That's funny: I'm about 75% of the way through Changeless and am not liking it nearly as much as Soulless.

I think I like the world more than the characters, so the building of the world was exciting, but the living in it isn't as much.

Heh. I like that there's still a little worldbuilding going on, and I'm seeing subtleties about a society where the supernatural beings are commonplace that weren't totally highlighted or apparent in the first book, which seemed to be more about being kooky. Not that this one isn't kooky and making me laugh, but I don't know, it feels more assured. I do enjoy the characters, too. We'll see whether my opinion changes as I get more into the book.

I picked up Soulless and Changeless at the library on alla y'all's recommendations, and started Soulless last night. Fun! (The Boy asked if that was Jilli on the cover!)

A couple of weeks ago I read Thirteen Reasons Why, and I found it compelling (I *needed* to keep reading to "hear" all the tapes), and I thought it was probably a really good reflection of being an American high-schooler (I don't know for sure, being 38, but it sounds right), but GOD DAMN was it depressing.

(The Boy asked if that was Jilli on the cover!)

Bwahahahaha! Man, I can only WISH I looked as good as Donna the cover model. (She's a friend of mine, and the proprietess of www.clockworkcouture.com.)

A couple of weeks ago I read Thirteen Reasons Why, and I found it compelling (I *needed* to keep reading to "hear" all the tapes), and I thought it was probably a really good reflection of being an American high-schooler (I don't know for sure, being 38, but it sounds right), but GOD DAMN was it depressing.

I loved that book, well, as much as you can love it given the subject matter. I actually found it uplifting in a way, (the whole actions impacting others aspect).

The stream-of-consciousness conversation went like this:

The Boy: "New book? Looks creepy...hey, gears! Is it steampunk? Goggles! ...is that Jilli?"
Me: "Yes, maybe, I don't think so but I can find out."
The Boy: "I want an umbrella like that!"
Me: "Parasol."
The Boy: "I still want one. Hey! I think I have the parts to MAKE one!"

IOW, just a normal night for us.

Oh, lord. Went to B&N.com to see if the new Sookie book is out (5/4), and a customer review ended "I can't wait! Even though this book isn't out yet, I love it!"

I get enthusiasm for a loved series, but...really? Reviewing something you haven't read yet? Dude. Wait a week.

@@

Thirteen Reasons Why

I read it a couple of months ago (it was a break from slogging through Under the Dome..man, King needed an editor stat for that thing and a story line). It was compelling (finished it in 2 days) and I found it affirming at the end in a lot of ways. I'm waiting for my daughter to get through her AP tests next week to read it so we can talk about it. Since she's a senior, I want to get her take on things, since it seemed close to how I perceive high school (at 52).

ETA: Right now I'm reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. It is very fun, love Flavia to death. I will probably have to go in search of the sequel when I'm done.

I will probably have to go in search of the sequel when I'm done.

I am reading it now. So far, so good.

I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie because it's nominated for an Agatha award, in the best first novel category. Interesting how behavior that annoys me in many adult protagonists works for a precocious 11 year old.