Hitting the stores this week

Oh my gosh! I can't believe that the month of October is already almost half-way over! Sigh. Where does the time go? And why don't I ever have enough time to read all the books in my to-be-read pile? LOL!

Hmmm..... appears to be quite a few little gems hitting the stores this week, including of course, more editions of all things Twilight. I'm not going to list those here; if you're that big a fan, you already know about them!

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" by Jeff Kinney. This is the fourth book in Kinney's hugely popular series. The book description tells me that this time around we read about Greg Heffley's summer vacation, which he's using to play yet more video games inside his house. Guess his mom is going to insist on some "family togetherness", which will certainly ruin Greg's plans. Why this is so big with the kids is beyond me - I read the first two books and I just don't get it. The stories are OK, the drawings are cute, but Greg is a first-class jerk, rude to his family, his supposed best friend, and just about every one else he comes into contact with. Whatever.

"And Another Thing..." by Eoin Colfer. Colfer takes over (with Douglas Adams' widow's blessing, thank you very much) the much beloved Hitchhiker's Guide series. Colfer is best known for his young adult work, primarily the Artemis Fowl books. I guess there was the usual kerfluffle when it was first announced that Colfer would be doing the sixth book, but once people got a chance to calm down (and again, once Adams' widow said she was OK with it), it looks like readers are warming to return of Arthur Dent. It's been so long since I've read any of the books, I doubt I'll pick up this one. Then again, you never know.

"Chronic City" by Jonathan Lethem. A "literary" sort of read. Enough said.

"Deep Kiss of Winter" by Kresley Cole. Holy crap! How did I miss that Cole had out a new book? Well, after popping into Amazon to find out more about it, I can see why. This is actually two novellas, one by Cole, the other by Gena Showalter. Yes, I'm a bit disappointed, but I'm sure Cole's story will be outstanding. And who knows? Maybe I'll like Showalter - she's pretty popular here at the library.

"Dracula: the Un-Dead" by Dacre Stoker. This is going to be one of those books. You know the kind - much-hyped, big ad campaign, perhaps some good reviews, and probably not a hit with the general public. Does anyone remember "The Historian"? I tried to wade my way through it, but gave up at the requisite 50 pages. And yes, you read the author's last name correctly; he's a direct descendant of Bram himself. I doubt I'll read this, as I'm honestly not a big fan of the original. I know - ME. Strange but true.

"Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters" by Chesley B. Sullenburger. I just scanned the review of this memoir in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly; they gave it a C, stating that only the last 100 pages deal with the miraculous landing of the plane on the Hudson River. My response to that reviewer is to read the book title again. This is a memoir, folks, not a tale about that fateful day. I for one would be pleased to read about Sullenberger's life, the whole kit and kaboodle, as I think he's a rarity in today's world - a man of great integrity and work ethic.

"Nine Dragons" by Michael Connelly. Yet another entry in the ever-popular Harry Bosch series. Just saw the review in EW, though, and they were not kind. Doubt it will matter to those who love Harry!

"Pursuit of Honor" by Vince Flynn. Never read anything by Flynn, but he's well-liked by library patrons. Sort of writes in the legal/armed forces thriller category, if there is such a thing. LOL!

"The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life" by Ivanka Trump. Oh please! Like she'd be writing a book if her daddy was anyone other than The Donald.

"My Dead Body" by Charlie Huston. Huston is one of those awesome writers that not enough people know about. Noir mystery starring vamp detective Joe Pitt. I've heard this is supposed to be the last book in the series, which makes me sad. But I know Huston will be back with another great read soon.

Currently reading: "The Fire King" by Marjorie Liu