Just try looking for images of that stuff. No two seem to look alike. Wild.
So . . . how on earth does Mississippi mud pie relate to reading? Well . . . maybe not so much reading as life. It's been a messy couple of weeks for us. But, first, let's talk books.
I've fallen way behind on reviews and DNF posts, lately, and I love the way Brittanie regularly updates her blog with a list of books she's read but still needs to review, etc. Hopefully, she won't mind if I do something similar.
Recently abandoned:
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett Live Big!: 10 Life Coaching Tips for Living Large, Passionate Dreams by Katie BrazeltonDo not ask me why the spacing gods have messed with this section -- I just don't get it. I will write separate DNF posts on these three books, primarily because one is a tour book and if I write a post with an even number of book reviews, it'll throw off your inner balance. I wouldn't want to do that to you. No, no. Not me. Not ever.
Finished and need to review:
The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs
The Founding by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott (I'll review this one at the first of May)
I'll Mature When I'm Dead by Dave Bar
ry (also a May release)Storylines by Croft & Pilavachi
Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell
Winging It by Jenny Gardiner
College in a Nutskull by Anders Hendriksson
Wow, that's a big list. Very seldom do I fall more than 2 book reviews behind, so that kind of shows you how crazy my life has been, lately. I'll do my best to catch up. Remind me to work on brevity. That should help.
Currently reading:
The Lunatic Express by Carl Hoffman - I am really enjoying this book! It's a travelogue written by a man who regularly works as a travel writer. After mulling what he could do to shake himself out a mid-life crisis, he decided to visit places where people use really dangerous modes of transportation because they have no choice in order to experience travel the way most of the world does it -- not for fun, but by necessity. I love to read about people doing things I'm too chicken to attempt, myself.
Dead End Gene Pool by Wendy Burden - I took this out of the sidebar because I'm focusing on The Lunatic Express and realized I don't need to have Dead-End Gene Pool finished till mid-May (oops, calendar faux pas). Whenever I get the chance, though, I will continue to pick it up and read a little. Another memoir, this time by a descendant of the Vanderbilts with a great sense of humor.
The Secret Lives of People in Love by Simon Van Booy - Yes, again! 4th time. I will tease you a bit, here. I picked up The Secret Lives of People in Love and began reading it after finishing a book that made me very, very angry. I knew Simon would help me recover, so to speak. I'll be reviewing the unnamed book, this week (don't want you to just see "angry" with "Bookfool" and a title, without an explanation included).
I've had to spend some time pondering how to review the unnamed book without jumping all over the author because I just don't think any author deserves the full force of my wrath -- and, I'm sure there are people who would enjoy reading the book. But, when I closed it, I was so upset that I couldn't think of a single positive thing to say. Former blogger Kookie has helped me to gain some perspective. The review will be generally negative but I'll mention who I think might enjoy it. Simon's writing, of course, has also helped me to calm down and see reason (and think of soothing things like rolling hills with sheep).
About to start reading:
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan - for a buddy review with Kailana! John Green!!! Buddy review!!! Squeeeee!
Just purchased:
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev - because I felt like it.
And, why has Bookfool's life been like a Mississippi Mud Pie?
Everything in this blankety-blank house seems to be breaking. First, the dryer kicked the bucket -- abruptly, so that we had no warning and were left without a dryer for two weeks. Our gorgeous, cherry-red dryer arrived and we began washing . . . and the pipes started to back up. So, we've literally had to stand beside the washer and turn it off when the glug-glug noise begins and the water starts bubbling up. So far, husband has attempted three different pipe-clearing options. And, the washer has also been kind of acting funny so we're not sure but there may have to be a cherry-red washer in our future. What the heck. It's just money. Who needs to eat? Oh, and did I mention that we were in the process of repainting the kitchen to prepare for reflooring it (because the last flooring was a disaster) when the dryer sidelined us? And, the garbage disposal seems to have a broken tooth? [silent scream]
Whining ceases, here.
Enough about my life. I will try very diligently to remain focused, get some reviews and DNF posts written and not weigh you down with my whining for the rest of the week. Slap me down if I fail, please. Hope everyone has had a great weekend!!!! I mean it!!! Tell me what's wonderful in your life. I could use an upper.
It's kind of weird that you mention chocolate and dessert in your post, because I just now finished writing my post for The Secret Lives of People in Love (which won't go up until next Saturday) and I spent a good portion of the post comparing the book to my favorite dessert.
ReplyDeleteSoftdrink,
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh, why do you torment me? Next Saturday is sooo far away. I'm just going to have to write a note to myself. I can't wait to read your review!! But, darn it, I have to. I can see how one could end up comparing Simon's writing to a favorite dessert. Wish I'd thought of that. Clever girl!!!
Oh, yum!! That looks so delicious!! I may have to scout around for a recipe.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry things are falling apart in your house! It always seems to be the way the universe works, though, isn't it? Your new dryer sounds so pretty. What is it about pretty appliances that makes us happy to use them?? I hope the pipes settle down. Ugh.
I'm way behind in blog-hopping and reviewing. Pretty much unplugged for a week. Felt kind of nice. :)
I'll be interested to hear why you gave up on The Postmistress. That's a book I've been dying to read!
Toodles.
Well I can silent scream with you since our car is parked. A friend lovingly borrowed us his while he is out of town for a couple of days and his wife has their second car. We don't know what is wrong with it. So it's frustrating beyond belief! So no house hunting for who knows how long but oh well. I am just glad that everyone in our family is okay.
ReplyDeleteAlmost done with Ireland. It's a good one but a chunkster if there ever was one.
Krista
Wow, you've been busy. I hope life settles down for you soon.
ReplyDeleteLes,
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty sinful stuff, that mud pie, like a brownie with marshmallow layer and frosting (and I think I'm eating nuts -- Will brought home a piece for me, when he went out to eat).
Yes, I think it's just the way of the universe for everything to go wrong at once. I don't know what it is about pretty appliances, but I'm sure having fun with my dryer! It makes the cutest little sounds when you push its buttons, too. :)
Unplugging is good. The Postmistress -- I thought what little I read (I got to about p. 30) was overwrought, very purple prose. However, I'm going to give it a second try because I've been told it improves and I read an excerpt that left me with a "you were there" sensation. I don't know when I'll get back to it. Once I've set aside a book, it can take me a year to return to because there's always so much else in line.
Krista,
I'm so sorry you're still having car issues, but how cool that someone has loaned you a car! Hopefully, you guys will figure out the problem, soon. Fingers crossed it isn't something huge or irreparable.
Ireland went pretty quickly for me, in spite of being a chunkster, but I didn't have two very small children to deal with when I was reading it. When I had small children, I probably felt lucky if I read 20 books in a year.
Kathy,
Yes, it's been a little all-consuming. We've got several more weeks of this -- once the pipes are working and we've decided whether or not to replace the washer, then we have to finish up the painting and put the flooring down. Wish me strength. :)
That looks so good! Sorry about the appliances. That pie will do you good though!
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteIt's good stuff -- a bit rich, so a bite or two at a time is enough. We're going to try replacing the pipe from the washer down the wall to see if that fixes our back-up problem. Another big job, but it might save us from buying a washer, at least for now!
I don't think I have ever eaten that before.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind at all esp. since it was not my idea. lol It is a weekly meme I partipate in. I think I have fallen in love with it. It helps me focus. :)
I am off work tomorrow to meet with the Air Man because ours is not working at all in our house and the three cats would like it fixed before the weather gets hot. No way to survive a MS summer without it. I am sorry to hear about your house issues. I guess as these things get older the more work they require. :(
I hope you have a better week!
Brittanie,
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty good -- very rich, but if you're in the mood for something really sweet, just a bite or two is enough. Kiddo bought a piece for me at Rowdy's.
I really like having a list of DNFs, reviews that need to be written and current reads all in one post. I don't usually do that, but it's nice to have it to refer back to. I see why you like it. And, thank you. :)
This is definitely the time to get the A/C fixed, if you're having trouble -- *before* it gets really hot. This house has always been a bit of a pain. We've replaced all the appliances at least once and added flooring and a garage door, replaced several doors, added deadbolt locks, painted almost every room (some twice) and changed out all the fans and light plates. Golly. It ought to look brand new. LOL
Thanks. Got another busy week coming up. I may just have to go on an extended blog break, soon. I don't think it's going to let up until fall. We've got a lot going on.
Mississippi Mud pie is such a huge hit in my family--but I'm just not a fan, waay to sweet. The Lunatic Express sounds great! Just up my alley and I'm looking for a new book to start! So sorry you're feeling stressed. Hmm, my hooray of the day was buying a frame from the store only to find out it was on sale once I was at the cash register. It's so often the little surprises that bring me the biggest smiles. :)
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty funny that I'm in Mississippi and have just now discovered Mississippi Mud Pie. You're right -- waaaaay too sweet. I can only eat a bite or two at a time (the best way to eat a dessert if you need to spend all day, every day on the treadmill), although the day my eldest son decided to drop by just long enough to make me crazy I think I ate 5 bites. :)
Unexpected bargains are always an upper. Thanks for sharing that!! Go, you!
Yum! I want a piece of that or whatever you have in your fridge. Too bad about The Postmistress. I've had my eye on that for awhile.
ReplyDeleteTara,
ReplyDeleteMy fridge is pretty empty. I can't find a thing to eat for lunch, other than pickles! Argh! I plan to give The Postmistress a second chance -- it's just a matter of finding the time to fit it back in. Once I give a book a try, it has to go back in the queue if I can't get into it the first time. Might be a while. :)
Um, recipe please?
ReplyDeleteHolly,
ReplyDeleteIf I find a good one, I'll send it to you but our mud pie came from a local restaurant and that's just a photo I found online. I've been thinking I ought to share some favorite recipes, though, some time. We loved that layered dessert from your food blog -- the one with cream cheese, apples and oatmeal. It's really rich but easy and so pretty!!! I'm going to make it for Bible study, someday.