Thursday, March 25, 2010

Book #7: Dark Places

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

I read Flynn's first book, Sharp Objects, and loved it. I bought this book hoping it would be as good as her first effort.

I wasn't disappointed.

This is a dark (no pun intended), depressing story about a young girl, Libby, who at 7, survives her family's brutal murder in a farmhouse in the mid-80's. The only other family member to escape was her older brother, Ben, who is later arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders. Libby testified at his trial that she saw him commit the murders, and her testimony is ultimately what sends him to jail.

24 years later, Libby begins to doubt her memory. She realizes that she didn't actually see Ben at all that night. After visiting Ben in prison, she decides that she is the only one who can bring the real killer to justice and free her brother.

Flynn doesn't flinch from the grotesque, or characters with seemingly no conscience. It was a hard book to read, but after I finished it, the scenes kept replaying in my mind like a movie. It's that good - it sucks you in and when I think of certain passages, I actually see them playing out in my mind.

That's the mark of a great book.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Five more minutes, please.

I got up this morning, and went to make breakfast. When I came back into the bedroom, this is what I found:


Seriously, how cute is that? I guess Gilbert is in "it's morning!" denial.

Well. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree most days (because yes, he is my kid).

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Book #6: Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

My mom bought this book over Christmas break, and then brought it to me after she'd read it. I haven't read The Time Traveler's Wife, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I just really liked the spooky title and cover.

Ok. This book is good. Seriously good.

Not only is it a fantastic ghost story (I love, love romantic ghost stories), it really delves into what it means to be twins - especially to the twin who isn't too fond of having another copy of herself walking around.

And of course, it's set in London, my favorite city on Earth.

Two huge thumbs up.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Song I'm Digging This Week



"You Could Be Happy" by Snow Patrol

This song makes me feel sad, but in the best possible way (I think that makes sense...). When the strings kick in, I get goosebumps.

Best line: "Somehow everything I own smells of you/And for the tiniest moment, it's all not true..."

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Oh my.

I really want this dog (spotted on Absolutely Not Martha):


But I'm pretty sure if I brought home any dog (no matter how adorable), Gilbert would give me this look:

Gilbert

So I think it'll just be me and Gil for now.

His sarcastic looks are killers.

I love...lamp.

I moved into my apartment almost a year ago, and the only room I've neglected design-wise is my bedroom. My bedroom is probably the first room I should have perked up, since I spend at least eight hours a night there. I definitely have spring fever, and the bedroom decorating bug has bitten hard. I bought this lamp over the weekend at Target (their new Liberty of London collection is amaaaaaaazing (sing that in a Helga operatic voice)). I'm pretty much in love with it. It's amazing how one new lighting fixture can transform a room.

My dad is coming to see me this week to help me hang some new shelves to house my always overflowing collection of books, so I'll post some pics of my updated bedroom soon!

Friday lunch

I went over to Ashleigh's on Friday afternoon for lunch, and I just had to share some snapshots of her pretty table settings (and the yummy food she made).


The weather was so perfect that after we ate, we took a walk around the lake in her neighborhood.

Pretty much a perfect day, I'd say.

Monday, March 8, 2010

I bet this makes waking up a tad easier.

I am seriously loving this alarm clock (via it's mary ruffle).

Friday, March 5, 2010

Song I'm Digging This Week

"Summer Skin" by Death Cab for Cutie