Harry Potter

I read the entire book. Yes...the ENTIRE book. It was a beautiful day saturday and I read outside on my deck. I can say that the ending to the series was very satisfying to me.

Rant Alert!

One thing that was irritating me was the comments that I read from reviewers (professional), reporters, commenters on blogs, etc. Many people are criticizing this book, and people's choice to read it. A reporter in my home town was doing a story and interviewed a small bookstore owner who made comments that we should only read GOOD books because we don't have enough time to read. Well who decides what is a GOOD book? Ok, so this series has not won the Nobel prize for literature or the Pulitizer prize for fiction. Who cares? It is a good story with interesting characters. A commenter on a blog I ran across (no one who usually reads this--it was a professional reviewer and I can't remember who it was) said that everyone he knows that reads Harry Potter does not read anything else. Well, I have read all 7 in the series now. And last year I read almost 400 books of all types. I would like to know how many he read.

The thing is, if you do not want to read the series, thats fine. But do not criticize people who DO. As I librarian and a reader, I believe that people should read what they want. If they don't want to read classics or prize winners, who cares? And those people out there who get self-righteous about only reading"good" books can stuff it. :-)

Rant Over. We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.

Allergies!

Sorry I have not been around. I've been reading everyone's blog but not necessarily commenting on it. The weather has been weird and my allergies are running wild.

I went to the allergist today and I had a reaction to every pollen tested including grasses and ragweed. So basically, I am suffering from March to about October. I am also allergic to dust mites (is there anyone who isn't?) and dogs and cats. That may explain why my head has been hurting every day. My cat Bella (see my avatar!) likes to sit with me and cuddle. What I like about my allergist is that he never even mentioned getting rid of the cats as an option. Because it isn't. I have meds to try and he is suggesting that I get injections again.

Harry Potter comes out on Saturday! I bought my copy through the library, so I am going to get up bright and early and go get it. Then I have my yoga class before I can actually start reading. The library is supposed to get our copies on Friday. Catalogers will be standing by. The acquistions librarian had to sign a non-disclosure agreement to be able to get the books early. The number of people who will have access to the books will be limited and they will be under lock and key. Its kind of exciting.

Back to the real world

I had an entire two weeks off, but it ended up not being much of a vacation. Tomorrow its back to the real world. And I already have a pile of stuff that needs done. I did nothing today but go to the grocery store and Borders. I had a 15% off coupon for my birthday. I would have liked to go outside, but the heat and humidity here in Virginia is just terrible. Tomorrow is supposed to be worse. Ick!

Hospital

My nephew had his tonsils out today. The operation was a success and he is home now recuperating. He feels pretty lousy now and refuses to swallow. He also hates the nasty taste of the tylenol with codeine. But he was very brave. He is nine and a half and there was no tears when it came time to take him into surgery. He woke up fine (no tears) and he ate mac and cheese. I am very proud of him.

Back!

I am back! Soory I did not post. My dad's computer was slower than molasses. I went to my parents (with my nephew) who are in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. I was only there for a few days, but I went to Harper's Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield. Saw some beautiful scenery and took a few hikes. Spent more money than I should!

Tomorrow my 9 year old nephew is getting his tonsils out. He is nervous but is acting very brave. It is outpatient so he will be home in his own bed and we already went to the store to pick up ice-cream! I will be sure to let everyone know how it goes.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. I get pretty somber and reflective this time every year, thinking about increasing debt and things I have not done. But the good wishes do help me feel better!