Books and birthdays

[thistlechaser]

I'm sad to report that I gave up on Lord of the Flies. I reached the 60% mark, so it still counts as the 50th book of the year, but that doesn't make me any less disappointed. I had decided to go check the wiki page about it, because I thought finding out more of the background and symbolism might help me enjoy it, only to be majorly spoiled. (Can I get a big "Duh!" to that?) I knew how the book ended, so I thought spoiling wouldn't be an issue, but I had forgotten there were character deaths.

Still, I enjoyed reading the wiki page a lot more than the 60% of the book that I got through, so I suppose it's for the best.

I'm currently reading The Darkling Sea, which I'm loving! I accepted it free to review, which I had intended to not do anymore, but it sounded interesting so I made an exception.

I've mentioned it in comments a couple times, but I haven't written about it in a post, so I'll explain that now. While my reviews have been 100% honest, when someone gives me a free book for my review, I feel like I owe them something. I know that's silly and wrong, but it's how I feel. Add on to that that I have to link them my review -- I have a really hard time being critical to someone's face! So, while I was honest, I focused on the good parts as much as I could, and that felt dishonest.

I'll still accept books to review when I know I'll like them (I'm really hoping the next Narrowing Path/Cruel Path book will be offered!) or when they sound interesting (Darkling Sea), but otherwise I'm going to cutting way back. My number of books read/reviewed won't change, I'll just acquire them myself.

Birthday/Christmas: In general, I don't waste money. I don't buy toys. I don't buy things I don't really need. So once a year I try to "waste" money on something I don't need but might just be fun to have. One year I spent $90 on popcorn (a special kettle, special kernels, "movie theater" salt and oil -- enough of the last two to last for decades, it's only too bad they both sucked). This year I decided to buy a Soda Stream, a little machine that will carbonate drinks/make soda. I've been wanting one for a long time, but couldn't really justify buying one. $80 at Amazon, with $25 off -- Happy birthday/merry Christmas to me!

It should arrive on Monday, I'll review it in more detail then.

Comments

[kishenehn.livejournal.com]

I have a Soda Stream, and I really like the thing. It hasn't completely eliminated my Diet Pepsi consumption ... but it has cut it down, which is very good.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Great to hear! I'm hoping for that as well. I spend a good deal of money on Diet Coke, I'd like to not just save money, but to drink less of it in general. (I think something like a fizzy fruit drink might be nice.)

[manue7a.livejournal.com]

It's always so disappointing to give up on a book, but why torture yourself when reading should be something pleasant, right?

Always when I saw Lord of the Flies at the library I thought I should read it some time, but I never felt like actually borrowing it. Seems like it wasn't a bad decision.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, exactly. I'm enjoying Darkling Sea, where I had to force myself to get through a couple more pages of Flies, skimming as much as I was reading.

In previous years, I never let myself drop a book, but that was such a mistake. Reading time is limited, it's better to spend it on something you'll enjoy!

[manue7a.livejournal.com]

That's what I did, too!
And I came to the same conclusion: why waste my time on a book I don't enjoy and this way wasting the chance of finding something really great. Nope, not anymore.

[indigo-forest.livejournal.com]

The sodastream intrigues me since my fiance drinks a lot of Coke, but I fear it would not have the right cola taste.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I suspect it won't be a perfect match, but hopefully that will be enough to reduce the amount I drink!

I ordered a sample pack of flavors with the machine, so I'll post about how the cola/diet cola ones taste.

[teaandfailure.livejournal.com]

I shall not reread Lord of the Flies, then. I have fond memories of it also, and this way they shall remain fond.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'd highly suggest that. I wish I could recommend it, but if you're looking for a good story or realistic characters, I can't. :/

[bacchuslives.livejournal.com]

Oh I wish I didn't buy things I don't need... It's a personnel vice, though I have gotten better. We have a sodastream, it wasn't my purchase but it's been a huge plus for us. My wife drinks HUGE amounts of caffeine free diet coke. The soda stream both saves money and my time hauling the cans to the recycling station! My favorite premix is the diet grapefruit which is reminiscent of Fresca...

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yay that's good to hear! I'm a big diet soda drinker too, so I'm hoping this will help with that.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

How did you get well-known enough to get books offered to you for free for review? XD

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

It's not being well known so much as reviewing a lot of books (and having a good amount of followers). I've been reviewing books for a few years now. :)

[spike7451.livejournal.com]

Wish I had the option to give up on it, but it was compulsory reading one year at high school.

A Soda Stream sounds like a great idea, I believe you can save a lot of money making your own soft drinks with it.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I had to read it for school as well. Oddly, I enjoyed it then!

And I think it will be. Can't wait to try it out!

[ashmedai.livejournal.com]

I've heard a lot of good things about Soda Stream from friends who have one (I don't, but I don't like carbonated beverages so much, so it'd be wasted on me).

Happy Birthday, in case I missed it! :)

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear that! I can't wait to try it.

Nope, it's tomorrow! :)

[ashmedai.livejournal.com]

Haha - drat time difference! On the 8th or the 9th?

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

8th. Today, here! :)

[ashmedai.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday! :D

Usually I make a little post, but since your b'day isn't on your profile, I wasn't sure you'd want it public.

But have my best wishes for a great day and a birthday cat:

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And no worries, no need to make a post -- but thanks for the thought and the kitty! :D

[pure-trance.livejournal.com]

I haaaaaated Lord of the Flies when I had to read it in school lol

Now I want to get a Soda Stream :p. I've been wanting something like that for a while, and with trying to be healthier it'd be nice, I could put some in my juice or make Italian Sodas with Torani syrups of which there are tons of flavors that I probably would like better than any available carbonated soft drink (other than Root Beer :p).

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

You had good taste!

I think it would work well for that! I bet the Torani syrup ones would have a lot fewer calories, too!

[pure-trance.livejournal.com]

lol thanks :P

Yeah exactly~. I wouldn't use sugar free but I am sure the amount of syrup I would use vs. what is in soda you can buy is a looooot less.