Bookish Thoughts: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey by Rebecca Hamilton
Immortal Ink, 2012
Fantasy; 350 pgs

After finishing a book that dragged on a bit, I was anxious to read something that would be a little quicker paced--and something different from the thrillers and mysteries I'd also read recently. And so I opened my Kindle, looked through my bookshelf, and settled on The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton.

I discovered the author through Twitter and was curious about her book, so seeing that it was only $2.99, figured it was worth giving a try. I began reading the book one Friday morning while Mouse was sleeping in. Of course, she had to wake up at the worst possible moment, in a spot I really didn't want to have to stop reading. Isn't that always the way? It would happen several other times as I snuck in reading moments here and there--either the baby or my husband would interrupt me. Still, I stole those reading moments when I could--even in the car on the way to breakfast the Sunday morning I finished the book. Yes, I was that hooked.

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey is the first in a series about a young woman with paranormal abilities. She suffers from an incessant hissing in her mind that she can't seem to shake. Those hisses eventually turn to voices. In an effort to silence the voices by breaking the curse she is sure was brought on by an ancestor accused of witchcraft, Sophia dives into her research. Through a friend, she is introduced to a world she never knew existed, one of magic and the supernatural. Her life is suddenly thrown into turmoil, where life and death become an issue and she is faced with difficult decisions, including whether to pursue forbidden love.

The Forever Girl was entertaining on many levels. I especially like the world Hamilton has created. While many of the supernatural characters are familiar (vampires, shape shifters, witches), Hamilton adds new and old layers to them, making them all the more interesting. She uses the five Wiccan elements to shape the mythology in her books.

The main protagonist, Sophia, is your typical urban fantasy/paranormal romance heroine. She is tough and has a few emotional scars from earlier hurts. She isn't quick to trust and is skeptical of people's motivations. I liked her right away. The other characters in the novel were quite intriguing, some I hope make more of an appearance in future novels so I can get to know more about them. I especially liked the character of Ivory, including her back story. I suspected something was up with her character early on but her actual story was much more complicated and fascinating than I anticipated.

There were certain aspects of the novel that I wish had been explored more fully, including the resolution to secondary storylines, like that of Mrs. Franklin. It seemed to end all too quickly and succinctly. And yet, in regards to the romance aspect of the novel, I felt as if it lingered on a bit too long in the middle. But that isn't to say I didn't like the romantic pairing or the conflict between the two. I found it quite interesting, actually.

Overall, I enjoyed The Forever Girl and am not too happy I have to wait to read the next book in the series. I like the world Rebecca Hamilton has created and am anxious to visit again.

You can learn more about Rebecca Hamilton and her book on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my Kindle.

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© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

One Year Ago Today

Your father and I were enjoying lunch at the Cheesecake Factory one weekend in 2009 when I brought up the subject of having a baby. Your dad was used to my occasional maternal sparks, but I assured him this time was different. I had gone over my mental list of reasons not to have a child and none of it mattered. I knew in my heart I wanted you. We agreed though to revisit the subject a month or two down the road. Maybe the feeling would pass like it had before. Only, this time it didn't. And this time, your father was ready too.

You grew inside my womb for nine amazing months. I watched and felt my body change. As painful and difficult as it was at times, I knew it was for a purpose and that made it more bearable. I still remember those early days when I was always famished, often nauseous, and would go from a state of euphoria to being exhausted and oh so tired. As the months went on, I sang and talked to you endlessly while you were inside me, hoping you could hear me. I learned--and felt--what a round ligament was (Ouch!). I loved seeing you during the ultrasound, watching you transform into who you are today.

The doctor assigned your due date as March 8. I felt sure you'd come earlier somehow and yet a part of me hoped you would hold out until March 9th. It was your Great-Grandfather John's birthday and my half birthday. Truthfully, any day would have been fine. We were anxious to meet you.

I was determined to work right up until I went into labor. My coworkers had even come up with multiple plans to get me to the hospital should that happen. I remember one day, late in my pregnancy, when one of my staff requested to speak to me privately. We found a private office to meet in. As I was walking back to my desk after the meeting, someone approached me to say everyone was worried and looking all over for me. Evidently my cubicle mate thought I had gone into labor and was on my way to the hospital all on my own. To be fair, I had told her I might do that--but I had only been joking. The whole office was in a frenzy and were glad to see I was okay.

It was getting harder, however, even to work. I often joked with my coworkers that I should set up an office in the bathroom as often as I was running to use the toilet. I used to take lots of walks up and down the halls as sitting for long became uncomfortable. But then, so did being on my feet for long. I was constantly trying to find a good balance.

And so, I decided to take my doctor's advice and go out on maternity leave before you were born. The reason I was so hesitant, admittedly, was because I didn't want to waste any of my maternity leave. I had so few days as it was and I wanted to spend them with you after you were here. So, on March 8th of 2011, I began my maternity leave. And, on that same day, you decided it was time to start your descent into the outside world.

At 6:32 that morning, I felt my first contraction. It was mild, and I didn't think much of it. I must have known it was significant, however, since I remember so clearly the time. I went about my business. I had planned to run errands, sneak in a trip to Dairy Queen for a Peanut Buster Parfait (those things never seemed to affect my blood sugar level, thank goodness, so I cheated on my gestational diabetes diet every now and then), and maybe make a trip to the bookstore. First there was the visit from the man from a moving company though, who was there to make an estimate on the cost to move us. I showed the man around the house, the contractions getting stronger and becoming more frequent, coming about every 10 to 15 minutes or so. I wonder now what he would have thought had he known I was in labor at that time. As far as I was concerned, it was most likely false labor.

The contractions intensified and continued to get closer. I decided to stay home and forget about errands. I showered, hoping that would help. I guzzled down a bottle of water and walked around. I tried lying down for awhile. Nothing seemed to help. At some point, I decided to keep track of the contractions and so grabbed a piece of blank paper. Your dad, whom I was texting through it all, kept asking me if I wanted him to come home from work. I insisted he didn't need to.

Whoever says real labor means contractions come evenly spaced lies. For two hours, I documented my contractions, some coming 8 minutes apart and others 3 minutes apart. Fortunately, your dad was able to get off work early and we went to the hospital. It was 4:30 in the afternoon on March 8th.

In the pre-admitting room, the nurses hooked me up to an IV and monitors, one for you and one for me. The hope was the fluids provided by the IV would hydrate me enough to get my body to progress further than it already had. Sure enough, after a few hours, it was decided I was ready to go, and so at around 9:30 p.m. that night I was admitted to the hospital.

My midwife predicted you would come around 5 or 6 the next morning. I mentally prepared for the long labor. She set me up with pain medication and shortly after I was given an epidural. I am so glad I decided to go that route. It made a world of difference. Evidently you had turned somewhere between my last ultrasound and my going into labor and were facing the wrong direction, hence the excruciating back pain. The midwife was able to turn you, however. I don't remember too much after that as things seemed to happen so fast. The midwife broke my water and the next thing I knew I was told to push. You came into this world at 1:21 a.m. on March 9, 2011. I reached for you almost immediately and was told to wait while they wiped you down. Then you were placed in my arms. It was love at first sight.

This first year of your life has been an adventure like no other. Those early weeks were quite a challenge as we got to know each other, and your father and I adjusted to being parents. We took turns staying up with you at night because you refused to sleep unless being held. You and I spent hours on the couch, cuddling, nursing, and you sleeping. We played in the spare bedroom of the old house, the sunshine streaming in from the windows. You loved that room more than any other. I think it was the brightness of the room. You loved the sunshine even then.

We moved into the new house, and you adjusted well. I wish I could say the same for the cats.

You continued to grow and come into your own. I will never forget the first time you lifted your head, rolled over, spoke your first consonant, ate your first solid, crawled, and then walked. There is nothing more beautiful than your smile, my dear Mouse. Nothing I love to hear more than your laughter.

I have watched you become more independent: from sleeping only on your dad and me to sleeping in your bassinet and then in your crib. Where once we had to feed you, you now insist on holding your own spoon and feeding yourself. You own your own at daycare--those bigger kids know not to get in your way. You aren't afraid to run off on your own or take a risk.

Your risk taking is never without thought, however. You observe the world around you in such a thoughtful manner. You seem to be taking its measure, determining where to go next and who to trust. You aren't afraid to let us know when you are ready to go forward or want to change directions. You have a quiet determination about you that makes me so proud.

I love holding you close, whether nursing or cuddling with you, your warm body against mine. I love how in the middle of the night you can go from sleepiness to being wide awake, greeting me with a grin.

Meal times are an adventure all their own. You've always made it clear what you want and don't want, even it's taken your dad and me a bit longer to figure it out. Your father and I learned quickly to hold onto any plate or bowl we give you or else it will end up on the floor. I have lost count of the number of times you have thrown your food off your tray and onto the floor. You love bananas and your dad's white rice with teriyaki chicken. And, of course, Thin Mints. I can't help but think back to before you were born, how strict I felt about what you would and would not be able to eat. And I think how things are now--it's a good lesson in how reality and intentions don't always line up exactly as planned.

One of my most favorite times of day with you is bath time. You hated baths initially and upon the suggestion of a friend, I joined you in the bathtub. Now it is our nightly ritual. I read to you and sing to you as you play in the water. You especially like it when the animals come to visit.

I love how you have taken to the animals. You adore those cats and the dog. Even when our dog, Riley, has been less than tolerant of you, you haven't let it dampen your enthusiasm and love for him. I think your perseverance is beginning to pay off--all those times you throw his bone to him and offer him a bit of your food. Just this past weekend I watched as you leaned in and gave Riley a hug.

I've seen how our cat, Parker, seeks you out and purrs when you cuddle up next to him. Oh, and remember that time you were upset and crying and he came into the room to check on you? He stood on his hind legs, stretching as far as he could, just to make sure you were okay. He might wish you didn't grab at his ears and tail so much, but he knows you are still learning to be gentle. And Anya . . . I will never forget how she would curl up next to us on the couch, especially when you were upset, during those early days.

We have faced many illnesses together, some worse than others. You were always such a trooper when you were sick, rarely letting it keep you down for long. The nights were the hardest, some of which I kept you close to me. You made it clear you didn't want to sleep in your own bed as awful as you felt. I didn't mind too much, even it meant I got little sleep. Making you feel safe and secure and comforted was my top priority.

There have been tears. Lots of tears. On both our parts. I haven't always been at my best with you despite my best intentions. I have lost my temper, cried along side you, and become frustrated when I can't figure out what you want. And yet you always run to me, offer me hugs and kisses, are ready with a smile when the tears have been wiped away.

You have blossomed from a beautiful sweet tempered baby into a beautiful and determined toddler. You are smart and funny, kind and thoughtful. You are oh so active! You inherited a double dose of stubbornness thanks to your dad and me. Do you know what I love most about you, my little Mouse? Everything.

Today you are one year old. I couldn't be more proud. I couldn't be happier to call you my daughter. I love you, Mouse.

Happy Birthday.

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© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The One in Which I Answer Lisa's 11 Questions

My friend Lisa from Books. Lists. Life. tagged me for an 11 question meme that is going around. It's taken me awhile to sit down and answer her great questions. I love surveys like this and had a lot of fun coming up with my answers.

The rules specify that I answer the questions and then create eleven new questions to ask people I've tagged. Since many of you have already participated, I am not going to tag anyone in particular. I will ask questions of my own, however, and I hope you will answer one or all of them. If you do, you can create your own post or leave your answers to one, two or however many in the comments. And because I was tagged three times for this meme (I will be answering the questions of the other two bloggers later this month), I am only going to divide the eleven questions between each post. That way, I only have to come up with eleven questions and not thirty-three.

1. Could you eat the same thing for lunch every day? What would it be?

Maybe if it was a for a limited time. I go through phases where I would be quite content eating the same lunch every day. However, after awhile it grows old. Right now I'm going through a peanut butter and jelly sandwich phase. It's quick, easy and inexpensive. Perfect for eating at my desk at the office. Admittedly, on the weekends, I'm quite ready for something different.

2. How many library books do you have checked out right now?

None. Zip. Zero. I am ashamed to say, I haven't set foot in a library in several years. I am not even sure my library card is good anymore.

3. Do you feel strongly about specific music? or more of a music in general type person?

I love music! I am more of a music in general type person rather than being gung ho about a specific type of music. A lot depends on my mood and what is available at any given moment. If you were to hop in my car and go for a ride right now, you'd be serenaded with children's songs most likely. Any music with a good beat and upbeat tempo is big in my house right now though--Mouse loves to bop to the music. And if she's happy, so am I. I do love a good ballad though--I never tire of those.

4. What is your favorite brick and mortar retail store?

At the moment that would be Barnes and Noble--by default. My favorite, The Mystery Bookstore, closed last year, sad to say. I liked my local Borders quite a bit for convenience sake, but that's gone now too.

5. What is your favorite online store?

It's a toss between Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I have both a Kindle and a Nook, both of which I use. I tried to be the better person and avoid Amazon, but it is so convenient--and the company offers such great deals. This past year with the baby, I learned that a smart phone and amazon make a very dangerous combination. And I'm not talking about just books.

6. What is your favorite moment of heartstopping romantic tension? (Book, movie, music, tv, real life, art, anywhere.)

The moment before the first kiss. In my personal life, I'd have to say the moment before my husband said, "I do" at our wedding.

7. What is the first book you remember reading?

I am afraid I couldn't tell you even if my life depended on it. My memories of reading during my childhood run together. I wish I was one of those people who could pinpoint the moment I began reading on my own or name the first library book I checked out. All I can tell you is I loved to read from an early age.

8. Are you creative in any way? How so?
My creativity comes in the form of writing. I am unable to draw, paint, sew, craft, sculpt, cook, dance or do much of anything. I'm even terrible at playing an instrument, although I took guitar lessons for awhile. I sing--but not very well. I do love to write, however, and think I do a decent job of it.

9. Not counting your family, pets, and vital personal documents/pictures, what one thing would you save in a fire?

My computer. Or does that count in the vital personal/documents/picture category? If not that, I'd grab the bag of my favorite books I'd conveniently stashed near the door for just such circumstances.

10. What is your favorite type of vacation (museums, beach, cabin, mountains, theme parks)?

My favorite type of vacation would be a long one where I could take my time, set my own schedule, do some shopping, visit a museum or two, take in a baseball game at the local stadium, sight see, walk along the pier at sunset, and sit outside on the porch, surrounded by trees and the pleasant sound of birds chirping their hellos. Maybe it would mean visiting multiple locales. And that would be okay!

11. What is the most surprising or unexpected thing you've done in the last 12 months?

My first thought in response to this question was having a baby, but I suppose that wasn't really unexpected or a surprise, was it? The experience of being a mother though has held so many surprises, some good and others not so good, that's for sure.

My Questions to All of You:

1. Who was/is the most influential woman in your life? Tell me a little about her.

2. How many pairs of shoes do you have? Do you actually wear them all?

3. If a genie asked you to make three frivolous wishes (no world peace, family health, end to world hunger, etc--remember, frivolous means not serious), what would you wish for?

4. What is your favorite type of sandwich?

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© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Under the Skin by Michel Faber

Isserley always drove straight past a hitch-hiker when she first saw him, to give herself time to size him up. She was looking for big muscles: a hunk on legs. Puny, scrawny specimens were no use to her. [opening paragraph]

Under the Skin by Michel Faber

Harvest Books, 2001

Science Fiction; 319 pgs

I read The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber for an online book group a few years ago. It is a historical novel set in the 1800's about a prostitute who is taken in by a married man as his concubine. I really enjoyed the novel, especially the author's writing and approach to the social issues of the day. His characters weren't particularly likeable, but they were interesting and connecting with them was no problem. After reading The Crimson Petal and the White, I knew I wanted to read more by the author.

Fast forward to this past month. Under the Skin by Michel Faber was the February selection for the face to face book group I recently joined. I was both excited and eager to jump in and give it a try. My husband just happened to have a copy of the book, having received it as a Christmas gift the year before last.

The description of the book on the back cover is very vague, offering only that the book is about a woman who picks up a certain type of hitchhiker--well-built males with no attachments and very few commitments. I read no reviews of the book going in and so had no idea what to expect. Was this a serial killer novel? Was the protagonist, Isserley, an alien or some sort of supernatural being or just a psychopath? It was clear from the first that something bad was happening to the men she picked up. I don't think that's much of a spoiler. And perhaps by sharing my initial speculations about who--or what--she might be, I am giving too much away.

Sounds interesting, right? It was. To a degree. The novel held so much potential, but it fell flat for me. I was taken in at first but soon began to wonder where the novel was going. So little happened in the first half or so of the book--it just meandered along. It seemed as if the author was attempting to reveal a little bit more about Isserley and her purpose as the story unfolded, which he did. I just wish the reveals hadn't been so drawn out.

Like with The Crimson Petal and the White, Faber tackles pertinent social issues in Under the Skin, including corporate greed and classism. At times I swear the author was trying to turn me into a vegetarian. I came away from the book feeling like I was being preached to--the messages being too obvious and strong.

My new book group met the last Saturday in February to discuss our thoughts about Under the Skin. And I think the discussion went quite well. Only one person mentioned liking the book. The rest of us were less satisfied. I did walk away from the discussion with added insight to the book just the same. I can't tell you how good it felt to be a part of a book discussion like that. I have only really experienced book discussions on line and, while great in their own right, there's something to be said about an in-person discussion, people bouncing ideas off each other as you go.

I think what I most got out of the discussion was a clearer impression about the main character. I never really warmed to her as I read the book; but during the discussion, I began to have more empathy for her. There was a point while reading the book that I thought how much she was like so many people, wrapped up in her own world, insecure and just trying to survive. She was reluctant to see the world any differently than how she had for so long seen it, coping as best she could. As the novel progressed, she grew, however subtly and reluctantly. I wish, as the reader, I'd been privy to more of her back story. I think I might have found her more relatable if I had known a little more of what she had been through in her earlier years. The book hints at it, but I never got the full picture. But perhaps that is part of the point. Like Isserley who kept an emotional distance from the men she picked up, the reader is kept at arm's length to get a better understanding of what she was experiencing. Or it could just be me.

When all is said and done, I still can't say I liked Under the Skin. I didn't hate it though. I think it made a good book for a group discussion even if hardly anyone in the group liked it. Perhaps that's what made it even more discussion worthy.


Source: My husband received this book as a gift. He kindly loaned it to me to read.

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© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Kid Konnection: Guess How Much I Love You

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,

Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

Guess How Much I Love You

by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram (Candlewick Press)

Among the boxes in the garage (and there are still quite a few), I found a box full of my wedding stuff. The sign in book, the serving set, various cards of congratulations, and dozens upon dozens of photos. Packed in the box was also a copy of the board book Guess How Much I Love You along with a little stuffed bunny. Mouse was intent on helping me as I went through the box and in an effort to distract her from running off and eating any of the photos, I handed her the children's book. I wasn't sure how it ended up in the box--but that wasn't important. It's another book for her collection.

When my husband came home that night, he picked the book up off the floor where Mouse had dropped it. As he thumbed through it, he asked if I'd noticed there was a long note written on the last page of the book. I hadn't. Evidently the book had been a wedding gift from a college friend and former roommate of mine. She had watched our own "fairy tale" romance unfold and wanted to share one of her favorites with us as well.

I love this little book--not just because of the sentimental value either. It's a sweet story about a Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare. Little Nutbrown Hare is trying to show Big Nutbrown Hare just how much he loves him. "'I love you right up to the moon,' he said . . . " What could be better than that? It's the type of game I can see myself playing with Mouse.

Even as I think of this book and my daughter, I can't help but think of my husband too. This book is a symbol of our relationship too after all.

P.S. Although Mouse has only supervised visits with the book, I did let her keep the stuffed rabbit.


Source: This book was a wedding gift from a friend.

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© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.