Back in March, I discovered that I'm allergic to library books. Not just me, my son as well. (I swear I'm not making this up. Several off and online librarians and school media personell confirmed this.) There were several books I wanted to read, as well did my children. I don't know why I decided to go to the library to borrow these books, knowing how I am in regards to books. Obsessive. Anyhow, we hadn't been to the library in probably 7 years, and when we visited again it was just awful. We went into fits of sneezing and coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and incessant allergy salutes. I immediately remembered why I LOVE purchasing books.

For starters, there's the senses factor. I love the smell of a new book, as well as the crisp feel of each page and the sound they make when they're turned. There is, of course, the collector factor. Every book I've read, I own, simply enough. There's an exception, I'll admit this much, which are several BookCrossing books, but then I was always fairly selective of the books I took home and even purchased a copy of those after reading them; some of them I still have, in a TBR status, because they don't produce any allergic reaction and because I'm not done with them yet. :)

And so we come to what all my fuss is about, the book I've recently read, and will be reading again as soon as my son is done reading it. This book has restored the love I have for fiction. It has started many intelligent conversations, as well as many passionate and poignant discussions. It's even made me ponder my personal beliefs. Life of Pi is such a book.

I'd never heard or read about this author or this book, until it was chosen as book-of-the-month for an online group I joined in March. I even had a late start reading it, as it only arrived at my doorstep mid-month, and with other things going on, I only began reading it close to the end of the month. But once I began reading, I couldn't stop. Yet stop I did, on many ocassions. I stopped because I laughed, and I stopped because I cried. I stopped because I wanted the words I'd just read to really sink in, and because I wanted to ponder further. The entire time I was reading it, I didn't want it to end.

However, as with every book, the story had been told, and came to an end. I even enjoyed telling the story to a friend that actually cried out of fear, because she said I was re-telling it with such excitement that she couldn't help but see the images very vividly. She went on about how sad it was, and that the story as I recounted seemed to her was full of terror. And yes, the story has it's terrible, fearful moments, all brimming with detail.

Every page was satisfying. I can't wait to read it again.

I'd like to know if you've read it, and what your thought are about the story. And this makes me want to put my book blog back online, and invite to discussion and maybe even an open forum there. Hmm... entertaining the idea.

I'm working on another read this month, and I say working because it isn't going as smoothly as I expected. It happens with certain books, particularly Classics. However I'll continue working on it, since it's my goal to read at least 6 Classics this year, among other reads.

So, what are you reading? Do you have any good recommendations? If so, why?

My little princess stayed home today, sick, again. I was called to school yesterday because she had a stomach ache and was running a fever. It almost goes without saying... it's a long night whenever a child is sick. *sigh*

She wakes up, cheeks extra rosy, as they tend to blush when she runs a fever, and smelling of sweet Princess Pink Bubble Gum toothpaste, hugs me, and asks for breakfast. She knew exactly what she wanted. It took me all of 2 minutes to scramble an egg for her, warm up a flour tortilla, get orange juice, Pedialyte and water ready and on the table.

"Kiki... breakfast is ready", I sing happily to her.

She looks straight at me, eyes wide open, and exclaims, "Done already?! Wow! I didn't know you were that good of a Mom!"

I've been incredibly spoiled today! For this, our 13th anniversary, my lobster showerd me with a dozen roses, and rocked my day with an iPod. As if my early anniversary gift, the gift that moves me, hadn't been enough!

Ehem...

As it will be in the next few moments, I'm going to play around with my iPod, and upload all my goodies into it. My lobster is at the moment otherwise engaged with his new Xbox 360, and God of War. Tourist Trophy should arrive soon. He'll have to wait a bit for the sweater I'm going to knit for him. *grin* He should be able to enjoy it's warmth come next Winter season. Dessert... later tonight. ;)

Kids got games, too. Kingdom Hearts II, and Burnout Revenge for BlogBoy; Sonic Riders for Kiki; both receive a book or subscription of their choice.

My anniversary presents are above.

The real gifts in my life are with me everyday, blessing me with their presence and love:
my precious princess, my bright and handsome prince,
and my lobster, who's grown to be the best friend, lover, and life companion I could ever wish for.