100 Things (in three parts) – Part Three

This is a continuation of my “100 Things” post from the other day. Here’s part three, the final installment:

67. I prefer the classics over contemporary literature.
68. I understand “mean” more than I understand “rude.”
69. I often wish for a simpler life.
70. I always  make a face when I look in the mirror. I don’t know why.
72. I have a true 6th sense.
73. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.
74. I brush my teeth about 6 times a day.
75. I am not a good packer. I pack way too much.
76. I’d like to live in Disneyland, on Main Street, overlooking the Candy Palace, even though I don’t like candy.
77. I like to name inanimate objects (my car is Annie, my Kindle is Duckie, etc).
78. I talk a lot.
79. I am incredibly loyal until I am crossed.
80. I like a good bit of gossip. but I can keep a promise if asked.
81. Before every vacation, I have a mini-meltdown.
82. I prefer pencils over pens.
83. My books are shelved by reading order.
84. I will always lend an ear to a friend in need. No matter how busy I am.
85. My fave food is soup.
86. I don’t shy away from conflict.
87. I don’t hold grudges.
88. I believe that TV, in moderation, is not bad for children.
89. I’d be a vegetarian if it weren’t for IN N OUT burger.
90. My pantry is a bit out of control.
91. My work desk is neat, but inside one of my desk drawers is a drawer full of chotchkes and Happy Meal toys.
92. After my morning walk, I have to blow-dry my hair again because I cannot deal with frizz.
93. My fave flowers are peonies and daisies but not together.
94. Hand lotion is a must and it has to be Bath & Body Work’s Lavender Vanilla.
95. To me, a book that’s chosen from the heart, makes the best gift ever.
96. Nearly everything I watch on TV is recorded so that I can zip through the commercials.
97. I detest the ad/channel ID bubble that appears at the bottom of TV programs and the animated ones are even worse.
98. My fave vacations are “do nothing” vacations. My family does not agree. They are “see and do” types.
99. I make a mean pot of chili.
100. Movie popcorn can make, or break a movie for me.

That was fun!! Thanks for reading!

Thrity Thursdays! AKA “The Space Between Us” Read-Along – Week 3

The Space Between Us

Welcome to Thrity Thursday, also known as “The Space Between Us” read-along. We’ll be reading the book over the next few weeks. Thanks to Lisa for putting it together and thanks to these other bloggers for joining in on the fun!

Dar at Peeking Between The Pages
Staci at Life In The Thumb
Kathy at Mommy’s Reading
Booksync at Book In The City
Bailey at The Window Seat Reader
Mari at Bookworm With A View

Chapters 12-15

My Synopsis:

My hope is that after this read-along, some of you will get a copy of this book and read it on your own. Since that is my wish, my synopsis isn’t a play-by-play account of what I’ve read, but just a high-level overview of what took place. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. With that said…

In this week’s reading, we learn a bit more about Maya’s parents and how Maya ended up living with her grandmother, Bhima. We also learn of Sera’s own difficulties and her struggle to understand her husband, Feroz and his wicked mother, Banu. Although Sera lives a more privileged life, her troubles are no less serious than that of Bhima’s.

My Thoughts:

One can argue that this novel is really two parallel stories that come together in a common way. I say this because Umrigar seems to pay equal time to both Bhima and Sera. I’ve read novels with this structure in the past, and they’ve always left me disappointed. I’m not feeling that here, though. Umrigar successfully weaves in and out of the lives of these women. Nothing feels forced. At the end of each chapter, I feel compelled to keep reading.

Whereas the first half of this book dealt with the present day, the second half seems to be focusing on the past and how things came to be. I tend to like it when an author manages to explain a character’s actions without it being force-fed to you in some manner.

So far the story is easy to follow and is filled with characters that I care about. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Chatting with friends about books and life…