Our next book on the list after a week hiatus is Let Me In by Lindkvist. This book is slightly different than some of our others recently, so I'm excited to see how we will like it.
This book is divied up into five parts, so instead of our usual four week books, I am just going to make it a five week book. Each week we will read another "part."
Happy Readings!!!! Part 1 this week, then the next few weeks will bring us through January and then a new book will be raring and ready to go for February.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Week 4
So finished the book on the plane on Saturday... I have just been feeling really crappy the last couple of days to sit on the computer and type... but I feel much better today!
I loved how it ended. In the end I was completely wrong with Greta, it did not distract Rapp from doing his job at all. And I agree with you Aunt Joyce, his decision at the end of the book to stay and probably hang out with Greta will give him good balance.
I LOVED the last section of this book. Rapp ended up being just as good as everybody else thought he would. How he was able to get in there and help release Hurley was amazing. Rapp is also such a good actor, he acted way in the beginning of the book during his training, pretending to be more exhausted then he really was, etc. And he used that acting when he was being "captured." And I put being "captured" in quotes, because are you really being captured if you want to be captured.
The only part of the book that really made me sad was the death of the third man Richards. I can only imagine what Richards thought when him and Hurley were in the same room and Hurley was acting like a crazy man. When Sayyed kept asking for Hurley's real name while Richards was in the room, and Hurley even said, "Come on, cut his finger off. Cut his wrist off... that would be really awesome." Unfortunately those were some of the last words that Richards ever heard from Hurley, as Richards didn't survive long enough for the escape. But I guess if Richards would have lived the story would have been all too fairy tale like for a "terrorist" story.
What did you think? You'll probably tell me in the car ride up to Grand Rapids.... also, we need another book!
I loved how it ended. In the end I was completely wrong with Greta, it did not distract Rapp from doing his job at all. And I agree with you Aunt Joyce, his decision at the end of the book to stay and probably hang out with Greta will give him good balance.
I LOVED the last section of this book. Rapp ended up being just as good as everybody else thought he would. How he was able to get in there and help release Hurley was amazing. Rapp is also such a good actor, he acted way in the beginning of the book during his training, pretending to be more exhausted then he really was, etc. And he used that acting when he was being "captured." And I put being "captured" in quotes, because are you really being captured if you want to be captured.
The only part of the book that really made me sad was the death of the third man Richards. I can only imagine what Richards thought when him and Hurley were in the same room and Hurley was acting like a crazy man. When Sayyed kept asking for Hurley's real name while Richards was in the room, and Hurley even said, "Come on, cut his finger off. Cut his wrist off... that would be really awesome." Unfortunately those were some of the last words that Richards ever heard from Hurley, as Richards didn't survive long enough for the escape. But I guess if Richards would have lived the story would have been all too fairy tale like for a "terrorist" story.
What did you think? You'll probably tell me in the car ride up to Grand Rapids.... also, we need another book!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Week 3
Well, they have gotten to work, haven't they? They all seem to be working well together as well. Learning from each other, and helping each other throughout.
I am a little bit concerned with Rapp's "relationship" with Greta. It's very easy to do what you have to do out there in the field unattatched, but all of a sudden when you have someone you care about, sometimes you give a second thought to what you are doing and why you are doing it. If something really sparks between Greta and Rapp that could put the whole operation in jeapordy. However, at the same time, I am happy for Rapp, because, just as the book said, he hasn't felt this happy in years, and that of course is a good thing.
Their little stint with the banker has sure put everyone on high alert. I love how nobody knows who did it and why. This means the boys did their job to perfection. It is amazing to see how many people "work together" but yet are in fear for their lives. I'll be interested to see where this goes.
I am having trouble following the ultimate goal of their mission. I know that they have now killed two people that have been giving money to the terrorists... but help me out Aunt Joyce, what is the final operative. Are they there to save that one American, or is that a completely seperate thing?!?! I tend to struggle understanding what's going on through the chapters with the terrorists. And then when we get back to the chapters with Rapp and the Americans I get back in the loop.
Alrighty Aunt Joyce, one more week. I think I have a book in mind, so I will post it later on this week.
Love,
Jennifer!!!
Happy Reading
I am a little bit concerned with Rapp's "relationship" with Greta. It's very easy to do what you have to do out there in the field unattatched, but all of a sudden when you have someone you care about, sometimes you give a second thought to what you are doing and why you are doing it. If something really sparks between Greta and Rapp that could put the whole operation in jeapordy. However, at the same time, I am happy for Rapp, because, just as the book said, he hasn't felt this happy in years, and that of course is a good thing.
Their little stint with the banker has sure put everyone on high alert. I love how nobody knows who did it and why. This means the boys did their job to perfection. It is amazing to see how many people "work together" but yet are in fear for their lives. I'll be interested to see where this goes.
I am having trouble following the ultimate goal of their mission. I know that they have now killed two people that have been giving money to the terrorists... but help me out Aunt Joyce, what is the final operative. Are they there to save that one American, or is that a completely seperate thing?!?! I tend to struggle understanding what's going on through the chapters with the terrorists. And then when we get back to the chapters with Rapp and the Americans I get back in the loop.
Alrighty Aunt Joyce, one more week. I think I have a book in mind, so I will post it later on this week.
Love,
Jennifer!!!
Happy Reading
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week 1
Well... let's start with the characters.
Rapp- Rapp intrigues me just as much as he intrigues all of the instructors. I love all of the"games" he is playing; being the first at some things, but making sure that he's not the first in others. Just trying to get a feel for how things work and what he is working with. He seems to be at the top of the class, but doesn't want the others to know.
Kennedy- I like her a lot. I think she knows what she is doing. I am glad that she is sticking up for Rapp, unlike the other one who got sent over seas and ended up getting kidnapped. Kennedy knew he shouldn't go over there, but her word didn't apparantly matter. I think Kennedy needs to stick to her guns. I like though that there is a woman in the mostly male dominated field.
Hurley- I can't really figure him out. I think he is just a stubborn man. He doesn't like it when people go over his head, even if it is for the better. It sounds like he may be losing his edge, whether it is in the "ring" with Rapp, or just his decision making... letting the match with Rapp happen in the first place, or the fact that he disobeyed his own rules.
Victor- What is his deal??? I can't figure him out either. He just runs his mouth and feels that the rules don't apply to him... and the fact is, they don't. Why didn't he get kicked out for prying the information from the other guy? Why was he allowed to punch the other guy in the face? I wonder if he maybe works undercover to try and get the other guys to crack. Or if he is just an arrogant asshole? I will tell you what... I LOVED the fact that Rapp just took him out on the mat. It was long overdue and well deserved.
I am very interested to see how long this "bootcamp" will take place in the book. It's hard to show character build when the characters are not allowed to talk about their past. I wonder, also, how many more guys will fail and leave.
What do you guys think? MOM... you too!!!!!!
Rapp- Rapp intrigues me just as much as he intrigues all of the instructors. I love all of the"games" he is playing; being the first at some things, but making sure that he's not the first in others. Just trying to get a feel for how things work and what he is working with. He seems to be at the top of the class, but doesn't want the others to know.
Kennedy- I like her a lot. I think she knows what she is doing. I am glad that she is sticking up for Rapp, unlike the other one who got sent over seas and ended up getting kidnapped. Kennedy knew he shouldn't go over there, but her word didn't apparantly matter. I think Kennedy needs to stick to her guns. I like though that there is a woman in the mostly male dominated field.
Hurley- I can't really figure him out. I think he is just a stubborn man. He doesn't like it when people go over his head, even if it is for the better. It sounds like he may be losing his edge, whether it is in the "ring" with Rapp, or just his decision making... letting the match with Rapp happen in the first place, or the fact that he disobeyed his own rules.
Victor- What is his deal??? I can't figure him out either. He just runs his mouth and feels that the rules don't apply to him... and the fact is, they don't. Why didn't he get kicked out for prying the information from the other guy? Why was he allowed to punch the other guy in the face? I wonder if he maybe works undercover to try and get the other guys to crack. Or if he is just an arrogant asshole? I will tell you what... I LOVED the fact that Rapp just took him out on the mat. It was long overdue and well deserved.
I am very interested to see how long this "bootcamp" will take place in the book. It's hard to show character build when the characters are not allowed to talk about their past. I wonder, also, how many more guys will fail and leave.
What do you guys think? MOM... you too!!!!!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
American Assassin
Week 1: Through page 105
Week 2: Through page 202
Week 3: Through page 307
Week 4: Through the end.....
Talk to you tomorrow about the first portion!
Week 2: Through page 202
Week 3: Through page 307
Week 4: Through the end.....
Talk to you tomorrow about the first portion!
Week 4rs
Well we didn't really wrap up the book, but since we kind of talked about it while I was back in Michigan I felt as though we kind of did wrap it up!!!!
I absolutely loved the series. I loved seeing all of the characters grow up and mature... My two favorites were Blomkvist, and how he is grown up with his relationships, and Salander grew up the most... When she actually thought of the consequences in the final scene in the book with Niederman, and she didn't kill him, she figured it wasn't worth it. I wasn't sure she was gonna make that decision, and if she ended up being the one that killed him, I would have been really upset.... because then it would have seemed the whole third book would have been for nothing...
I wonder if there would have been more books if the author would have stayed alive... Because I think with Salander's business etc, I think there could have been more.
I absolutely loved the series. I loved seeing all of the characters grow up and mature... My two favorites were Blomkvist, and how he is grown up with his relationships, and Salander grew up the most... When she actually thought of the consequences in the final scene in the book with Niederman, and she didn't kill him, she figured it wasn't worth it. I wasn't sure she was gonna make that decision, and if she ended up being the one that killed him, I would have been really upset.... because then it would have seemed the whole third book would have been for nothing...
I wonder if there would have been more books if the author would have stayed alive... Because I think with Salander's business etc, I think there could have been more.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week 3
It is heating up. It gets harder and harder for me to put the book down. I can not believe how Blomkvist has duped the "Section," for so long. It took them three days before the trial to figure out that Blomkvist and company may be giving them misleading information! Again, as I said in the last post... I love how Blomkvist is always two steps ahead of EVERYONE else.
There are so many characters right now, that sometimes it is hard for me to keep them straight, really it's just those new characters that keep popping up for the "Section," that I struggle with. Once I think I have got them figured out, they add another one in there, and another one. But one name that has not come up at all is Neiderman. I wonder if they are going to catch him, or if he just "gets" away. (I remember Aunt Joyce saying something like there were supposed to be more books, but Larsson passed away, I wonder if the next one would have been about Neiderman).
I am glad Salander finally is telling her story straight and to the point, I hope she gives everybody access to the video of her rape, so as to solidify what she is talking about. I am also glad that Salander let by gones be by gones and gave Berger help in her stalker. I still hope there is more to it, than just a high school kid who held a grudge. I want it to somehow tie into the whole story.
I do like, though, how all the parts just work together... Salander, Dr. Jonasson, Blomkvist and Millenium, Berger, and Armansky and Milton Security, and let's not forget Salander's cyber friends. It doesn't matter what they are doing they are all working together... Whether it is with Salander's situation, or Berger's stalker, or whatever.... they are a force to be reckoned with.
I can not wait to find out the conclusion, I want the Section to get exposed for EVERYTHING!!!! And, I really want, of all of the people, Dr. Teloborian to get CRUSHED... out of all the people working for the "Section" he is the one I hate the most. Anyways, happy reading... almost there.
What's our next book, now that we are done with the series?
There are so many characters right now, that sometimes it is hard for me to keep them straight, really it's just those new characters that keep popping up for the "Section," that I struggle with. Once I think I have got them figured out, they add another one in there, and another one. But one name that has not come up at all is Neiderman. I wonder if they are going to catch him, or if he just "gets" away. (I remember Aunt Joyce saying something like there were supposed to be more books, but Larsson passed away, I wonder if the next one would have been about Neiderman).
I am glad Salander finally is telling her story straight and to the point, I hope she gives everybody access to the video of her rape, so as to solidify what she is talking about. I am also glad that Salander let by gones be by gones and gave Berger help in her stalker. I still hope there is more to it, than just a high school kid who held a grudge. I want it to somehow tie into the whole story.
I do like, though, how all the parts just work together... Salander, Dr. Jonasson, Blomkvist and Millenium, Berger, and Armansky and Milton Security, and let's not forget Salander's cyber friends. It doesn't matter what they are doing they are all working together... Whether it is with Salander's situation, or Berger's stalker, or whatever.... they are a force to be reckoned with.
I can not wait to find out the conclusion, I want the Section to get exposed for EVERYTHING!!!! And, I really want, of all of the people, Dr. Teloborian to get CRUSHED... out of all the people working for the "Section" he is the one I hate the most. Anyways, happy reading... almost there.
What's our next book, now that we are done with the series?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Week 2
Aunt Joyce and mom, I am going to let you lead in this weeks discussion... I got carried away with scrapbooking this weekend, and didn't leave myself enough time to finish reading.... I fell asleep while reading, haha, I was extremely exhausted. I guess scrapbooking really takes it out of you!!!!
Anyway, hopefully I will be done by Tuesday and all caught up. So here you go!!!
Anyway, hopefully I will be done by Tuesday and all caught up. So here you go!!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 1
WOW!!! It started exactly where we left off. I am glad to find out that Salander is OK. I am just wondering if all of her skills were left in tact... hacking, mathematical, etc. I was concerned during the whole first section that Zalachenko would come on over to Salander's room and kill her.... but wow, on the contrary (and I totally did not see this coming, so early in the book), Zalachenko got killed!!!! Apparantly the Section's secret is more important to keep than Zalachenko. I had no idea that would even be on the table. Because of the rashness of the murder of Zalachenko, it really makes me fear for all of those involved in Bjork's documents.
Bomkvist, as always, is doing what he does best; investigating. I am over Berger and Blomkvist's relationship, so I am glad Berger is moving on... but I doubt that will be the end of her.
So, what's to come with this book? At what lengths is the Section willing to go to keep everything under wraps. How many more deaths are to come? And are we really going to see Blomkvist and company take on the government of Sweden to figure out what this is all really about?
Bomkvist, as always, is doing what he does best; investigating. I am over Berger and Blomkvist's relationship, so I am glad Berger is moving on... but I doubt that will be the end of her.
So, what's to come with this book? At what lengths is the Section willing to go to keep everything under wraps. How many more deaths are to come? And are we really going to see Blomkvist and company take on the government of Sweden to figure out what this is all really about?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
New Book!!!
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest!!!!!
Week 1: Up through page 146... Part 1. (October 24 - 31)
Week 2: Up through page 288... Part 2 (November 1 - 8)
Week 3: Up through page 438... Chapter 23 (November 9 - 16)
Week 4: The rest of the book!!!! (November 17 - 24)
Week 1: Up through page 146... Part 1. (October 24 - 31)
Week 2: Up through page 288... Part 2 (November 1 - 8)
Week 3: Up through page 438... Chapter 23 (November 9 - 16)
Week 4: The rest of the book!!!! (November 17 - 24)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week 4
Well there you go....
Zalachenko is Salander's father. No wonder Salander is the way she is. After her father treated her mother the way that they described... Salander has every way to feel the way she does, and to me, sounds like, she has made a great life for herself, considering everything that is stacked up against her.
There really isn't much more to say... of course, Blomkvist got there, a slight second too late... but probably just in time. I love how he is so in tune to everything that is going on... Or one step ahead of everyone else. His loyalty Salander never faultered, even through the time when Salander stopped talking to him.
I understand why Salander stopped talking to him. She finally let herself open up to... or "love" Blomkvist... probably only the second man she ever trusted next to Palmgren, and she felt betrayed by his actions with Berger.
Ummmm, yeah, we definately have to read the next one.... cuz this one didn't even come close to ending.
The good thing about Zalachenko trying to kill Salander is that he finally got his hands dirty... He is finally linked to this mess. The one thing that he never was... The breakdown that happened with Neidermann and Zalachenko might just be enough to pin all of this on them. I am really curious to see the outcome of this.
What did you guys think of the ending.... (or should I say, lack there of???)
Zalachenko is Salander's father. No wonder Salander is the way she is. After her father treated her mother the way that they described... Salander has every way to feel the way she does, and to me, sounds like, she has made a great life for herself, considering everything that is stacked up against her.
There really isn't much more to say... of course, Blomkvist got there, a slight second too late... but probably just in time. I love how he is so in tune to everything that is going on... Or one step ahead of everyone else. His loyalty Salander never faultered, even through the time when Salander stopped talking to him.
I understand why Salander stopped talking to him. She finally let herself open up to... or "love" Blomkvist... probably only the second man she ever trusted next to Palmgren, and she felt betrayed by his actions with Berger.
Ummmm, yeah, we definately have to read the next one.... cuz this one didn't even come close to ending.
The good thing about Zalachenko trying to kill Salander is that he finally got his hands dirty... He is finally linked to this mess. The one thing that he never was... The breakdown that happened with Neidermann and Zalachenko might just be enough to pin all of this on them. I am really curious to see the outcome of this.
What did you guys think of the ending.... (or should I say, lack there of???)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Week 3
It's very interesting that Salander is only giving hints to Blomkvist on what may or may not have happened. I think it is interesting, and this ties into what you said last week Aunt Joyce, that Salander said she had nothing to do with Dag and Mia, and said nothing about Bjurman. Interesting.. Aunt Joyce, do you still think she didn't do it. I don't think she did either. Salander has an interesting way of doing things, but she still does have a moral side of her, and I do not think she would kill Bjurman. Whoever killed Bjurman also killed Dag and Mia, and there is a connection between all of it.
Also, lets bring up Palmgren. He really wasn't as big of a factor in this last weeks section. I was surprised, I thought that someone would have contacted him... Blomkvist, Salander, a journalist... somebody... but nothing really seemed to happen...
And who is Zala... I definately think he is the key link in all of this. Zala was one of the last things that Dag and Mia were looking into. And that was one of the things that Salander was asking Dag and Mia right before they were murdered. Salander is key in all of this, but she didn't murder anyone. I believe Salander knows Zala, who knows what Dag and Mia are up to, but also knows Bjurman....
Can;t wait to find out what is next for us.... We will get this all wrapped up. So many loose ends, so many crazy things happening.
One more thing before I go... It sucks to be Salander right now... or for that matter just her acquaintance Mirium Wu. So much for innocent until proven guilty. The journalists and media never even gave her a fighting chance. And the cops seem to be reading into exactly what the media is saying. Luckily Blomkvist and Armansky are also doing a bit of their own investigating to find out what really happened. But geez... those headlines are brutal. Even if Salander is proved innocent, it wouldn't even matter, because they have protrayed her to be this psychotic mass murderer.
Anyways... ideas for next book????
Also, lets bring up Palmgren. He really wasn't as big of a factor in this last weeks section. I was surprised, I thought that someone would have contacted him... Blomkvist, Salander, a journalist... somebody... but nothing really seemed to happen...
And who is Zala... I definately think he is the key link in all of this. Zala was one of the last things that Dag and Mia were looking into. And that was one of the things that Salander was asking Dag and Mia right before they were murdered. Salander is key in all of this, but she didn't murder anyone. I believe Salander knows Zala, who knows what Dag and Mia are up to, but also knows Bjurman....
Can;t wait to find out what is next for us.... We will get this all wrapped up. So many loose ends, so many crazy things happening.
One more thing before I go... It sucks to be Salander right now... or for that matter just her acquaintance Mirium Wu. So much for innocent until proven guilty. The journalists and media never even gave her a fighting chance. And the cops seem to be reading into exactly what the media is saying. Luckily Blomkvist and Armansky are also doing a bit of their own investigating to find out what really happened. But geez... those headlines are brutal. Even if Salander is proved innocent, it wouldn't even matter, because they have protrayed her to be this psychotic mass murderer.
Anyways... ideas for next book????
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Week 2
WOW!!! So much to talk about!!!!!
Why, really, do you think Blomkvist didn't say anything about the attack in the park???? I mean, I see that he is doing it for Salander's privacy. But if Blomkvist, in retrospect, would have said something, it might have stopped this downward spiral that is going on.
My next question is, do you think there is a connection between Bjurman's murder and Dag and Mia? Did Salander do it?
I have a few theories on what might have happened.. My first is that, Salander was just THERE when Dag and Mia got murdered, and in fear she just ran away. I do think she may have had something to do with Bjurman's murder, because she linked the connection of what happened to her in the park with Bjurman.\
My second theory is maybe she did do both.. Highly unlikely.
My third theory is somebody is trying to frame her for all three. I definately think the blonde giant might have something to do with all of it. The killer of Dag and Mia killed them because of what they were going to expose. Somehow this killer was linked to Salander and in turn Bjurman. Could all the connections seep back to "when all the bad happened." I don't know.
Do you think it is good that all of these other parties are getting involved in the investigation... In addition to the police, we have Milton Security, as well as Millenium. Which ones are going to get it right? And in the end does it really matter? I think that Millenium will get it right.... but maybe they get it right a little too late. Or maybe the police won't listen. It seems like right now, the police have one thing in their head, and that there could be no other possibilities of the killings than Salander.
Should Millenium release the book and the articles? I think Yes and Yes. I know it may be in poor taste, but really, I truly think that the killings were in direct relationship with the people that were going to be exposed. If they do not release the books and the articles, then there death and what they were doing in their life will all go for naught. That one is for sure a no brainer.... Release the book... Let the whole world know what was going on.
Well what do you guys think...
With love from the Bahamas,
Jennifer
Why, really, do you think Blomkvist didn't say anything about the attack in the park???? I mean, I see that he is doing it for Salander's privacy. But if Blomkvist, in retrospect, would have said something, it might have stopped this downward spiral that is going on.
My next question is, do you think there is a connection between Bjurman's murder and Dag and Mia? Did Salander do it?
I have a few theories on what might have happened.. My first is that, Salander was just THERE when Dag and Mia got murdered, and in fear she just ran away. I do think she may have had something to do with Bjurman's murder, because she linked the connection of what happened to her in the park with Bjurman.\
My second theory is maybe she did do both.. Highly unlikely.
My third theory is somebody is trying to frame her for all three. I definately think the blonde giant might have something to do with all of it. The killer of Dag and Mia killed them because of what they were going to expose. Somehow this killer was linked to Salander and in turn Bjurman. Could all the connections seep back to "when all the bad happened." I don't know.
Do you think it is good that all of these other parties are getting involved in the investigation... In addition to the police, we have Milton Security, as well as Millenium. Which ones are going to get it right? And in the end does it really matter? I think that Millenium will get it right.... but maybe they get it right a little too late. Or maybe the police won't listen. It seems like right now, the police have one thing in their head, and that there could be no other possibilities of the killings than Salander.
Should Millenium release the book and the articles? I think Yes and Yes. I know it may be in poor taste, but really, I truly think that the killings were in direct relationship with the people that were going to be exposed. If they do not release the books and the articles, then there death and what they were doing in their life will all go for naught. That one is for sure a no brainer.... Release the book... Let the whole world know what was going on.
Well what do you guys think...
With love from the Bahamas,
Jennifer
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Week 1
Well after week one, this one started off right where it left off from before. I feel like this one is going to be mostly focused around Salander, with the rest about the sex trafficking.
Salander: Salander seems to be pulling herself together. She did her stint with travelling around the world, and is now back and coming in contact with all of her former people. I know she has not yet come in contact with Blomvkist, but it is only a matter of time I think. I do not like what is going on with Bjurman. I have a feeling that he is going to get back at Salander, and is going to be successful to a degree... but hopefully by then Palmgren will be able to help Salander out and take down Bjurman.
As for Millenium and there stories and books about sex trafficking, I think it is going to expose and make a lot of people unhappy. It frustrated me a little when they were talking about the idea in the board meeting and said something like, at any given time there are hundred women active, and that 300 men are basically living off the money that the women make... and somebody says, that sounds like small change.... Small change???? I think one woman involved in sex trafficking is too many. I hope they crack open this case and take these suckers down!!!
Also, I am wondering what is going to happen with the couple from the island... the man who died during the storm, and the wife who managed to survive...
What do you guys think????
Salander: Salander seems to be pulling herself together. She did her stint with travelling around the world, and is now back and coming in contact with all of her former people. I know she has not yet come in contact with Blomvkist, but it is only a matter of time I think. I do not like what is going on with Bjurman. I have a feeling that he is going to get back at Salander, and is going to be successful to a degree... but hopefully by then Palmgren will be able to help Salander out and take down Bjurman.
As for Millenium and there stories and books about sex trafficking, I think it is going to expose and make a lot of people unhappy. It frustrated me a little when they were talking about the idea in the board meeting and said something like, at any given time there are hundred women active, and that 300 men are basically living off the money that the women make... and somebody says, that sounds like small change.... Small change???? I think one woman involved in sex trafficking is too many. I hope they crack open this case and take these suckers down!!!
Also, I am wondering what is going to happen with the couple from the island... the man who died during the storm, and the wife who managed to survive...
What do you guys think????
Sunday, September 26, 2010
October Book
Here is the book for the month of October. The Girl Who Played With Fire. The second book in the "The Girl...." trilogy.
Week 1: Read through page 158
Week 2: Read through page 305
Week 3: Read through page 448
Week 4: Finish!!!!!
Week 1: Read through page 158
Week 2: Read through page 305
Week 3: Read through page 448
Week 4: Finish!!!!!
Week 4
Well what did you guys think of the book?????
I thought it was excellent. The week before, with the way it all unfolded. And then this week with finding out exactly where Harriet was. In the back of my mind the whole time I was wondering if she was alive and had just run away or got kidnapped. The fact that a body was never found, helped me keep the thought in the back of my head.
I am glad that Harriet came back. However I do wish the whole story would have been exposed. Here is this family who just keeps hiding secrets, horrible horrible secrets, and nothing is done about it. I can see why Blomvkist decided not to expose for the sake of Harriet and not wanting her to relive it, but just like Salader said... in the beginning, by Harriet not saying or doing anything about it... look at how many more women were raped and killed. Stories like this need to be told so that we can learn from what happened and be aware.
It didn't really surprise me that Vanger didn't have any crazy jawdropping evidence against Wennerstrom. So it was good that Salader was willing to help Blomvkist attain some evidence against him so that he could finally expose Wennerstom and his company.
I am VERY upset with how things ended up turning out between Salander and Blomvkist. Salander is very emotionally fragile. And we she saw Blomvkist with Berger, she just had it. She had finally trusted someone, and Blomkvist broke her trust with her relationship with Berger. Which I couldn't stand that relationship from the very beginning.... Seriously, Berger is married... and she still sleeps with Blomvkist.... very interesting.
What do you guys think about the end of this one?
I thought it was excellent. The week before, with the way it all unfolded. And then this week with finding out exactly where Harriet was. In the back of my mind the whole time I was wondering if she was alive and had just run away or got kidnapped. The fact that a body was never found, helped me keep the thought in the back of my head.
I am glad that Harriet came back. However I do wish the whole story would have been exposed. Here is this family who just keeps hiding secrets, horrible horrible secrets, and nothing is done about it. I can see why Blomvkist decided not to expose for the sake of Harriet and not wanting her to relive it, but just like Salader said... in the beginning, by Harriet not saying or doing anything about it... look at how many more women were raped and killed. Stories like this need to be told so that we can learn from what happened and be aware.
It didn't really surprise me that Vanger didn't have any crazy jawdropping evidence against Wennerstrom. So it was good that Salader was willing to help Blomvkist attain some evidence against him so that he could finally expose Wennerstom and his company.
I am VERY upset with how things ended up turning out between Salander and Blomvkist. Salander is very emotionally fragile. And we she saw Blomvkist with Berger, she just had it. She had finally trusted someone, and Blomkvist broke her trust with her relationship with Berger. Which I couldn't stand that relationship from the very beginning.... Seriously, Berger is married... and she still sleeps with Blomvkist.... very interesting.
What do you guys think about the end of this one?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Week 3
OH MY GOSH... this third section was INCREDIBLE!!! I literally read on the entire plane ride home... I couldn't put the book down. Out of all of the people... did we really think it was Martin? I always thought it had something to maybe do with Frode... and the mean older Vanger... And I still think that Cecilia has something to do with it. She has been so secretive and mean with Blomvqist. We are coming so close to figuring out all of it..... Before you guys read ahead into the fourth section (unlike i did) what do you truly think happened to Harriet? Do you think the WHOLE family is on whatever activities that Martin was into... or at least maybe the whole family knew... and just didn't want the Vanger family to get a bad name and bad rep?
I loved Salader in this section of the book. She is so smart. She came up with the clues to the code that Harriet had left and figured it out in no time. I am really happy that her and Blomvqist have a good relationship. Salader needs a good strong male as a friend, someone that she can trust. I loved how she really takes control of the situations that she is in, i think she has definately learned from previous experiences on how to handle certain situations.
I loved Salader in this section of the book. She is so smart. She came up with the clues to the code that Harriet had left and figured it out in no time. I am really happy that her and Blomvqist have a good relationship. Salader needs a good strong male as a friend, someone that she can trust. I loved how she really takes control of the situations that she is in, i think she has definately learned from previous experiences on how to handle certain situations.
Through all of this investigating and the drama, and the "almost figuring out what happened to Harriet," I have completely stopped thinking about Wonnerstrom (which I am almost positive that I missed spelled) because they didn't mention it at all.... But I do feel like there is a link between their one worker at Millenium and the Wennerstrom... I do think that after all this stuff comes together with Harriet and the Vangers, there is going to be something that happens to finalize what happened there and to make everything right again. And I know that we are very near the end of the story... but I feel like the story is also going to take us back to Salader and his nasty court ordered gaurdian. I truly hope there is nothing more to that story... but there were many hints there back when that happened, and the thoughts that the gaurdian was thinking...
What are you guys thinking about all of this????
And.. it is that time.... We should finish this book this week... What is our next book... I do have the Girl Who Plays with Fire... but maybe we wanna take a break from this and try something else... or we could stick with it... cuz it got REALLY GOOD!!!! Either way I am good. Just let me know!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week 2
WOW!!!!!! The action just keeps on keeeps on! I keep trying and trying, but I can not figure out how all of the characters are connected. With each page I am hoping to draw a conclusion. We seem to be getting closer, but just don't really know.
Lisbeth Salander had a very exciting few days in there. I just kept wanting her to go to the police after her new guardian made her go down on him... and then that second time made me quesy. I am really glad that she got it on a video and seemed to hang it over his head, but I don't think she just should have left it like that. I feel like he is going to come back and wreak havoc.
Now onto what the main part of the story has been about.... Harriet. Blomvkist is getting closer, but the closer he gets, the more frustrated I get. I just wanna know. Who is she looking at in the picture? Do we think it could be Cecelia? Why would Cecelia want to hurt her? What had frightened Harriet on that fateful day?
Of course I think all of the characters revolve around Vanger or Wennerstrom... They seem to be key players in everything. The hardest people to pinpoint there actual involvement in the story is Salander and her boss. What are their roles in this whole story?What are you guys looking forward to finding out in the next couple of pages..... What are your thoughts on what I have said.... and what more are you thinking that I have typed?!?!?!Looking forward to more of the pages... Hoping we find out more about Harriet, and hoping nothing bad happens to Lisbeth.
Good night!
Lisbeth Salander had a very exciting few days in there. I just kept wanting her to go to the police after her new guardian made her go down on him... and then that second time made me quesy. I am really glad that she got it on a video and seemed to hang it over his head, but I don't think she just should have left it like that. I feel like he is going to come back and wreak havoc.
Now onto what the main part of the story has been about.... Harriet. Blomvkist is getting closer, but the closer he gets, the more frustrated I get. I just wanna know. Who is she looking at in the picture? Do we think it could be Cecelia? Why would Cecelia want to hurt her? What had frightened Harriet on that fateful day?
Of course I think all of the characters revolve around Vanger or Wennerstrom... They seem to be key players in everything. The hardest people to pinpoint there actual involvement in the story is Salander and her boss. What are their roles in this whole story?What are you guys looking forward to finding out in the next couple of pages..... What are your thoughts on what I have said.... and what more are you thinking that I have typed?!?!?!Looking forward to more of the pages... Hoping we find out more about Harriet, and hoping nothing bad happens to Lisbeth.
Good night!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Week 1
So sorry it took me this long to post.. I promise it won't happen again.
As A. Joyce said, the book started off just building up the characters (it took me awhile to get through that first part, and try and understand what was going on...) but the last 50 or so pages things started to pull together.
First off... can anybody help me with what Blomqvist got charged with???? And what a libel conviction is??? I am very interested how Vanger can help Blomqvist with this situation. It seems that Vanger is tied to EVERYONE!!!! The guy who was questioning the Milton company about Blomqvist was Frome... who works for Vanger. I am very curious why after the three days they dropped the investigation...
Also... I am gonna say the obvious.... Did Harriet die, or did she run away... maybe the flowers are being sent from her, just let Vanger know that she is alive (of course this is probably not the case, because that would be too easy).
I am also curious why Vanger chose Blomvqist. Why do you guys think he did? It obviously has to do with ties of Wennerstrom, it just has to be pieced together for us. I definately think that all of the characters are tied together and somebody that we have been introduced to in these first few pages are acting as a double agent of sorts.
My favorite character thus far is Salander, she intrigues me a bunch. And I am interested on seeing where her character takes this story as well. Who are your guys's favorite characters?
So what do you guys have to say about the first few pages... Let me know!!! And I'll write in a few days about the next pages. The book has definately stepped it up!!!!
As A. Joyce said, the book started off just building up the characters (it took me awhile to get through that first part, and try and understand what was going on...) but the last 50 or so pages things started to pull together.
First off... can anybody help me with what Blomqvist got charged with???? And what a libel conviction is??? I am very interested how Vanger can help Blomqvist with this situation. It seems that Vanger is tied to EVERYONE!!!! The guy who was questioning the Milton company about Blomqvist was Frome... who works for Vanger. I am very curious why after the three days they dropped the investigation...
Also... I am gonna say the obvious.... Did Harriet die, or did she run away... maybe the flowers are being sent from her, just let Vanger know that she is alive (of course this is probably not the case, because that would be too easy).
I am also curious why Vanger chose Blomvqist. Why do you guys think he did? It obviously has to do with ties of Wennerstrom, it just has to be pieced together for us. I definately think that all of the characters are tied together and somebody that we have been introduced to in these first few pages are acting as a double agent of sorts.
My favorite character thus far is Salander, she intrigues me a bunch. And I am interested on seeing where her character takes this story as well. Who are your guys's favorite characters?
So what do you guys have to say about the first few pages... Let me know!!! And I'll write in a few days about the next pages. The book has definately stepped it up!!!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo...
Due to the Labor Day weekend, and lets be honest, the college football opening weekend, I am lagging on reading. I will post something tomorrow on the first week of reading the book. Sorry about the delay!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Week 4
So.... the Island is now finished!!!! How did you guys like it? I loved it. It was a perfect end of summer easy read. I was happy with how it all turned out. I feel like everything happened for the best. Second chances happen, sometimes it's okay to go out and start your whole life over, its okay to just live by the moment and live to be happen. All of these lessons are learned by the experiences of Tate, Chess, Birdie, and India. Chess completely starts over, and seems, day by day to be getting happier.... I wonder if anything will ever happen between her and Nick... especially with how it ended. Tate finally gets the guy, and Barrett shows his true colors at the end... he turned out exactly how I wanted him too. Birdie is giving Grant a second chance, and I truly think Grant has realized the error of his ways... Birdie I think will take it slow and nhot dive into it, but realizes she only lives once and is going to seize this moment with her and Grant. She is now seeing him in a different way as is he seeing her. And India... She might be my favorite... just doing things that make her happy now. Not overly concerned on what others might think. I doubt that things with her and Lula are long term, especially with the age difference... but, India is just doing what makes her happy, and with what she has had to deal with in her life, who blames her!!!! Im curious to hear what you guys thought of the ending, and am looking forward to the new book!
September Book Correction....
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
It's about a 600 page book, so I was thinking we read about 150 pages a week. Week 1 ~ Read up until page 154 (Through Chapter 8). Week 2 ~ Read up until page 294 (Through Chapter 15). Week 3 ~ Read up until page 443 (Through Chapter 23). Week 4 ~ Finish the book!!!!
It's about a 600 page book, so I was thinking we read about 150 pages a week. Week 1 ~ Read up until page 154 (Through Chapter 8). Week 2 ~ Read up until page 294 (Through Chapter 15). Week 3 ~ Read up until page 443 (Through Chapter 23). Week 4 ~ Finish the book!!!!Saturday, August 28, 2010
September Book
.... and the September book will be.... The Girl Who Played with Fire. Whoever wants to read this book, please feel free to join in on discussions. We will wrap up the Island tomorrow. Look forward to seeing more readers maybe?!?!?!?!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Week 3.
This was a really good part of the book, all of the stories are coming together. It was really hard for me to not read on..... I had read up to page 306 by Tuesday.... hahaha, and just waited until the end of the week so I could start up again.
Ummmm, Tate being "second" choice, but really "first" choice, didn't even seem to matter. Tate and Barrett seemed to be hitting it off great. As we go through this section of reading though, their new relationship is being tested. First by what Birdie said, and Tate overheard, about the relationship just being a summer fling. Then, Barrett's mind seeming like it was somewhere else. And again, the Fullin family getting in the way.
That Anita Fullin is beginning to really tick me off. What kind of audacity this woman must have to outright ask for the sculpture, and then really not take NO for an answer. I wonder if someway, somehow she ends up getting it. And then the whole job offer to Barrett. She really just WANTS Barrett as well, and can't take NO for an answer either.... Even though Barrett says he is going to take the job, I really hope that he doesn't.
Chess, slowly but surely, is starting to open up. I am looking forward to finding out the conclusion to her whole drama. However, there was one part where Chess said to Nick, "I keep wishing that Michael would fall in love with someone else." And Nick responded with "I keep wishing Michael would die." (P.234). I hope I am just reading into it... but really was that a precurser for what happened with Michael. Maybe he slipped and fell and Nick just didn't try to save him... I hope not.....
Birdie... Just like what I thought was gonna happen... the ex is back in the picture. I think that he has realized what a wonderful woman Birdie was, and now is not as busy with everything and is missing her. Birdie just wants whatever attention she can get because she is feeling lonely.
India... I think whatever happens with India will be perfectly fine for her. She seems like a very confident person and will do what is best for her, and what makes her happy. After going through what she went through with her husband she deserves to be happy. Whatever she decides will be the right choice.
I am excited to wrap this story up. Here's what I want to happen.. Barrett doesn't take the job, and continues to see Tate.. (however I doubt that will happen). Birdie will move on from both of her men and learn how to be independently happy (however the way the story is going, I think she will end up back with Bill). India will end up moving past the whole Lulah incident. And Chess will continue writing in her journal and finally tell Tate what has happened, completing the trip and their time together with completion and finalization.
What do you guys think?
Aunt Joyce or Mom, you guys pick the next book.... You decide who wants to... and hopefully as the months continue on we will get more readers!!!!! Can we have the booked picked by the middle of the week?!?!?!?!
Ummmm, Tate being "second" choice, but really "first" choice, didn't even seem to matter. Tate and Barrett seemed to be hitting it off great. As we go through this section of reading though, their new relationship is being tested. First by what Birdie said, and Tate overheard, about the relationship just being a summer fling. Then, Barrett's mind seeming like it was somewhere else. And again, the Fullin family getting in the way.
That Anita Fullin is beginning to really tick me off. What kind of audacity this woman must have to outright ask for the sculpture, and then really not take NO for an answer. I wonder if someway, somehow she ends up getting it. And then the whole job offer to Barrett. She really just WANTS Barrett as well, and can't take NO for an answer either.... Even though Barrett says he is going to take the job, I really hope that he doesn't.
Chess, slowly but surely, is starting to open up. I am looking forward to finding out the conclusion to her whole drama. However, there was one part where Chess said to Nick, "I keep wishing that Michael would fall in love with someone else." And Nick responded with "I keep wishing Michael would die." (P.234). I hope I am just reading into it... but really was that a precurser for what happened with Michael. Maybe he slipped and fell and Nick just didn't try to save him... I hope not.....
Birdie... Just like what I thought was gonna happen... the ex is back in the picture. I think that he has realized what a wonderful woman Birdie was, and now is not as busy with everything and is missing her. Birdie just wants whatever attention she can get because she is feeling lonely.
India... I think whatever happens with India will be perfectly fine for her. She seems like a very confident person and will do what is best for her, and what makes her happy. After going through what she went through with her husband she deserves to be happy. Whatever she decides will be the right choice.
I am excited to wrap this story up. Here's what I want to happen.. Barrett doesn't take the job, and continues to see Tate.. (however I doubt that will happen). Birdie will move on from both of her men and learn how to be independently happy (however the way the story is going, I think she will end up back with Bill). India will end up moving past the whole Lulah incident. And Chess will continue writing in her journal and finally tell Tate what has happened, completing the trip and their time together with completion and finalization.
What do you guys think?
Aunt Joyce or Mom, you guys pick the next book.... You decide who wants to... and hopefully as the months continue on we will get more readers!!!!! Can we have the booked picked by the middle of the week?!?!?!?!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Week 2
So here, are some of the things that I have thought about over the last week on what has gone on on the Island!
1. OMG!!!! A lot has happened in the past week. Tate finally gets her night with Barrett. Interestingly enough, it seemed that Barrett had been waiting for the chance to be with Tate with the way he was acting. It seemed kind of strange to me, seeing as he asked Chess first. I wonder if anything is going to happen more so with Tate and Barrett, and what the real relationship between Barrett and Mrs. Fullin...... and if Barrett truly does have feelings for Tate, or if she was just sloppy seconds to Chess.
2. Chess seems like she is opening up little by little, at least within her journal. And there was the night where she was almost going to tell Tate, but Tate fell fast asleep. I wonder after India tells Chess her story, that Chess will feel comfortable sharing what she feels ready to share with India.
3. I also find it interesting that Birdie keeps calling Hank, and when Hank doesn't give her what she needs, she falls back and calls her ex. I think that Birdie just wants somebody to care about her or to take care of her. And she keeps getting let down by Hank, but Bill, ironically, keeps stepping up to the plate and answering her calls, and actually is interested, or at least seems interested. I wonder, in the end, is it going to be Bill or Hank that steals Birdie's heart.
4. India's story is a surprising one, for us as the readers, and for India herself. I think this break is good for her so that she can evaluate what is going on in her life... is it just a thing of mixed emotions, or does she actually have feelings for Lula?
5.As we dive more into the story we are slowly getting to more and more of the story between Chess, Michael, and Nick. I wonder if in the end, Chess ends up with Nick, even through all of this...
What do you guys think???
1. OMG!!!! A lot has happened in the past week. Tate finally gets her night with Barrett. Interestingly enough, it seemed that Barrett had been waiting for the chance to be with Tate with the way he was acting. It seemed kind of strange to me, seeing as he asked Chess first. I wonder if anything is going to happen more so with Tate and Barrett, and what the real relationship between Barrett and Mrs. Fullin...... and if Barrett truly does have feelings for Tate, or if she was just sloppy seconds to Chess.
2. Chess seems like she is opening up little by little, at least within her journal. And there was the night where she was almost going to tell Tate, but Tate fell fast asleep. I wonder after India tells Chess her story, that Chess will feel comfortable sharing what she feels ready to share with India.
3. I also find it interesting that Birdie keeps calling Hank, and when Hank doesn't give her what she needs, she falls back and calls her ex. I think that Birdie just wants somebody to care about her or to take care of her. And she keeps getting let down by Hank, but Bill, ironically, keeps stepping up to the plate and answering her calls, and actually is interested, or at least seems interested. I wonder, in the end, is it going to be Bill or Hank that steals Birdie's heart.
4. India's story is a surprising one, for us as the readers, and for India herself. I think this break is good for her so that she can evaluate what is going on in her life... is it just a thing of mixed emotions, or does she actually have feelings for Lula?
5.As we dive more into the story we are slowly getting to more and more of the story between Chess, Michael, and Nick. I wonder if in the end, Chess ends up with Nick, even through all of this...
What do you guys think???
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Week 1
So after the first 100 pages I have a couple of questions that I was thinking about while reading:
1) (the most obvious question of all) What do you think finally made Chess call off the wedding? We found out that she was in love with her fiance's (Michael) brother (Nick), but what do you think caused the final straw?
2) Did Michael just slip, or something else?
3) Do you think that all of them going to Tuckernuck is a good idea? What will emerge from their month long vacation together?
4) Do you think that Tate or Chess will get Barrett? Or maybe something else?
5) Of all the characters, which do you like the most so far? Who has the strongest personality? Who do you relate to the most?
What else????
1) (the most obvious question of all) What do you think finally made Chess call off the wedding? We found out that she was in love with her fiance's (Michael) brother (Nick), but what do you think caused the final straw?
2) Did Michael just slip, or something else?
3) Do you think that all of them going to Tuckernuck is a good idea? What will emerge from their month long vacation together?
4) Do you think that Tate or Chess will get Barrett? Or maybe something else?
5) Of all the characters, which do you like the most so far? Who has the strongest personality? Who do you relate to the most?
What else????
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
...And the Book for August is.....
I picked the Island by Elin Hilderbrand because I think it will be a great book to wrap up the summer months. Some of Elin's other books are the Beach Club (which I just finished and is great), Nantucket Nights, Summer People, the Blue Bistro, the Love Season, Barefoot, A Summer Affair, and the Castaways. I have read all but Blue Bistro and Summer People. Her books are very lighthearted. All of her stories are based on the East Coast, most of them on Nantucket Island, where this one takes place.
The synopsis of the book reads: "Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter Chess's lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut backyard pond to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride to be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears, and joy. But birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, coulde never have predicted the late-night phone call from Chess abruptly announcing that she's canceled her engagement.
It's only the first hing of what will be a summer of upheavals and revalations. Before the dust has even begun to settle, far worse news arrives, sending Chess into a tailspin of despair. Reluctantly taking a break from the first new romance she's embarked on since the recent end of her thirty-year marriage, Birdie circles the wagons and enlists the help of her younger daughter, Tate, and her own sister, India. Soon all four are headed to beautiful, rustic, Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket, where their family has summered for generations. No phones, no television, no grocery store - a place without distractions where they can escape their troubles.
But when sisters, daughters, ex-lovers, and long-kept secrets come together on a remote island, what might sound like a perfect getaway becomes much more. Before summer has ended, dramatic truths are uncovered, old loves are rekindled, and new loves make themselves known. It's a summertime story only Elin Hilderbrand can tell, filled with heartache, laughter, and surprises that have made her page-turning, bestselling novels as much a part of summer as a long afternoon on a sunny beach," Excerpt taken from the inside panels of the Island, by Elin Hilderbrand.
If this book sounds interesting to you, please feel free to join in on the discussion.
The time table I have set out for this book is as follows:
August 1 - 7: Read up to page 102, stop right before BIRDIE
August 8 - 14: Read up to page 204, stop right before CHESS
August 15 - 21: Read up to page 307, stop right before CHESS
August 22 - 28: Finish!!!!!
On the sunday of each week I will post some thoughts and questions and comments up until the point that we have read up to. Feel free to comment and add your thoughts, or just read along.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hello there!!!!
So, I've decided that I want to do a Book of the month club. But because of a lot of my family and friends do not live in the area, I have decided to do an online book of the month blog. Where we can pick a book each month, and week by week make comments about the book, pose questions, and just talk. I am inviting all of my friends and family to join, and friends of friends to join. If, one month you know that you don't have time to read a book, you don't have to participate in the comments and discussions. I am keeping this very informal and hopefully it will help us branch out from our favorite authors. As people start to join we can decide when and who gets to choose a book. I would like to start August 1, and I will choose the first book. I have one in mind, one I think will be a really good, easy, end of the summer read. Please... join in on the reading fun!!!! Let me know what you all think!
-Jennifer
-Jennifer
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