The Host

Okay, so I finally finished The Host. I liked it, but I'm not sure I liked it as well as the Twilight novels. I think that since I didn't have a lot of time to devote to uninterrupted reading I got off on the wrong foot. I wasn't as taken in right away. And it took me much longer to read than usual because of how busy I've been. But towards the end I took more time to read it uninterrupted, and I ended up liking it much better than I did at first.

The whole "alien" concept was kind of strange at first, but I knew it was this kind of science fiction premise before I started reading. But the whole "alien" idea was really more of a side story than anything. This was truly a human story that dealt with truly human emotions. I really liked the main character(s), Wanderer/Melanie. Wanderer more than Melanie, though. Funny that I'd like the alien better. Anyway, the author made the point that humankind can be volatile and selfish and unkind, but that this way of life, with all of the pain and anger and devastation, is still better than an altruistic life devoid of the balancing powers of pleasure and joy and triumph. There must be opposition in all things, in other words.

This book is billed as Stephenie Meyer's first "adult novel", and people have been complaining that it's not adult enough. I don't know why "adult" has to mean gratuitous themes and scenes. It should just mean it's about adults. I loved that she didn't cave and include gratuitous immorality. Way to go, Mormon girl!

I wondered at the beginning why I didn't like Jared, the main love interest, as much as I thought I should, but I don't think I was supposed to like him as much as I originally thought I should. And I wondered why I liked Ian more than I thought I should. That was by design, too. I felt the whole time like I was seeing through Wanderer's eyes, learning as she learned. That is the masterful work of an author.

Anyway, if you get the chance, this is a really good book. The message is great, and the way the characters mature and grow during the novel is tremendous. Let me know if you've read it and, if so, how you liked it.

My rating: 4-1/2 stars out of 5.

Happy 4th of July!

Ah, Independence Day! I was very glad to spend this 4th of July in Washington, DC. Last year the girls and I were on a plane back to San Diego on the 4th. The fireworks were really anticlimactic in the rain flying out of Baltimore.

This year we opened our sliding glass window and stood out on the balcony to watch the fireworks. It was a little disappointing in that they set off cannons during the first stage of the fireworks that created a black billow of smoke that blocked a lot of the fireworks from view. After a while we could see through most of the smoke and got to see some good ones. It was truly amazing to watch the fireworks with the Washington Monument just off to the side. It was hard to get a picture since it was so dark and we were still a ways away, but I had to get a shot of what we saw from our balcony.

The girls enjoyed the show despite the black smoke. And, as always, Mia was ready for the camera. As we watched the fireworks we had "A Capitol Fourth" live on the tv. A highlight was Jerry Lee Lewis's performance just before the fireworks. (He was great, by the way. Sounds a lot like he did back in the day.) Then the National Symphony Orchestra played patriotic music to back up the fireworks. It was a fun evening, and a lot less crazy than being down on the Mall with the masses. Although I think we will have to join the mad throng before our time in DC is up, just to say we did it.

I'm thankful for this great nation we live in, and for being able to be in the Nation's Capitol during this holiday. This country may not be perfect, but it's still pretty darn good, and I'm glad to be an American. Happy 4th to you all!

Water Fun!

Yesterday we went to the Sandy Point State Park for some beach fun. The girls had fun floating in the Chesapeake Bay and playing in the sand. It was a beautiful day with just enough clouds to keep it from being too warm. Sandy Point is just past Annapolis, MD. It's not South Carlsbad, but we'll take it!