A Song of Fire and Ice and Wow I Cannot Stop Reading This Series

So here's a note on George R.R. Martin's series that has become so famously popular (and rightly so!) by the new(ish) HBO series, Game of Thrones: READ THE BOOKS.
If you like fantasy, swordplay, zombies, dragons, quests, knights, princesses, sex, wine, and rock and roll, this is a series for you.

I started reading the first one last summer and I'm now currently reading the fourth book, A Feast for Crows. Just keep in mind that each book is between 800 and 1000 pages, which can be daunting at first. But a week or two later when you're deep in the throes of madness in King's Landing, you'll be glad you gave it a try. I won't even give away any spoilers.

At this point, there will be seven books, at least that's what George R.R. Martin has said. These are the five that are out currently.

If you're tired of buying books that disappoint, look no further. As a constant reader,

 I will let you know the good, bad, and the ugly on books.

Also if you're buying books, you should probably head to a library. As a librarian, I highly recommend those places.

So read on, bloggers and bloggettes - don't bother wasting money on books that might be good. 

It's just not worth it. 

Some of you may think, I just don't have the time to read. 

What a lie. You do have time, you just aren't giving it to yourself. Life is far too short to not read the incredible books that have been written. Some books can change your entire viewpoint on life - why not take that chance? 

So you say you work too much too read, try audiobooks during your commute. 

If you think your kids are taking up all your time? Try reading during their nap time - or have a collective reading time when the whole family reads in the same room. 

If you think you just don't have the time, you should get off the internet, choose a book, and start reading.

There is no excuse for missing out on the adventures and worlds you can explore whilst reading. 

There just isn't. 

I understand busy schedules, but you only live once - if you don't take a little time to educate yourself, what are you living for? 

The First List of Excellent Books

Before getting to my list of the latest books I've read that I can rave about, you need to realize what kind of books you like to read. Do you like fast-paced books? Action-packed books? Romantic books? Really think about what you enjoy reading.

You should always give books a good try, too. Don't give up after three pages. If you really hate it after two chapters, toss it. That's all right - you shouldn't waste your time if you aren't enjoying it. Also, it might not be the right time for reading that particular book for you. I tried to read Slaughterhouse 5 when I was a sophomore in high school and I couldn't get into it. I read it last year and devoured it in three hours. It all depends on what kind of mood you're in and where you are in your life. Keep that in mind.

So here is my first good book list:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed - I know that this true story is widely publicized now (so you probably already know you should read it from all the rave reviews) but I read it several months ago and it is really incredible. (Now Oprah's all about it, of course). It follows the journey of a young married girl, Cheryl, who has just lost her mother to cancer. Her marriage falls apart and she believes the only way to heal herself from all of this is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone, which runs from Mexico to Oregon. Cheryl's story is fascinating, heartbreaking, and terrifying. I read it in two days, unable to put it down.

All Woman And Springtime by Brandon W. Jones - This is a particularly intense book that is hard to read only because of the subject matter. It's a story about two North Korean girls who are sold into the sex trafficking industry in South Korea and later to America. It's a dark and cruel world, especially through the viewpoints of these young girls who know next to nothing about the world. It will keep you interested, though it is graphic.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - This is a young adult novel by a wonderful author, but I believe this is his best work yet. Stories about teens with cancer can be difficult to read. This one is an exception because it's filled with sarcastic, bold young characters. I can't say anything more except that it's a delight filled with young love, life, and the impossible becoming real. And it's a quick read!

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson - This book reminds me of a Wes Anderson film. It's about a dysfunctional-ish family with strange, yet artful priorities. The parents are into performance art and their two children become part of that performance once they are brought into the world. The daughter becomes an actress, the son a struggling writer. An excellent read about sibling fellowship.


Those are all I'm going to give you for today - next time I'll be making a list of books that aren't worth your time.
Let me know if you agree (or not!) with me on these books! Or drop me a line if you want to recommend a book.