Update the first - or, why are their no pictures?

This is just a short entry.  Maybe?

I've read three books since starting the challenge late, late last night.

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
A couple months ago, I had joked that I needed some new "mix tapes" because mine all dated to the early 2000s.  And by mix tapes, I really meant cds.  However, this book actually does mean cassette tapes when talking about mix tapes.  For some reason, I found this bit of early 90s pop culture fun to remember.  Although, I never had a boyfriend to make me a mix tape- my brother did a few for me, though.  Ahhh.  So, this book is on the local school's 11th & 12th grade summer reading lists.  And now I need to watch the movie (which I also have checked out from the library).

Pages: 213

The Elite by Kiera Cass

I must admit I went into this book a bit wary, just because I read too many 1 star reviews of the book on Amazon (bad habit of mine to hit the low reviews first before going to the higher ones).  And, I do see their point about the messiness of the love affair.  I mean, can you ever really trust a man who would play around with other women?  But, can Maxon actually trust America because she is doing the exact same thing with Aspen.  I mean, people really shouldn't be calling out Maxon when America is just as guilty.  The problem with this book really is that there were quite a few unresolved plot lines at the end of the book.  The Italian issue is a big one for me.  I mean, where did she store that piece of paper.  Also, how could the rebels completely sack her room and not find the diary?  Especially when they were looking for books.  Or maybe only one group is looking for books.  Hmm.  I did like the thought that love was beautiful fear.  I get that.  Still a very quick, fun read.

Pages: 323

Linnets and Valerians by Elizabeth Goudge

I admit I blindly picked this book up at a used book store because a)I have a fondness for children books of a certain era and b) the title reminded me of Linnet by Sally Watson.  This wasn't quite the same thing as her historical books, but still quite a fun adventure in itself.  You have four near orphans (their mother is dead and their father is off with the army in India) who are living with their "mean" grandmother.  After being locked up in closets one too many times, they escape and Robert (the older brother at 10) makes the decision that they should flee.  So they do, and somehow end up at the house of their eldest uncle, a recluse bachelor/former schoolmaster/current vicar.  And soon they are in between a generation old battle between good and evil.  They are, quite fortunately, on the side of good.  It's a fun little adventure with elements of the mystical and a gem of a novel.  I'm glad I found it.

Pages: 290

Hours reading: 8
Hours blogging: 30 minutes
Pages read: 826

And, I have just started an actual Sally Watson book, Highland Rebel.  I'll see how far I can get before I need to go get ready for my dance recital.  In like 30 minutes.  Ah well!