of the Rings. Yes, it's fantasy. But guess what? I can't of course promise that you'll like it but I DO promise you don't have to be a fan of fantasy to. It's sad sometimes, hysterically funny at others, and so well written it was just a fast, easy read.

Just a quick note~this is Book One of a three book series known as the King Killer Chronicles.

"You've Been Flocked"

Our town has one of the best fundraisers I've ever seen going on right now. It's called "Flock or be Flocked." The local theater group is doing it to raise money for their Relay For Life team (cancer). There's a huge flock of plastic pink flamingos and you can pay (donate $$$ to the American Cancer Society) to send them to someone's yard for the day. If there isn't much yard they have flower pots they put them in. You can also pay BEFORE you get flocked to buy "flocking insurance" (so you can't BE flocked) lol. The boys and I have really enjoyed it since they started it and nearly every day we drive around to see who got "flocked." SOOOO....we decided to "flock" Uncle Kevin at his bookstore lol.

Good Reads

As I mentioned in About Me, one of my great passions is reading. I LOVE to read, although I don't have as much time for it as I used to.

What kinds of books do I like? Mysteries/action (especially if they have humorous twists) are probably my favorite. I like the Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton, the Stephanie Plum Numbers Series, Patricia Cornwell (esp. the Kay Scarpetta books), and Harold Coban to name a few. Oh! I also like Lilian Jackson Braun's the Cat Who Books.

There have been 2 sets of books I've read that have been life changing for me. I don't know why or how to explain it better. I can't put in to words how they changed it, or even how I'm different. I just know that I am. Dorky???? Admittedly lol. Anyway, if you've never read the Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Series (by Stephanie Meyer) you might want to! Maybe they won't change your life but I haven't met anyone yet who didn't at least enjoy them!

A friend has recently recommended the Big Stone Gap Series by Adriana Trigiani. I got them at the library today. I'll let you know what I think.