Awaited sequels finally arrive in my hands

Ever finish a new book and can't wait to get your hands on the sequel? For me it is one of the painful pleasures of reading, getting to the end of the great book and knowing that the sequel is still months, or possibly years, away.

I have just finished two sequels that I have been eagerly anticipating since midway through last year. I had that delicious excitement when they both arrived at the same time, and I couldn't decide which to read first, so I read them both alongside one another - dipping into each one and reading a few chapters at a time, trying to eek out enjoyment factor.

One sequel far exceeded expectations - truth be told, I enjoyed it significantly more than the first book - and the other sequel, well, it wasn't so much that I enjoyed it as just kept reading it to find out what happened as the storyline was interesting, and I am curious to see what the third book holds.

However, now that I have finished these two books, I find myself back where I began, with another (at least) year-long wait for the anticipated ending of the trilogies.

There are a couple of titles that I am *still* waiting to see the long-awaited second book of the trilogy written and published, let alone the third book. The book I am now most eagerly awaiting is the sequel to The Passage by Justin Cronin. The second book, Twelve, has been delayed for publication once already (originally meant to be published last year), however the publisher is stating that it is definitely coming this year, so we have it on order, and my fingers are crossed that it really is going to happen!

Are there any sequels that you are hanging out to read, or any that you are still waiting for the second book to be published (or even written)? 

5 mostly new graphic novels with really good reviews

"Look at him now, poor fellow. That's what a dose of reality does for you...never touch the stuff myself, you understand. I find it gets in the way of the hallucinations."
― Alan Moore, Batman: The Killing Joke

Earlier this month, over on the Top 5 Goodies blog, I highlighted 5 new graphic novels that I'd spotted/requested/read. They were well worth the time. (My awesomeness at picking books amazes even me). I thought I'd round up another 5 for today's post here, although this time with a bit of a difference. I spent more than quite a while looking through the catalogue for ones that had been reviewed. Did you know that you can do that? Not all of our books have them, but sometimes they can help if you're a little uncertain about whether or not you really do want to read something. If you find a title in the catalogue with a cover, click on the cover, and any reviews will be listed under 'Additional information.' You can try with this book here: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh. You should see a review by Publisher's Weekly. Success! You haz it! A little tip from me. Don't say I never do anything for you. So, quick intro from me, which is a bonus for you if you're all about the graphic novels and less about the talky talky. I give thee: 5 mostly new (and somewhat eclectic) graphic novels with really good reviews

New Music: July 2012

Sorry that this one is so late! A bad cold and I what I like to call ‘cotton-wool brain’ (being too sick to think straight) have hampered my timely publishing if this blog but I promise these albums are worth the wait.

The Gaslight Anthem: Handwritten
There is only a short amount of time to get into The Gaslight Anthem before they stop being indie cool and become main-stream. Handwritten is the band’s first major label release and it is a goodin! The lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon has a deliciously gritty voice that is a treat to listen to. I highly recommend this album for summer road trips and summer evening beverages.

Genre: Indie Rock.
You might like if you enjoy: 3 Days Grace, The Hold Steady
My favorite Songs: National Anthem, 45, Howl.

Nas: Life Is Good
With Life is Good being his 11th studio album, Nas has been around a little while. I’m pleased to report he’s still awesome. If you like classic, thoughtful hip hop then this one is for you. Songs like ‘Daughters’ show that middle age is a brilliant source of inspiration for Nas and proves that he isn’t slowing down.
Genre: Hip Hop.
You might like if you enjoy: Jay Z, Outkast, Busta Rhymes
My favorite Songs: Daughters, The Don, A Queens Story

Jennifer Lopez: Dance Again... The Hits
J to the L-O has released her first greatest hits album entitled Dance Again…The Hits. The album features songs from 1998-2012 and is a good collection of dance tracks from her various albums over the years and includes several new tracks. The first single ‘Dance Again’ is similar to her hit ‘On the Floor’ ft Pitbull (which is also featured on the album). I recommend turning this one up loud dancing around to it in your bedroom. I did. It was fun.

Genre: Pop, Latin Pop.
You might like if you enjoy: Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears
My favorite Songs: Get Right ft Fabolous, Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Do it Well.

Chris Brown: Fortune
I reject Chris Brown’s comeback. Lemon out.

Utterly trivial

Right, the Olympics are over - time for the mental gymnastics.

Do you enjoy flicking through the Guinness World Records?
Do you collect nuggets of useless information like dead spiders in the downstairs loo?
Do your friends refuse to play Trivial Pursuits with you? (Or are you always stuck on one slice of pie?)
Having trouble recalling the currency of Lithuania? Or Australia, in fact?

Get a pen.

Here are some delightfully unnecessary compendia of human knowledge to use for your own nefarious purposes.

Booyah.

The power of the written word.

Something I've been think about lately.

It has been said that when William Booth (the founder of the Salvation Army) was on his death bed in 1912, he wanted to send a message to the leaders of the various Salvation Armies around the world. With the cost of Telegrams being so high he could only afford to send one word out. The word that he chose was simply ‘others’. This one powerful word went on to become the motto of the Salvation Army inspiring people around the world to act selflessly and give back just as William did. The Salvation Army hasn’t been able to find the documental proof of this telegram, so this story is purely anecdotal. But I can’t help but think that this simple story is the perfect example of the power of the written word.

History has given us some of the most powerful, inspiring words that will ever be spoken. Martin Luther King’s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where he called for equality and an end to discrimination will forever be imprinted in the minds of not only Americans but people around the world. His speech containing the famous words “I have a dream today” have become his legacy that has outlived him.

The ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato with words like ‘I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance’ are still being quoted (and misquoted on Facebook) to this very day. And every year thousands of high school students around the world dive into the works of William Shakespeare. Learning stories of betrayal, love and tragedy. Then awkwardly acting out the famous words of Mark Antony “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”

Unfortunately language has also provided us with examples that aren’t so enchanting. There are countless songs being played on the radio that talk of being the biggest pimp on the block or going to the club to get a ‘drank’. And if I never hear the phrase ‘nek minnit’ ever again I will not be complaining.

These wonderful and not so wonderful examples can’t help but make me wonder that if we are lucky enough to be able to communicate with each other and leave our legacy in the form of words, should there be a sense of responsibility that comes with the power of speech? Should we think before we speak? Are all those arguments about grammar on Youtube valid? Should I stop talking smack about Glee on the internet?

So, valued reader. What do you think? Do we have a responsibility to use our words carefully or are they merely a means to and end? This is not a rhetorical question.